what's new for us!

Wow, I can hardly believe I've neglected my blog for almost 2 months. I swear life has gotten in the way more than I'd realized. Work has been so busy I can barely find time to breath. And home, well, home has been busy with something new. New wheels to be exact.

We decided to buy a 49cc scooter for me to drive back and forth to work. So we found one, bought it, I loved it, Stephen loved it (but he has to drive too far to work to ride one) but decided he wanted a motorcycle. So, we began the search for a small motorcycle for him. We found a steal on a 2005 Yamaha Virago so we bought that the first part of July. It didn't take Stephen long to master it, and decide he wanted a bigger bike. So, he graduated to a 2008 Suzuki C50. Soooo, I got his Virago! I've been riding it to work for about a week now. We both love riding so much, I never dreamed how much fun it would be. Stephen's already anticipating getting a bigger, bigger bike in a couple of years and giving me his Suzuki. I told him I love how nimble the Virago is, I may not want his Suzuki. Here's a few pics:

This is the first day learning - in our back yard. I never got it out of first gear. That day I was just practicing starts and stops, and super low speed turns.



This is from a few days later, in the football stadium parking lot. I nearly laid it down that day. One good thing I learned, I CAN pick it up by the handle bars! And be careful taking off from a stop while on an incline or a hill.

And here is Stephen's new bike. He bought a tinted faceplate for his helmet while we were at the shop. Plus a nice, plated jacket. I'm still looking for a jacket, I'm having a hard time finding one that fits the way I want it to fit. It may be a long search.

So that's what we've been up to - learning to ride motorcycles. I never thought I'd ride as a passenger, never mind learn to drive one on my own, but here we are. We're loving every minute of it. And the lower gas bills aren't upsetting us any either!

Later!

movie review: PS I Love You

Stephen went diving this past weekend and I rented PS I Love You. I didn't think I was going to be able to finish the movie. It was almost unwatchable. The story was okay, I've just decided I don't like Hillary Swank. I'm thinking of getting Fool's Gold for this weekend - Stephen has to work Saturday - but I'm not sure. I'm not much of a chick flick gal, but I've heard decent things about it.

Stephen got me a scooter this weekend. I've been riding it to work this week. I think I'm finally starting to get comfortable with it. I need to take some pictures. I'll try to do that tonight.

Busy at work. Same as usual. Tired, wish it was Friday.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Dad. I miss you so much.

project and life

Have I mentioned how much I love the versatility of Chris's files? Here's a card I made using part of her Hot Cup of Java file. I used one of the borders from her Simple Borders and Patterns file for the background. The Hot Cup of Java file can be found here:

http://www.paperthreads.com/store/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=hot+java

and the Simple Borders and Patterns file is here:

http://www.paperthreads.com/store/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=simple+borders

If you haven't checked out the borders file, I highly recommend it. The possibilities are endless.

I still owe you a preview of the file from the other day. It's still available for download, just a few downloads left. I'll try to get the preview up for you this weekend.

Life has been less than thrilling lately. My workouts haven't been all that great, and I'm gaining weight. Plus I'm hungry all the time. Seems like I can't get enough to eat no matter how much I eat. Work has been rotten, as usual. Coworkers abusing the place like crazy and getting away with it, yet I get in trouble if I pull even a quarter of the crap they're doing. The lightning/power surge from a few weeks ago apparently also fried my dvd player in my craft room. So not happy about that. Seems like it's always something these days. Plus the weather is hot. Summer is officially here, whether I want it or not. I know, whine, whine, whine. Anyway, it's Saturday at least, right?

Remember

Just have a couple of minutes here - I wanted to post a free file for you on this Memorial Holiday. I don't have a preview yet, you'll have to download it on faith. Hope some of you can use it. I hope everyone is having a nice holiday weekend. I'll try to post more later this week, along with the preview.

Here's the link:

http://www.4shared.com/file/49037994/4321cfea/remember_sl.html?dirPwdVerified=487f3715

my day was made twice today

The greeter at Wal-Mart made my day today. I'd been in a very bad funk - depressed over my lack of weight loss and how exhausted and bad I've been feeling lately. She saw me from a distance today and made a bee-line for me. She told me that I looked great and she was so proud of me for losing so much weight. How sweet! She said today was the first time she'd seen me in fitted clothes because I always wear shirts that are too big (a hold over from my big bosom'd days) and she said she just had to tell me.

Then, a company rep stopped by the office today and she bragged on me for losing weight too. I guess she hasn't seen me in fitted clothes in a while either. Talk about an ego boost. Now if I can just get the scales to start moving and my strength/endurance to pick up.

Nothing new here. I'm still kicking around a few ideas for new files. I've got an idea in mind, but I'm having trouble making it work like I want. Limitations of inkscape I guess.

Check back soon, I hope to have a file for offer and new files to show for the store soon.

new layout with Chris's files, spinning, and Administrative Professionsal's Day

First off, sorry to be mia for so long. Major pc issues at work, so I've been spending lots of extra time at work trying to fix it. I haven't been on the computer much when I get home from work because I'm sick of messing with the one at work!

So, I finally got the pictures taken of my snow layout that uses two of Chris Durnan's files. You can find Chris here:

http://visualdesignsbychris.blogspot.com/

I used her snowflake jumble and snow envy word files. It's hard to see in the picture, but I used clear sparkle embossing powder on the word snow and the individual snowflakes. Here's a close up of the title, it may be a little easier to see.

