Celebrity Look alike

Some of the a muse girls have been posting celebrity look alikes on their blogs, so i thought i'd take a crack at it..people used to say I looked like Rosie O'Donnell,which at the time I liked her so didnt mind it..but I dont care for her outspoken ways much anymore...so am glad to see she's not on the list.

I feel like Miss Mary Ann...

Do you remember her? from Romper Room? am I dating myself? At the beginning of every show, she's look in her handheld mirror and "see' the kids that were on the show..or 'watching' the show, you were quite lucky if she mentioned your name (even if it was to all the betsey's in the world).

How does this apply to me you say? I was on linked in this weekend. Linked in is like a 'professional's' myspace. You list your past job history and recruiters look at it..old colleages..it's like an online resume..and people can even 'recommend' your work, so it's like your personal referrals are right there...anyway..i digress. I was on it this weekend because someone had requested to add me to their network..while i was there I found my old VP as well as an additional bunch of old colleauges. Luckily i requested to add them and they all agreed to be my 'friends'.
When i went on today..it said there were 50 new gymboree connections. I pretty much 'knew' all of them...at least by name. I truly felt like Miss MaryAnn...between the finding them, and that fuzzy feeling of old home week. Most all were from my first 'stint' at Gymboree (mind you i was only gone for 7 months), and all brought back that warm fuzzy feeling from our time at Camelot. I even saw 'sweater vest' listed there, should you happen to read this old Prod people!!

Slacker Scrappers

Happy New Year....I've tried to post 3 times...but I've had some serious blogger/IE issues, and each time my post got eaten...bottom line...went to Park City and Salt Lake City over New Years..had a great time tooling around Park City...made it to TLC and AMM whie Pierre was in meetings..and had a supercalafragilisticexpealidocious catch up lunch with my dear friend, Susan Russell. Had camera in purse...no picture!! What the heck!?? Too much chatting I suppose.

Pierre will have to make many more trips out there (he's one of the project manager's for his firm project for the new Hospital in Riverton,so hope to post a picture for sure next time.

My cocktail

From Rachel Hope and Michelle's blogs:

The Recipe For Betsey

3 parts Sensitivity 2 parts Inspiration 1 part Courage Splash of Cleverness Chug!

What's" the Recipe for Your Personality?

Hoopla!

Here are the rules:1. List 12 random things about yourself that have to do with Christmas2. Please refer to it as a 'hoopla' and not the dreaded 'm'-word3. You have to specifically tag people when you're done. None of this "if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged" stuff is allowed...then nobody ends up actually doing it. The number of people who you tag is really up to you -- but the more, the merrier to get this 'hoopla' circulating through the blogosphere.4. Please try and do it as quickly as possible. The Christmas season will be over before we know it and I'd like to get as many people involved as possible.I was tagged by Rachel to list the 12 random things about myself that have to do with Christmas.

1. I'm addicted to Egg Not Lattes.
2. My favorite movie, I havent seen in years..and for the life of me cant remember the name. But they had a Thanksgiving version and a Christmas version and the girls name was Addie..I think it was set in the 30's?
3. We go to Christmas Eve at my dad's cousins.
4. We used to sometime celebrate Christmas 'Day' on the 26th. My dad was a firefighter and would have to work some years..so we'd do the traditional Christmas Eve thing and then 'santa' would come on the 26th..my parents always said it was a nice break for him. Although when we were super young..Santa would come early and we'd celebrate with Santa coming on the 24th.
5. I have not put up a tree in 3 years.
6. I'm allergic to all things Christmas Tree (the real live kind..whether, pine, fir or cedar) and sneeze uncontrollably, unless I'm hopped up on allergy meds.
7. My little tree has a blue/white/silver theme to it.
8. My mom has a whole storage box of ornaments I hope to put on my 'big tree' some year, of ornaments, I've rec'd since I was a baby. She has them tagged with the year and who gave it to me. On a TINY jewelry tag.
9. One of my fondest memories is the Holiday Party my grandparents used to have. I was never old enough to attend as a 'guest' but super young, my parents would bring us and we'd say hello in our jammies and then go upstairs to my aunts room to sleep. As we were older (jr high/early high school) we'd serve hors d'ouevres. My uncle picked up the tradition this year.
10. My dad will either make Egg's St. Anne (his own concoction I'm sure) or some sort of dish with Hollandaise (either Egg's Benedict or Turkey Hash) for breakfast Christmas morning.
11. Santa fills our stockings and puts gifts under the tree!
12. I still believe!!

I am tagging: Keith, Shell & Jan and my sister & Donna can chime in on the comment sections since they're not bloggers.

Small World!

My boss took her direct reports to lunch yesterday. We went to Osha for some yummy Thai food..of course did I branch out? nope..got my normal Chicken Pad Se Yeew. Just love that dark soy sauce on those rice noodles! And while my not branching out keeps my world small..that is not the subject of my post. I sat next to, and got to know our Sales/Use Tax manager. He had mentioned on the walk over that he and his family just bought a fixer upper. While we were at lunch, I asked him where he lived..so he mentioned they just moved to Walnut Creek from San Ramon. No big deal..he then asks where I live..I told him Burlingame..he then says he grew up in San Bruno..two cities away..no big deal. He then asks if I grew up in Burlingame..and I told him..yep..all my life. Next he asks..or says..it's fuzzy at this point..did I go to Mercy..or that his sisters went to Mercy..as soon as he tells me his sisters went to Mercy..I shout out...Odessa Sebastian (his last name is Sebastian..in case you didnt know). Odessa and I were in the same graduating class together (all 98 of us)...he's her brother. Can you believe that? I dont think I've seen Odessa but maybe once since we've graduated (I didnt attend either 10 or 20 year reunion)..and here I am working with her brother. He was going to go right back and email her..and she only lives in San Mateo (one city away)....small world. Hope I can catch up with her soon, as while we werent exactly close friends, I do remember her fondly, and would love to get re-acquainted!

Photo a Day

Argh...I remember this from last year...the december Photo a Day challenge..and I'm already 2 ,about to be 3, days behind... I have a picture from the 1st..just need to upload..but not since. It's month end so i've been in close land, not seeing the light of day..nor the lights of night to take a photo. Hopefully tomorrow I should be caught up..and can get back on this...I'd love to do a scrapbook page with all of these! Does it count if i take countless photos of my nephew & niece next weekend?

Here's my picture from Decmeber 1st - the Fiskateer Nor Cal Christmas Party. It was a blast!

And so it begins...

The holiday food season that is. I guess it officially began on Thanksgiving..but today I felt it in full force. My controller took my boss and I out to lunch for our birthday (we have the same one). Our department rather than have cakes, has your boss take you out for your birthday, since my boss and I share the same birthday, the controller takes us both out at the same time. We went to the Salt House. I've been dying to go there when we've had vendor lunches but it's pretty hard to get in on the same week, unless you go super late. Our asst. controller had raved about having fries and gravy there... never did i realize she meant it was an actual menu item. They call it Poutine..it was fries, a cheese sauce and short rib gravy...can i say YUM!!! but too rich for my pour tummy. Then...tonight I had my introductory session at Dream Dinners. I go to Super Suppers all the time and buy from their grab n go freezer..but I actually made my dinners tonight, it was so quick and easy..and the dinners I selected look super yummy. Karen one of the owners, was great. I will definitely be back, I already have some items scoped out on the January menu.

