The Life and Times of Toni

25 Things About Me

2009-01-26T19:30:00.001-05:00

Originally posted on my Facebook Page.

Okay, I'm being difficult and changing the rules!! I keep seeing everyone being "tagged" in notes and then you have to do it and send it out to 25 people. What a CROCK OF CRAP! If you read this... Great. If you decide to do this... Good on Ya! You don't have to do it though. I honestly just want to see if I can think of 25 things to say about myself.

1. I hate spam email and Chain Letters!
2. I love going to the gym with my friends.
3. I love teaching Jazzercise.
4. I miss my hubby. He is my world and inspiration.
5. My 3 girls drive me crazy, but I wouldn't have them any other way.
6. I actually like to watch the Disney Channel with my kids.
7. I never want to get old. (It's a State of Mind, not a number!)
8. I'm 36 years old, and damn proud of being my age.
9. I hate being late for things. (15 minutes early is on time, and "on time" is late.)
10. I love learning about digital photography and would love to take some "official" classes.
11. I hate cold weather!!
12. I am anxiously awaiting my move to Florida!
13. I would only change one thing about my past. I would not have stopped exercising during my first pregnancy and I would have eaten better. Is that 2 things??
14. I'm a seriously BIG FLIRT!
15. I enjoy the "eye candy" at the gym. Great motivation!! (And hubby understands this because he likes his eye candy too. LOL!)
16. I love to go out dancing!
17. I could, literally, spend all night on a dance floor.
18. Give me some 80's music anytime!
19. I used to be in the Army National Guard. (I joined my Junior Year of HS, and I actually wore my uniform to school a time or two.)
20. I spend too much time sitting at my computer
21. I need a job (beside teaching Jazzercise), but I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up.
22. I love being a Navy Wife... but the women who whine about can get on my nerves sometimes. I love you, but... Put on your Big Girl Panties and get over it already!! (Okay, let me clarify something: I'm not talking about the ones that have problems and need help. I'm talking about the "Negative Nelly's" who can't find anything positive in a situation.)
23. I'm not much of a "phone person". I don't understand why. I spent most of my teen years with a phone attached to my ear. Did I get overloaded??
24. I was a drama-geek in school. I started acting in Kindergarten and loved it!
25. I am scared of roaches and death-by-volcano/lava. Maybe I was a victim of Mt Vesuvius in a past life?
26. Yes, I believe in past lives, spirits, astral projection, aliens, and lots of other things.

Well, would you look at that! I actually got 26 things, and to be honest I could probably keep going, but i don't want to bore anyone. If you made it all the way to the bottom of this list: Thanks for taking an interest. Now back to your regularly scheduled browsing!

Winter Moon

2009-01-11T08:58:00.005-05:00

The January "Winter Moon". The moon was, visually, the biggest it will appear all year. So after bundling myself up in 3 pairs of socks, long johns, jeans, 2 shirts, coat, hat, gloves, and boots, I headed out to Bailey Island to see the moon rise. Unfortunately, I was about 10 minutes too late to see the actual "rising", but it was beautiful none the less. Oh well. One of these years I'll get my "dream" moon shot: a shot of the moon, in all it's gigantic glory, rising out of the ocean. I saw this exact thing as a child one summer while I was on vacation at the beach with my grandma and cousin. I really want to capture my memory on film.

2009-01-09T22:23:00.002-05:00

Princess Ari - My little girly-girl and Princess of Pink, even when she's dressed all in blue! LOL!!

(Digi Kit from Microferk: "Princess Hearts" Kit from www.scrapbook-elements.com)

2009-01-09T19:43:00.002-05:00

My latest scrapbook LO. My uncle and cousin made these cute mice as a sweet treat for Christmas. Supplies from Microferk's "Winter Sparkle" Kit at Scrapbook-Elements.com

Day 143

2009-01-09T13:38:00.002-05:00

I's been a fairly uneventful week. No Drama. Nothing news-worthy to report. The most exciting thing that happened this week was the snow-day we had on Wednesday because of icy road conditions. It was a good day, but I didn't get to teach Jazzercise because we decided it wasn't safe to hold class. We didn't want anyone out driving around in the muck and yuck. But I'm scheduled to teach tomorrow, and I'm teaching lots of new routines for my class.

Also, I've been doing a "Project 365" on Flickr. It's a picture a day of me or something about me and my life. You can check it out at: www.flickr.com/photos/scrpnmama-exposed

Caio for now!

Day 150...

2009-01-02T10:16:00.003-05:00

The countdown continues... we are now at day #150, aka - Tiffany's 12th birthday! Life is back to normal here, sort of. I still have to bag up the small xmas tree and put it back in the back-shed. Maybe Tomorrow. Today we are going shopping.

Look Deep Into My Eye...

2008-12-19T07:32:00.004-05:00

I couldn't resist this unexpected shot I got of Ari when we were opening gifts Wednesday morning. I'm not exactly sure what she was doing, but I'm so glad I got this capture!

Day 175... a funny for you

2008-12-09T11:20:00.001-05:00

Forget Rednecks ......here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about New Englanders...

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from October through April , you live in New England.

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in New England.

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in New England.

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you live in New England.

If 'Vacation' means going anywhere south of New York City for the weekend, you live in New England.

If you measure distance in hours, you live in New England.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in New England.

If you have switched from 'heat ' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you live in New England.

If you can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England.

If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you live in New England.

If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you live in New England.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you live in New England.

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you're going 70 and everybody is passing you, you live in New England .

