Krispy Treat Guitar

Yesterday was Sadie's 21st birthday, and today we are celebrating. So, Phil has this great idea to make Sadie a Krispy Treat Guitar. She loves Krispy treats, and well, you know her and music.

These are the photos of the final processes. Phil molded the guitar by hand, and he cut the shape out and the hole in the center. I went in after and made the chocolate strings out of melted chocolate, and even wrote her name on it! It is very cool!

Hope she enjoys it!

Frosting

After a few recipe flops, I have decided that premade frosting is always good. LOL I have tried and tried to make chocolate frosting from scratch, and bombed every time. So, I'm just going to go with the frosting from a can. LOL

I'm not even going to show you because it was really bad! LOL

Adventures in Marshmallows

So, Sadie's favorite thing to eat is Marshmallows. So I decided that I'd figure out something to make her that had marshmallows in it that was new and different.

One important thing that I've figured out about Marshmallows and baking...don't bake with marshmallows. Well, you can use it as a finishing element. LOL

I put them inside of some cake batter to see how they would hold up in the baking process. Well, just so you all know...they melt. Yep, melt into goo. And since it started out as a nice big fluffy piece of marshmallow, melting into goo leaves a gaping hole in your cupcakes.

So, while standing there looking at the holes in the cupcakes, I decided to put a marshmallow in there while they're still warm. And this is great to eat while they're hot, but not so much when they're cold. Phil says that the marshmallows and cake are too dry together, that there needs to be something goopy to mix it up.

So, tomorrow will be experiment #2. I'll keep you posted as to what will be next.

Last two sections

These are the last 2 accordian pages in the accordian book. I think I will decorate the inside cover with a picture, but I have to figure out what. I am going to put some embellishments on the last page. So, I'll take another photo. I LOVE that paper too, wish I could find more.

Inside pages to Las Vegas Book

I have finished most of the pages of my Las Vegas Stamping Sisters mini accordian book. I haven't glued it into the cover at this point, but I wanted to post some pictures of what I've been doing so far.


This is the first page, I printed the title from Word onto cream colored cardstock. Then used TimHoltz's ink pad to soften up the color a bit. I drew the swirlies, then cut out of cardstock. And then punched the round dots with a round hole punch.

The papers on all the books might be a bit different, cause it depends on what I have left by the time I get to book 5. LOL I found the cool cherry paper from a store in Tracy that isn't there anymore. Love the pink theme to the book so far.

But then, I had to find something with a little blue in it because the photos at the nugget's fish tank were blue. So I found this poker chip paper, and thought it would be good. :) And the next set of photos are from the Las Vegas Experience on Fremont street.

The flip side has 2 double layouts. I'll post those tomorrow.

Las Vegas Books

So, with my time off I've started on my Las Vegas books for my friends. We took a trip to Las Vegas in October, and I haven't had the chance to do anything till now.

These books are from Petaloo. They are accordian books. The cover is made of cardboard that was covered in pink paper. Of course I couldn't just leave the paper pink. I found this really great patterned paper that is a photo of the strip. I cut the bottom portion off and used it for the flap.

I used one of Tim Holtz's ink pads to "antique the edges, then used clear glitter to edge the book, cause it just needed some glitz.

The book has a magnetic closure, so it just pops closed.

Before the trip I had found the Las Vegas Poker chips that I was going to alter for something else. But I thought they would make a great accent on the book. The dice are from Joleen's.

I'll post photos of the pages as I get them done.

It feels so good to create!

Mao

This is Mao our outside cat. I've talked about her before. She's a really cute cat that has been hanging around our house. Well, I guess it doesn't help that I feed her too. Although, for an outside cat she's been getting pretty spoiled.

I took this picture of her waiting near the birdseed bowl. She doesn't catch any of the birds or squirrels that come in the yard. But it's funny to see her waiting around the yard for something to come in.

And I've named her Mao because she talks a lot. And I've always wanted to call a cat Mao, and have it answer. "Mao!" "meow". lol

Ok, I must figure out what to do soon cause I'm talking to cats! LOL

Kua Energy Number & my future?

My kua energy number for my birthdate is:

Energy Number: 6
"The Technology Lover"

In Feng Shui, you are considered a "West" person.

"You love to use the newest technologies in your professional life and you are creative in finding solutions and new perspectives. Meditating and using yoga and relaxation exercises will stimulate your health. You are a romantic soul that connects with the divine feminine in your relationships. Advising others is your way of spiritual growth and you have a wide network that will bring you all the knowledge you need."

I just love the fact that I'm a technology lover. LOL That's me, the geek girl. I have always been interested in how things work. And my previous jobs have included creating air bearing slides and spindles, redesigning and helping on the designs of cyclometers and altimeter watches. And one of the air bearings we worked on actually went into space! So, yes, I've always loved technology. ;)

And it's interesting that my way to spiritual growth lies in advising others. A woman the other day said that I would make a great councilor for kids. Hmmm, that's an interesting idea. I think things in my life at the moment are leaning towards working with kids.

I'm helping out one of my friends with her project at a Community Day School. She's bringing art to their class in hopes that it will help their self-esteem. Many of them right now are destined for a world of trouble. Their parents have been in prison, and as Karan says, "they wear their time in this class or juvenile hall as a badge on their sleeve." So she's hoping that having a bit of art in their lives will bring about a change for them in their personalities, definitely bringing them hope of something better in their lives.

I did help her on her first class, and I thought that for a few of the kids, it made a difference. They really were interested in the projects she came up with, and had a great time making things for their moms.

I think this will be a really great project for all of us!!

New Banner!

Yup yup! I'm learning how to make banners! Woo hoo! And on blogger it's so easy peasy. OMG, how fun is this!

The photo is of the tree in our front yard. It blooms every spring, and I was able to take a picture of it for the first time a couple of months ago. I thought the blossoms were really cool. Then I just added the text, for a really simple banner.

Boy, now I'll want to do more! I just have to take some fun pictures now. I'm going to do a lot of playing now. :)

Indiana Jones

Phil and I went to see the new Indiana Jones movie today. It was good. A lot of things were predictable. I guessed a few things that were going to happen before they happened. LOL Things happened so fast during the movie, I think I'll need to see it again just to see if I missed anything. There were a couple of cool things that if you blinked you'd miss them.

I'm glad they brought Karen Allen's character back. I loved her in the first movie. And I liked Shia LaBeouf as Mutt. I think it's kinda funny that Indy took his nickname from a dog, and Mutt is a dog. Cate Blanchett was great! I love that she can pick up any accent and character and make it believable. And have I ever said that I loved Ray Winstone? He's been one of my favorite actors since the BBC version of Robin Hood all those many years ago. I wished that they would have had his character in the movie a bit more.