The Double Babies are here!!


My friend Amber & her husband Peter welcomed a set of twins on Monday. A girl and boy, just like their older sister Princess I predicted. Congratulations all...they are adobable. they were born at just over 36 weeks and both were over 6 pounds..and of course Amber looked phenomenal up unti lthe end..other than 'the walk' looking at her from behind, you wouldnt have even known she was pregnant.


Double Babies, comes from Triple Babies...4 years ago my sisters, sister in law was expecting triplets..and my sisters youngest niece and nephew couldnt quite process triplets, so they were called the triple babies..

So Congrats , Amber & Peter, Princess I..and welcome C & G! Can't wait to meet you!

Blog Candy

Gotta love when blogs you stalk give away blog candy. Even if they're not ones you regularly stalk..it's fun to see one..add it to your list..and see all the designs people come up with. Some day...i'll be in the blog candy give away mode...some day.

Today I checked out Ericka Hall's Blog..she's got some good blog candy! She's a fellow a muse addict...one who does a splendiferous job with coming up with new card designs using A Muse stamps.

Creativity & Minestrone


This post is about 5 days late..but still in my mind..so why not post. I've been in such a paper (not that i've had time for digi either) crafting funk lately..the ideas are there..but when i go to sit down to do it..i have scrappers block. I have so much to scrap, even kits i've made up to scrap, plus a new book to start for my new niece...but nothing..not to mention birthday raks i need to start sending for my A*Muse Group....but nope..zilch out of me...until last Saturday night that is. I went down to the Scrap Lovers @ A Work of Heart Retreat in San Jose..and was immediately inspired..not only getting to help with cool Creative Cafe projects..and rubbing elbows with Danelle Thompson, Melodee Langworthy,Kristi Sikora-Blankenship and the Maya Road girls..but just being amongst creative woman. I also got to see the Tattered Angels Glimmer mists in action. My package of them is supposed to arrive today...and i will be for sure playing with them Friday night..if not tomorrow night. They're going to be perfect for our TLC chipboard. I bought some colors sight unseen..but am going to have to order some more, especially the limited edition..and think I'm going to carry it in the store as well.

And on the other unrelated side..minestrone..my grandmothers to be exact..there is none like it in the world, I rarely if ever order it anywhere because i dont want to be disappointed that it doesnt taste like hers (although i did get some with a dinner from the diner down the street when Pierre was sick..had a taste..and it was a passable 2nd!). My uncle has taken up the tradition of Sunday Family Dinner. My grandmother used to do this all the time when we were in our teens and early 20s..and my uncle has now started it up again. Mostly cooking the dinners himself...and he takes after my grandmother and my dad..and is an amazing cook.
It's just a nice night..comforting..not only with the amazing food, but spending time with family and close friends like family..eating..watching football or bullriding..maybe a game of liars dice. Something to look forward to through the long winter for sure!

Tag...You're It!

I saw this on a fellow local AMuse addicts blog..and just had to post...we used to play this type of game when I was in production whenever we had a department birthday...that and the Chinese Fortune Sticks..so in honor of my lunch tomorrow with my dear friend, David...here goes...and these are a little different than the configurations we used to play..so for any of you old Gymbo production people reading this (you too SISON!) ..do play along!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) - Duke Passat
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) CakeBatter Chocolate Chip Angels
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) B. Ter (why couldn't it be cool like J.Lo!)
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) - Blue Dog
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)- Roseann Daly City(in the game we used to play ..it was middle name..street you grew up on..so i was Roseann Montero (very appropos for a novela, huh?)
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) - TERBE
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put “The”) The Blue Mojito
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)- Larry Bud
9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) Happy Snickers
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names) Ann Lester

Now i'm tagging some of you

1. Kei
2. Rach
3. Jan
4. Donna!
5. Koree
6. Shell

For Sean


Last week, I was trying to quickly communicate with one of my carpool buddies about my other carpool buddy through an IM...I was trying to say she got out of her meeting really quickly with her CFO..and I told him...she's out..Myles (the CFO) is a quick meetingerer ..and quickly followed with..that's my made up word of the day...and then i laughed and said oh, I'll add that to my blog, because some of my faves put Favorite Kid quote of the day..favorite tip of the day etc. We had quite the laugh because one of his coworkers has quite the made up stories every day..I mean she is a true Penelope (SNL character played by Kristin Wiig)..nothing could happen this much to one person..not possible..and my Made up word..could go up against her stories (of course she thinks they've all happened to her)

So today..I told him I 'beat' another coworker (an annoying one at that), he said "Physically"..i replied...no Walk Fitaly..our walk fit program. I won this week..for actual steps..not for just a random you reported your totals. So Sean says...add it to the blog...so here we go...our first official MOWOTD - Walk Fitaly.

Keeping it Cr8zy!!

Shopped a little bit at Crazy8 this week..Gymboree's newest concept,a value concept. Got some hair baubles for Jessi to go with her birthday gift and jammies for Tripp...great prices (and I dont even get an employee discount!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy5mpFN8mKo


Edited - they're only in California, Texas and New Jersey right now (or within the next few months), however the web site and shipping is launching today.

Where's Summer?

It's a cloudy, dreary day, as its been the last week...but its sunny in my world....bcause, the hillbilly's are moving. Its a bad picture..had to take it from my camera phone..and super stealth..one so they didnt see me..and two so i didnt get hit by flying objects as they threw the items they were packing over the balcony...yes they packed up in true hillbilly fashion..one, not bothering to tell us they were moving and if we needed to leave maybe to move our cars out...and then it's hard to see but they're literally just throwing things in the back of the truck..no packing properly to optimize space at all..bottom line..as long as it gets them OUT OF HERE!!

My friend Donna sent me this latest survey..and well I just love thse things!!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? St. Elizabeth (my parents are catholic and you had to have a saint's name)..my middle name is a combination of my grandmother's middle names Rose and Ann.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? June 22...watching Paul Potts tryout on Britain's Got Talent

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING sometimes..my printing..it starts out great then my hand gets tired (thank you computer) and it goes to hell

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? mortadella or roast beef

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? no

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? probably

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? It's a way of life, keeps me sane

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS yep..although they should have been removed a LONNNNG time ago for the amount of strep and tonsilities i've had.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Oh Hell NO!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cheerios (plain..Joe's O's work too), Kelloggs Raisin Bran, or Lucky Charms

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Sometimes

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? In some ways

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Dbl Rainbow Coffee Blast or Cold Stone Cake Batter or Dreyers Slow Churned Rocky Road. 31 Flavors Daiquiri Ice used to be in there too..but they've recently changed the recipe and it's now disgusting!

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Eyes and smile/teeth

15. RED OR PINK? pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My weight, but I'm working on it.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Aunt Bobbie

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? please do!!

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? black & black Sandals

20 WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE yogurt with granola

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? office chatter
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Cornflower BLUE

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Homemade chocolate chip cookies or the Guittard Factory

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? some guy who wanted my opinion on a report for Foreign Exchange processes

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes I do!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? prefer in person..but bottom line Baseball!