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you live in New England.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you live in New England.

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England.

If you find 20 degrees 'a little chilly', you live in New England.

If there's a Dunkin Donuts on every corner, you live in New England.

Day 176...

2008-12-08T09:23:00.002-05:00

Oy!! I'm really P.O.'ed right now! Our street is a giant sheet of ice. I wouldn't be so mad if all the other streets in our neighborhood were also icy, but it's only our street. Everybody else's streets are clear. WTF is up with that?? Our street isn't "worthy" enough for plowing and salting? Grr!!! Idiots!!!

Okay... now that that is off my chest. All in all, things are pretty quiet here on the homefront. I need to re-shovel the driveway and sidewalk, and then I'm going to lay down a layer of salt. After that, my butt is staying in the house. I will not drive anywhere today. Maybe I'll make a couple of batches of sugar cookie dough. Hmmm... maybe some "flavored" sugar cookies this year?? Amaretto or Orange? I also need to make a couple of batches of mint brownies.

179...

2008-12-05T12:53:00.003-05:00

Day #179 that is...

Mike left me a gift when he went on deployment... his germs. Now, I've got a cold and it must be a whopper, because I usually don't get sick. I'm just veggin' at home today and saving my energies for teaching class in the morning. And I'm thinking that a pot of chicken noodle soup sounds like dinner. Yup... a quiet Friday.

Here's a pic of Ari with Mike's tie. It was on the sofa and when I asked her to take it upstairs for me, she put it on and said.... "Look Mommy! I look like Daddy!"

More old email stuff...

2008-12-03T13:36:00.002-05:00

Here's some more poems:

The Silent Ranks
Author Unknown

I wear no uniforms, no blues or whites,
But I am in the Navy cause I am his wife.
I'm in the ranks that are rarely seen,
I have no rank upon my shoulders.
Salutes I do not give.
But the military world is the place where I live.
I'm not in the chain of command, Orders I do not get.
But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget.
I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line.
But my job is just as tough. I'm the one who's left behind.
My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man.
And the call to serve his country not all can understand.
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.
I love the man I married. Soldiering is his life.
But I stand among the silent ranks known as the Navy Wife.

If Daddy Says Goodbye
By Kathleen Iversen

All daddies are special in their own way.

Some daddies ride tractors and work on a farm.
Some daddies drive fire trucks and sound the alarm.
Some daddies are great chefs and can make dessert.
Some daddies play the bagpipes and wear a plaid skirt!

Daddies can do a lot of things.

What does your daddy do?

Some daddies drive noisy tanks that growl and grumble.
Some daddies fly jet planes that roar and rumble.
Some daddies hike in forests that are dark and damp.

Some daddies march in boots that stomp and stamp.

These daddies wear green and are in the Army or Marines.
There are daddies in the Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force too.
They fly planes and sail across the oceans and skies of blue.
They all work hard keeping our great country safe and serene.

Daddies can do a lot of things.

Some daddies have to leave home and go far away.
That's how they care for you, in their own special way.
If your daddy leaves and he kisses you goodbye,
remember these words and dry the tears from your eyes.

When your daddy leaves and the two of you are apart
He places a tiny little picture of you in his heart.
Everyday no matter where he is,
His soul will whisper these words to the wind.

I will always love you no matter where I go.
I am part of you and you are part of me.

That's something I'll always know.
Try not to worry, don't be sad.
You'll always be my baby
And I'l always be your dad.

Day 181 - You might be military if...

2008-12-03T13:10:00.003-05:00

<---- (Excuse this stupid #1, I can't seem to make it go away...) So, I was going through some of my old (like from 2004-2005) emails in my yahoo acct and came across these. Enjoy!

You know you're a military wife if...... You call your husband by his rank, not his name.
You know you're a military wife if you call the local food stores commissaries instead of grocery stores.
You know you're a military wife if you keep the original cartons for all appliances and electronics safely stored for the next move.
You know you're a military wife if you talk about the new home you are going to have in three years.
You know you'er a military wife if you recall your kids milestones by where you were stationed at the time.
You know you're a military wife if you can set the table in three time zones with the same pattern.
You know you are a Military Wive if you recall the tough times you overcame by relating them to which deployment they occurred during.
You know you're a Military Wife if you call your pay stub an LES.
You know your a military wife if you only know your husband's friends by their last names.
You know you're a Military Wife if your luggage is all OD Green
You know you're a Military Wife when you know DEERS has nothing to do with Bambi.
You know you are a military wife when you children are each born in a different country or state.
You know you are a military wife when you have boxes from 2 moves ago that you haven't unpacked.
You know you are a military wife when you chase your husband out the door saying, "Honey, don't forget your Kevlar!"
You know you are a military wife when you can't recognize your spouse's co-workers out of uniform.
You know you're a Military wife if TAPs is a song, not a dance.
You know you are a military wife when you whip out your ID card everytime someone wants your drivers license.
You know you are a military wife when you pay $50 to have a baby. And you are offered a payment plan to pay it off.
You know you're a military wife when you can quote army regulations.
You know you are a military wife if you catch yourself humming cadence.
You know your a military wife if Tricare knows you by name.
You know your a military wife when you know your spouses SSN better than your own!
You know you are a military wife if you can tell when your husband's hair is "out of regs"
You know you're a military wife if you can cuss your husband out in three different languages.