The alien thing was kinda weird. But I guess they had to incorporate that for the crystal skull thing to work.

All in all it was a good movie. If you like Indiana Jones, definitely go see it.

Mulder and Spender

So, we stopped by to see the horses again. They're just too dang cute! And I caught a photo of the both of them when they were out in the pasture. To me, it looks like they're talking. LOL

And the bottom is a picture of Spender not following his mom or Diane while going out to the field. He's so really cute! He likes to nibble on everything. Diane says it's a boy thing to do. And they're starting to lose their baby hair. I didn't realize that they had baby hair.

I'm learning so much from Diane. And the more time I spend out there, the more I realize I am SUCH a city girl, well a suburbs girl. LOL

Christian on gaia

How fun is this? Christian from Project Runway designed some Gaia outfits for the Gaia Online prom. Of course it's the only way I'd ever afford anything by Christian, so I bought the dress on Gaia. And I just HAD to get my "photo" taken with Christian.

It's cool that one of my favorite programs can take part in one of my favorite online games.ga

Hope you have a great weekend!

What is everyone doing for the Memorial Day weekend? I hope whatever you're doing, you'll have fun with people you enjoy being with, doing fun things!

I'm almost done cleaning. I cleaned the back window so well, one of the many doves that frequent Mel's Seed and Cat food Cafe flew into the back window! OMG, I didn't think they'd do that. Just like the Windex commercial. That stuff works!

Am just doing the final cleaning, just think, I won't have to do that much next week, and I can create!! YAY! LOL

I went to Joann's Fabrics today, and OMG, have you ever been to the one in Fremont? I think it's larger than the Michael's here in Union City. I haven't seen so much stuff, and it's clean! The store in Redwood City is ok, it's just not as new or clean. Come to think of it, the old location wasn't really great either. I'm glad they moved!
And a couple of doors down is a great bookshop that sells secondhand books. It's called Half-priced Books. And yes, the books are half priced! LOL I found some great computer books that I needed. Well, I didn't NEED them, but I wanted to learn more about web design and how to run photoshop. And the books were $3 to $6.99! And they had a 20% off your purchase! So it was even cheaper! I was very happy. I think I will have to venture down there again soon. They also buy books, so I might go and send some of my books there too.

Hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Still cleaning

OMG, ok, I am still cleaning. I finally put together the computer. Have the scanner and printer finally hooked up. Was waiting mainly because I had to go through papers and stuff on my desk. Desk is clean for me, but still needs work. LOL

I decided that I needed to purge things from my life. Ok, not EVERYTHING, but I am a packrat. And I have too many magazines, papers, etc that really need to be recycled. So, I decided I needed to let go. I'm still having a hard time letting go of stamping magazines and scrapbook ones, but I'm getting a little better.

Found a lot of craft supplies, and I'm thinking about putting some of them on Etsy.

And if you haven't gone to Etsy, omg, that is one of the coolest ecommerce sites yet. It's inspiring me to create things, cause I can really make some of those things too. Really I can!!

Will update you more when it's a bit cleaner!! LOL

Iron Man

I went to see Iron man today, and I really loved it! I do love Robert Downey Jr. and Gwenyth Paltrow. I wouldn't have cast them in the movie, but OMG, they did a wonderful job!

My favorite part was watching him design the Iron Man Suit back in his lab. OMG, I totally want his computer! He's got 3 screens that he can move stuff from here to there with a lightpen. Plus a holographic modeling space that you can actually edit your model! OMG, how cool would that be?

It's amazing to me to think that could possibly happen. I mean I started drawing with a pencil and vellum on a drafting table, and to go from that to AutoCAD was amazing to me back then. If you could edit things in 3D holographic space, that would be totally awesome! LOL

If you haven't seen it yet, go and see it!

the Tank

Philip is really into his paintball games. Well, really, both he and Phil are into the Paintball. LOL

Philip is playing in a scenario game this weekend, and with his friend Chris (pictured in the red shirt) has created a tank. Yes, you read right, a tank. LOL It's made out of one of those little vehicles that runs around your property, I think it's a snow type of vehicle, but who knows.

They built little holes in it so they can shoot their paintball guns. there's a mini cannon type thing that right now shoots out nerf darts. And not pictured is the turret that is on top. Another guy will be in there with him and he will shoot paintballs at people from the top.

Pretty inventive. LOL

Rockets Opening Day

Alex Pitching

Alex at bat

Saturday was the Rockets Opening Day Game. Phil helps to coach our friend's daughter's team, the Rockets. They are an 14 and Under girl's fast pitch team. He's been helping Rusty coach the team for about 5 or 6 years now. We're getting old so we really can't remember how long, but it's been since she was in the 8 and unders? LOL

What I noticed this year was that the girls are finally learning what they need to do, where the ball needs to go, they're looking like a softball team. One of the first plays, the home team hit what we thought was going to be a home run. Well, she hit it out between centerfield and right field. The girl out there caught the ball on the ground, threw it to the next girl who was near second, that girl threw it to I think the pitcher, who then threw it home, and they tagged her out!

And if you've seen the previous seasons, you'd know how excited we were about this! LOL

They are getting better at bat too. Lots of hits, Alex hit a triple and a home run too!! And there were girls on base both time! YAY!

We won 19 to 1. I hope this means that we have a great team this year! Although, it's just fun watching them play!

New Baby Horse

We went to the ranch today and we saw the new baby horse! Diane wasn't home, so I forgot to ask the important questions, like when the baby was born, what the baby's name is, etc. OMG, he's so cute!

He's got a way different personality than the first baby. She is so personable. She loves being petted, and runs to the fence to get petted. He's a little more timid, and shies away a bit.

I'll post more info when I find out more info!

Ngoc

I've known Ngoc since she was 15. We recruited her to work for the store cause OMG, she was just so happy and nice. And she has really great positive energy! And I've got to know her as part of the family all these years. She is like a little sister to me. We talk about everything together, and give each other advice.

And I'm glad that she stopped by the store on it's last day cause it just wouldn't have been the same without her there!

I'm glad that I've gotten to know her all these years, and that we still keep in touch with each other.

Baby horse

The second part of today was spent with Phil's family. A new baby horse was born on Easter Sunday, and this was the first chance to go out to see her. Her name is Scully, yes, after the character in the X-Files. And OMG, she is the cutest thing!

We walked out to the stables, and walking towards us were Diane, her sister, and the two horses. OMG, it was so cute seeing the baby horse walking by her mom. She never got too far ahead of her mom, always staying by her side. And of course, the mom never let her get too far away from her either.