27. HAIR COLOR? Natural Auburn red baby!

28. EYE COLOR? BLUE or Green depending on the day and clothes

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no..rub my eyes way too much

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican food with a good margarita, or Italian

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Queen

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? A little silk number Black and White dot on top/black, pink green vertical stripe on bottom

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? SUMMER (sunny really, doesn't have to be real hot, just sunny

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Smooches for sure!

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? My moms pecan pie

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Not sure, depends on who's bored or not busy

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND ???????

39. What book are you reading now? The MacGregors - Robert and somebody,..and My Friend Leonard (at Pierre's), plus have about 3 scrapbooking magazine still to get through.

40. What is on your mousepad? Gymboree Dots

41.What did you watch on T.V. last night? Hell's Kitchen & Family Guy and News

42. What is your favorite sound? Tripp or Dominic laughing

43. Rolling Stones or Beatles? neither..but Stones if i have to choose

44.What is the farthest you've been from home? Hawaii

45. Do you have a special talent. I used to be great at remembering phone numbers and zip codes..but now it has to be a number I call regularly

46. Where were you born? Daly City California

47. Whose answers are you looking forward to getting back? Shell, Rachel & Jan…tagging you!!

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BGT FINAL -Paul Potts high quality video/sound

Sorry just have to post this, I'm sure most have seen on Jessica's blog..but I was brought to tears by seeing the clip from his Britains Got Talent tryout, and as Jessica said, LOVED that he won the competition and love that he's making his way. Not sure that I'll buy the entire album, but if songs are available to download, I'll be sure to purchase this one, if not others! Here's his final winning performance, singing one of my most favorite opera songs!

If you want to see the full length version of his tryout, click here

I could get more scrapbooking done if..
(joining Shell & Jan)

• I didnt have to work 8-5
• I wasnt so darn tired when i got home
• My house was clean & organized
• I didnt have to cook
• I didnt have other 'business' things to tend to at night.

If you're reading this...I'm tagging YOU!

Relaxing..but not..and over so soon.

We drove down to Southern California Saturday..and came back Sunday night...crazy. Our original plan was one night in Santa Barbara...the wrong thing there being one night. OUr choices were two night minimum or close to $300 for a flea bag you wouldnt pay $80 during a regular weekend...so our reservations found us further south (the Valley is only another hour)..but Sunday found us in the OC. I wish we had ended up just staying there. We had a lot of fun though..and oddly enough even with all the driving , it was very relaxing..and we were even more happy when we had yesterday to relax at home and not have to worry about driving in Holiday Traffic.

Good Riddance!! The hill billies are moving!!!

My landlord gave me the good news that my neighbors upstairs will be moving in a month or two. Of course he told me this about 4 months ago...that they'd be moving..no timeframe. But i guess they bought a house and will finally be moving.

Of course he didnt tell me this until after I had, had a sleepless night. The Jacka** hillbilly had come down Tuesday night to tell me that my tv or radio had been on 'rather late' the night before and had woken poor david up. Ha! BS...he heard the tv 'louder than normal' on Tuesday because we were watching a movie..however i turned it down as soon as the movie was over.

Of course when I mentioned to him..all the nights I had been woken up by 'poor david' or woken up in the morning with David's fist pounding, foot kicking, wake up the dead Tantrums, the JA just brushed it off with...we'll be out of your hair because 'we're looking to move this summer'. I was soooo mad. It took me 24 hours to realize why he chose the time he did to come down..mainly because he doesnt have the cajones to confront me when Pierre is there. With good reason too. The JA is just lucky he caught me off guard because if I had been fired up like I was previous nights i HAD to turn up my TV (due to poor David screaming his lungs out for HOURS on end..so i couldnt even hear my tv at a normal level), he would have gotten more than the tidbit I shared with him...and let me tell you i'm still fired up...they seriously need to watch it if they want to live in peace until they move! I'm liable to just leave the TV on...hmmm...maybe i'll forget to turn off the clock radio while I'm gone this weekend....

Mind you these people are EDUCATED...but complete hillbillies!!

I'm a Winner!!

Since the beginning of January, the Company has been sponsoring a 'walk fit' program. They issued pedometers to those that wanted to participate and every week we record our steps. Even though Pierre and I walk almost every night...and sometimes even twice a night (before and after dinner), I just dont come close in my steps to the number of steps other winners have walked (guess I should take the stairs more!). Anyway...it's now Week 16 or so in the program...the number of participants have dropped off..and I won this week...the sad thing is..I didnt win for highest # of steps... I just won for having reported and getting pulled from a random drawing...either way...I'll take the win..and the $50 gift card from Sports Basement!!

Now to kick some coworker beehive in Bowling this afternoon!!! I wish! But it should be fun!!

So much to do.

I'm on vacation in two days. Off to my sisters for "The Nugget's" first birthday..and to rub 'the buddha'. The buddha being my sisters belly...yep..she's expecting again. Baby #2 will be just 18 months younger than Tripp...and the lastest bit of 'royalty' will be making his/her entrance in October. Of course Mimi & Pop (my parents) are beyong thrilled...they insisted on telling everyone in person.

I have a ton of work to do of course this week at work with changes to how we must book things...plus the LobsterFest..and packing etc. Throw in procrastinating on writing that tax check..and some insurance issues and you've got a Betsey waiting to snap. The sad thing is my taxes arent even done...and i've been seriously stressing about them since January 1st. I'm hoping to have Cherie do them..and just plan on filing an extension. I'm beyond what TurboTax can do for me and need a real professional to look things over....damn Non Qualified Stock Options!!

Ok..back to work.

The autism Badge

...of course that obviously is not my son...I have no children. That however for those not in the know is Ali Edwards son. Who is Ali Edwards, you might ask (again for those not in the know)...just one of the coolest scrappers..life artists around. Her 5 year old son Simon has autism..and she's shared their family journey about his life with autism..even before he was diagnosed. She's just an amazing lady..and wanted to be sure to share this awareness with you!!

jake

jake
Originally uploaded by betseylou69.

Good bye Pup Pup!

We had to put our dog, Jake down today. He was 13 years and 2 months old. Hardly a puppy..but we called him puppy, or pup pup...along with Jake, Jakey..and my dad the last couple of years Jacob (his jake wasnt a nickname from jacob..but instead because he was a dalmation..and fireman are 'jakey's'). However he kept his pup pup status because until he was about 9 years and 9 months..he acted like a puppy..and then one day he woke up and figured out he was 9..and not 9 months.

He's always been a high maintenance dog, sensitive stomach..allergies...needed babysitting (he was an indoor dog) etc..but the last year has been a chore, he's aged significantly, was completely blind, a bit deaf...the typical arthritis and odd tumours here and there..but boy i tell you that 'sniffer' worked up until the end (he could smell a sausage pizza from the minute you drove up).

I wont go into the details of 'the end' but, the vet marvelled at how old he was (Dal's just don't live that long..and the vet just felt time had flown since we brought him in at 9 weeks old), and how good he was to the end.