You might have been moved by the Military if:

1. You move all trash cans out of the house to keep them from being packed.
2. if you have to store boxes to be use for safe moving
3. You set aside a room or space that's marked "Do Not Enter".
4. You label bedrooms by numbers instead of words so the non-English speaking movers can mark the boxes easily
5. You learn how to write "Keep Out" or "Do Not Enter" in the native language.
6. You identify how long something has been packed by the name of the moving company on the box
7. You have a variety of packing stickers in various colors and languages on your furniture.
8. Your HHG's get here on the same day or before your unaccompanied baggage.
9. You know what unaccompanied baggage means!
10.Your kids friends are always excited to color at your house because you have huge pieces of packing paper and black markers.Furthermore; every drawing is held up by left over packing tape.

11. You've gotten used to having lawnchairs, boxes for tables, and sleeping bags as furniture a full month before you PCS.

OPSEC side note about the Countdown...

2008-12-03T10:51:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to post that my countdown to Florida is in NO WAY, I repeat NO WAY indicative of when Mike will be coming home. Due to operational security concerns, I will NEVER post any dates, times, or locations of anything Mike happens to be doing. His (and his squadron's) safety is extremely important to me!!

The countdown is just a countdown to June 1st (for now... it could change), which is when I'll feel like I'm in the "home stretch" of our prep to move.

Now back to our regularly scheduled blogging...

Countdown to Florida!!!

2008-12-02T19:44:00.003-05:00

Well, the time has begun... Mike is now deployed and we are doing our final coutdown to Florida. I'm hoping to chart our day-to-day stuff on here. Not that it'll be very "interesting" stuff, but maybe pics and our daily life. Stay tuned if you wish...

update time...

2008-11-11T15:36:00.002-05:00

Okay, so it's been a while since I updated this piece of the web. Sorry. I've gotten into using Facebook, so you can find me on there most of the time.

What's new with us...

Amanda and I got haircuts. My hair is now 6 inches shorter. (Back up to neck level and layered.) I like it. Pics are on Facebook. The kids are doing good. Report cards just came out for Tiff and amanda. Tiff is A/B honor roll. Amanda needs to bring up a few of her grades. Ari should get her report card soon. She's loving 1st grade. Mike's getting ready for his upcoming deployment. We're gonna miss him so much. The only nice thing about his leaving... no one snoring as I'm trying to go to sleep. LOL!! But I would gladly keep him home and deal with the snores if I could. Can't fight the military about deployments.

That's all for now. Short and Sweet... just like me! (YEAH RIGHT!!)

2008-09-12T06:15:00.003-05:00

Just a few more LOs:

Hugs - The girls being nice to each other (without being asked!!) while we were at the air show.

1st Day of School - The girls on the 1st day of school

Remember - A LO in honor of POWs & MIAs

9/1/08

2008-09-01T16:37:00.003-05:00

Some LOs that I did today: I took these pictures this morning. (I'm definitely going to ask Santa for an early X-mas present because I NEED a tripod!!!) About half of the pics I took this morning were blurry because I had to adjust the shutter speed to compensate for the lighting. You just can't hand-hold the camera when the shutter is that slow.

Credits:

Rina Kroes: Almost Midnight bkgrd ppr, Bling on Strings, Glass Pebbles
Miki Ferkel: Princess Hearts ppr and hearts and Peace on Earth ppr
April Rieff: Word Art Quote (recolored)

2008-08-12T15:58:00.000-05:00

2008-08-12T15:47:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update...

We are all doing good here for the most part. Fran, Charlie, and G.G. Sichko left yesterday from their weekend visit to soggy Maine. Thankfully we had a nice weekend, without too much rain. We took them to the Portland Head Light and to Bailey Island. They also went exploring Freeport, but I Mike and I weren't able to go with them due to other commitments.

Mike is back in school again. He's got a lot of reading to do, but I think he's happy to be back in school and working toward his degree. He only needs a few more classes to get his Associates. Yeah!!

I'm looking forward to the kids going back to school in a few weeks. Ari will be gone all day! YEAH!! It will be so nice for her to be there. She loves school! Tiff starts Jr High and Amanda starts HS this year. Oy! 3 kids in 3 different schools.

Another nice thing about school starting back up is more free time for me. I'm thinking about going back to school or working on a new fitness certification, like ACE, AFAA, or ACSM. I would also like to get a part time job working at the gym on base, but that may not be feasible because of Mike's schedule. We'll just have to wait and see what comes up.

Well, that's all that's going on here for now. I'll post some pics and stuff later!

Brewing Pgs 3 & 4

2008-08-05T18:14:00.001-05:00

Brewing Pg 2

2008-08-01T06:24:00.001-05:00

Another page to the Brewing Album, explaining some of the equipment.

A new album in the works...

2008-07-31T16:48:00.003-05:00

The cover and first page of Mike's "MIKE-ROBREW" album.

Credits: Be You Kit, Sweet Sody Pop Designs

2008-07-29T13:37:00.002-05:00

Here's one of my latest LOs. It's about our trip to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Credits: Purple papers from Atomic Cupcake, and everything else is from Correen Silke's "Cool Spring Day" Kit.

Navy Wedding Vows

2008-07-08T13:54:00.000-05:00

Navy Wedding Vows

Dear family and friends, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and the Department of the Navy, to witness this exchange of vows, and see the love that these two dedicated, loving people have for one another.

"Wilt thou, __________, take ___________ as your dependent, to dwell together in so far as the Department of the Navy will permit? Wilt thou love her, comfort her via the postal service, E-mail, or over the phone, make sure she knows where the commissary, Exchange, and church are, and what pier your ship is docked at and your department telephone number (so she won't bother the Messenger of the Watch on the quarterdeck) the day she arrives, wherever you are stationed?"