So, we watched them go back into their stall, and then they went out to the back of their stall, outside. And we watched Susie with the baby. It was really cute, the baby was just so curious about everything. She was tired, but she wouldn't go to sleep cause she didn't want to miss anything, just like a human baby.

Phil's other niece went in the stall with them and petted Scully. It was so neat that the mom let her in the stall with them too. She wasn't mean or too protective. And she also let us pet them both, which, for a city girl, was such a thrill.

I know that we're so lucky to have the chance to visit a ranch like that so close to home. :)

Another Lazy Sunday

I spent the first part of today enjoying the quiet in the house. The boys had left early to play paintball, and I was alone with the kitties. So, after feeding Oreo and Velcro, I spent some time with our outside cat, Mao.

She's named Mao because she and I can have this little conversation. If you say, "Mao" she'll really Meow back. It's very cute. I've always wanted to name a cat Mao just for that reason. LOL Yeah, I'm a geeky cat mom. But you know, it wouldn't work for a cat like Velcro. Cause she doesn't meow very loud, if at all. But it definitely fits this cat.

And I don't go outside much for various reasons...Ok, because of my allergies. BUT today I enjoyed some time outside watching Mao enjoy the sunshine. It was so nice and peaceful to have the quiet time. I didn't realize how much I have missed the time to just sit and enjoy nature.

Horton Hears a Who

OMG, Debi, Alex, and I went to see Horton Hears a Who yesterday, and it was SO funny!! I haven't read the book in years. So, I can't compare the movie to how the book was cause, yes, it's been forever since I've read the book.

But it was too dang funny. I won't say any more about the movie cause I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but Debi and I laughed SO much. I think we were the only ones laughing so hard, there was a man in there who took his daughter to the movie who was snoring the whole time. But we enjoyed it! LOL

If you love cartoons, definitely go see it!

Momma Squirrel

We finally realized that this squirrel that has been visiting us is not a boy squirrel, but is a female squirrel. And OMG, she's so HUGE cause we think she's carrying a bunch of babies. Makes sense cause she's really HUGE. I mean she's the size of a kitten. No kidding! LOL She's been coming here to eat for some time now. And we picked up some Pumpkin seeds from Orchard Supply that is for squirrels. And she really likes them.
But after eating, she does this really funny thing. she like spreads eagle out on our doormat. Yep, just like the above picture. I've taken pictures before where she does this on the fence, but today she decided just to plop outside the door. LOL She actually did also walk a few feet, and plopped like this in the shade near the wheel barrow outside the house.

After climbing up the tree, I guess she was tired, so here she is plopped on a tree branch...


She's just the funniest squirrel. I watched her for almost an hour today, cause she's so entertaining. Who would have thought that a squirrel would do stuff like that?? LOL

End of an Era

Well, they finally sold my aunt's house. My aunt and uncle lived in this house forever it seems. I can remember always going there to visit them. We would all go bicycle riding together, and we always had to make a stop there to say hi to them. It was down the street from my High School, so I would always wave at them on my way home from school too.

When we were little, we would play hide and go seek in their backyard. Now, their backyard wasn't the biggest backyard I've ever been in, but when you're a little kid, it just seemed HUGE! And there wasn't a whole lot of places to hide back there either, but we'd always find a place to hide. It cracks me up to think that really, there must have been only a few good hiding places back there, and we all knew where they were. LOL

And I remember my uncle's garage being a treasure trove of goodies. the walls of the garage were lined with jars of stuff. Marbles, screws, bolts, coins, just lots of great junk that kids always loved. I mean he had tons of wire stashed in jars, and just real fun stuff. I always wondered if it was because they were in the camps during WWII and they didn't have a lot of stuff, so when they had their own place, did they just collect things "just in case?"

I was really sad to find out that my dad didn't inherit the house like my uncle had promised. I was hoping that it would stay in the family for a little while longer. To me, it was more than just a piece of property to sell, it was a place of really great old memories.

Spring has Sprung!

I saw the coolest rainbow the other day after leaving the store. I just had to try to get a picture. I love rainbows. Just seeing one makes me really happy, it's seeing something bright and colorful in the dark and gloomies that I really like.

And the trees along the street at the store have started to bloom. It's so pretty seeing all the flowers on the trees. My nose may not like it much, but my eyes love seeing them.

Our fun day today!

Today we celebrated Debi's birthday. It was a lot of fun! We realized though that it was St. Patty's weekend, and they were having an event downtown. LOL But with Joanne's great luck, we found a parking spot right outside of Pedro's where we have our birthday lunches.

After having a great lunch at Pedro's, and catching up with news, we went shopping downtown. We have a few stops that we always make along the way, and we pick up a new one now and then. This time we went to a store called Domus. It's a fun store with stationary stuff, cooking utensils, just lots of really cool stuff inside. And at the counter, a man had this beautiful bird named Boomer.

And Boomer of course LOVED Joanne. :) And walked on her shoulder. It was so cool, we had to take the photo op!

We also went to our favorite place, Only the Best, and to Affordable Treasures. Really great stores with fun things in it!

It was a fun way to spend the day, and it was beautiful with no rain!!

Fireplace Kitty

Oreo has always loved going into the fireplace when there is no fire. I'm not sure why. But some days we would find our black and white kitty a grey and black kitty. A few times I have caught him climbing up the chimney. And I'm thinking, "Great. What happens if he gets stuck? Do I have to call the fire department, cause he's not the brightest lightbulb in the pack." If you know what I mean. LOL

Well, when we put in the Woodburning stove insert in the fireplace, I thought, "Ok, this one has a door with a latch, he can't possibly get into the fireplace..." WRONG.

Tonight I caught him in the stove. He has figured out how to unlatch the door, and open it. Not that it's a heavy latch, but come on, opening up the door?? Good thing he only does that when the fire isn't burning.

So, I guess my days of grey and black kitty aren't quite done yet. LOL

My Heart

My friend Kay wanted me to put up a picture of my heart pendant. And here it is! LOL

I just added a charm. Actually my Oreo cat charm fell off of my Italian Charm bracelet, so I thought it would look cute in there, it's kinda thin, so it's gonna go under or over things. But that's ok, at least it's in there.

Cute Kids

At the store, we have a bunch of kids who are really into the webkinz. And I get to talk to them when they come in the store. OMG, they are just so dang cute! They love talking about their favorite thing on Webkinz, how many they have, their names, favorite games and such. And I just love hearing all of their stories.

And it's fun seeing them open up and enjoy talking to you. I wish I could have a store of just Webkinz, and just sell the heck out of them, have events, just a fun place for them all to go.