I'm a slacker..but it's partly bloggers fault. I haven tposted forever..so much for my New Year's resolution. I probably would have posted more if i had KNOWN that i had comments to moderate (sorry i have all comments moderated (have to approve before they're posted) to thwart spammers...sure enough i had two spam comments...WTH people...dont use a blog comment to promote your business that's just RUDE and no matter how cool your business..I'm not going to shop purely because you spammed me)...ok...breathe..back to regularly scheduled programming....so anyway..i'm a slacker. I most likely would have posted more if i had known i had comments (because...while here anyway..why not post). My 2nd excuse was the expo..I was behind in making up new display samples so any moment at home was spent scrapping to that extent (pictures to be posted soon on website). My 3rd excuse is partly an oxymoron to my 'blogging resolution' which is my resolution to spend less time on the computer. Happy to report that resolution is going along just fine..I'm not sure what exactly i'm doing instead...but I'm not online as much at all during the evening or weekends.

Anyhow..signing off ..CPT (CarPoolTim...as opposed to Brother Tim) will be bugging me that it's time to leave any moment...and I really must leave on time tonight i have a Lobster Fest meeting tonight....reservations are already starting to come in..we have wine and beer donated...people are even ordering TShirts thru our Cafe Press Store...it's all slowly coming together.

Tuesday Pea Challenge

Valentines day is right around the corner. What are you gonna be doing for your valentine this year??? blog about it.. or what do you hope to get from your valentine??? anything?

My Valentine and I will either go out to dinner or have a special dinner at home. It's actually a crazy time for me at work, and he's in the midst of a major project as well, so just getting out of work at a decent hour will be an accomplishment.

Other than exchanging cards, we dont really exchange valentines gifts. Once Tulip season hits, he usually buys me a bunch a week, so i dont mind if i dont get any for Valentines (and having worked for a florist, i know how expensive Flowers are at this time of year!)

I do exchange gifties for/with my parents, sister, godsons and grandparents, and have already started picking up little treats!!

Egg “idear" in the making

Just got word that my sister, brother in law and the cutest baby in the world (aka Tripp, my nephew) are coming out in Febraury for 5 days. My BIL has a seminar to attend, so Aimee & Tripp are coming out for some Terry time! I have an egg idear in the making..but my sister is off for 5 days of beach time in Santibel Island..so I’ll have to wait to later in the week to see if it’s going to hatch or scramble.

Happy Birthday Mom and Aimee!! It's my mother & sister's birthdays today. Love you both!

My word for 2007

FOCUS

Ali Edwards in her blog and 'zine' (AEZine) talks about picking a word for the year..last year's was play..this year peace. I have decided my word for the year is going to be Focus. There canb e so many different meanings to this..and applications to everyday life. When reading her AEZine..i shut my eyes..and just tried to think of a word any word..and focus came to mind (maybe i was telling myself to focus, who knows).

I dont regularly set resolutions..because as we all know..some or most get broken anyway..so why not set an attainable creation for myself!

Some things that are on the top of my focus list:

• Focus on scrapping my own pages this year...not a page here and there..but at least one of the books of me..and a page a month minimum!
• Focus on my clients pages. I need to plan
• Focus on booking one TLC party/event (minimum) a month..this doesnt count my regular crops or classes, as I incorporate my other products into those.
• Focus on becoming a QB superuser..by understanding the ins/outs of the software and all it has to offer, i can be more organized in my business to keep it growing. I'd love to apply forecasting and cash flow that i do at work in my own business, besides just balancing the check book.
• Focus on updating my websites - with all the time i spend on the computer at work..i just hate to go home and hop back on (even though it's on 24/7)..but I plan on focusing on a day/night a week to work on my projects.

So...that is the just the top of my focus...more to come..i hope.

A YEAR-END SURVEY

1.) Where did you ring in 2006?
Millbrae at my good friends house...staying dry!!

2.) What was your status on Valentine's Day?
in a weird place with Pierre

3.) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Nope

4.) How did you earn your keep?
Gymboree

5.) Did you ever have to go to the hospital?
Had some doctors visits,

6.) Have you ever encountered the police?
not this year

7.) Where did you go on vacation?
St. Louis (twice) & Yosemite

8.) What did you purchase that was over $500?
a new computer

9.) Did you know anybody who got married?
Noelle!

10.) Did you know anybody who passed away?
some family members.

11.) Have you ran into anybody you graduated high school with?
All the time

12.) Did you move anywhere?
Nope

13.) What sporting events did you go to?
Baseball games (Welcome back "Kliner")

14.) What concerts did you go to?
Kenny Chesney (along with Carrie Underwood & Dierks Bentley)

15.) Are you registered to vote?
Yep!

16.) If so, did you do your patriotic duty on Nov. 7?
Yes!

17.) Where do you live now?
the Bay Area (california)

18.) Describe your birthday.
turned 37..celebrated with family and friends for over a week!

19.) What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2006?
drive to San Diego by myself

20.) What is one thing you regretted this year?not too many regrets this year

21.) What's something you learned about yourself?
I'm a lot tougher then I gave myself credit for

22.) Any new additions to your family?
Yes! My new nephew

23.) What was your best month?
I had a few April/May/JUNE/December

24.) What from pop culture will you remember 2006 by?
I'll quote Caroline..."Tom Cruise needs a straight jacket and I'm sorry but Scientology is a cult "

We interrupt this blog..for a commercial message:

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Addtionally our business builder kits (both papercraft & digital) have been enhanced with extra goodies to Welcome you to TLC! Please note the beefier options are available to ANYBODY..however if you are transferring from other craft related company, and wish to promote at the leve you are transferring from..you must get the Business Builder Kit.

I'm happy to email you copies of all the regular Great Reasons to Join TLC as well as what's included in the starter kits, just send me a message..and i'll email away! Remember...TLC does not have a NON Compete clause at any level in the organization.

Please let me know if you have any questions, and about my sign on bonuses.
Betsey Terry
Top Line Creations Advisor#402758 - www.ilovetoscrap.com

Little Bit of Holiday....questionnaire style...

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog...love the egg nog season..my scale does not..

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Unwrapped

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White...only white!!!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Sometimes

5. When do you put your decorations up? whenever I get a chance

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Squash Supreme

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Baking Cookies

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? 4th Grade...religion class...killed Santa, the Easter Bunny & the Tooth Fairy in one fell swoop. My mom BEGGED me not to tell my brother & sister.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? not typically..when we were little if my dad had to work Christmas Day (firefighter) and if they 'got it together' we would do christmas before bed and after my cousins..otherwise we'd wait until the 26th!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? it's kind of 'themed' Balls first..then the balance of ornaments..then the 'angel'

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it when i'm in tahoe..otherwise it's an extremely rare occurance and usually causes havoc

12. Can you ice skate? Barely..bad ankles

13. Do you remember your favorite gift when you were a kid? Not really

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Spending time with my family...So very important!!!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Cuicidati

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Baking Cookies, Caroling, Christmas Eve Family Get Together

17. What tops your tree? Angel

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? The Christmas Song

20. Candy Canes! To Decorate with!

21. Christmas Tree real or fake? I love real ones, but allergic so artificial tree..and then either a wreath or garland outside my door, to at least have a little bit of the smell

You've been tagged...

Donna

Shell

Cami

Caroline

Why me

Why me?

