Yay for me!

I’m on cloud 9! I got a package the other day from my very awesome blog pal SleepyJane; from S. Africa. My daughter and I opened the parcel with much anticipation. I pulled out a bag of m&m’s (does she know me, or what??), a nice writing pen, 2 beautiful post cards and a bookmark which gives me a little glance into how beautiful S.A. is and will be such a reminder of my kind and generous friend. A note pad w/ matching magnets, and the most gorgeous gemstone Tigers Eye necklace and bracelet (my daughter was drooling folks, she LOVES jewelry and I had to pry them out of her hot little hands); but the icing on the cake is a handmade scrapbook photo album!!!

There is nothing I love more than a homemade gift, and this one blew me away. I’ve seen scrapbooking work before, and even tried my hand at it. I have never seen anything like this. It’s a photo album just for moi′. I must describe as it is something to behold.

On the front “The things I love” ~ quote underneath: Families are like quilts; lives pieced together, stitched with memories, and bound by love”. The neatest part; which cannot be seen in pictures is how the lettering is raised, almost wood-like.

Look at the first page. OMG, she put COZMO in there! Of course I was smiling ear to ear! I’ve never seen such detail! Ribbon, Metal, Floral, major cut outs, stamping detail, and even little squiggly metal teeny clips on some of the pages. The big words are not flat- they are raised, and it’s not paper w/ foam underneath, it’s actual cut out of wood or a super super super thick board? Unbelievable!

Colored pages that compliment the layout to perfection. I’d LOVE to see your supplies! You must have mega supplies, and how the heck did you do all those cutouts? On the pic above, notice the metal letters? Then, I love the green metallic THICK paper down a bit and how it’s buttonized.

There are many pages all hosted on very hard board bound by a spiral. With a page for my daughter (I will put my favorite photo of her), Again, top quote printed onto clear vinyl along w/ adorable green flowers. One for my boys:

She even printed on clear vinyl “Boys just want to have fun”.

A page just for me, “Anne” - c’mon, how awesome is this girl? This must have taken her FOREVER to put together, and all with me in mind… I’m dying

“Our Own Traditions” page, told ya, we are talking metal stars, stamped side squigglies, ribbon, and a place for a pic

This page just for my mother- She is my role model so I’m not sure what could be better. Notice the detail, quote along the side where the pic will go and little tabs, one says, “Mom says”. Also a page for my father; truly my angel!

I love the quote, “A father is someone who carries pictures where his money use to be” - HA! HA! After having 12 kids, I’m sure he had little cash flow in his wallet- I never heard this quote before but it’s so perfect - also, the cut outs to the right are extremely thick, rounded, buttonized and color coordinated.

So, I didn’t include every page in the book, just really wanted to give you an idea of her artistry. S.J.- Nic, so grateful for all that went into making this photo album for me and my family. I am going to cherish it forever and I soooo appreciate all of your hard work. I just don’t know if I could ever thank you enough or tell you what it means to me.

Thanks my friend!

Love, Anne

 

Will someone in the blogosphere help me?

I really need to pick lick your brain if you don’t mind.

I am in the market for a new digital camera. I am the farthest thing from a professional but find myself tempted on many occasions to pull my car over and get a picture of something that I just have to have. A still frame of natures beauty. Whether it be an egret on the lake, a pond full of lily pads, a beautiful sunset, a tree in all its glory; this is what makes my heart happy.

I’m kindly asking YOU (reader of this here post) if you have, or know of, or would recommend a digital camera? Have you had a great experience with a certain brand? What’s the best camera on the market for a reasonable price? I’m guessing I’d have to spend between $400.-$700? There are so many choices on the market it makes my head spin.

I have a Kodak Easyshare at the moment and have to say I am less than impressed.

Here’s what I’d need it for: Basically, I have 3 kids, pets, family, etc. I’m an amateur but have to admit, sometimes I am just moved by nature’s beauty and constantly feel the need to capture. Most likely a still vision, not an action shot. Once the husband bought me a super nice kodak and I returned it because I had no idea what all the fancy- schmancy settings meant. So, to make matters worse, I need a camera that is “automatic” kinda, a point and shoot if you will?

When I zoom w/ my current camera, the pic turns out grainy. Not acceptable. When I shoot from a distance, it’s not as clear and vivid as I’d like.

If you have an idea, would you please leave a comment? I’d appreciate your input!

This is the part where I beg…. please help me with all of your digital photography wisdom… Please!