And I've been thinking a lot about working with kids. Cause I love them. It's fun teaching them things, and just seeing them grow up. Cause you know being at the store, I've seen tons of kids grow up! It's fun to hear that our store is their favorite place, or that when they grow up, they want to work at the store.

We'll see where my life's journey goes next, but maybe it will have something to do with kids??

How did I get hooked into this?

OMG, I've totally been sucked into the Webkinz Craze. I began when I needed to research how it works for the store. Yes, it all began with the Black Cat Webkinz. I thought, "Ok, I'm doing this so I can answer any questions these kids may have..." 6 Webkinz later with more waiting to get logged in. I have been totally sucked into webkinz world.

not only are they CUTE, but they're fun to play with online. I even play it more than Gaia. Although, I have been doing more on gaia since it's not like an icebox in the garage.

And I'm as bad as the kids, everytime there is a new one, I want them!! Next one I have to have is the Zingoz!! LOL

Yes, I'm a big kid. I admit it! LOL

February Webkinz Event

These are some photos from our webkinz event this past saturday. It was SO much fun!! We had some crafts for the kids to do.

Phil made a Wheel of Wow for us. It was a big hit!! Not a bad wheel. The kids just loved that they could actually spin the wheel like on the site.

And here is a shot of them doing all the different things at the event. I loved it cause it gets bigger each time. The kids have such a good time. And we do too. I was a bit more tired this time, cause it was a lot more work. But it pays off when you see the kids all happy cause they have activities to do!

Possum

Here is another of our wildlife neighbors. We have so many different animals coming through our yard. This is the first time I have been able to catch it close enough for me to take a picture. And it didn't even run when the flash flashed.

That teaches me...

So, have you ever thought to yourself, "You know, I'm only going to be gone for a second, and my phone needs charging, so I'll leave it home?"

That was my thought yesterday, and it taught me to never EVER leave without a phone. LOL

I went to get a newspaper at the liquor store near the house. And I figured, I'll be back in a second, so I'll just leave my phone at home. WRONG!

After picking up the paper, I got back into my truck, and when I turned the ignition...NOTHING. Just that ominous click click noise. No lights, no music, no starter turning over. Just that darn click noise. You know, the one that tells you that either you have no juice going to your starter, or you have no starter.

So, my next thought was: "CRAP, I have no phone."
Then, where the heck is a payphone. Now, if you thought there would be a payphone everywhere, you're just wrong. Welcome to the world where everyone has a cell phone. Well, everyone but the dorky girl who left hers at home.

So, I walk the strip mall, and of course, they haven't installed payphones since they remodled cause again, everyone has a cell phone. So, I walk to the gas station. Nope, the part where you put the coin in is jammed. GREEEAAAATTT. Then I'm thinking, "OH! I have a calling card!"

Did you know they cancelled the calling card program for AT&T a couple of years ago?? Again, probably cause everyone HAS a cell phone.

So, I go to the payphone across the street, and it starts to rain. Um, remember that I was only going to be gone for a second...no jacket. LOL

So, I finally call Phil, and he'll be by to save me in a few minutes. Thank goodness I went somewhere close.

So back I go to the truck. Sit in silence, watch cars go in and out and hoping and praying someone close to my truck leaves their spot so that Phil can park close enough to jump the truck.

Someone finally leaves, Phil pulls up, the truck starts up right away. Turns out it was a faulty connection from my wires to my battery terminal. Thank goodness it didn't fall off while I was driving.

Moral of the story....

ALWAYS take your cellphone with you. Don't leave home without it, even if you're going to be gone for a second!

Where you are in your life...

My cousin and I were talking about where we were in life, and what we wanted to do when we grew up. LOL Yes, when we grow up. :)

Now, I don't know what I want to do in the future. My life has taken twists and turns that I had never expected them too. I've been so lucky to have experienced what I have experienced in life. And lucky to have met the people I have met in life. I know for good and bad, that I wouldn't be who I am if I hadn't learned life lessons.

One of the big things we talked about is how the store has played a part in my life, and how it's changed it. I truly believe that things are happening the way they are supposed to happen. And the store stumbled into my life to teach me how to be more open, more talkative, and to meet new people.

I was terribly shy when I was growing up. And it's taken a long time for me to come out of my shell. And I think the store was the last step that i've needed to overcome that. I mean I became a drafter to not have to deal with the public. But now I really do enjoy talking to people. Well, most people. LOL And I am having a ball with the kids! OMG, they are the funniest people!

She tells me that I'm one to just go with the flow. And she's right. I don't know where life will take me in the months to come. I guess I should start figuring it out soon. And lucky you, you all will be along for the ride! ROFL. :)

Beautiful Day today

Today was a beautiful day in our end of the world. The sun was shining, it was warm, so of course it is allergy time. IcK. The time when I wished my nose was like a Ms. Potato Head nose, just pop that sucker off and put on one that actually will work. LOL Have you ever felt that way?

Got nothing done that I wanted to get done. Went to Borders to look at books. Not like I need more books or magazines, but I just LOVE bookstores. Found the Shojo Beat magazine that I needed to have. Only cause one of my favorite mangas in there: Absolute Boyfriend, is coming to an end, so I wanted to read what I could. I love it too cause it has a lot of articles on Japanese culture and there was an article on Jpop that was really interesting.

Then found a Manga that I started reading. Good thing cause it's the last one in the series of 2. LOL

Then I found out that a book series that I read oh too many years ago, the Dragonlance Series, has a new series of books out with the same characters...YAY! I love Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman books. Which reminds me that I need to look and see if I've missed anything in between. I thought I read all the sequels, but I want to double check.

Then I went to Michaels just cause I wanted to see what they had. Found some great prizes for the next event at the store. I hope the kids will like them. And they were only $1 each! LOL And finally some cool boy prizes. :)

Not much else after that. I kinda lazed around too long in the am to do much else. Got home and read. Cause I haven't done that in way too long. Didn't get anything else I wanted to do done, but I gave myself some time to reenergize.

Pride and Prejudice

I know, being a big Jane Austen fan, you would have thought I had seen the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth already. But nope. Just saw the first part of it today on Masterpiece theatre. Good thing I didn't see it before I saw the Movie with Keira Knightly. I might not have liked that version as well as I do this one.

There are many differences in both movies. And I like that. I think it's amazing that you can have a book, and have many interpretations on it. I mean you'd think that they would be the same, but nope.

I love that the BBC version is longer, so we see different scenes in it that they didn't do in the movie. And I just love Colin Firth. :) Yes, he was SO made to play Mr. Darcy. I mean I love the guy that was in the movie, but I love Colin so much more!!