My controller put me in charge..or as a co-chair of our department Halloween Festivities. Mind you this isn’t buy some orange and black crepe and Halloween goodies…This is an all out department decorating contest that the company has. We decided to do Las Vegas. Some of our previous forays have been, The Wizard of Oz, Monopoly, Haunted House, Tropical/Under the Sea & Animal House. We’ve won for The Wizard of Oz and Under the Sea and came up 3rd when we did Animal House. Each department within the Finance area is a different hotel or attraction. My co-chair and I went through and picked some of the hotels we figured would have the best ideas..and easiest to decorate. We told everyone they had until last Friday to choose their hotel on a first come first served basis and if they hadn’t chosen we would assign for them. We ended up assigning two. Yesterday..one of the departments decided they wanted to be something else..and of course they chose something NOT on the list. Fine..but our decorating is in full swing they’re on their own figuring out their decorations. Today they come to me and ask me what their budget is…yeah…how about ZERO!?!!! They wanted to out and buy gold coins and stuff…come on people…creativity. I told them to make cardboard circles and paint them gold! Ha! I should sell them some of the TLC chipboard circles. I’m hating this overwhelming feeling of decorating dictator..but geesh..i hate last minute decorating and ideas…I just don’t have the creative juice right now..and let me tell you…I AM CREATIVE! I’ve got no work, work done this week..I’ve either been scouring the internet for ideas, or pirating logos to trace and paint signs etc., or working on the stuff or processing shipments of items we ordered….not good when it’s quarter end. But I think we might just pull this off…the Caesars group is going all out! Can’t wait to show pictures.

Volunteering Fun

Volunteering Fun!!

Saturday was my second foray into volunteering for One Brick. My first event was a week ago at the South San Francisco Walk for Light the Night. Light the Night was a special event because it’s one of the fundraisers for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and is one that any survivor can participate in at any stage of their recovery. Seeing the balloons lit up in the darkness was chilling and just hit you right in the heart. Being able to take part with such an event especially with my mom and Marc being survivors, was so meaningful.

This weekend though, I bartended at Oktoberfest. WOW!! Talk about a fun event. Other than your hardcore German-Americans (complete with men in Leiderhosen and Frauleins in their frockery), it was just a bunch of people there to get drunk and listen to German music. Bottom line though…fun!! Best people watching so far for the month of October!! Will definitely be back next year both to attend and to work with One Brick again!

Fall is here :(

I guess I have to put away my summer bag and stuff. Good thing i made my trip to the Container Store for Space Bags. I do love my summer purse though...felt like a St. Louisan with the monogram. Guess that just means I will have to order a 'fall' bag. the question is...what to get?

That's what weekends are for!

Time spent with friends! Especially friends you havent seen in ages. A truly grand weekend! The Norton's had a BBQ on Saturday...for just over a hundred of their closest friends! If it wasnt great to walk in and see Jen's art, then to walk out onto the back deck and see poster boards of all the pictures Gary took at events over the years..was truly... astounding. The people, the events (Happy Day OLA)..the hairstyles...wow!! Tish and I have been friends for 20 years now, and I love that family as if it was my own, it was so great to just sit on the deck and chat and catch up with people as they came and went. Although it was an exhausting day..between sitting in the sun, and doing my part to drink the Heineken from the Keg..i was asleep in bed by 10:00.

Yesterday, was our standard church/breakfast deal. Ashleigh was my best friend for the day. She loved my Maddy Moo purse! I'm thinking i'm going to have to get her the Madalyn bagfor her birthday. Complete with Monogram! Then yesterday afternoon my parents neighbor across the street had a party for her husband combination 75th Birthday/Retirement Party. This is his 3rd career retirement, he's been a policeman, fireman and latest job, worked for CalTrans. Funny thing is CalTrans gave him a retirement party and at it, requested he consult 3 days a week...so he's not really retiring. Still it was a nice get to gether and nice to visit with all of the neighbors on mom's street.

My Side Hurts...still...three days later. I thought it was laughing so hard on Friday night. Went into the city to see Pablo Francisco (headliner...funny) and Jeffrey Keith (featured comic...super funny..the highlight of the night). Was sitting at the table literally crying from laughing so much.

but today it still hurts..actually it's my whole stomach..I think i have a stomach bug. Yesterday, it was bothering me all day, couldnt eat anything, had that watery mouth just waiting..afraid to eat anything feeling all day. Got the chills about 3..and it lasted all afternoon. Luckily could go home, and lie on the couch in my jammies, blanket on...was force fed some broth about 8..ate it, and went back to sleep. Woke up this morning, the initial waves of nausea gone, watery mouth gone...then two hours later..the cramping is back...luckily my doctor is in my chiropractors office and I have an appt this afternoon, I might just see if she can see me.

Laying on the couch last night, with the TV full of 9/11 images and reflection..couldnt really think of much else. Thought really that's why my stomach was yucky yesterday. I can remember the day vividly, the phone call from Pierre early in the morning, running to the TV. Telling my dad a plane hit one of the towers and him thinking (as most of the country did), it was a freaky accident...then the 2nd plane hitting and all the subsequent events. Coming into work numb, I remember Lynda vividly that day..that and Lisa Harpers message telling us to go home..weird weird day. Personally I didnt lose anyone in the events, one of my friends did though and we all rallied at work though to have fundraisers for the widows...the widows of the Bravest. And now come to find out Donna had a cousin that was one of the bravest. Too scary! I'm glad my dad is retired, but think of people like John Sorensen doing search and rescue and worry worry worry.

Going going going

Another few days of going, going, going.Helped Di the last few days with the kids. Wednesday I met up with them after running my errands in the morning and took them to the new play structure at Coyote Point. The all loved running up the castle and going down the big slide…and we loved that it wore them out.  Thursday morning I was off to the scrapbook expo to take two classes, one just about using Deluxe Designs Pages by Design ideas to create other items besides scrapbook pages. We made a comp book. I think I’m going to re-work it and give it to Taylor for homework.(I cant believe ‘my baby’ started high school last week..but that’s another blog and another day!). I had about 30 minutes to peruse the shopping area, which was more than enough because I did enough damage in that time. Then we took the kids to the Fair, it was free before 3 so that was great, still cost over $100 by the time food and rides etc, but they had fun and again were tired. We brought the kids back to Deb & Gary’s and Gary brought home Village Host so we ended the day on a yummy note. Friday, Jessica had her swimming lesson, then we piled in the car while the kids ate their lunch, and we went to IKEA, so Di could look at bedding for the girls rooms as well as some toy storage ideas. I of course managed to spend money too…gotta love the scrumptious meatballs!

Di dropped me off, and I madly got some cards out for a card swap (sorry to wait until the last minute Jamie, I was having printer issues), and then went to Blue Chalk for dinner…can I just say THE WORST DINNER/DRINKS EVER? We had gone there about a month and a half ago during one of the heat waves, it wasn’t that hot, but just a nice warm night, there was a band playing, we had some great cocktails and played pool. The pool tables are upstairs with French door windows that open up and have a potted plant balcony over the street. Really it couldn’t have been a better night. So thought we’d go back for dinner, it’s a left at Albuquerque menu so it couldn’t be that bad, right? WRONG! I should have just gone with my favorite gaucho burrito..but not thought I’d be somewhat ‘healthy’ and get the tequila grilled chicken. Can I just say blech. But first it was topped off by them no longer carrying Absolut Peach..I wanted a Cosmo made with Absolut Peach. Then I tried to order a couple of other drinks off their regular menu..sorry no longer have those changing the bar around. So I ordered a drink off their new ‘special bar menu’. Disgusting! My glass of wine to follow was only marginally better! We were going to play pool but I was not liking the vibe..no band, no music (no one in the restaurant except us and a large party in the back..(should have been the first CLUE)..there were a ton of people in the bar though.), bad cocktails. So just came home and watched last Monday’s finale of Hells Kitchen…or tried to I fell asleep in the middle (thank you alcohol).