* I have read each and every comment and plan on taking all into consideration.  I really appreciate you taking the time to help me.  You are wonderful ;)  The comment area is not closed, so please feel free to throw in your two cents!  Thanks!  JQ14

 

American Idol

Ok, so it’s down to the two I suspected. The two David’s. Of all the A.I. season’s, I had no problem picking the top dog *must have an ear for talent, yo!* However, this year is extremely difficult. David Archuleta has a really nice, smooth, consistent, unique tone and sings ballad’s as if he is telling a story. You can fall into his singing the minute he gets going. However, can he successfully sing other genre’s of music? I noticed that he was behind on the words Tuesday on the “my boo”, as if learning 3 new songs was just a bit much. Luckily, he didn’t forget them, but I could tell, he was singing the lyrics after the beat, off a bit. It was a close one for him. I’m not sure if a faster pace, more contemporary piece is going to work for the young lad.

David Archuleta

After much thought and consideration (and visiting iTines music store and listening to both of their top performance downloads), I much prefer Archuleta’s take on the songs that he selected; I have to vote for him. Yes, that’s right. I’m CHANGING my vote for the finale.

David Cook

Now, lemme break it down.. a little assessment on rock’r boy David Cook.  I have to admit, when he sang, “The first time ever I saw your face”- I was wondering how on earth he was ever going to pull that off?  He did so, with flying colors! What I’m trying to gauge is if he’s a pompous asshole jerk? I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.. for now. And, although I think David Cook would appeal to a greater audience ~ I had no desire of downloading any of his song versions. They just sounded like a hard rock’r at a karaoke bar for some reason tonight. David Archuleta is ONLY 15 and I was actually moved by his brilliant song selection, AND, he sang it much differently than the original artist’s; putting his heart on his sleeve and putting his voice out there to be enjoyed.

DAVID ARCHULETA IS MY PICK. I am shocking myself by the switch-er-oo here but I’m going with my gut feeling.

GOOD LUCK DAVID ARCHULETA!

 

The Office: Goodbye Toby- Season Finale

I’ve seen every season, every episode of “The Office” starring Steve Carell. Some clueless people nay-sayers will tell you the show has gone down hill. I don’t believe that, whatsoever. I still look forward to every episode and am bummed because they are only ½ hour long- I am left each week wanting more. My husband use to watch with me but says he thinks he knows it all the show has just gotten stupid. He thinks Steve Carell’s character “Michael Scott”, Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch Regional Manager is too over the top and unbelievable. Well, DUH!

So, don’t ‘cha think I was so excited when I got home from work early Friday morning to watch the season finale (a one hour special). If you are a fan, and have not seen it ~ do not read beyond this point because I just have to write the quotes that had me laughing.

First I’d like to say that Phyllis’s character really had some zingers this episode. If you don’t watch the show regularly, you wouldn’t get her subtle way- but it was a hoot. So here are a few of my favorite scenes and quotes. If you are a fan, please tell me what you think- I’d love to hear from you!