"Wilt thou attempt to tell her more than 24 hours in advance that you will be pulling out for two weeks or more, beginning the next morning?" This especially applies to the years you will live in Virginia, California,Washington State, and Florida!

"Wilt thou ____________, take this Sailor as thy wedded husband, knowing that he is depending upon you to be the perfect independent Navy wife,running the household as you see fit, taking part in established Navy traditions even if no one can explain them anymore, and being nice to the Captain's wife? (though she may remind you of your new mother-in-law.)

Furthermore, you understand that your life with your husband (little that you may have together) will not be normal, that you may have to explain to your children, not once, but twice, and more often in the same day, that mothers do have husbands, and that children do have daddy's, and that the picture of the man on the refrigerator is the same individual who tucks them in at 2200 hours, long after they are asleep. This Sailor is their daddy, who loves them very, very, very much.

"Wilt thou love, respect and wait for him, preparing and mailing his favorite cookies (including some for his shipmates) and pictures of yourself and the kids, so he can remember what you look like? And last but not least,always pick him up at the pier when the ship pulls in (or the day after i he is in the duty section) and put on the outside of your door a 'Welcome Home sign"

"I, _________,Take thee_________ as my wife, from 1900 to 0430 hours or as long as allowed by my duty section leader and the Captain (subject to change without notice), for better or worse, earlier or later, near or far, and I promise to look at the pictures you send me, but not until after my watch is over, but before I turn the lights out in my rack. I will also send a letter or E-mail (if I am allowed access to a terminal), if time permits, and if not, to somehow, some way, make the time by sleeping even less than operational tasking permits."

"I, _________, take thee,_________as my husband, realizing that your comings and goings and 0530 musters are normal (although absurd to me) and part of your life as a Sailor. I promise not to be shocked or taken by surprise when you inform me that, although we've just arrived at our new duty station, we will be leaving within the month because of a detailer mistake or a CNO priority billet. Yes, I'll have you as my husband as long as while your are away my allotment comes through regularly, that you leave me a current power of attorney and the checkbook at all times. I am a family member and proud of it, dependent upon myself and my resources. Although I miss you when you are away, I know I can handle whatever comes across my path and make you proud."

"Now then, let no man or woman put asunder what God and the Department of the Navy have brought together. The Navy hereby issues you this lovely,dedicated, independent woman, knowing that she'll be an asset not only to your marriage, but also to the mission of the United States Navy, which is, as you all know, to remain in a high state of Readiness. By the authority vested in the Bible, elaborated in the regulation and subject to current directives concerning the aspects of marriage in the Navy, you are now a Sailor with a Dependent. Best Wishes and good Luck.

2008-06-18T20:42:00.003-05:00

This is a LO I did with some pics I took in March (around the beginning of spring as a matter of fact...) and again today (just a few days shy of summer). I absolutely love the contrast of the pics!! Each season has it's own beauty and I hope I've captured it. Maybe I'll do another set of pictures in the fall and see how they all come out. The LO could be a "Trio of Seasons in Maine". LOL!! We'll see if I remember.

I didn't mean to whine

2008-06-16T13:23:00.003-05:00

After re-reading my last post, I noticed that I sounded like I was really whining. I didn't mean to. Hope no one takes offense. Lots o' Love!! Oh, and I just saw that we did move on to the next round!! YEAH!!

An update on us...

2008-06-16T08:07:00.004-05:00

So, it's the last "week" (2 1/2 days actually) of school!! YEAH!! It's going to be nice to sleep in and not have to worry about getting anyone off to school. I'll also be teaching Jazzercise classes in the mornings instead of the afternoons and belly dance classes are almost over. tonight is the last class and then we have our recital on Thursday. I'll be so glad when it's over!!

I've been working on some scrapbooking LOs lately as well. I like to do the challenges at the www.scrapshanty.com and I'm even in a So You Think You Can Scrap contest. As of this moment, I don't know if my partner, Mel, and I have moved on to round 3 or not. We got slaughtered this week in the voting. We only got 1 vote. Last week we only had 2. (Unfortunately, not many people have been voting.) This week, only the top 6 groups move on to the next round. Here's the LOs I've done for the contest:

Week 1 - Forever Sisters: Scraplift of my partners LO: http://www.scrapshanty.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10353

Week 2: Mike's Re-enlistment: For this LO we had to follow a design sketch.

You know, I think part of my problem is that I'm a "Simple Scrapper". I don't like lots of fussiness on my LOs. I don't want to see how much "stuff" I can use on the page. I just want to tell the story of the pics and let that be my focus. Oh well.

2008-06-05T11:00:00.002-05:00

For the Scrapable Snaps Challenge at www.scrapshanty.com

Where do I find beauty? Other than in the faces of my family, I find beauty in the world of nature. The wind blowing through the trees, flowers in bloom, and the flowing of water. Sometimes it's peaceful. Sometimes it's powerful. But it's always beautiful to me.

Credits: Stitching by Ivonne @ www.scrapbookbytes.com

Frames by Kim Higueria @ www.scrapbook-elements.com

Latest LOs...