If you haven't checked out her Quarterly Membership offer, run over to her blog or paperthreads.com and check it out. She has a wonderful deal going. For $10, you're guaranteed at least 20 files in 3 months. It's a fantastic way to increase your cutting files for very little money. Membership for this quarter ends April 30th, so you'd better hurry. If you sign up, mention my name when you do so Chris can know where you heard about it.

So last week the morning trainer at the gym suggested I join her spinning class. She said "it's a lot of fun plus it will shock your body and jump start your weight loss". So against my better judgment I went Tuesday. What a colossal mistake! I knew from using the bikes in the fitness room that they were hard on my knees. By the time I got off that spinning bike I could barely walk. I just thought my legs were in shape. And boy was that trainer right, a shock to my body indeed! Needless to say, I skipped Wednesday's workout and I will NOT be spinning again.

So the bosses forgot about Administrative Professionals Day. Again. That was yesterday and not a word was said. What a joke. I swear they are so clueless. Unless somebody comes by trying to sell them something to give us for APD, they forget. Men!

I hope to get a few more files up at the cutters market in the next few days. Now that the pc's are okay at work I'm not so stressed that I want to stay away from the computer at home too.

wet Friday

TGIF everyone! Another long week is almost over. Thank goodness! Not only long, but another wet week. I'm so tired of rain and storms. Mercifully we haven't had any damage to speak of. Unfortunately now that the rain is leaving, the cold is supposed to be coming back.

We mowed the yard for the first time this week. I hate the first time mowing. It's always so out of shape and hard to mow. But at least it looked nice when we were done.

Don't forget about my sale - buy one of my files at cuttersmarket.com and get one of equal or lesser value free.

Til next time!

Monday & new files at Cuttersmarket

Monday, monday.....where does the time go? Seems like I was just at work a couple of hours ago.

I had a request for just the flower alone without the title. Here's a picture of the file, and it's now available at Cuttersmarket. And don't forget about my sale - buy one file before April 15th, email me a copy of your receipt and get a free file of equal or lesser value free.

Also, if anyone has any requests, be sure to let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Today was a hard morning at the gym. My hamstring is still hurting from Friday's workout. I couldn't run as fast as I've been running, but I did run 4 miles this morning since I got up earlier than normal. It was crowded this morning. And hot. Both of which I hate with a passion. Esp when it's crowded with posers. You know, those people who are there to be "seen" at the gym and not really get a real workout in. I've got to figure some way to get some of this weight off. I'm up 5 lbs since I started weight training two weeks ago - not hardly enough time to claim it's muscle weight since I'm only lifting 2 days a week.

Well, I'm sure I'm boring the few readers I have to tears. Sooo....

Til next time!

Friday!! a preview of a file, and a sale

It's Friday! Yeah!! what a long, miserable week it's been. But it's finally, finally Friday!

So here's a picture of a file I've been working on. It should be up at cuttersmarket soon. Just a simple set of scrolls. I thought they'd be good for heritage layouts or anything just needing a little "ump" added to it.

How about a sale? From now til April 15th, buy any of my files at the cuttersmarket and get one file of equal or lesser value free. Just email me a copy of your receipt for the file you purchased and which file you'd like as your free one. Easy as pie.

Someone has asked for the flower in the spring file to be separated from the title. I will do that and post it to the cuttersmarket. Look for that file next week. Someone else asked me what font I used - I believe it's Fling.

Nothing major going on here. Just work, work, work. I did make it to the gym 5 days this week. Fat lot of good it's doing me - I've gained two pounds this week. :( This morning I messed up my hamstring and it's killing me now. Plus my foot is hurting. I thought my foot was doing better since it's not been sore all week. Wishful thinking I guess. I don't think it's ever going to stop raining. It seems like it's been nonstop for ever. Our yard is nothing but mush. Sorry I don't have any exciting news.

Later!

Pay It Forward winner!

Alicia P. was the first to post for the Pay It Forward challenge. Thanks for playing! I really love the idea of this, and may try to do it once in a while, so be sure to keep an eye out for it. Alicia's blog can be found here:

akporter.blogspot.com

so be sure to check her blog out later for her Pay It Forward. Alicia, check your email.

I have finally gotten a cut of the file that's up on my blog. Here's a picture of it. The download will be up for a few more days and then I'll submit it to cuttersmarket.com.

I've been fighting a migraine all day. I think I'm going to give up and go lay down. Figures, seems like lately I'm always sick on the weekends.

Til next time!

Pay It Forward

I was thrilled to see that I was the first to post to Chris's blog for her Pay It Forward challenge. You can check it out here:

http://visualdesignsbychris.blogspot.com/2008/03/weekend-and-pay-it-forward.html

So, now it's my turn to Pay It Forward.

I think this is such a cool idea. What a nice way to brighten someone's day! The first person to post to my blog that they will Pay It Forward on their blog will get their choice of two of my GSD files from cuttersmarket.com. Since I only have 17 files there to chose from, I'll include a mystery file I'm working on now. The only stipulation is, of course, that you have to pay it forward on your own blog. Be sure to post your blog addy in your post. I will post the winner and ask you to email me with your choice of files. Then, as soon as you post the Pay It Forward on your blog, I'll send you the files. Easy-Peasy.