• When Jim re-programs Dwight’s cell phone to be forwarded to his own desk phone, Dwight’s mother calls and Jim says, *desk phone rings* “This is Dwight. Oh hello muh’ter. Good news, I’ve married. Tell Fah’ter”. *click*
• In the conference room while planning Toby’s go away party… Michael decides they need something BIG to celebrate the leaving of his human resources nemesis. He asks for an “anti gravity machine” because he wants a party that makes him feel like he’s floating through the air, without this ugly weight holding him down (Toby) - Angela who usually plans ALL of the office parties in a very efficient manor, gets upset and says she will not participate in the planning Angela: You always do this! We have a nice, modest party planned and then you come in and you demand the world. Let me be clear, there is simply no money for anything other than a cake and to develop a few more slides. Although Toby will not be in them.” ! Michael looks at Phyllis, “Phyllis, can you do this?” - - *sheepish look of sheer joy at the mere thought of overtaking the party planning committee that anal Angela ALWAYS runs….* says in a happy whisper voice, “Yessssss.”
• Michael and Dwight peering through the window at Toby’s replacement, hating her immediately just by looking at her and planning on “hazing her”.
• Phyllis on the phone, trying to plan the par-tay: “Hi are there any local companies that rent anti-gravity machines?” Operator: “Anti- gravity machines ???” Phyllis, “That’s right, yeah.” Op: “What do they do exactly?” Phyllis *hesitant “They make you feel lighter…?” Op: “anti-gravity…umm, anti-depressant?! ??? I can put you through to someone on that.” - - phyllis, looking defeated, “ok.”
• Michael Scott: “Toby has been cruisin’ for a bruisin’ for twelve years. And I am now his cruise director. And my name is Captain Bruisin’”
• Dwight Schrute: Have you been introduced to Kevin? Holly: Which one’s Kevin? Dwight Schrute: He’s here on a special work program. He’s slow, you know, in his brain. Holly: Oh. Good for you guys. Dwight Schrute: Yeah.
• Holly: [after being told Kevin was 'slow in the brain'] Hi! Kevin: Hi. Holly: What do you do? Kevin: I do the numbers. Holly: Oh, good for you! Kevin: You want an M&M? Holly: Oh, no that is so sweet. Thank you though. Kevin: I keep them here at my desk so that everybody doesn’t take them. Holly: Well that is a very safe place for them. Kevin: [smiling] Yeah.
• Holly: Cool! You drive your own car? Kevin: Yup. This is my car. Do you drive your own car? Holly: Yep. Just like you. Kevin: Okay bye. Holly: Bye… Kevin, I’m really proud of you.
• Phyllis: Hello Angela. Angela: Phyllis, you look like you’re going to have a heart attack. Phyllis: Can I get a list of your vendors. Angela: I shredded it. Phyllis: Why did you do that? Angela: Gosh I don’t know, why do you think? Phyllis: [knocks papers of Angela's desk] Sorry.
• Kevin: I am totally gonna bang Holly. She is cute and helpful. And she really seems into me.
• Michael Scott: Hey! What the hell! Is going on here! Who thought it would be hysterical to give Toby a rock for his going away gift? Dwight Schrute: You did. Michael Scott: No! Dwight Schrute: You made me wrap it. I thought it was over the line–
• Kevin: Cool! Bouncy house! Phyllis: Kevin take your shoes off first!
• Michael Scott: A lot of you know that I am an accomplished song writer. Pam Beesley: Song parody writer. Michael Scott: I have done things like, um, Beers In Heaven. Jim Halpert: Classic. Michael Scott: Or Total Eclipse of a Fart.
• Jan: If I was 22 and I had lots of time.. to have lots of children, then sure let’s let Michael have a shot at one of them but honestly I have to make this one count.
• Andy: I’ve been carrying that ring around in my wallet for six years. Because you never know when you’re going to meet the right girl and the moment’s gonna be right. And tonight, with the fireworks and the music and everything. It was right.
• Michael Scott: You cheated on me? When I specifically asked you not to?

All and all, I thought it was hilarious. I love that Dwight told the new HR lady, Holly that Kevin was “slow in the brain” - the best part. ever. There are too many to go into- I just put some above and hope you enjoy re-reading them as much as I have!

 

Burma Cyclone Emergency

If you were to ask me a month ago about a cyclone, the first thing that would have popped into my head would have been a truck of all things. A cyclone to me was a high performance pick up truck produced in the early 90’s. If you had asked me a month ago, what a Typhoon was, also, the GMC Typhoon SUV would have also popped. I am married to a gear head, and back in the day he was very in to racing vehicles.

How lucky am I that I have never been confronted with an actual natural disaster? Not a single cyclone/typhoon, tsunami, or volcano. Recently we had an earthquake in Illinois which only registered a 5.4 on the richter scale. Some felt a little movement, but there was no structural damage. Thank God. How blessed are we all? I guess I’m writing this because I have been hanging on every news clip about the recent cyclone that hit Burma.

Since the deadly cyclone hit Myanmar (Burma) in Asia 2 weeks ago; I keep waiting to hear that their military regime will (please!) allow relief efforts from outside. But, sadly, no, they are still only allowing a select few. They are turning away much needed supplies from different countries around the globe. The junta military regime has set up security check-points to restrict travel to the delta- to keep foreign help out and from seeing the most devastation.

This same regime is also hampering efforts from within; from their own people, survivors; shopkeepers handing out “rice gruel” and local medical students caring for the sick. Their own local staff has to negotiate to get in and also the Maha Gandaryon monastery in Mynamar has heard that their monks (that have been stockpiling supplies) are to be denied entry. WHY? If they cannot handle it by themselves and are refusing help, this is a wicked crime against humanity. Refusing help (that is lining up by the droves to help sort this out) is a death sentence for thousands more….

The death toll is now estimated at 78,000.

Here’s where they are today (according to various reports); The UN estimates there are 1.5 – 2.5 million survivors that are left desperate for food, water, shelter, and medical care. There are malnourished kids needing to find their family members. Friday there was massive rain fall due to the fact that they are now approaching the monsoon season.