It's funny, Phil finally connected that they called Colin Mr. Darcy in Briget Jones movies because he played Mr. Darcy in this. LOL He still doesn't understand why I love this movie so much. LOL But I'm glad that he didn't get all huffy while I was watching it in the livingroom. I mean come on, you can only watch so much Law and Order. LOL

And he didn't realize that during that time period, women didn't inherit anything when their fathers died. I'm so glad times have changed!! ;) And he noticed that people gossiped a lot during that time.

Do you think that if Lizzy would have went to Mr. Darcy and asked him outright what had happened, would her opinion have changed? Or do you think she was still so upset with his comment about her that it just clouded her opinion of him? I mean during that time period, I guess it wouldn't be ladylike to go up to a man and ask him what happened. That's why there was so much miscommunication. But it sure would have stopped some of the problems. LOL

Chinese Horoscope

Well, tomorrow is the beginning of the Year of the Rat. I hope that this year will be a good one for everyone!!

Do you know your Zodiac?

I'm a Dragon. Phil's a Monkey. And looking up our horoscopes, the monkey is one of the most compatible with the Dragon. How cool is that??

And according to this site I am a Dragon, but a Dog internally, and a Tiger secretively with my fixed element as Metal and my season as Autumn. Hmm, I've always loved autumn the best! LOL I'll have to investigate this further.

And that means Phil is a Monkey, but a Rabbit internally, and a Rat secretively. His fixed element is Wood and his season is Spring. LOL I wonder what that all means?? LOL

New Bracelet

I'm working on a new bracelet. But I wasn't sure if I should put a ton of danglies on it, or leave it like this, cause it's so nice like this. What do you all think?

Jane Austen

I have been watching the Complete Jane Austen on Masterpiece theatre. I love period movies. Sometimes I think that was one of my previous lives. I just can't get enough of that time period. It's amazing to me to think that Miss Austen created such tremendous works of art, and wasn't paid very much for them. I mean if it was now, she'd be paid millions for her books, and she was poor back then.

They did a movie on one possibility of her life. And it was very interesting to watch. I love how independant she was in the movie. How she wanted to take care of her family with her writings. I wonder how true to her life that movie was.

I just love how proper everyone is during that time. It's so unlike now. Kids had respect for their parents, parents took care of their kids. And of course you took care of your parents when it was time to take care of them.

And yes, I love how they called on each other when they wanted to see each other. The romance of that time is just SO lost!! With all this technology, communication may be easier and faster, but I miss receiving written letters!! How romantic it was to receive a written letter from your intended. And then writing them back too, trying to write everything you are feeling to them in just a page or two of parchment.

Makes me want to keep a journal again!

Reading and books

Now, do you all love to read?? I always remember having a book with me. Well, my mom used to always read to me when I was young. I can remember being sick with some kind of eye thing, and she would actually come and read to me when my sisters were gone to school. How cool was that? LOL

And I always had a comic book, a scholastic reading book. Remember getting those book catalogs when you were in grade school? And then ordering books from them, and getting them later. I would devour those books. I read every single Little House on the Prairie book. And the Phantom Tollbooth was my absolute favorite. Must have read that a bajillion times. And Charlie and the chocolate factory? Charlie and the great glass elevator?? I wonder if those books are still in the basement. I would even read in the car. Can't do that now, but would totally do that when I was young.

OMG, I discovered Sci Fi/Fantasy books when I was in high school thanks to a classmate of mine. I still have my first sci/fi book: Dune. I read it so many times, the binding on it is scotched taped together cause I read it so much. Couldn't buy another copy, just kept scotch taping the one I had. LOL Really! The whole cover is scotched taped. LOL And read the 2 sequels: Dune Messiah and the Children of Dune. Stopped there though cause I wasn't into all the other ones after that. I fall in love with characters, and that's it. Can't go into their ancestors unless I like them a lot too.

Have you read the Dragonriders of Pern series? my favorite.

LOVE anything by David and Leigh Eddings.

And I wish Melanie Rawn would finish her series. I haven't started reading that one till I know all the books are out, cause I really don't like waiting for the last book. I mean it was so hard waiting for each Harry Potter Book to come out. OMG, I haven't been like that since I started reading David Eddings books.

And I won't even start on comic books. LOL

People who have blessed me with their presence

This was my horoscope today in my Daily OM:

"You may feel insecure about your financial situation today, which could lead to feelings of uneasiness or anxiety. Though your worries may be valid, you could end up making the situation worse by obsessing about it. If you can instead take some time to turn your thoughts in a more positive direction, you will be able to see your situation in a better light today. You may wish to begin by thinking about the positive aspects of your life, giving special attention to the blessings and joy that already surround you. You can think about the wonderful people who bless you with their presence, as well as the material abundance that you already possess. Allow yourself to feel a sense of gratitude for the abundance that already exists, and more abundance is sure to follow. "

So, here is my list of the people who bless me with their presence (in no order of preference or importance)

1. Dad
2. Mom
3. Phil
4. Eydie
5. Cheryl
6. Tina
7. Ashley
8. Philip
9. Kay H.
10. Deb D.
11. Debi G.
12. Debi B.
13. Joanne
14. Kristen
15. Jana
16. Cindyann
17. Alex G.
18. Kiana
19. Aunty Kay
20. Uncle Lamont
21. Leah
22. Jackie
23. Troy
24. Al
25. TJ
26. Rusty
27. Aunty Anne
28. Uncle Henry
29. Aunty Lynn
30. Uncle Bull
31. Aunty Maryanne
32. Kale
33. Uncle Yuki
34. Kelly
35. Christine
36. Ngoc
37. Carol J.
38. Otto
39. Carol M
40. Linda I.
41. Paul Y.
42. Marty
43. David
44. Vickie
45. Erik
46. Becky
47. Paul R.
48. Diane R.
49. Jim D.
50. Karan
51. Annette
52. Amy
53. Sadie
54. Jordana
55. Bella
56. Skye
57. Christoph
58. Michele F.
59. Sabina
60. Eric K.
61. Nancy K.
62. Patti W.
63. Mike W.
64. John H.
65. Tom
66. Pam
67. Mo
68. Uncle Francis
69. Aunty Jean
70. Aunty Betty
71. Aunty Dorothy
72. Aunty Mabel
73. Uncle Richard
74. Aunty Jane
75. Shari
76. Betty K.
77. Karen K.
78. Geri W.
79. Javier
80. Leticia
81. Allie
82. Luke.

I didn't think my list could be this long! OMG, I will add to my list another day. :) I have a lot of people in my life! :)

Thought of a few more...