Stephen put the shock collar on Annabelle last night. It killed me. I bawled like a baby when it shocked her. It is effective tho - she only barked three times before she realized what was going on. So we left it on her and let her sleep out in the fenced yard since it was 60 degrees over night. I don't think she barked once. And I got 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Heaven help me if she barks again with it on, I don't think I can take it.

At least tomorrow is Friday. What a long week it's been. I get my hair cut Saturday. It's long over due. I'm tempted to go super short this time, but I'll probably chicken out.

Til tomorrow! And don't forget to post if you want to Pay It Forward!

file link corrected and shock collars

First, I think the link to the free file is working now. I'm sorry I didn't check it closer last night. I was so wrapped up in the silly dog that I didn't do a very good job with my post. If you have any problems, please let me know. Also, if you use the file on a card or layout, I'd love to see it.

After another sleepless night, Stephen and I have decided we're going to have to do something about the dog. I lost count with how many times she woke me up last night somewhere around the fifth time I let her out. She wants to play. She didn't need to use the potty but once out of all those times. So, after much discussion, we decided to try a shock collar. I've always been totally against them, but I HAVE to get some sleep. I don't know what else we can do. While it's warm, we could leave her outside, but she barks when she's outside at night at the least little thing. And after her jail break stunts last night, I'm not sure I would trust her to still be there in the morning. So I guess we'll see how a collar goes. Wish us luck.

Still fighting this nasty cold. My head is clearer, but I'm fighting a migraine and I have pain in my back near my left lung. I'm guessing the cold is trying to settle in there. Seems any time I get sick, my left ear and or lung is affected and just won't clear out. At least I did get to the gym this morning. I'm finally to the point that I can run 3 miles, non-stop in just under 38 minutes. According to the trainer at the gym, I should be doing it in 30 mins. I have no idea how I'm going to shave 8 mins off 3 miles. Stephen suggested adding an incline to my run, but I'm terrified I'll trash my foot again. I can walk for a limited time on an incline without pain, but I'm afraid running will be too much stress on it. Any suggestions on how to increase my pace by 20%?

update -file

So here's the file. Sorry for the delay getting it to you. I hope you can find some use for it.

EXPIRED


Do not reduce it too much or it will tear. I'm sorry I don't have a preview, I've tried twice now and keep getting interrupted by the dog who has turned in to a houdini hound - she's gotten out twice just since supper.

Tuesday - still sick

I woke up this morning feel worse. I tried but just couldn't drag myself to the gym. So today has been a complete bust. Fighting a headache, sinuses are killing me, chest hurts - I wish I could just go home and go to bed. And I'm starving. I could eat a large DQ blizzard right now and still be hungry for supper. Unfortunately supper doesn't cook itself, and I know Stephen will be too tired from going to the gym after work to cook. I just hope Belle doesn't get up more than once tonight to be let out.

I have a free file ready to cut and then post for you guys. I'll do my best to cut it tonight and add to today's post. I hope some of you will be able to use it.

I can't wait for spring to get here. This warm one day freezing the next BS is getting on my last good nerve.

two sickies: the dog and me

I am so glad I was able to get Annabelle in to see her regular vet Friday. I'm convinced the other lady doesn't have a frakin' clue (yes, we watch Battlestar at our house) what's going on. Jeanine said her kidneys are fine, great for a dog her age, and she has no idea why she's still getting up two to four times a night. But the bad news is, her liver is getting bad. She wants her to take two months of meds and we'll check the liver again to see if the function is improving. 60 pills, $78. Ouch.

And I was sick all day yesterday. Got up, felt fine, when to the grocery, came home, started lunch, ate lunch, then oh no. What a nightmare. I haven't been that sick in a long, long time. I couldn't hold on to anything. I was so weak I could barely get up and down the stairs yesterday. I'm thinking it was a 24 hr bug. At least I'm hoping that's all it is.

So, consequently, I don't have that a file for you. I'm sorry, I'll try my best to get on something tonight, so please check back tomorrow. I'm always open to suggestions, so feel free to let me know what you think or need.

pup still sick

Annabelle is still sick. The vet found a small amount of blood in her urine this morning and traces of "something" else that leads her to believe it's kidney failure. So I have to take her back to the vet tomorrow for a blood draw to see where we go from here. It's not looking good. She is doing a little better at night at least. I just feel so bad for her. Stephen and I have talked and at least we're on the same page. We won't let her suffer. Unlike my mother, who let my childhood dog go blind, deaf, immobile and incontinent and still wouldn't put her to sleep. That dog died the most horrible death, finally seizing to death. There will be none of that for Belle at least.

I had hoped to have a free file up today to celebrate spring. But I didn't get it test cut. I'll try to post it tomorrow, so please check back. I'm trying to decide how best to promote my files. I'm thinking of a mini sale - maybe email me a copy of your receipt from Cuttersmarket and I'll send you a free file. Not sure yet. Suggestions are welcome.

Til Friday!

Any one want a dog and a card to share

First the card. I made this thank you card with the curly frame file from Chris Durnan. I love how versatile these frames are. Thanks so much for another wonderful file, Chris! Oh, and don't forget, you can see all of Chris's files at www.paperthreads.com.