2008-06-05T10:46:00.003-05:00

Cover LO for Mike's Italy Album

Credits: Father's Love Collection by Monja @ www.scrapbookflair.com

Royal Sun Hotel in Suda Bay, Crete

Credits: Kiki Halbert, Fresh Whites Kit @ www.scrapbook-elements.com

Credits:

Template by Nicole Setlier @ www.Scrapshanty.com

Yellow lace ppr: Vintage Floral Collection, www.shabbyprincess.com

Brown ppr: by Pepeetje (12 Classic Papers) @ pepeetjedigiscraps.blogspot.com

Bling on a String by Rina Kroes @ www.scrapbook-elements.com

Bob the Hamster

2008-05-23T21:53:00.003-05:00

Bob the Hamster

Journaling says: Bob the hamster became part of our family on January 1st, 2008. He came to us as a "rescue" from one of amanda's friends. Bob had a tendency to be an escape artist and his previous family couldn't keep up with him. We decided to take him in and love him. He has yet to escape from us.

Credits:

Bkgrd pprs, cardboard frame, frame w/ ribbon, star brads: Lindsay Jane Designs, Memories Kit

Notebook ppr - LJD, Little Divas Kit

Scribbled Alpha by Kim Higueria (www.scrapbook-elements.com)

Chipboard paper frame from Favorite Frames Kit by Kim H.

Make-Up

2008-05-23T20:53:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when Tiffany gets a hold of the make-up and decides to "practice" on Arianna.

Credits:

Digital Template: Nicole Seitler

Everything else (except alphas) from Kim Higueria's

Lavender Blue Kit

Alphas - Paperbage Princess Alpha Set by Kim H

www.scrapbook-elements.com

Forever

2008-05-21T10:17:00.007-05:00

Here's a LO I did this morning while waiting for the coffee to brew. Journaling says...

Forever: The time it takes to brew the first pot of coffee in the morning. - Author Unknown

Credits: Paper and elements by Brenda Johnson/Sweet Sodypop Designs; "Be You" Kit @ www.scrapbook-elements.com

Apple Picking

2008-05-17T20:44:00.003-05:00

Here's a LO of our first "outing" in Maine... Apple Picking, Oct 13th, 2007.

Credits: All papers and elements from Brenda johnson/Sweet Sody Pop Designs, Be You Kit @ www.scrapbook-elements.com

Biker Babe

2008-05-17T18:15:00.002-05:00

Ari learns to ride her bike without using her training wheels.

Credits: Most papers and all elements from Lindsay Jane Designs, May Day Kit (for NSD) @ www.scrapbook-elements.com

Green Paisley paper from: A Work in Progress, Citrus Berry Kit @http://vicki20.blogspot.com

Pink Paper (was originally yellow paper) from correen Silke's Cool Spring Day Kit @ www.computerscrapbook.com

Googin's Island

2008-05-14T09:56:00.003-05:00

Googin's Island Osprey Sanctuary

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park

Freeport, Maine

Papers and elements from "Citrus Berry" Kit

by A Work in Progress

(http://vicki20.blogspot.com)

I created this page to test out a tutorial on blending & lifted frames.

A Kiss...

2008-05-13T18:14:00.001-05:00

A Kiss... LO

All papers and elements from "Charmed" Kit by Robyn Gough @

www.scrapbook-elements.com

My hubby rocks!

2008-05-13T11:01:00.005-05:00

These are the flowers that my hubby sent me for Mother's Day. Aren't they beautiful!! I LOVE YOU Mike!!

I've made a decision...

2008-05-12T19:58:00.002-05:00

Well, after mulling it over for a while, I've come to the conclusion that my days of belly dancing are coming to an end. Although I'm not a "pro" dancer, only a "hobbyist", it's time to let this part of my life go. I think part of it has to do with my move to Maine. When I originally started dancing in Virginia, I danced with my friends. Here, I'm not as involved in the dance community and it has made my passion for it dwindle. For 4 years I've danced, but the energy is gone from it. I also feel like I gave up other things when I started to dance, and now those things are working their way back into my life. I'm evolving and finding new paths to follow. Life is a journey, and all journeys involves change. Sometimes for the worse, and sometimes for the better. Which will this be? Who knows... but I'm willing to give it a shot and see where the new roads take me.

Mother's Day Tea Party LOs

2008-05-10T18:49:00.004-05:00

Here's the LOs I made from the pics we took before the Tea Party today. I used:

Bracket Album by Marcie Mariziali, Alabaster Box (http://alabasterboxca.blogspot.com)

Green background paper from Citrus Berry Kit @ A Work in Progress (http://vicki20.blogspot.com)

Celebrate the Arts Through Song

2008-05-09T18:43:00.003-05:00

Layout of last night's Kindergarden Concert...

All papers and elements from www.theshabbyprincess.com (Sweet Serenity Kit)

Attitude

2008-05-05T08:21:00.003-05:00

Papers, frame, and gold ribbons (transformed in PSE6) from

www.theshabbyprincess.com (Dinner Party Kit)

"Attitude" gel sticker letters from

2008 NSD Grab bag by

Rina Kroes

www.scrapbook-elements.com

Daffodils...

2008-05-03T07:41:00.006-05:00

The beauty of Spring come in many colors... even those that are artificially created.

Kit Papers and Brads from TheShabbyPrincess.com (Sweet Serenity Kit)

Opaque Daffodils by: ME!!

33:45!!!

2008-05-02T17:13:00.001-05:00

That's my 5K time for today!!! It's definitely easier to run outside in the sunshine! I can hardly believe I took almost 3 minutes off my time. Woo-Hoo!!

