An award? For me?

My lovely husband has fixed up my internet connection. And so, of course, I got right down to the business of checking emails and whatnot.
To my surprise, I had a comment on my last post informing me that Jen of Invites by Jen had awarded me the Honest Scrap Award! I am touched that she has given me this honor, and so I thank her for that (thank you, Jen!).
(1) I encourage you all to check out her blog: http://invitesbyjen.blogspot.com/

(2)In accepting this award, since it is the HONEST scrap award, I am to divulge 10 honest little tidbits about myself. It is my understanding that these are to be INTERESTING things, so I hope that I can find that many interesting things about me!? Here goes:

1. I grew up in a town called Bad Axe, MI
2. I rarely keep a job longer than a year, out of sheer boredom (still searching?)
3. I'm in love with Steve Buscemi and Jack Black
4. My husband's uncle wrote the lyrics to the theme to Sesame Street (does that count?)
5. I have mild social anxiety that often makes me sick to my stomach
6. I have an Associates Degree in Accounting which I have never done anything with (bored after the two years of school, I guess?)
7. I really love my in-laws
8. My husband and I had separate accounts until we bought our house and he put me in charge of his money
9. I have never wanted kids, though I did have a job as a nanny for 2 weeks
10. My husband and I try to find a zoo or aquarium to visit whenever we are away from home.
Maybe not the most interesting things, but there you go.


(3)Now, here are a few (the 'rules' say list 7, but I've thrown in my sisters blog for fun) of my favorite blogs that you may want to check out (in no particular order):

http://simoneshomebaked.blogspot.com/
http://blissfulbloomspaper.blogspot.com/
http://bluebirdcountrycrafts.blogspot.com/
http://iamalittlemonarch.blogspot.com/
http://onarollaccessories.blogspot.com/
http://sweetmargaritastudio.blogspot.com/
http://dreamywitch.blogspot.com/
http://walkingcanvasdesigns.blogspot.com/

(4)As per the rules, I will also notify these lovelies of their exposure! I will also attempt to grab the 'Honest Scrap Award' button for my page (I hope I can make that work, I'm so bad at this kind of thing!)

I am honored to accept this award! Enjoy.

out of sorts

As you all may or may not know, I have been having internet troubles since about last Saturday morning. I had gotten TWO sales on my etsy site last week and I was in my groove keeping up with reading blogs, posting and commenting on etsy forums, and even regularly writing my own blog. Then, over the weekend I could not, no matter how many troubleshooting tips I tried, hook up to my secure network. Hubby thought it was my computer ('I don't know why I let you buy a PC' he always says) but his iPod was not connecting to it either, so we deduced that it was our router causing all the trouble. So we bought a new router. And since Wednesday, I have been waiting for hubby to hook it up. And I'm still waiting. Now, I'm not getting upset (yet) since he has been working two jobs now and is out of the house 8:30am til after 5; and, he still seems to be meeting with new potential ...well, opportunities, we'll call them for now. He always busy, and trying to figure out computer stuff (that's not graphically oriented) stresses him out. So I'm letting him go at his pace so that it gets done with minimal swearing and huffing and puffing, but I am desperate to catch up! I am nervous to spend too much time online now. I'm probably overreacting, but I'd just feel better having my secure network back up and running.
So until then (which is hopefully later today!)...later.

Warning: negative post

I am so fed up with my internet. For the past few days (I'd say, since Friday evening) I have not been able to connect to my own secure wireless connection. Usually when this happens, we reset the router and magically, everything is back to normal. But this time, not so much. I am able to connect to other networks, including hubby's own network- but his computer has to be on for that. And, to really get my blood boiling, his computer will still connect to our original secure network! I have gone through all the troubleshooting FAQ's available on my computer and tried everything...but I still get a message saying the router isn't hooked up or my passwords don't match. So, we reset the router (yet again)...nothing. And I just can't find where I can check/change passwords, so I can't even deal with that. My little light that indicates my wireless thingy in my computer is on ...is on, well, obviously since I can connect to SOMETHING. UGH!!
So now I can use this unsecure network, but then when it comes time to do any bill paying or other such 'private' things, I have to use hubby's computer, which is difficult since he is on his computer A LOT.
I know there are worse things that could happen, and there are worse things happening outside my own little world, but this really burns my biscuit and I am not enjoying technology.
So, I will probably not be doing much posting until this is figured out...that means more catching up when that time comes!!!