I'm really starting to get worried about our dog. She's soon going to be 14, and she's been having accidents. Last week it had gotten so bad, I took her to the vet. They're not sure if she's just old or if it's an infection or worse. But they gave us antibiotics to put her on. Last night she was horribly sick, twice. I felt so bad for her. And for me too, because I got sick cleaning it up. I talked to the vet's office and they said give it another try tonight, but if she gets sick again they'll change her antibiotic. I swear it's worse than having a child. She whines all the time, barks to wake me up to take her out, and then barks to be let out so we can play at 4am. Any one want a dog?

Monday and a layout and a cake

Well, it's Monday, again. We survived the winter storm with only about 4" of snow. We were very lucky. The roads were almost entirely clear by 3pm Saturday. It could have been a lot worse. I hope that's the last of winter around here.

Here's a layout I did this weekend using Chris Durnan's file Seashells, borders and corners for the Wishblade/Craftrobo. I used glitter chalks for the shells, unfortunately it doesn't show up very well in the photo. This is the place that we had the awesome fish and seafood. I would have loved to have eaten there again before we left, but there was just too much going on. Next time we're in Green Bay, definitely.



Here are a couple of pictures of the cake I made when the Packers made the playoffs this past seaon. I was pretty happy with how it turned out. Altho my hands were cramping from pressing out all those little stars. You'll notice the white frosting I used for the "snow" at Lambeau Field. Anyway, it tasted pretty good, even if it didn't look as good as I had hoped.

Friday

I survived another week. A long week. Hard to get back in to the groove at the gym. I thought that the week off from the gym had helped my foot. I thought too soon. It's been aching all day today. Wishful thinking on my part I guess. I was able to run my full 3 miles today tho, so that was good.

It's snowing tonight. It started about 1 this afternoon. They're saying from 3 to 6" tonight. At least we don't have to go to work in the morning.

I'm working on a layout that I hope to finish tonight. It's from our Green Bay trip. It's pictures of the wonderful restaurant in front of the Lodge called Marty's Boston Crab. I have no idea how I'm going to get all those pictures scrapped.

Happy Retirement, Favre and a layout

Imagine how sad I was this morning to get the phone call from Stephen. I knew it was coming sooner, rather than later, but I had hoped it wouldn't come this year. Stephen called this morning to tell me Favre was retiring. After 17 yrs in the NFL, 16 with the Packers, he's calling it quits. I was so hoping he would come back for at least one more year, preferably two, since the team is so young and showing so much promise and talent. But I would never begrudge him his retirement. And best of all, we got to see him on opening day of his last season.

Happy retirement, Favre.

I indeed get sick. I missed work last Wednesday and should have probably stayed home at least Thursday, maybe even Friday too. But meetings at work forced me back in. My head has hurt non-stop for over a week now. All last week my left ear hurt so bad I just wanted to cry. But, fingers crossed, other than the headache, I think I'm on the mend.

I have a layout to share. It's using Chris's Workin' Out with Dumbbells file. You can find this file, and all her other awesome files, as well as her steal-of-a-deal membership option at:

http://www.paperthreads.com/store/index.php?manufacturers_id=12&main_page=index

This layout is a congrats to Stephen. He joined the gym two years ago and has since lost over 70 lbs! I am so proud of him. I think Chris's file was perfect for this layout. WTG Stephen!

Nothing else new. Work is work, busy and stressful. It's hard to work when my head has been hurting like this for so long. The weather definitely isn't cooperating. 72 on Sunday, thunderstorms and 65 on Monday, 35 and snow flurries today.

Til next time, happy crafting!

sick?

Say it isn't so! I think I'm getting sick. I woke up, felt like crap, got up, went back to bed, got back up, went to the gym, ran 3 miles, showered, came to work and have felt worse with every passing minute. My head is killing me, my nose is bleeding, and it's hard to breath, plus I'm coughing. I don't have time to be sick. Thank goodness I put a roast in the crock pot before I left this morning.

The weather is crappy today. Cold, wet, drizzle, snow flurries. Please send spring asap I'm sure it's not helping my head any.

Pretty boring today. I keep hoping Favre will announce he's coming back next season, but so far, no such luck. I'm already ready for football season again. I hate that the season is so short.

Monday

Well it's Monday, again. I swear time is just flying by, esp when it comes to time to go back to work. It was a wild day today. The internet was down for almost 3 hrs, so there was a lot of work that I couldn't get to.

I didn't get by the gym this morning and man, can I tell. I'm cranky, tired and just plain miserable. I find it nearly impossible to get up early on Monday's and get to the gym before work. I wonder how covered up it is tonight, and if I dare chance the crowd?

Yesterday was the anniversary of my dad's death. I can't believe it's been 8 years. I still miss him fiercely. I don't think that will ever get any easier, no matter what people say. So many what ifs, so many regrets. I should have went to his grave yesterday and put out fresh flowers, but I was too lazy and selfish to do it. Stephen works Saturday, maybe I can go then. I don't get by there very often, since it's an hour away. I miss you dad!!

Saturday! Saturday! Saaaturday!

Thank goodness it's the weekend! What a long week it's been. I swear they just seem to take longer and longer and the weekends keep flying by faster and faster.