My first digital LO

2008-05-02T10:49:00.005-05:00

Simple. I'm definitely digging this! I used a video tutorial from TheShabbyShoppe.com and the kit pieces were from TheShabbyPrincess.com (Vintage Florals)

ran 5k today

2008-05-01T18:09:00.002-05:00

Well, in prep for my first official 5k race on sunday, May 4th, I ran the full 5k today on the treadmill at a 0.5% incline. It was pretty slow going as I was only averaging about 5 mph, but I did it. I finished without stopping. At one point I had to take it down to 4.5 mph for about 45 seconds, but then I brought it back up again. My time was 36:36. I'm hoping to actually do it faster on Sunday when I am surrounded by all those people and can feel the energy and excitement. I just hope I'm not hurting too much tomorrow, because I'm running the actual 5k course tomorrow to get a feel for it. Then Saturday is yoga to stretch out all these tired muscles. I just wish Mike was home to give me a victory rub-down after the race. I guess I'll just have to settle for a nice hot bath instead. LOL!!

Long time, no post!

2008-04-30T18:34:00.002-05:00

Damn, it's been a hell of a long time since I updated this thing!! But, now that I have figured out to get back into this blog, I'm planning to start use it again. I'm switching to digital scrapping as I don't have the space to pull out all of my supplies. Maybe when I move to Florida I'll be able to paper-scrap again. Who knows?? I might just switch permanently. LOL!! We'll se how well I adjust to digital artistry.

Dance Goals for 2007

2006-12-18T17:48:00.000-05:00

From the head of a "student" dancer...
GwynCara’s BellyDance Goals for 2007

Hello Bhuzzers!!
(and anyone else who happens to come across my little corner of cyber space)

- Continue Advanced classes with Chelydra

- Try to get my body into the best shape it’s ever been in. I want to lose this extra weight stored in my core area (abs, back, etc…) I’m a classic apple. All my weight is in my middle section, from the shoulders to the top of my hips. I’d like to trim it down. Even if I don’t have an “hourglass” when I’m done, I want it flat, and no “muffin tops”!

- I’d like to start training myself for competitions. My dance sisters in the troupe (Gypsy Spirit) are planning to compete in some East Coast competitions this coming year, but I just don’t feel like I’m ready for that level yet. I’m shooting for November 2008 at a comp in New Jersey (For the life of me, I can’t remember which one it is right now).

- I want to expand my repertoire of dance skills, especially my zill playing. I realize this is going to take practice every day. I suppose I should make myself a pair of “Mufflers” for my zills so I don’t drive my family crazy. LOL!!

- I want to work on my improvisational skills as well. It's always good to know "what to do" when you "Just don't know what to do!" (And that happens to me quite a bit!) I suppose I should work on my choreographies as well. I'd really like to have a couple of "dance sets" put together. Things that I can polish up and really work with for haflas and such. Not that I've danced much in haflas, but I promised Chelydra that I would dance at the 2007 Beach Blanket Beledi in Nags Head, NC. After seeing some of the dancers this past year, I've got my work cut out for me!

- I will continually remind myself that I have only been dancing for 2 years, and I'm not ever going to be a BDSS. I will strive to be the best dancer, mother, wife, and Jazzercise teacher that I can be and let my spirit shine every day!

Time for an Update

2006-12-11T16:28:00.000-05:00

Yeah, yeah, I know...

I have the best of intentions when I start keeping a journal. I really do. It's just that life always seems to get in the way. First it was soccer, Jazzercise certification, and Mike's Chief's Initiation. September and October brought the return of bellydance performances. November was the end of the soccer season but the start of a Tribal Fusion dance class. Now it's time to get ready for the holiday season. I've eaten way too many cookies lately! My friend, Veronica, at Jazzercise had a habit of bringing in cookies and candy and when you've just finished class and your body is screaming for food, it was just too easy to grab the candy. I don't have to worry about that anymore though, because the Navy has sent her and her hubby back to San Diego. I'm gonna miss her!!! She was a little ray of mexican sunshine in my morning classes!

Let's see, what else is going on?

I just did some more xmas shopping. I even got some presents for Mike. He's so difficult to buy for. Oh, speaking of xmas presents...

Here's my present!! A brand spankin' new 2007 Honda Odyssey EX!! We drove it off the lot with only 6 miles on the odometer. I finally have a vehicle that I truly love! It's such a smooth riding van. I love all the features, and it's even in a color that I've always wanted. Metallic Midnight Blue! WOO-HOO!!

PPD Performance for Gypsy Spirit

2006-09-24T16:21:00.000-05:00

Here's a few of the pics of Gypsy Spirit dancing at the 5th Annual Pagan Pride Day Festival in Va Beach, VA. Saturday, September 23, 2006

Zahara as Pele

Rehanna as Bast

GwynCara as Arianrhod

Teleiia as a Maened (priestess of Dionysus)

Habibta as Minoan Snake Goddess

Kalista as Isis

Okay, Okay...

2006-07-05T17:38:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm finally getting around to update this. I have been so focused over the last 2 months that I haven't had time to think for myself very often. Here is what's been going on:

The kids are done with soccer for the season. YEAH!!

I had my dance recital and all went well. I am also now dancing again with the Gypsy Spirit middle eastern dance troupe.

My SIL, Shelley, got married in June and we were in the wedding.

I am now certified to teach Jazzercise!!! That has been the biggest accomplishment!

The above picture is me teaching a Jazzercise routine on the 4th of July. ( I was caught in mid-plie.)

This was all of the instructors doing the Stretch/Ending routine. I look so odd not being in a red shirt. Oh well. Maybe next year!