Yesterday was prtty much just running errands for the morning and early afternoon, finally got my new computer put together, although stillhaving issues connecting to the internet via the router (project when I’m done blogging), and then went to the game with Di and the girls last night. Gary was there with the boys, too, but they were in their seats. Rob brought us down to the clubhouse so we could see Steve and wish him a good game. Unfortunately the Giants lost..they had a MISERABLE second inning..and only started really playing the game in the fourth. Steve had a good game though, and hopefully they’ll win today, so at least they can ‘win’ the series!! I somehow lost my camera bag in the process. Luckily my camera as on me..or in my purse, but I think someone stole it from Sam’s seat, thinking it was in there. So I lost the bag, the cord and the adapter ring. Of course they don’t list my camera anymore to replace it..so not sure what I’m going to do.

My cousin tagged me

My cousin tagged me with this..and well it’s no secret I love those getting to know you things…Shell…you’re making me blog…tagging you!!!

Firsts 1. Who was your first prom date?TJ…it was a friend set up…he was straight laced…and well..I hear he’s a priest now.2. Who was your first roommate?Gal by the name of Aimée Bergan3. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk the first time?I think rum and something…a sleepover at Gina Beltrano’s place..I wasn’t totally drunk..but I remember someone throwing up in a trash can in the middle of the night…4. What was your first job?Sanrio Station!!5. What was your first car?77 VW Bug6. When did you go to your first funeral?I think I was like 10...Uncle Joe? I remember he liked the grandma on Who's The Boss because she had big boobs and red hair LOL7. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown?Um...17...but I only moved like, 10 miles so that doesn't count. I was 23 when I moved to WA.8. Who was your first grade teacher?Mrs. Constantino9. Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane?Gosh..probably Orange County for DisneyLand.
10. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with?probably by myself..and honestly I was probably in my twenties and it was in the middle of the day when I was supposed to do something around the house and needed to just get out.
11. Who was your first Best Friend and are you still friends with them?Neighborhood wise…either Gretchen Fuldner or Lisa Hickey. Lost touch with both of them. Gretchen moved to DC when I was in first grade..so nope haven’t seen her since and the letter writing stopped when she finished high school (she was like 6 years older). Lisa probably weren’t really ‘friends’ once she got to Jr. High (she was a year older). Laurie Zollezzi…school wise..and I sometimes see her at family functions of my godmothers but we don’t do stuff together.
12. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parents house?Officially moved…where I am now..13. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?Di or Koree14. Who's wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or a groomsmen?My Aunt Cindy’s wedding, I was in 7th grade..and Cindy asked me to be a Bridesmaid..but my mom felt I should have been a jr. bridesmaid!15. What is the first thing you do in the morning?Slap the alarm clock for waking me up. Shower.
16. What was the first concert you ever went to?Amy Grant or Michael W Smith
17. First tattoo or piercing?Ears pierced when I was 1618. First celebrity crush?LOL ..Shaun Cassidy?
19. Age of first kiss?Um...LOL...16? I was shy, give me a break
20. First love?First Real love…my stalker..he wasn’t my stalker then..he was a boyfriend..
21. Are you still in love with your first love?uh no..i don’t have any sick conceptual want to be in love with the stalker

Nice weather...nice Night.

Could last night have been more perfect? The weather was absolutely gorgeous..may have been even too hot during the day (as i sat on my perch on the 5th floor during the day only to go to the loo..i wouldnt know)..but last night..was beautiful..and a wonderful setting to entertain. My parents had a little open house for their friends to meet 'the crown prince'. Just cocktails and hors d'ouevres & treats ..and good company. As the everyone crowded around the dining room, kitchen and back deck..it was nice to go from room to room to say hello, catch up..and of course see Tripp being passed around..again..as most of his holiday in California..he never touched ground. He got a ton of pressies (between Shell and Kim Archer..i think that's my new word) which so was not the point of the open house..but nonetheless fun to open. Who knew there could be so many different baby toys nowadays. Baby clothes I know in my sleep..but a bath symphony..who knew...I think we were happy with a rubber duck , maybe a plastic ship..and plastic cups.

What am I paying rent for?

I feel like I havent been home in weeks..I've spent the night there..but rarely have I walked in the door before 11...and usually later..and I just literally crawl into bed. Last night I think I spent one night home..maybe two..I can't remember, the whole week is a blur. I know thankfully I got laundry done one of those nights, good thing since I was gone all weekend...again. Fun stuff though all of it, so really there's nothing to complain about. I had my first facial in what's been two years. Saw a gal named Tracy at Rejouvenance. My face feels so soft...which is great since Iwas feeling like I had a sandpaper chin. Then went to a lovely baby shower for my co-worker friend Rhonda. Got to see some old production friends, and hang out with some other co-workers I wouldnt normally hang out with in a social setting.. all fun.

Yesterday I was out again bright and early (and i think the screamer was away too..so I could have slept in, in peace) wrestled with Tripp's car seat base, and went to Mass and breakfast. Afterwards we dropped off dinner at Deb & Gary's and she was able to see Tripp for the first time. Dominic was entirely too cute..loving to see trip, peering into the carseat, talking to him, asking him what his favorite Trains were. I think he's finally adapted to the fact, he's going to be a big brother. He keeps saying he's going to have a baby sister, and Deb definitely just has a little bowling ball...so maybe there's hope..although I think Dominic would be happy to share his trains by the time the baby could play with them.

Alright..I think I better get some work done...just didn't want Shell to come after me really and not post to my blog!

I am such a bad blogger. I cant tell you how many times in the last few weeks, I've thought of something that's bloggable. But there has just been NO time. Between work...work..and helping Di with the kids..it's just been crazy. I think most of them were 'kiddable' moments. So to catch up for the last month..after my trip home from St. Louis came back into the throes of close week. Met up with my stalker (read: ex creepy boyfriend, who has decided to see where i take the bus/train), thank god my boss is on vacation and I have her parking spot for a month! And have helped to become a mom of a 2 and 4 year old. Tiring..but fun. They're at such cute ages. Everything Thomas! and tantrums and the total 2's...and kisses and hugs..and 'swim partners'.

Thank goodness for the swimming pool during the heatwave. Between keeping them cool..it kept them going..and tired at night! Me too!

Last night I signed up for Maddy Moo...i swear Shell, dont expect me to do much, it's just for a discount! The purses are just tooo dang cute, I see maybe one or two purse parties in my future. That's it! I dont have time to work my business let alone another! But I'll sure be styling. I can't wait for my purses to come!

About the Scrap Tag...

So this little ‘scrapgtag’ was on a friends blog..and if you had read it, you were supposed to post..which I have…so if you’re now reading..consider yourself tagged!

Scrap Tagged

• What albums do you prefer? I’m a top loading gal for sure. For my own I put them in a binder until I can move them to a post bound. I love the All My Memories albums!