Had a rough work out at the gym yesterday morning before work. It was really hot in there, and I got too hot. My hammy started cramping up, and I just couldn't do the 4 miles I had intended to do. I did get 3 in, but it cost me. My foot hurt all day. We had unexpected guests at lunch. Fridays we go out to our favorite restaurant and relax as a treat for making it thru the week. We had already ordered and started in on our appetizer when my inlaws came in and joined us. It was nice to see them, but it was also rather creepy. They said they drove by to see if we were there, since it's Friday, and when they saw our vehicle they decided to stop. It was nice visiting with them, but even Stephen said it was a little weird that they just showed up unannounced. I gave blood after work last night. Bruising already, but then that's to be expected with me. Got up this morning, cleaned up the kitchen and straightened a little in the house. I had to wait for Stephen to get up before I can run the vacuum. Looks to be another lazy weekend here. Maybe I can work on some projects later.

Happy Saturday all!

Long time no see!

So much for blogging on a regular basis, eh? Well, I'm going to do better from now on. Maybe. Hopefully. Well, at least I'm going to try.

We've been having some wild weather here, 65+ one day, 25 the next. Luckily we missed a huge winter storm last night. We had a little bit of freezing rain and that's it. Thank goodness! While we've had a relatively mild winter, I can't wait for Spring.

I'm back in to the gym routine, in spite of my foot still hurting. I'm not losing any weight, in fact I've gained 2 lbs. But I'm going to pretend it's muscle mass in my legs - I've gone from being able to run 2 miles at a time to running 3 to 4 miles at a time. My speed has increased a little, but my endurance has really gone up. I can run non-stop for 50 mins now. And while that's not terribly impressive, I'm darn happy with it considering how old I am and how over weight I am still.

I'm on a design team for a wonderful lady who makes the most fabulous cutter files for the Wishblade and CraftRobo. You can check out her website here:

http://visualdesignsbychris.blogspot.com/

I'll post a few of the things I've made with some of her great files for you to see.












Nothing really new here. Work, eat, sleep, go to the gym, work, eat, sleep....getting older and older and I have no idea where the time has gone.

a few more pics

thought I might post a few more pictures from our trip.




This is of Favre coming out of the tunnel. Can I just say one more time how much I love our camera? LOVE the zoom on that puppy. The tunnel that the players come out of is at the opposite end of the stadium from where we were sitting. I think if we're lucky enough to go back to another game sometime, we need to get the additional zoom lense to use with it.



This is a picture of the jets that flew over the stadium as the Banner was ending. I think it gave everyone chills. I've never heard anything so loud as when they flew over. Stephen and I talked about it and of all the games we've been to, none have had more impressive flyovers than this one. The jets were lower than we've ever seen before and flying faster than any other game we've been to.



As we were walking over to the stadium from the tail gate party, we saw this vehicle. It belongs to the "Packer Pope". This is a man who dresses up in Green and Gold "robes". I have a picture at home, somewhere, from our first trip to Green Bay that I'll post later. He and his wife were so cool, they posed for us to take their picture. The "Pope" was at the player autograph signing too.


This is at the tailgate party. After we'd walked back to get warmer clothes since it was drizzling and the temp was dropping. If only we'd known it was going to clear off by the end of the first quarter and be so warm and sunny that our faces would get sunburned! As it was, Stephen ended up burning up in his sweatshirt. I had a jacket on, thank goodness, so I didn't get too terribly hot. A little about the tailgate parties put on by Packer Fan Tours - they're awesome! All the food you can eat and all the drinks you care to drink. Music, including special tailgate tunes like "the Bears Still Suck" and "Our Favre". A great time, absolutely great.

And the last one for today. This is Stephen with William Henderson at the players autograph party the night before the game. Stephen has been a huge fan of Henderson's for ever, and we were thrilled to find out he was at the party even tho he was no longer a team member.

It was a sad night in our house Sunday with the Packers collapsing and getting beat by the Bears. I hope that wasn't a sign of things to come this season. Oh, and my new co-worker that just started Monday? She's a Bears fan who moved her from just outside Chicago. Oops!

reports of my demise were premature

I AM still here and among the land of the living. Just super swamped, both at work and at home. Can't seem to find time to do much of anything. I can't even find time to decide on the first batch of pictures I want to scrap.

But boy did we have a great time! The game was wonderful, the weather was fallish, and the great citizens of Green Bay, well, they were great as usual. You know they have to be sick of Cheeseheads and tourists and fans, but everyone was super nice to us. Here are some pictures:

This is during the game, obviously. LOVE our new camera. The zoom on it is amazing. We were 16 rows back so we were pretty close to begin with, but even at the far end of the stadium the pictures turned out great.





This is from our lunch at Curly's Pub. The absolutely best nachos I've ever had. We really wanted to try the O-Line burger, but it was 40 oz and we didn't think even on an empty stomach we could handle it and the "bucket of fries" it came with.







A nice couple a few rows behind us agreed to take this picture. I didn't even realize at the time that I was standing on a row of bleachers and that Stephen wasn't. Oops! Well, at least we're not totally mutt and jeff in this picture.







This is while we were waiting in line to get in to the tailgate party. A nice couple from Southern Mississippi snapped this pic for us. We ended up seeing them in the hotel bar on Monday night and had a really nice chat with them, while Stephen discovered the Green Monkey (I'll post the recipe tomorrow). LOVE the new jersey that Stephen bought me at the Packers Pro Shop. He bought me a black one at The Jersey Store the next day. I'll have to model it later and post a pic this weekend maybe.