Taught my first routine

2006-05-04T11:15:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I'm training to be a Jazzercise Instructor. Well, after practicing for the last couple of weeks, I finally got up the courage to teach a routine at Jazzercise. I was so nervous, but I did really well. I am even going to be doing another one tomorrow. Today's routine was Axel F, by Bass Frog. (Think back to the movie Beverly Hills Cop. I think it was the theme song.) Tomorrow I'm going to do one called Mama Mia. Who knows... maybe I'll teach a new routine each day until I go through all 9 routines. It'll definitely help with the audition in June to know that I've already done all the routines in front of the classes that I will eventually be teaching.

Other updates: I got my hair cut on Tuesday. Here's what it looked like before. Not too bad, but it was just kind of limp and didn't look very good unless I really spent so time doing it.

This is the "After". Much, much better.

Let's see, is there anything else going on in my life? Actually, yes. I decided to stop selling PartyLite Candles. Now, don't get me wrong... PartyLite has the best candles on the planet, and is a terrific company to be with, but I just really got tired of sales. Here and now, let me make this public: I will no longer be in any direct sales company. I have found that the most fun I have in any given day is when I am dancing. I'm just going to concentrate on getting certified in June and I'll continue with my belly dancing as well. Speaking of which, here is a pic of me in my new belly dance outfit that I ordered from MoonDance Belly Dance.

Ari's soccer pics

2006-04-26T16:32:00.000-05:00

Here's some pictures from Ari's 1st game.

Here's Mike holding the "Go Purple Bashers!" sign that Manda made for Ari's team.

New pics of the girls

2006-04-26T16:06:00.000-05:00

I had Tiff and Manda's hair cut today. Here's Tiff:

And here's Manda:

Ari and I will be getting our's cut next week.

Which sports car are you?

2006-04-13T21:43:00.000-05:00

I got this from my friend, Kim's, blog: Creative Chaos.

I'm a Ford Mustang!

You're an American classic -- fast, strong, and bold. You're not snobby or pretentious, but you have what it takes to give anyone a run for their money.

"Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

American Pride

2006-04-13T10:03:00.001-05:00

I just got an email entitled: "I Love This Comeback" and the email subject was Proud to be an American. Usually, I just delete these types of emails. You know the ones... it's someone's "true" story or anecdote about something that happened to someone they know, and has been forwarded to everyone on the planet atleast twice. Any way, I'm starting to ramble. My point is, whether or not the above mentioned email is true, I liked it. So here you go:

One of my sons serves in the military. He is still stateside, here in California. He called me yesterday to let me know how warm and welcoming people were to him, and his troops. Everywhere he goes, telling me how people shake their hands, and thank them for being willing to serve, and fight, for not only our own freedoms but so that others may have them also.

But he also told me about an incident in the grocery store he stopped at yesterday, on his way home from the base. He said that ahead of several people in front of him stood a woman dressed in a burkha. He said when she got to the cashier she loudly remarked about the U.S. flag lapel pin the cashier wore on her smock. The cashier reached up and touched the pin, and said proudly," Yes, I always wear it and probably always will."

The woman in the burkha then asked the cashier when she was going to stop bombing her countrymen, explaining that she was Iraqi. A gentleman standing behind my son stepped forward, putting his arm around my son's shoulders, and nodding towards my son, said in a calm and gentle voice to the Iraqi woman:

"Lady, hundreds of thousands of men and women like this young man have fought and died so that YOU could stand here, in MY country and accuse a check-out cashier of bombing YOUR countrymen. It is my belief that had you been this outspoken in YOUR own country, we wouldn't need to be there today. But, hey, if you have now learned how to speak out so loudly and clearly, I'll gladly buy you a ticket and pay your way back to Iraq so you can straighten
out the mess in YOUR country that you are obviously here in MY country to avoid"
Everyone within hearing distance cheered!

Some new Layouts

2006-04-06T06:36:00.000-05:00

Here's some of the LOs I created while I was at SDV (Scrapper's Dream Vacation) this past weekend.

Time for an update

2006-04-06T06:21:00.000-05:00

Soccer has taken over! Here's some pics of Ari at her first couple of practices.

Ari loves to pick up the ball and carry it to where she wants it before she kicks it. LOL!!

For those of you that asked for an update about "the date"... It was fine. Unfortunately, she is no longer dating the boy. She broke up with him because he was being a jerk to somebody (not to Amanda), and she didn't like that. The very next day, she was asked out by another boy. She's definitely popular. I'm going to have to keep an eye on her as she gets older. OY!

My baby's growing up

2006-03-18T16:47:00.000-05:00

Well, it's happened... Amanda went on her first "date". She went to the movies with her boyfriend, Justin. Thankfully, they were not alone. Amanda's friend (and Justin's cousin), Morgan, was also with them. She's growing up so fast. It seems like only yesterday that I was trying to keep her from running out into the street. Now she's roaming the streets with her friends. Man, what am I going to do when she starts driving, real dating, and all that other teenage stuff. Holy cow!

Peace and quiet...

2006-03-16T20:20:00.000-05:00

Here I sit at my computer and the only sound is the tv in the background talking about the "Chefography" of Ina Garten on Food Network. Normally I would be watching Survivor, but basketball has taken over. UGH!! Ari is asleep on the floor next to me and Tiff and Amanda are both in their rooms. It's complete heaven!

It's Thursday!