• Most favorite embelishment? Brads, blossoms, ribbon, tags & some stickers still...lol


• If you had to choose prints or solids which would it be? Solids


• Do you get SB mag subscriptions? 4of them


• If so which ones? Scrapbook answers, Paper Crafts, Simple Scrapbooks & Creating Keepsakes


• What is the average time you spend scrapping per week? probably less than 1


• Do you prefer Micheals or Joanns? Neither really..neither around here have very much, and I’m all about supporting the independent


• Do you consider yourself a scrap-a-hollic? A think & shop about scrap-a-holic


• Do you contemplate over paying a bill or buying scrapbook supplies? nope...bills come first


• Do you contain yourself in a scrabook store or are you out of hand? I keep myself out of a scrapbook store..so I don’t get out of hand.


• Do you get more pages completed solo or with friends? with friends I’m easily distracted by myself, unless I’m working in the studio..and then I’m a scrapping fiend


• Best snack while scrapping? Diet coke and chex mix and/or maybe m&m's


• Do you like to listen to music while scrapping? Absolutely


• Do you have total losers outside of your immediate family who don't know what a "scrap" or "crop" is? Yep...but they think I am the loser!


• Are your family members aware of your addiction? Yes


• Do you shop more than you crop? Yes. Definitely!!!!


• Eyelets or brads? like brads better but I use both


• Which eyelet maker do you enjoy? MM


• Quickcuts or Sizzix? QK dies in my Sizzix Side Kick


• Have you considered buying a cricut? Nope


• What type of adhesive do you use? 3L adhesive Runner, Hermie Dots, Trio, Glue Dots


• Have you ever hosted a crop? Yes


• What is the benefit of scrapbooking? Great Therapy & preserving memories for future generations


• Do you find yourself doing more projects for yourself or other people? projects: for other people


• Do you find yourself grabbing your camera before you grab your car keys? No..and I’ve been REALLY bad about forgetting my camera lately.


• What was your addiction before scrapping? sittin on my but at the computer! ...wait...that's still my addiction!!! ROFL!!!!


• How long have you been scrapping? The ‘safe’ way over 6 years..but at least 20 years.


• WHat is your favorite technique? Inking..but really want to sew on my pages.


• What size albums do you find yourself doing more? 12x12


• What is your most rewarding experience from scrapbooking? Seeing that finished LO and LIKEING It.....Haveing some one else like it....and probably the best is the memories from the photos

Spent Saturday at the Ballpark for Samantha's first All Star Tournanment. The team did very well 'winning' 3 out of their 4 games. This is the first time they really had the opportunity to hit off a non-coach pitcher. Di gave Sam a pep talk on the way down to the field (the tourney was in So. San Jose) telling her that this was 'for real' and they were actually playing competitively now as opposed to just playing as they did during the regular season. Sam seemed a little overwhelmed the first two games, by the 3rd though she was in her element and hit a nice double..with a line drive straight out to the grass. She even started to warm up to pitch, but the game ended before she had a chance to go out for the next inning. The 'babies' had a fun day at the park too, watching Sissy, playing on the jungle gyms, and playing "Can't Catch Me" with Megan F. 

A Fun blog prompt from a friend..and you know I love those getting to know you emails. Anyway..my first car was a 1977 VW Bug. i HATED it. I dont know why..and feel so ungrateful everytime i think of the hatred i have for that car. It was beige..and just seemed dull. I think part of my dislike stems from the fact that it was NOT the car I would have picked out for myself, had even talked with my mom about fun cars..and a bug never came up. But my parents got a good deal from a friend of the family and it was 'reliable' so they got it for me. Reliable my a**..really it was fine..it was..but my gosh, the brakes were $400 everytime they needed to be done...it never passed a smog, that was another 400-800 to get whatever fixed, and then of course the very end, when the starter just died...it was so fun (NOT) and embarrassing to have to park on a hill, and compression start every time i needed to go somewhere..and people wondered why i would work until it was dark, so people in my building at work would not see me doing this! Of course the good thing about the car is it did instill a love for the VW..and I moved on to a Jetta, and now my passat (it's 5 already)....i wonder what could be next...the Phaeton...maybe the Toureag? we shall see, but it will be a few years..want some time without a car payment for sure!

Weekend Organization

So this weekend was pretty good organization wise…pretty good in a ‘start’ kind of way. The closet…is in half way there shape…Boxey, McBox horder no more. All the excess boxes gone, tubs and one box full of premade craft items now sit on the shelf , the ribbon boxes, and inventory crate at the ready, just now need to organize the other half of the floor and I’m good to go.

The kitchen, I found my kitchen table, yep it was there, could probably even sit at it and eat dinner, with the exception of the beer/soda store underneath…we shall not run out of diet Coke. Besides..there’s no TV in there, we might actually have to sit at the table and have a conversation..what a concept.  It will however make the morning grab and go a lot easier! Now the rest of the kitchen…I have a master plan..I want one more IKEA wardrobe…now to just convince P. If I remove the pantry items out of the other and into the new, and fill the remaing shelves with the items on the ‘rack’, not only will I get more depth it will be behind closed doors, and no one will see and everything will be neat and tidy. This will also leave open space on two shelves in the other, for all my kits* waiting to be scrapped, and the idea books, thus leaving the top of my buffet, for what it’s for…a buffet..all decorative and cute..and perfect for home entertaining…a concept we decided we must get back into for 2006..as none was done in 2005…the convincing will be the hard part, maybe Le Déplacer will help me convince P!


Saying lots of prayers for the Norton’s today, Gary is on the decline again, and starting to suffer greatly! Hope that he finds what he needs to know that his family is loved, and loves him, so he can be happy and well again! Flav should be home today, so he will be of great comfort to them all.


**ok..my kits, before you think I’ve been buying kits en masse, and why am I doing so without using the ones I have..are but kits I’ve put together with photos, paper embellishments etc, ready to scrap at the ready…makes for such productive scrapping (9 pages just last week in a 5 hour sitting!! WITH journaling, I might add.)

Ok..back to work…3 ½ days before the weekend!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

It’s cooold outside…inside trying to stay warm, and enjoying a lazy morning. It SNOWED outside last night..of course it was while I as sleeping and the ground was DRY this moring when I woke up and the son was out..but there’s a snow watch until 4 today…and some roads are icy still. Snow…in San Francisco…in MARCH..last March the entire month was like Summer..in fact it was our summer..nd this year it’s freezing! What the heck? So anyway…I was ‘pea-ing’ this morning, and came across a ‘local’ gal, and she challenged other ‘peas’ to put this on their blog..so here I am.