What a crazy week

Maybe not a crazy week by normal standards, but for a boring old lady like me, I have had quite an activity filled-week. I believe my last post touched on the beginnning and how I fell ill early in the week. I am STILL trying to get rid of all the 'stuff' in my nasal passage, but now I am wondering if I have a little bit of allergies since the pollen was so high while my immune system was compromised. Does that happen??
Despite my lethargy, full sinuses, and early morning wake up for Friday's work day, I went out with my friends Thursday night. Here, on Cape Cod, there is (apparently) something all local night-lifers must do...go to the Beachcomber on opening night. That is when you get your 'local' pass so that you can get FREE parking in there lot when you want to stay at the beach (beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore) and discounted event tickets. We weren't sure we'd ever use this pass, but our friends spend a lot of summer Sundays sitting at the beach, having cocktails, and dancing to the local bands (and they have other bands, too...the lemonheads and Amy from the Indigo Girls, to name two I remember). So maybe we will actually have some fun with some friends this year, and after 15 years of living here, experience cape cod. I had a good time and was glad I didn't bail as i usually do.
The whole time I was looking forward to a nice 3-day weekend. Then I got sucked into working Saturday, anyway. Oh well, I'm home now and have the next couple days to plant up all the lovelies we gathered at the garden center earlier in the week. Maybe make some paper...I've been itchin' to do that for WEEKS!
And, on a super cool positive note...I sold my first shirt AND my first bag from my etsy shop this week! yippee!
Well, I'm off to enjoy my weekend.

sad and falling behind

I am in the middle of my most socially booked week ever. I am not a social person by any means, so even two nights would be full for me. But Saturday we celebrated our 5 year anniversary of closing on our current house, and had some friends over. The next night we were scheduled to go to a friend's house to hear a radio broadcast of his ex-wife's local music show. Monday night we were planning on having dinner out with a regular group who likes to meet up at the local Thai restaurant. We did not go out for dinner last night as I was feeling sick. Today, after work, I went to see my sister, and then poker is at a nearby friend's house, but I am still not feeling up to more socializing. Thursday we are going out with all of our friends to the opening night (and the real start of summer on Cape Cod for all of the late-nighters) at the Beachcomber. We have been ridiculed mercilessly about having never been there in the 15 years we have lived on the Cape. So, to this, we must go. Even if I DO have to get up at 4:30 the next morning. Tomorrow, a day off, will be spent planting the plants I finally got in the mail yesterday; picking up some medical supplies for my dad who is finally getting out of the nursing home where he has been recovering from foot surgery; and, possibly visiting a friend I never see because she lives off my beaten path.
Because of all this socializing, I believe I have worn myself out, and I am not sure if I have a cold or if I am finally acquiring allergies (as they say you do if you live out here long enough). It is why I decided not to go out for dinner last night, and why I didn't go to poker tonight (even though I actually wanted to for once). I will have to push through it tomorrow, though, because now I have things I HAVE to do.
The sad part is that I am WAY behind in my blog reading and have a lot of reading to catch up on...I guess I had better get to it!

I'm gonna do it!

So I was catching up on my blog reading when I got home from work today (a quick few minutes to unwind) and I was alerted to a fun challenge when I read Audrey's blog. It was a post about this challenge from another etsy seller/blogger. You can see her shop here or read her blog here. Now, I have no idea what I am getting myself into with this, but I am sure it will be both fun and inspiring. I think it's going to be a GREAT way to get some creative juices flowing.