Last one for today. This is us in front of the statue of Curly Lambeau in front of the stadium, right outside the Atrium and the Pro Shop. A really sweet man that lives in Green Bay offered to take our picture. Of course he said "eh, you two aren't from around here are you?" and we all had a good laugh. After taking this one, he offered to take a picture of us in front of Vince Lombardi's statue (I'll post that later too) so we of course took him up on that as well. This was from Friday afternoon, about 30 mins after we hit town. We checked in to the hotel and went straight over to the stadium and Pro Shop. It was very nice, cool, windy and sunny. I swear the whole trip my hair was in my eyes more than where it belonged. I finally gave up trying to keep it behind my ears even.

Well, that's enough for today. I'll try to post more tomorrow. I figure I have enough stories and pictures to fill up the blog from now til the end of the year.

Happy Labor Day, foot, football, and shorttime-ing

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone! I hope you have a safe, happy holiday!

We went to the football game last night. We had a nice time, even tho the Packers got beat. The starting offense only played for two series, and the starting defense only played one series. When you take in to consideration that the Titans played their starters in to the Third Quarter, it's no surprise the Pack got beat. It tried to rain a time or two, drizzling for a few minutes then stopping, but there was an incredible breeze blowing. By the time we got home (12:40am) my foot was killing me, again. It's been hurting for a couple of weeks, but the 1 1/2 mile walk one way to and from the parking lot to the stadium trashed it. Why 3 miles walked outside should be all that different from the 2 1/2 miles I run and the 1 mile I walk in the gym at least 3-4 times a week is beyond me. Thank goodness I made an appt two weeks ago to see the podiatrist this next week before we leave on vacation. I'm hoping and praying that he'll give me another shot.

Shorttime-ing. That's me for sure. I'm soooo ready for vacation. I can't wait to get away, from people, from work, from this town. I've been having a hard time staying focused, and I find myself thinking of all the things I need to pack and be sure are ready to grab the moment we can leave.

I frequent a site called sparkpeople.com. It's for weight loss, healthy living, exercise and support. I found a blurb on there that really hit home today. I'm always crushed any time someone asks me when my baby is due or if I just gave birth. I need to try to remember this instead:

Reading your own thoughts into someone else’s words
Example: Someone made a mildly critical or unsupportive remark to you, and you feel completely devastated. Reality: The more bothered you are by such remarks, the more likely it is that you are being overly critical of yourself. When you treat yourself with respect, what others say won’t matter nearly so much.

migraines and rain and football

It shouldn't come as any surprise that I spent all of last night huddled on the couch in agony with a migraine. My eyes were so messed up from the weaker contacts that I had a headache inside a half hour and a migraine inside of 45 minutes. I took everything I could think of and couldn't get rid of it. Jerk doctor.

We did wake up to a nice surprise. We got a little bit of rain. Not much, and not nearly what we needed, but at least we got some. Maybe a quarter of an inch. Never mind we're over 10 inches below normal and in a severe drought. The rain also brought some cooler temps, which is a welcome relief to the 4+ straight WEEKS of 100+ degree temps.

Tomorrow night we're going to the Packers vs Titans pre-season game. We weren't expecting to go, and it was a wonderful surprise when the owner of our favorite restaurant called us to ask if we needed tickets. Gotta love that! I hope no one gets hurt tomorrow night. The Packers already have several dinged up players, so I'm hoping that nothing else goes wrong. Go Pack!!

I hate doctors!

Can I just scream now? For about a month now, I've noticed I have trouble reading street signs and seeing distances. It's been about 18 months since I've last been in for a new script, so I figured my eyes were getting worse and I needed stronger contacts. Imagine my total disbelief when the eye dr tells me my script is too STRONG and reduced my script by .50 in each eye! I said, so even tho I can't see distant NOW you think I need weaker lenses? Yup, that's what he said. So then I have to write him a check for $75 and feel like I've been robbed. I told him I never would have come in to see him if my eyes weren't WORSE and I needed to see better. Oh, and his answer to me not being able to see my computer monitor was "just take your contacts out". Hello? He expects me to take my contacts out a dozen or more times a day? Or else wear glasses, which I hate. I could have snapped his scrawny butt in half right then and there. I should have refused to pay for that BS. Oh I'm so mad!!

So I've had these "better" contacts in for an hour and of course I have a horrible migraine now. Can I just say I hate men?!

Thursday and new files

I have some new files uploaded, including a football word art that will be perfect for those football kickoffs that should be starting this week around the country. Check them out here:

http://www.cuttersmarket.com/gallery.asp?mnum=020

Here's a pic of the football file:


It's hot. Hotter than hot. This is week 3 of solid 100+ degree days. Not factoring in the heat index. It's been miserable. Our air conditioner started acting up, so we had to call someone to service it. Not looking forward to that bill. I've been in a real rotten mood lately, to the point that I want to tell everyone to shove off and leave me alone. When did the world become so intolerant of different opinions? If you don't agree 100% with what everyone says, you're a horrible, stupid person. And I'm sick of two faced "friends". I thought I had a really good friend at work. Boy was I wrong. Doesn't take much to make you realize you can only truly count on one person in life.

Vacation starts in 336 hours and counting. I cannot wait. We're going to the Packers home opener in Green Bay and I CAN NOT wait! (Hence the new football file posted, and the new ones that should be up in a few days). ;) Go Pack Go!

One good thing, after three weeks of being stuck at 169, I'm finally down to 165. I swear this is killing me!