Lack of clean water is going to further devastation and bring on an outbreak of infectious diseases. In order to get clean water to the people, it will take an arsenal of team work; however, they denied France’s help offering as well. France’s ambassador to the U.N., criticized the junta for refusing to allow their navy ship to deliver 1,500 tons of food, drugs and medication to the Irrawaddy delta using small boats.

It’s complete and utter chaos; if this cyclone swept away all of those people in its path, I hate to think of the remaining people surrounded by the deceased bodies of those who didn’t stand a chance, animals, decrepit buildings, and drenched, muddy lands. Mucky water, undrinkable. Homeless.

It’s come as no shock that their country is a military dictatorship. And, all we can do is sit by and be saddened at this atrocity -that they would be willing to let their own suffer the unimaginable because they are worried they will lose a grip on their country if they ask for help? Look weak to their people? Wont let help arrive to diminish their “power” over the people. Sickening. Just because it’s out of my control, doesn’t mean it’s off of my mind. This feels magnified in my mind. I feel helpless and wish this wasn’t happening to these people- my gosh. And, if we were to punish the men in charge, it wouldn’t matter now. It’s too late. I wonder if the UN has any power to prevent this from happening in the future? I’m just at a loss for words. Sorry.

 

Cozmo

Hey, just a quick note to thank everyone for the kind “Cozmo Comments” on my post about his first birthday!

We sang happy birthday to him and gave him little bits of American cheeze while doing so.  Later, he got his first (and possibly last) taste of a McDon-lds hamburger and a couple of fries.  I don’t think the day could have gone any better for him.

No, we don’t ever feed him table food.  I shouldn’t say “never”.  Actually, there was a brief period where I was sharing bits with him, and he totally stopped eating puppy food- we had a stand off about it, I won, he lost, no more table food for him.

So, I think he enjoyed it more so!

THANKS!

 

Redneck pick up lines…

Redneck pick up lines..this was waiting in my “inbox” when I got home. Was it hilarious or am I just overtired? #1 is my personal favorite….

Thanks Alyce for sending it, you know I have a penchant for them there rednecks

1) Did you fart?
cuz you blew me away.

2) Are yer parents retarded?
cuz ya sure are special.

3) My Love fer you is like diarrhea .
I can’t hold it in.

4) Do you have a library card?
cuz I’d like to sign you out.

5) Is there a mirror in yer pants?
cuz I can see myself in em.

6) If you was a tree & I was a Squirrel,
I’d store my nuts in yer hole.

7) You might not be the best lookin girl here, but beauty’s only a light switch away

8: Man - ‘Fat Penguin!’
Woman - ‘WHAT?’
Man - ‘I just wanted to say something that would break the ice.’

9) I know I’m not no Fred Flintstone,
but I bet I can make yer bed-rock.

10) I can’t find my puppy, can you help me find him?
I think he went inta this cheap motel room.

11) Yer eyes are as blue as window cleaner.

12) If yer gunna regret this in the mornin,
we kin sleep til afternoon.

AND…. the best for last!

13) Yer face reminds me of a wrench,
every time I think of it, my nuts tighten up.

 

Too Splendid

Anonymum, over at the Nook has a wonderful idea to do a “rolling post”. Here’s the list of people who are participating. These are in no particular order, merely that in which they responded:

1- The Nook of Oz- Anonymum {She started this whole thang}

3-Javaqueen
Cris
4-Evyl
Anja
2-Lightening
Bettina
Hilary
Jayne
Red
Gemisht
Annie
Edited to add: ~m is now on the list whether he wants to be or not! {thank you michael}
Plus a couple of late inclusions:
Sarah Flanigan
Cowgal

Here’s how it works. Anonymum started the first paragraph, passed it onto Lightening, she completed the second. Lighteing passed it onto moi. I’ll post mine in orange, and here she goes:
Too Splendid

The sun was orange as it set against the ocean.
As Natalie walked along the beach, she felt the sting of tears as they sprung to her eyes. How could he do this to her? What would she do now?
She had invested 12 years of her life into their marriage, thinking they were happy, only to have him say he was leaving. Her question of why had been left unanswered. There was no explanation or reasons. He had merely looked at her sadly and walked out the door without so much as a backward glance………….