We all get to that point, right, where you are so into what you are ALWAYS doing that you don't realize your full creative potential.

So who else is up for this challenge? Check it out, see if it's for you...I've already ordered my 'kit'!

I'm so excited!

Maybe I'm weird? Maybe I have to take control of my coffee addiction? Whatever my problem, I am terribly excited about today's walk to the beach. Hubby and I, since moving to our current home (5 years ago, tomorrow...we're finally having a house-warming party this Saturday!) we have driven down to our little main street cafe to grab a cup of coffee and hoof it to the beach just a couple miles from town. When we first 'discovered' this Italian bakery/coffee shop, I realized that it was owned by a friend and past co-worker of mine!! About a year after moving to our house, she ended up hiring me, as she was expanding her business to include lunches and such. My first week there, her baker quit (moved on...no hard feelings or anything). This baker was just about one of the nicest girls I have ever met. Always smiling, always happy, always had a 'hello' for everyone (even us, before she knew us!)
Fast forward through the next few years: my friend opened a second shop and decided to close down the original, tiny basement location for the winter/spring. In the meantime, she decided to sell the original. Enter cute little baker girl!
Finally, after months of negotiations and whatever else went on...that sweet girl who left when I started is about to re-open our fav coffee spot. She is calling it 'the underground cafe'...playing off London's underground and the fact that it is in the basement of the building.
We stopped by to see her the other day and she gave me a HUGE hug! She's just so darn cute!
She's having a 'soft opening' today and opening for real tomorrow.
SO...if you are ever on Cape Cod, and find yourself travelling down Route 6A in Dennis, you should definitely stop by and grab a cup of coffee or some fresh baked bread or cookies.
(You can visit the original website here.)

Peek-A-Boo

Not much time for a wording blog today (is that a sigh of relief I hear?)
Instead, some shots on what I was working on yesterday. I did all the photo touch-ups last night and am hoping to get stuff listed in my shop in the next couple days (fingers crossed).

First, here's a shot of what happened to my studio this winter when it was too cold to do anything in there...

So last week, I had to clean it up before I could do ANYTHING in there.

(here's a 'pretty much ready' shot)

I finished this card I really LOVE. I used my handmade paper to make the petals and did an easy embroidery stitch for the stem/leaves.

I made a bunch of a more basic version of this 'balloon fish' card for my 'SAMPLER' samples.

And there was some other stuff happening, but I wouldn't want to spoil the big 'upload' in my shop! ;)

I'm working today

And I don't mean 'at work'. I am buckling down today and getting into that studio and making some stuff! Yesterday (and again this morning, as I was unable to sleep and awake at 3a.m....faced facts and was out of bed at 5 a.m.) I have been sharing my blog link with all kinds of etsy people. I just have to say a big 'THANK YOU' to all of you new followers and bloggers! Now that I have more than a couple people checking in, I will be more inspired to blog. And if I don't get some work done, then what will I have to blog about?
So, this post is just a short one to thank you all for the inspiration and motivation that I seemed to be lacking as of late.