Monday and new cutter file

Another weekend has flown by. I'm just stunned that as I get older, the months and weeks are just flying by. I've created a new cutter file and it's posted at cuttersmarket.com. Here's a picture and a link:

http://cuttersmarket.com/gallery.asp?mnum=020&cat1=Sports

I hope to add a few more scuba related files in the coming days. Stephen is now officially certified to scuba dive without an instructor. He's very excited. He, his boss and a coworker all passed.

I'm struggling with the diet/weight loss thing. For two weeks now I've had a horrible pain in my side when I run. It usually eases up after about 15 mins, but it's a killer until it does ease up. I've thought it was just a stitch in my side from lack of oxygen, but this weekend it bothered me all day Saturday. Last night we played some Wii sports. I was fine with the bowling, but when I tried the tennis, uh oh. Major pain in my side. It doesn't help either that the stupid scale has stalled again, in spite of watching my food and exercising like a mad woman. *sigh* No way I'll be able to lose 15 lbs before the fall at this rate.

Yesterday was very hard, another father's day without my dad. I don't know that it will ever get any easier. Seems like I should be able to just hop in the car and go see him. I do miss him so.

Almost two months??

Has it really been almost two months since I last posted an entry? Man, life has a way of getting busy. I'm pleased to report that, knock on wood, I think my foot may finally be healing. I had to go back to the podiatrist a couple of weeks ago because my foot was flaring up. But another shot and threeweeks later and, knock on wood, I'm much better.

And I'm slowly making progress in the Get-Healthy department. I'm down 14 lbs since March 29th - when I was finally able to get back to the gym with some frequency. Here are some "from a year ago" comparisons:

June 7, 2006 June 5, 2007 Difference:
Weight: 194 - 176 - 18 lbs
Waist: 43" - 41" - 2"
Hips: 52" - 48" - 4"
Neck: 14.5" - 13.75" - .75"
Thigh: 21.75" - 21.5" - .25"
Calf: 16.75" - 16.25" - .5"
Chest: 43" - 42.5" - .5"
pant size: 24W - 16W - 4 sizes
speed: 3.5 mph - 4.5 mph - 1 mph

Now I know this isn't that impressive, but I've only been hitting this really hard since March 29th.
And while it's ONLY 18 lbs and 8 inches, it's better than I was a year ago. This weekend I picked up a pair of size 16W pants off the clearance rack and they fit! Here's a picture from roughly that time period.

I'll try to get a new picture and post tonight.

And I also owe you guys a free GSD file. I'll work on that tonight as well, and try to get it posted in the next day or so.

cold and a new gsd file

Apparently we're now paying for our mild winter. It's been cold here, freezing for April. We've had a frost warning over night for 5 days now, temps have been below 32 at night. I had to bring my tomato plants in - thank goodness Stephen didn't want to till up a garden spot this year so I had put them in pots!

Exercise is frustrating. I've been busting my rear for a month now and only lost 2 lbs, which keep trying to come back. I've hurt my thigh ( I think it's a partial tear), and my foot still flares up most days. I'm never going to lose weight in time for our vacation at this rate. :(

I submitted a new file for the Cutters Market. Here's a picture of it. It should be up in the next day or two. You should be able to find it here:

www.sussann.cuttersmarket.com

I hope to do a few more "coffee" inspired files in the next week or two.

Vacation time is here. I'm off work next week and I'm soooo looking forward to it. I'm burned out, stressed out and need some me time. I just hope it warms up so I can work in the yard some.

gsd files, walking and spring

I've been working on some new files. I'm going to try posting them on www.cuttersmarket.com. Here's a direct link to my store. sussann.cuttersmarket.com It may take a couple of days for the files to be posted, so please check back from time to time. Any files you'd like to see made, especially titles, drop me a comment and I'll see what I can do.

I've been working out again. Fingers crossed, I *think* my foot is good to go. I went to the gym a couple of days a week for a couple of weeks and didn't end up in agony. So last week I went for it. I went 4 days, did 60 mins, 45 mins, 40 mins and 40 mins. I even jogged a little each day. I'm so hoping this is the answer for my foot. Altho I have to say, dieting and exercising makes for a horrible depression!

I guess it's really spring - or maybe that should say summer. We've had 4 days in a row of 80+ temps. We went from needing the heat to needing the air conditioner. It won't be long before we need to get the lawn mower out and tackle the yard. The first time mowing always seems to be the hardest because everything is in such horrible, shabby shape. I have some tulips that have bloomed, and a few daffodils. I'll take some pics and see if I end up with anything blog-worthy.

two new cutter files

I have a couple of new cutter files to share. The first one is an arrow - U shaped. I know we can't cut chip board, but I still thought it might be nice to have. Maybe cut two of it, and layer them with pop dots in between?

The second file is a belated Valentine file. It's a heart with the words Be Mine welded to it. It has a mat also.

I'll try to add pictures later tonight. I haven't scanned in my cut files yet, so I can't post them just now.

Here are the links:

http://www.4shared.com/file/11575404/ee70580b/arrowU.html - EXPIRED

and

http://www.4shared.com/file/11575403/7014cda8/Be_Mine.html - EXPIRED

I went out with the girls last night while Stephen was at scuba class. We had dinner and went to see The Astronaut Farmer. It was okay, but would have been a better rental in my opinion. It was nice to get out and do something with the girls.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I'm so glad it's Friday. VERY long week and I'm dog-tired. Too bad the temps are supposed to plummet over night. It would have been nice to work out in the yard tomorrow.