A few more added to my what would i do if I won the lottery list:

Move Kay and John to live up by me so we can craft!
Buy Kristen her puppy dog and help her with her deposit.
Make a studio where my crafty friends can all come to visit and play whenever they want.
Make sure that the studio would be stocked with whatever they wanted to play with.
Send Phil on another trip to Africa. LOL
Maybe send Philip with him.
Take Ashley to Las Vegas for her 21st birthday.
Have a really fun reunion for my family in Hawaii.
Take Kay, Jana, Cindyann, and Deb to Hawaii.
And take Kay with me to visit all the stamping girls in their hometowns so we could stamp with them!!

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Today Phil and I were talking about what we would do if we won the lottery. Yes, it's pretty big, and yes, I probably want to do so much more than the amount that we'd get. But here's my list of what I would do if I won the lottery:

1. Take care of my family.
2. Buy a house with an in-law unit so I can take care of my parents.
3. Buy 2 condos, one for Ashley, one for Philip.
4. Help out my sisters and Phil's sister.
5. Buy a new car for me and for Phil and for Ashley. Pay off Philip's car.
6. Pay off my cousin's bills.
7. Take my stamping friends on a trip to Disney World.
8. Go to Las Vegas with my scrapping friends.
9. Have Phil go to Africa.
10. Pay for a couple of my sister's trips to africa.
11. Go to New York.
12. Go to Hawaii to visit family
13. Take my niece somewhere that she would like to go.
14. Go to Disney World with Debi G.
15. Go to Japan with my aunts and cousins to track down our geneology.
16. Travel across the country in an RV, yep really! LOL.
17. Go to the UK.
18. Visit Australia.
19. Find a nice resting place for Phil's parent's ashes.
20. Find a nice cabin in the mountains.

ok, by now I probably would have ran out of money, well, maybe at about # 14 or 15. LOL But it's nice to have dreams! LOL

A neat thought...

I'm reading a book by Sylvia Brown about what happens when we pass away. Where do we go? And it's really very interesting. I've never been afraid to die. I figure when it's that time, it's that time. I've lived a good life, yes, there are lots of things to look forward to, but I'm happy with how I've spent my life.

Anyway, one thing she said in her book is that when you pass, every animal that you've loved in this life and in past lives are waiting for you there on the other side, or Home. What a neat thought. I love knowing that the cats, rabbits, birds, and maybe even the fish that we've ever had are all there waiting for me. And let me tell you, there are a lot of cats up there. Remember, I'm the CCLWLDTS.

How fun to think that Snow and Bubbie are up there waiting for me and Phil to come to see them. LOL Do you think they would follow us everywhere like they did when they were alive?

Heath Ledger

I was so very saddened by his death today. It's always sad when someone with so much promise in their life has their life cut short. It was really such a shock. Just this weekend I was reading an article in Wizard Magazine on his role in the new Batman movie, the Dark Knight. And I know I couldn't wait to see him in the new movie.

I've always wondered why things happen the way they do, why people are taken from us at such a young age. There is always a reason for it, but it's always so very sad.

Concerts...

Ok, way back in the day, I used to go to a ton of concerts with my bff Chris. We would go to all these different shows by ourselves. Every New Year's Eve you could find us at the Cow Palace watching whatever band was playing there that year. It was a ton of fun! And we went to a few of the day on the greens too.

I'm going to try to make a list of the ones I remember seeing...

1. Journey
2. Santana
3. Bon Jovi
4. The Who
5. The Clash
6. T-Bone Burnette
7. Triumph
8. Eddie Money
9. Bryan Adams
10. Night Ranger
11. Scorpions
12. Ratt
13. Y&T
14. Metallica
15. Rising Force
16. U2
17. The Pretenders
18. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
19. Genesis
20. John Waite
21. Huey Lewis and the News
22. Greg Kihn
23. Julian Lennon
24. Quarterflash
25. George Thorogood & the Delaware Destroyers
26. Rick Springfield
27. 415
28. The Eric Martin Band
29. Def Leppard
30. Tesla
31. Paul McCartney
32. Elton John
33. Melissa Etheridge
34. Mary Chapin Carpenter
35. Van Halen
36. Heart
37. Daryl Hall & John Oats
38. Corey Hart
39. Rod Stewart
40. The Doobie Brothers
41. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
42. The Starship
43. Jefferson Starship
44. REO Speedwagon
45. John Cougar Mellencamp
46. Alice Cooper
47. Yes
48. Michelle Shocked
49. Kenny Loggins
50. the Monkees
51. The Jackson Five
52. Jackson Browne
53. Rush
54. Loverboy
55. Eddie and the tide
56. Paul Young
57. The Power Station
58. Duran Duran
59. Phil Collins
60. Chicago
61. Prince and the Revolution
62. Sheila E.
63. Sammy Hagar
64. Billy Squier
65. Scandal
66. Quiet Riot
67. White Snake
68. Barry Manilow
69. Anderson/Bruford/Wakeman/Howe
70. Air Supply
71. Tina Turner
72. Chris Isaak
73. Steely Dan
74. Cyndi Lauper
75. America
76. Faith Hill
77. Amy Grant
78. Sting
79. Tim McGraw
80. Vince Gill
81. Nanci Griffith
82. Bruce Hornsby and the Range
83. Danny Wilde
84. Survivor
85. Michael Bolton
86. Kenny G.
87. Celine Dion
88. Dokken
89. Georgia Satellites
90. The Outfield
91. Asia
92. Great white
93. kansas
94. Mr. Mister
95. Janet Jackson
96. Survivor
97. Black Crowes
98. Glass Tiger
99. Indigo Girls
100. Clay Aiken
101. Kelly Clarkson
102. Lone Justice
103. Richard Marx
104. George Strait
105. Bonnie Raitt
106. the Cramps
107. The Fabulous thunderbirds
108. Sadie Brown :)

LOL that's all I can remember off the top of my head. Can't remember all the opening acts. but I think I got some of them. And I know that since I don't have all my ticket stubs, I won't remember them all. Hmmm, will have to think of more cause I know there are more out there! LOL

Things that I love...