I'm a girl on a mission

After finally deciding that my job should not keep me from living my life in a way that makes me happy, Hubby and I took an extended weekend to visit his parents in Akron, Ohio. And it was lovely to get away; and, his parents are such great, loving people that I could not have asked for a nicer quick 'vacation'. I had actually taken time off in order to give myself a couple extra days off once we returned to the Cape. And, I told myself that when I went back to work I would not let things get to me in the way that I always let them. By that, I simply mean, my stress level is unnaturally and unnecessarily high for a coffee shop management job, and I needed to take care of that. But then, I was back to my old self almost immediately, letting every little thing cause my heart to beat faster and my blood to boil. I won't go into boring details, I will simply say that I think maybe my expectations are too high at times. I only had two days of work this week before my weekend off, yet my boss still managed to rub me the wrong way. And it is because I am ready to leave this job, but just don't know where to go.
HOWEVER, I am ready! Ready to leave. Ready to do what needs to be done to get out of there. And ready to live my life in a way that brings JOY into my days. What good is having a super loving husband, snuggly kitty cat, and playful pug if I am miserable all the time?
The first wave of my plan is my new schedule. Not my work schedule, but my DAILY LIFE schedule. I have a day to clean, which with such a small house takes only a couple hours. I have a day to take care of the laundry, trash, and recyclables. And I am using as much time as I want to on creating things. Of course, this is my first week of my new plan, but I have had a very productive day.
A normal Saturday...too tired and angry about my past week at work, I sit and watch tv and am drinking by 3. (Wow! that sounds really bad now that I have admitted it 'out loud'!)
New Saturday...up running morning errands out of the house by 9am; an hour on the bike and kitchen cleaned by noon; weekly menu and shopping list AND shopping done by 3; groceries put away, dishwasher emptied, chocolate chip cookie dough made and ready to bake and me ready to check out what's the haps online by 5:00pm. Now it's about 6 and I'm just about ready to get going on my twice backed potatoes and stuffed pork chops for dinner. I feel great!
The best part is that this all frees up tomorrow for a solid couple of hours in the studio...making paper, cards, or whatever my little heart desires!

Back to Life: Part Two...the Pictures

So here are some shots I got while away from the house, the job, and all the people I see every day. Enjoy!

Some clouds flying into Akron-Canton Airport, but so pretty to be INSIDE them.

Some even looked like waves!

Here are a few of the cuties from the Akron Zoo:

And, of course, my dream job of cleaning a giant terrarium while inside it!!

Back to life: Part one

Our trip to Akron came and went. It was lovely to see the in-laws and it is always nice to be so welcomed. It was a crazy idea of vacation, but we got to sleep in, sight-see, and eat out. It is funny to see hubby re-live his youth. We HAD to go to Mary Coyle's Old-Fashioned ice cream shop. I think the sign out front was the original from the 1950's and inside, hubby says, looks just as it always did (also with it's original 1950's red tables with the chrome frames). Down the street from there was an equally as unique movie theater, The Highland Theater. Unique in that it has not changed in decades. One screen, with no partition between it and the 'snack bar'. There were tables with benches and high-top tables with stools where you could grab a bite and beer and eat at a table while watching the movie. I could see myself becoming much more of a movie go-er, living near a place like that. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of either of these cool places; but, through the miracle of the internet, I added the links.
We also spent some time at the zoo before heading into Cleveland for lunch. If you are ever in Akron, wondering what to do to kill and hour or so, this zoo has just enough stuff without needing an entire day to look at it all. I did get some cute pictures, but I'm planning on stuffing my next post with shots from the trip.
Lunch was probably the high point of the trip. I can't think of anything this boy talks about more than the corned beef sandwiches at Corky and Lenny's. It is apparently where EVERYBODY goes, because I have never been there when it's not packed, there is always a wait and they will not seat any party until you're ALL there, and we have run into friends of the in-laws while eating. The food IS really good and the sandwiches probably have about a half pound of meat on them.
The rest of the trip was mostly, as I said, sleeping in. There was a lot of walking around the neighborhood, meeting neighbors, checking house prices (there was a 15 room brick house dubbed 'Toad Hall' on 3 acres of land for around $400,000...the same price as an 800 square foot shack on a postage stamp lot here on Cape Cod! Depressing.), and a visit with one of hubby's old friends.
All in all, it was a good trip. Nice to get away and the plane ride was only an hour and a half or so.
But now, we're back to reality. Hubby had work yesterday and I am back at it tomorrow. I really enjoyed being away from my job and did some serious thinking about how much longer I can really make myself stay there (but that is not for this post). I have been cleaning up my studio, and was planning on finishing that today; but, there seems to be a lot more stuff to do today. I got a good start on it yesterday, though, so it shouldn't take long to finish.
My next post will be full of fun pictures from clouds through the plane window, to lemurs at the zoo!