1. What is your full name now?Elizabeth Terry aka Betsey
2. What color pants are you wearing?black dance pants with white stripes (um, I think adidas would have a copyright issue on these)
3. What are you listening to right now?KRON Morning news waiting for Sally Socolich
4. What was the last thing you ate?tortilla last night
5. Do you wish on stars?Sometimes…first star, definiely shooting stars
6. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?Cornflower blue
7. How is the weather right now?very cold, might rain/snow again soon8. Last person you spoke to on the phone?my Mom last night9. Do you like the person who tagged/sent this to you?very talented lady, hope to get to know her one day10. How old are you today?3611. Favorite drink?diet Coke12. Favorite sport?scrapbooking, Hey! My fingers moving should count for something,and the people (women) in this industry are more competitive and brutalthan a bunch of big rugby players.13. Hair color?auburn red, all natural baby..includingthose few wiry grays14. Siblings? 1 sister and 1 brother, I’m the oldest15. Favorite food?Italian & chocolate16. What was the last movie you watched?At the theatre it was DeRailed17. Favorite day of the year?Saturday, when I can sleep in, except today when the TV came on and I felt the need to get up to check to see if there was snow, and then just stayed up..but loafing around18. What was your favourite toy as a child?my barbie fashion plates thingy, spirograph, & just regular barbies19. Summer or winter?SUMMER. all the way!20. Hugs or kisses?Both!!!21. Chocolate or Vanilla?did you miss my favorite food…of course chocolate ;)22. Living arrangements?me and my bitchy roommate (ha ha)23. When was the last time you cried?Yesterday or the day before talking with Mom or Helen about Gary
24. What is under your bed?long storage box of clothes, old magazines, and dust bunnies25. Who is the friend you have had the longest?Deb & Di26. What did you do last night?cleaned the kitchen, and fell asleep watching tivo’d stuff27. Favorite smell?totally opposite smells – the Guittard Chocolate Factory ‘brewing’ and Gymsuds (just that fresh clean baby smell)28. Favorite TV show?I have to pick one? ..by night… Desperate Housewives, Gray’s Anatomy, NCIS, the Unit (yes there’s only been one, but looks good), Nip/Tuck or Rescue Me, Alias, Lost, ER, Las Vegas, Ghost Whisperer, Num3rs..and this season I totally got sucked into The Batchelor Paris.29. Happy In life?for the most part
30. What are you afraid of?That something horrible may happen to my family.31. Plain, buttered or salted popcorn?buttered and salted ..but that’s a rare occasion, so it’s usually Plain with yellow mustard (take piece dip in mustard) or FF Kettle Korn
32. Favorite car?I love my passat33. Favorite Flower?Tulips..and Gerber Daisies…but have a fondness for primas
34. Number of keys on your key ring?6
35. How many years at your current job?job? Almost 4 years..company I started 10 years ago this month (march),
36. Favorite day of the week?any day I don't have to wake up early37. What did you do on your last birthday?went to dinner with Deb & Di at Sapporre Italiano and then saw DeRailed (Friday day of), Saturday dinner with P, and then Sunday dinner with grandparents and my aunt at my aunts (yummy dinner)
38. How many cities have you lived in?technically 1 – Burlingame, but have housesat for long periods of time in San Francisco, Pacifica, San Mateo
39. Do you make friends easily?Yes, why? What have you heard?

RSVP, is it so hard?

What is it about those four little letters that just gets people in such a flakey way? I mean I know the whole concept of the idea is an acronym in French, but really people, it’s been around as a concept for over 100 years!! I’m having a tea for my sister this Saturday, she’s having a baby in April, and so we’re having a Tea Baby Shower. My best girlfriends (aka my ‘sisters’) and I are throwing the shower, and we’re making all the ‘fixins’ ourselves, so it’s not like it’s catered, but really we still need to figure out how much stuff to make, plus there’s the whole notion of the favors (and they’re specialized and hard to find).At this point it could be 24 people or it could be 32..and yes..I could have gotten/made favors for all 32..but the invite list was over 40..and these favors are special..and it’s January and sales tax and income tax time…not the time for throwing out money for favors for people that might or might not come to the shower. So why, oh why..don’t people RSVP?

On a fun note, tickets go on sale tomorrow for the St. Helena Fire Department Lobster feed, and they sell out in minutes, you have to practically camp out in front of the fire house to get a lotto number to try and buy a ticket..but my special source *cough*asst.firechief*cough* is going to help me out, and all this while packing for leaving bright and early for Nicaragua, geez a girl can feel so special. I’m so excited to go and see how it’s ‘really’ done, ours is fun and good..but this is ‘the big show’..the king one could say  of all lobsterfeeds. So we shall see…

could i have BLOGGED anymore today?

This is a total blog XP..but hey…if you’ve got more than one you’ve got to fill them up.
I keep hearing that old childish joke in my head today…does your face hurt? Well it’s killing me. My face hurts…not my whole face just the top left quadrant…not sure if it’s a sinus thing or what…it just hurts. And while I’m on the subject of ailments (man I sound like those Christmas letters of my parents friends that I hate..but this will turn good I promise)..my calves are sooo tight today, almost borderline cramping..and I couldn’t figure out why, with the rain I haven’t been running and most definitely not on pavement..i couldn’t figure out why, then my coworker said well you’re shoes are pretty flat, but look like they have good support…ahhh FLAT..that’s it! I bought these AWESOME shoes on overstock.com and I’ve been wearing them nonstop, they have a little kitten heel and are trendy and an amazing sole, I don’t even notice I have a heel on..except today and yesterday..when I haven’t been wearing heels. I love these shoes so much…I bought a second pair…same color! I was afraid I was going to wear these out from wearing them so much. Anything to justify buying a second pair.

OK..so my whole thing with the blog is that everyone looks at Cathy Z, Ali, Donna, Margies etc…and if they can keep a blog with their so very busy schedules I should too…but hey everyone wants to know what they’re doing…do you really care? Well I’m posting anyway…I’ll think of it as a word scrapbook my kids can look on in 80 years, if they can still view and if I ever have kids <ha ha>.
Well on one of my scrapbooking groups today they had this neat 4 question thing, and since I absolutely those ‘getting to know you things’ I filled it out..well turns out it’s been going around ‘the blogs’ for a bit now with the ‘famous’ ladies tagging each other. So here is mine..and I’ll get into the tagging spirit too…I tag Kei, Sonja, Debbie, Di, Donna and Barb M!

4 Jobs you’ve had (ok…I’ve had more than 4…but these are highlights I think)
Production Manager (kids apparel
Florist
Scrapbook Teacher
Hello Kitty (I worked at Sunshine Station (sold primarily Sanrio products) and got to (read HAD to) more than I care to remember.

4 movies you’d watch over and over
Any of the Harry Potter Films
When Harry Met Sally
Independence Day
Sweet Home Alabama

4 places you’ve lived (so boring here)
Burlingame, California
…ok but if I count loooong term housesitting I can add San Francisco, Pacifica, Hillsborough and San Mateo

4 TV shows you love to watch (do I have to pick 4?)
Alias
Las Vegas
LOST!!!!
Desperate Housewives
But really I watch FAR too much TV and have many other faves that get tivo’d each week

4 places you’ve been on vacation
Waikiki, Hawaii
Las Vegas
Yosemite
St. Louis, MO

4 websites I visit daily – I can only pick two I visit regularly on a daily basis
http://sbc.yahoo.com (pick up my mail from the web at work…and as J says the new Momentis)
http://www.google.com (pick up gmail and search  - as J says the new RMS)

but I will randomly check out someone’s blog  or whatever too.

4 of my favorite Foods
My Grandmother’s or Dianes sugo
My Mom’s Macaroni Salad
Grilled Cheese
Chicken Marsala…ok earlier I said a steak..but really chicken marsala is pretty tops.

4 places I would rather be right NOW
home in bed, it’s cold and yucky and rainy outside
on a nice warm beach
sipping wine at a café in Italy
at the studio working on scrapbook projects.

That’s MORE than enough for today!