So, I've been thinking about the things that I love. And here is my list...(in no particular order)

1. My family
2 . My friends (You know who you are)
3. Velcro and Oreo
4. The USA
5. My heritage
6. Reading books
7. Watching movies
8. Listening to the kitties purr.
9. My computer because of the friends that I've met.
10. Ok, I just love being on the computer.
11. Star Wars
12. Living in the bay area
13. the Fourth of July
14. My truck
15. Watching the birds and squirrels outside my window every day
16. Really nice customers
17. Lord of the Rings
18. Being with my niece, Kiana
19. Taking a road trip
20. Driving by myself
21. Listening to music
22. Watching TV
23. Spending time with my family
24. Going shopping with Phil
25. Having a girl's day with Ashley
26. My beanie babies
27. My webkinz
28. Hallmark Christmas Ornaments
29. Going to the beach
30. The camping trips I took with Chris to Yosemite.
31. Watching Alex play softball
32. Making jewelry
33. Rubberstamping
34. Scrapbooking
35. Reading magazines, I just LOVE magazines
36. Listening to the kids tell me all about their webkinz.
37. Throwing webkinz events at the store.
38. Opening up boxes of new things, and seeing what is new.
39. Spending the day relaxing with the Sunday paper reading the ads.
40. Going shopping with the girls on our special days.
41. Spending time talking story with my family.
42. Disney Movies
43. Going out to dinner with the Gibsons.
44. Remembering the first time I saw Star Wars in the movie theatre.
45. Spending time with my dad
46. Watching Anime or reading Manga.
47. Going to Baldie's for dinner
48. Crafting something new, and having it turn out really well.
49. Spending time with my Stamping buddies.
50. Baking
51. Listening to KSFO (who would have thought...)
52. Teaching my friends new crafts.
53. Painting
54. going to the gift shows with my cousin
55. Sirloin tips and eggs at IHOP.
56. Shopping at Target
57. Going to Disneyland
58. Going to Las Vegas
59. Figuring out how to do things on the computer.
60. Animals
61. Feeding the squirrels in my backyard.
62. The time I spent living on my own
63. The first Christmas I spent with Phil, having my first Christmas with Kids.
64. Reading about Mythology
65. going to Borders
66. Mechanical things, and trying to figure out how they work.
67. colors
68. Paper
69. waking up in the morning looking forward to a new day
70. going to Japantown
71. The bead stores.
72. going to Concerts
73. Taking Pictures
74. Seeing something that I've drawn made into a physical part
75. Dragons
76. Cats
77. Wildlife
78. Starry Starry Night by Van Gogh
79. Spending all day in my PJ's
80. Watching TV with the fire burning and the cat sitting with me.
81. Spending family time with Ashley and Philip
82. Watching the kitties enjoy the warm fire or heater
83. Feeding the cats at my mom's house
84. Harry Potter books and movies
85. Watching Debi G. dress up for Halloween
86. Seeing a funny movie
87. Jane Austen Books
88. David Eddings books
89. Christmas Lights
90. Going to the movies with my friends
91. Spending time with my friends, just talking or shopping, or whatever. LOL
92. Earrings
93. Going to Hawaii to visit family
94. Looking at old photos of my family and friends
95. Playing Card games with Phil
96. Playing games on the computer
97. Watching Phil play softball
98. seeing a new kitten out in the yard
99. helping out my friends when they need help
100. Blogging

Webkinz Event

Today we had a Webkinz Event at the store, and let me tell you, I don't know who had more fun, me or the kids! LOL

It was really fun planning. We had a couple of contests, the Operation Gumball and Wishing Well 2. They are a couple of games on the site. And I made a board for the Wishing Well, the kids won prizes if they matched or not. It was great fun!

And we also had a Kinz Style Fashion contest. The winner had to have the most creative dressed webkinz. The girl who won dressed her webkinz beagle in a hula outfit and used a Ukelele from her American girl dolls. OMG, there were a ton of great entries. It was so neat to see what the kids would come up with!!

I'm just glad that after all the planning and preparation, the kids had just as much fun as I did!! We're gonna do another one next month, and I can't wait! :)

Road trip from Oregon to SF

One of my favorite trips was one I took with a couple of friends so many years ago. Back then I worked for a bicycle accessory company called Avocet. And it was the best job. Not only did I get to help draw parts for things like Cyclometers, Altimeter Watches, and saddles and tires, but I met a great group of people that I spent a ton of time with after work as well.

One year, two of the engineers and I decided to take a road trip. One of the engineers named Marty would ride miles and miles every day. And we all talked about taking a road trip where he and Paul would ride their bicycles from a specific point up the coast back to San Francisco. And I would be their SAG wagon. We all took I think 10 days off to do this. We calculated that Paul could ride between 50 - 75 miles a day, and that since Marty would ride 100 miles a day, he would backtrack so many miles a day to make up the distance.

We figured we'd either camp out most days, maybe rent a hotel room in between so that we could definitely be comfortable a few days in between.

So, one Saturday we drove out to Coos Bay, Oregon to begin our adventure.

It was so much fun! we would have breakfast together. pack up our stuff. They would be off. I'd meet them at a specific time and place for lunch. But before and after that time I would get to do some sightseeing, shopping, and find a place for us to stay. It was great! It was like going on a trip by myself, but then getting to be with someone for meals and in the evenings.

One day we thought we lost Marty on the Lost Coast. it took him a lot longer than he thought to ride it, and we were about to drive out to see if we could find him when he got to the hotel. LOL Phew! Good thing!

I don't think I would have ever gone down the coast like that if it hadn't been for this trip. I stopped at the lighthouse that was in that movie with Mel Gibson, Forever Young. Saw Paul Bunyan and Babe the blue ox. LOL Saw some whales swimming near the coast. Went to Mendocino, stopped in Eureka. Went to the town where they had filmed Outbreak (well, went there before they filmed it). OMG, it was tons of fun!

But the best sight for me was seeing the Golden Gate Bridge at the end of our trip. I love the Golden Gate Bridge. It is just something that reminds me that I am home. I'll have to actually scrapbook that trip cause there were so many different memories that I don't ever want to forget!

What is in my heart?

This is one of my favorite things. Ok, so this one isn't mine, but I do have one just like it. I just love the concept of wearing a pendant of what I love. But sadly, you can only show 5 or 6 things that you love in your pendant heart. And I love WAY more things than that. Since my friend Karan is making a list of different things, I was inspired to make a list of what is in my heart...

What is in my Heart?

Well, in my pendant I have:

"P" obviously for Phil. He's the man I love, who I've learned the most from. He really is my best friend. We talk about everything. He's been there for me through so much in my life. I'm so lucky to have him.

A Cat. ok, those who know me know that I love cats. And yes, I'm going to be the future cat lady who lives down the street, or how Kay has so eloquently has called me CCLTLDTS. LOL I love their personalities, a cat purring is my favorite sound. And it also represents my two kitties, Oreo and Velcro. :)

A USA Heart flag. I love my country. I love living in the USA, I love the freedom we all have compared to other countries. I am a proud American. Yes, I am conservative as well, I'm more political now than I ever. Life has its ups and downs living here, and we don't always agree with each other, but at least we do have the freedom to disagree.