The sand felt cool against her hot face as her legs buckled and she surrendered her weary body to the comfort of the course sand. She curled up into a foetal position, her mind willing her body to simply evaporate. The darkness enveloping her was barely recognisable against the darkness that enveloped her heart. A darkness that had been slowly creeping in over the past decade. Somewhere in the distance, a baby cried…. a cry that tortured her heart with memories of a dim and distant past……

Alone in the sand Natalie couldn’t stop thinking what if. What if she had been able to have a child? If she could have given him that, would she be in this situation now? At one time they had been so happy. She had foolishly thought that they could make it work by just loving each other. Natalie had told him from the start that she might not be able to have children. Back then he just looked in her eyes and said the only thing that mattered is that they had each other. Why had she believed him? Now, after twelve years of marriage she was all alone. They had tried for so many years to have a baby, but they never could. She had been through seven miscarriages and had given up hope. Now her husband had left her. She felt empty inside. If only he had known . . .

I am supposed to tag somebody, he’s famous amongst the blogger’s that I roll with- his name is Evyl . Evyl, you’re up. Now, I’m dying wondering where this story is going to go next.

Thank you Anonymum, for bringing us all together!

 

Cozmo didn’t buy me anything…

Cozmo, my 3rd son (nearly 1 year old Dachshund)- didn’t actually buy me a thing for Mother’s Day.  He doesn’t need to.  Just having him breath is all the gift I will ever need from him.  He is ALWAYS happy to see me, wags his tail so hard when I simply say his name, and is always near me.  He’s my snuggle bug and my best friend.  He’s very attached to me.  He appreciates ever single thing I do for him and never sasses back

He’s so attached, that he panic’s when I am getting ready to leave.   He hides under my comforter.  I pull it off and say, “Hey there, what ‘cha do’n?” and he looks at me as if to say:

“Don’t leave me.  Don’t put me in my cage.  Love me, don’t leave me!”

“How could you ever even dream of confining me to a cage for 1/2 hour?”

This little guy is my joy.  He turns 1 year old on May 15th.  I’d suggest to anyone looking for a pup/dog- go Doxie, you’ll never regret it!

I LOVE YOU MY COZMO!!

 

My Mother’s Day 2008

Sunday morning was spent sleeping in. I was tired and useless all day long due to working 5 nights with a double in there. When I did wake up I was greeted at the kitchen table with a dozen long stem roses in ORANGE, my favorite color (everyone knows, it makes me think of my dad; it was his favorite). They were from my 12 year old son, Zachary. Along was a BIG card covered with tissue paper to make it all the more delicate. How creative.

Lovely! This card really made me beam with pride from the inside out. This is how my son is. He will tell me he loves me before he goes anywhere (even in front of his friends, he could care less what they think). But, his words really melted me.

Mommy: You mom are like a shooting star, Always bringing me strength when I am down. Loving me like a batterie never loosing the energy inside. Always sharing and caring like the beautiful woman you are and will always be. You are like a super strong plane never crashing or coming down in my life. The only one in my life I can trust to share my thoughts and feelings with. You make my life whole and I love you. Have a wicked awesome Mother’s Day. Love Z

My daughter gave me loads of stuff. She had a gift bad full of goodies; a retractable hair brush for my purse (it gets small for my tiny purse) , a little glass dog sculpture, some eye shadow, a Snapple candle; peach my favorite Snapple flavor, a dove “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace” pin (I need that), and some lotion for my purse.

And then Zach and the husband got me a 7″ digital photo frame with clock, calendar, and MP3 playback. It holds 1,000 photos and displays them from a single photo frame placed on my buffet. It will rotate which ever photos I pick to put in there and even has a little baby remote control! This is a gift I’m actually contemplating returning. I have too many pictures uploaded at Shutterfly that I have not even printed yet. I feel overwhelmed because usually I’m on the ball with my photo’s- this gift feels like it’s come too soon and I’m not ready for it. When I unwrapped it, I actually got a shot of panic, like, “OH LORD, I’m going to have to deal with my photos”.   I believe it’s been 1.5 years since I’ve had them printed and delivered. So, in other words, I’ve already got my work cut out for me photo wise. I’m an all or nothing girl, so this digital photo frame feels like it needs to go back (?) I’m still thinking. Sadly, the cash is in my Shutterfly account, I’m not sure what’s holding me back. It’s exhausting going through all the photo’s deciding which are the best, to take out the red eye, and label them all. I’m a freak that way.

I already wrote what oldest son got me (16 yrs), a gorgeous card and Fannie May Pixies that he went and got by himself.

They ordered me Chili’s Bar and Grill to go. I got the classic nachos, and of course loads of chips and salsa with chili con queso. Then, gobs of chocolate ice cream, my favorite! And, they let me watch Animal Planet Pet Precinct. It was a perfect day, just wish I hadn’t been so bleeping tired!

I feel really lucky to have a husband and three kids that are so beautiful, inside and out