A quick layout and some thoughts and a GSD file

Here's a quick layout I did for a challenge for a group I'm in. It uses Club Scrap paper. Just a quick, down and dirty layout, but at least I scrapped a little.

Nothing new here. Stephen was in a little better mood last night. Thank goodness. Wednesday he came home from work to discover I had bought him a box of Samoa Girl Scout cookies (I won't eat these because I hate coconut) and he lost it on me. Yelled and screamed, told me I was trying to sabotage his diet and how dare I not be support of him. He really was an a** about the whole thing. I took them to work yesterday and gave them away. Ungrateful snot.

Still not feeling too good. My sinus infection is some better, but the infection part doesn't seem to be clearing up. I have two days of antibiotics left, so maybe that will finally knock it. My foot is feeling better. I hope to start trying to walk again next week. I'll have to go slow and see how it feels. I have to get back in to some sort of weight loss regime. The podiatrist told me last time I saw him to stay off the exercise bike, so that really limits what I can do.

And it's Friday. Thank goodness! Seems like such a long, miserable week. The weather is starting to warm up and we even have sun today. Sure wish I could be home on the deck, reading or scrapping.

And lastly, here's a GSD file for Wishblade and CraftRobo users.

http://www.4shared.com/file/11140634/2d361752/birthday_with_mat.html - EXPIRED

I'm sorry I don't have a picture to post. I forgot to scan the cut file last night before I watched Grey's. It's a birthday cake with the words Happy Birthday. I hope some of you can use it. Please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions on it.

Valentine's? Bah hum bug!

Or at least that's apparently Stephen's opinion of the holiday. The first of the month, I suggested that, if he got a wild hair to buy me flowers at the last minute (like he normally does) to not, that there was something cheaper from Wal-Mart that I would really rather have. He said he hadn't planned on doing anything but a card. So I said that's fine. And then he said we might go out to eat the weekend before or the weekend after, since it was a week night and things are so busy and crowded during the week on holidays. Okay, sounded fine to me. Until Wed night when I tried to give him his Valentine's day card. He had a fit. Said it wasn't time for them. Said we were doing cards this weekend when we went out to eat. Ah, uh, okay. Whatever. Makes zero sense to me and really hurt my feelings, bad.

Fast forward to this Saturday. Bear in mind I've been sick all week and didn't feel like going out to eat this weekend. He mentioned about 3pm, "oh, we need to do Valentine's cards but my card for you is downstairs and I don't want to have to go down and get it, we'll do them later". Ah, okay, again, I guess. So I'm seeing really quickly that it's too much effort for him to have to walk down the steps to get my card. Gee, that really made my hurt feelings better. So I take my card down later that evening and he never mentions it again. Sunday he mentions in passing "we didn't do cards" and "why didn't you remind me"? Well you know, big guy, if I have to remind you to give me a card, then it really doesn't mean much does it? But I didn't say it. STILL he doesn't go get my card.

This morning I am getting ready to leave for work and find a card by my keys and purse. It's not a valentine's day card. It's a generic "love you" card. He wrote inside it something lame about how he doesn't need a holiday to be told when to tell me he loves me or some other BS like that. And he doesn't even sign it love Stephen - he signs it "your husband". I'm just crushed beyond words. I KNEW he had forgotten to get me a real card, and this just proves it. I'm so hurt and upset I don't know how to express my feelings. I know it's "just a holiday" to him but he KNOWS it's not to me. How dare he cast my feelings in the mud like this? Men!!

check out my friend's digital kits!

Check out Amy's digital kits!!

Is she just not the most talented? You can find Amy's kits here:
http://www.the-lilypad.com/digitaldesigner.aspx?mid=25

I love this snowman kit. I hope we get some snow this year so I can scrap with it.

And then, check out this one! I love this one too.
Stop by and check her out!



There's nothing new going on here. My foot still hurts, I'm depressed and can't get motivated to even do the stupid bike at the gym. I'm feeling old and useless. And alone. Stephen signed up to take diving lessons so he can get certified to go scuba diving. Never mind we don't live near the ocean. Supposedly there are "lots" of places he and his friends can go diving during the year. I guess I should be grateful that he's not out getting drunk or carousing with a woman. But instead I feel alone and left out. How sad that all of my friends are miles and miles away. I'm sure this is just my winter funk. My turning another year older and no one cares pity party. But it's getting harder and harder to get through each one.

2007

I can't believe the year is gone and we're already 16 days in to the new year. It seems like just yesterday we were talking about the July 4th holiday. I never believed my parents when I was growing up, but time really does fly as you get older.

Here's my first & second layouts of 2007. The title/paper piecing is a file that I got from The Wishblading Well for the Wishblade/Craft Robo. That was my Christmas this year - a Craft Robo. I love how easy it is to cut anything. Now to learn how to make my own stuff!





I went to the dr on the 28th. I actually saw a different dr, one who was known to give shots in the foot for planters fasciata. I have to say, it was one of the most painful things I've endured, a shot right in the heel of my foot. It helped for a couple of weeks, but now the burning in my foot is back. I have an appt to see a podiatrist on the 17th. I'm hoping and praying he can find a more permanent solution, but I'm not holding my breath. It's frustrating me so much, and making me very, very depressed. The bike at the gym kills my knees and I'm not burning hardly any calories when I do it. This weight is never going to come off.