A Starfish. I love the beach. I've always loved the ocean, I respect the ocean. Never turn your back to the ocean, my mom would always tell us. We grew up going to Half Moon Bay during the summers. I don't think I would ever want to move away from the coast. not like I live on the coast, but something inside me always has to live driving distance from the ocean.

I'll next have to make a list of the things not in my pendant. :)

Intentions

Man and his cat

For years, Phil has wanted Oreo to be his lap cat. And until this last year, Oreo has never slept with him like this. He's always bugged me, tried to sit on my lap while I'm on the computer, and followed me everywhere till I sat down to sleep with me.

And we kept hearing from Phil, "Gosh Oreo, if I brought Snow inside (our old outside cat), HE'D be my lap cat, and HE'D be so thankful to be inside."

LOL

So, this year, Oreo has decided that he needs to sleep with his dad every night. Phil will sit on the couch, recline, and put the blanket on himself, and it's like he's the big Oreo Cat magnet. They will sit like this all night long. LOL

And tonight, Oreo was sitting with me cause Phil wasn't on the couch. But I swear, as soon as Phil sits down, he leaves me for Phil. Humph! When did I become second?? LOL It only took 10 years for Oreo to decide to sit with Phil. :)

The man and his cat. LOL

How nice was that?

Today when I got home, I found a little pile of stickers that Phil had brought home from work. One of his friends from work was throwing them away, but brought them in so that the guys could see if they wanted them.

Of course there were the conservative ones, ones about cats, and even one from Serenity the movie. But the one that surprised me the most was one that said: I heart Mr. Darcy.

Ok, I know Phil pays attention to the things I like, but I didn't know that he paid that much attention. LOL I didn't even know that he knew who Mr. Darcy was, let alone that I liked him. LOL

I mean yes, he knows that the guy I like is on Desparate Housewives now (Nate Fillion), and he knows the shows I like watching, and that if LOTR or Star Wars is on anywhere on TV, I'll watch it. But whoda thought he'd know my facination with Jane Austen books??

Growing up in the Bay Area

I always think how lucky we are to have grown up in the bay area. The weather is awesome. Really, if you think about it. We have storms, but it's nothing compared to the storms they have in the midwest and back east. LOL And there is so much to do around the bay.

I remember growing up and going to the beach almost every day during the summer. We would go with my parents fishing in Half Moon Bay. They would fish, and we all would just play on the beach, digging holes, making sand castles. It was great! I didn't realize till I was older, how special this really was. I thought it was something everyone did, apparently not. LOL

And we were lucky enough to have a few families who lived in the area, who we spent a lot of time with during the year. The parents all were from some part of Hawaii. And you know if you're from Hawaii, you're family. LOL We always had "aunties and uncles" around. They weren't our blood relatives, but they were close enough. :)

And we would spend time going on picnics, going to each others houses to play. Saturdays or Sundays were spent going to visit different people, the grown-ups would talk story, and we kids would go running around the neighborhoods. It was just way too fun.

I just think of all the stuff we used to do as kids that the kids nowdays can't go and do. It's rather sad actually.

This is a picture of my mom and my aunt at my grandparents home on Kauai. I just love this picture. My aunt is the one that lives here on the mainland too. And I just don't realize how much of an age gap there was between them till I see this picture. It's great hearing the old stories about my grandparents and great grandparents. And I love hearing the stories on how they grew up on Kauai.

I just have so much love and respect for my family. I am a fourth generation, or yonsei. My great grandfather came over from Japan. He was the first generation. My grandfather was born on Kauai, and my grandmother was actually a picture bride.

My grandparents lived on Kauai the rest of their lives. I actually didn't see them much because we lived here in California or the mainland.

I always think how brave my parents were that they would leave the islands to come to the mainland to make a better life for themselves. I don't want to move out of the bay area, and here they came all the way from Kauai to live here. I'm just glad that they picked the bay area to live in cause I just love it here.

I do think of how scary it must have been to move from a place where you have all your family and friends, to go to a place where you know nobody. Well, they didn't exactly know absolutely nobody. LOL Luckily my dad's uncle and aunt lived here. And my dad's sister was out here too. And actually, they had friends that had moved here as well, so maybe they didn't know absolutely nobody. LOL

Had to take a picture of the squirrel's butt. I love squirrels. they're just so dang cute! I just love that they come into the yard and visit with us. And then I think... All the squirrels that come in our yard are just HUGE. I am always afraid that the hawk is going to come in and try to eat them. And there was a hawk in the tree in the yard again. I have to get a better picture of him (or her).

Today's Storm

Today we had the worst storm of the season. I actually got sent home today cause My cousin was worried that I wouldn't be able to get home later. How nice is that!

Well, while we were sitting around, we noticed that one of the squirrels was actually outside feeding. LOL Couldn't be stopped by a little rain. Well, rain and 70mph winds. LOL And the birds were out as well.

I had to dump out their big bowl of birdseed soup so that they could all eat it. LOL

We were very lucky, we had power and our satellite dish was ok the rest of the day. And we didn't have any flooding in our neighborhood. I just hope there were no raccoons down in the great raccoon highway (the sewer).

Today was the last day...

I had 4 days off in a row, and today was the very last day. What did I get done? Not as much as I wanted. I wanted to do so much during those 4 days. I had a whole list of things I wanted to do. Did any of it get done? Sure, some of it was done. Started some things.

The most important thing was that I got some rest. I had been so tired this season, so it was great to energize my batteries. I spent time with the kitties. Realized that I'm second fiddle to Phil now with Oreo Kitty. He loves his dad. And he loves me when Phil's not around. Sheesh. Well, not really, he loves me, but would rather sleep with his dad. LOL

I went to see National Treasure 2 and Enchanted. I haven't been to a movie in awhile, so it was great to go to a movie.

tried to clean, did some, still need to do a ton.

And I made a resolution. I haven't made a resolution in years, but I thought this is a good one, so I'm going to do it.

My resolution for this year is to spend more time with the people I love. Last year was spent not spending enough time with the people I care about. This year is going to change. I want to play more, chat more, and just relax a bit more.

Life is too short not to spend it with the people you love.

This is one of my avatars on Gaiaonline. Yes, I'm sucked into it big time. I just love the fact that I can be a little anime character. And it's cool cause they actually show different anime episodes on the site.

It's kind of like Webkinz for teens. And yep, I have those too. LOL I'm just a big kid. ;)

Smore nuggets

This New Years, I'm making Smores nuggets. My favorite new toy is my chocolate melter. And so I've been using it to dip things. Made my first batch of chocolate dipped marshmallows a few weeks ago for a Webkinz Event at the store. The kids loved them

So, we thought we'd try Smore nuggets. Poor Phil is gonna get a stomach ache after testing out my marshmallows. LOL