2006-03-16T08:07:00.000-05:00

Just 2 more days 'til the weekend!! Oh, Thank the Gods!!! Soccer practices are really keeping me on my toes. Tuesday was rough. Amanda came up with a great idea. She will stay with Tiffany at her practice while I come home to start making dinner. What a great idea! The only problem was that Ari fell asleep in her car seat and had an accident. So, unfortunately, when I got home I had to spend part of my time taking apart her seat and getting it washed and dried. Thanks god for washers and driers!! I can't imagine (nor do I want to) having to wash everything by hand. Well, I did get everything back together and got dinner made in time to get back and pick the girls up on time. I was mentally exhausted when I crawled into bed that night.

Wednesday nights are our family's "off night", at least for now. I love it! I do take belly dance class on Wednesday nights, but it's not until 8:30, so most of the time Ari and TIff are already in bed. And Amanda enjoys getting to babysit for an hour (and watching tv after 8 pm, which she doesn't usually get to do).

Oy! I just looked at the clock! Time to get ready for Jazzercise class! Maybe I'll write more later.

The start of chaos...

2006-03-10T14:16:00.000-05:00

Well, it's finally here. Soccer season begins today! Oy-Vay!! Manda has practice on M&F, Tiff is on T&Th, and we are still waiting to hear from Ari's coach. I'm just hoping and praying that Ari's practices are on Wednesday nights. I would hate to be driving back and forth between locations every night. But then again, with my luck, that's exactly what will be happening. I guess I should really sit down and try to figure out what the heck I'm going to do about dinners from now on. It's hard to cook when you're at the soccer field for a couple of hours every night. I think I'm going to try to do alot of cooking on the weekends and then have the dinners just waiting for us in the fridge or freezer. Otherwise, we are going to be eating alot of spaghetti! And Italian or not, I don't think anyone in this house wants to eat pasta every night of the week! LOL!!

Ah.... Thursday

2006-03-09T22:42:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is another Thursday night. Let's talk TV: American Idol - OY!! People please! What is up with getting rid of Ayla and Gedeon!!! I honestly thought that Bucky and Kevin would have been gone. And about Melissa... Um, NO! I really think Ayla would have been a much better choice to keep around. All right, I'm gonna step-down off my soapbox now. Especially since I didn't do any voting. But I would have voted for Mandisa and Chris anyway, so it really doesn't matter. And while I'm thinking about Chris (shhhh, don't tell my hubby...) Chris is a hottie! That bald head and rocker mentality really do it for me! As Rachel Ray would say: YUM-O!! LOL!!!

I figured it out!

2006-03-06T14:05:00.000-05:00

I know why I lost my scrapbooking mojo. I was too interested in the book I was reading! I went out and bought the Chronicles of Narnia and was so hooked in the book that I didn't really want to do anything else with my free time. Now that I don't have a book to read, I find it much easier to scrap. Here's today's LO: It's called PlayTime and will be going in Ari's book.

Bring on the Mojo!

2006-03-03T20:11:00.000-05:00

Finally!! I think my scrapbooking mojo is finally returning. I have been staring at the photos in this LO for weeks, without any inspiration at all. Finally today I figured out how to arrange them and created my first LO in more than a month!! WOO-HOO!! Hopefully this will be the start of lots of new pages completed! God knows I've got enough pictures to scrap!

Good Business Practices...

2006-03-02T11:41:00.000-05:00

Ugh!! I'm annoyed and have to get this off of my chest. I am in the direct sales industry and have a hostess that is $20 short of the minimum sales needed for her to receive 25% hostess credit and be able to purchase the monthly hostess specials. What is truly annoying me is the fact that she sent me an email this morning asking if I couldn't just "compensate" her the $20 (read: place a $20 order for her to get her up to the minimum) and she went on to tell me how "busy" she has been lately and that she only hosted the show "as a favor" to me. Okay, well, after reading that email, I can't help but feel extremely pissed off. Normally, I wouldn't have much of a problem helping my hostesses as much as I can, but not when the hostess doesn't put forth any effort at all. The night of her show, she actually left a half hour into her show to go to her son's basketball game. (Leaving me and her few guests to continue and then lock up when we left.) Since that night, she has made no effort to collect outside orders except for once at Jazzercise and I have given her almost 3 weeks to get them together and close out her show.

I am thoroughly finished with this hostess. I will not ever ask her to host another show again. I will not compromise my business practices for this person or anyone else who does not truly need my help or deserve my kindness. I will not waste my time on her any further. I am closing her show this afternoon and sending it in tomorrow. I hope this doesn't make me seem like a harsh or mean person. I do not mean to be, but I will not have my principles "guilted" out of me or be made to change them because of someone else's arrogance. If you've read this far... Thanks for listening.

It's clean!

2006-02-22T17:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it. I cleaned up the scrap closet. I did not get around to the making the altered paint can though. Maybe tomorrow. Tonight it's off to Belly Dance class.

Where oh Where...

2006-02-22T07:28:00.000-05:00

Did my mojo go? My scrapping mojo seems to have disappeared on me this month. I don't know if it's just being overwhelmed by other things, or am I just being lazy. I do know that I need to clean up my scrap area. My desk is covered in stuff. Most of it is for SDV. I've been shopping for my Secret Pal and it is all piled on my desk. Of course, it really doesn't help that my room is nothing more than a 3x6 foot closet. I need to get some new shelving and get everything up off the floor. Okay, I think I've done enough whining for now. Today's goal: clean it up as much as possible and get a paint can altered for my SDV SP.

What's Your Pizza Personality

2006-02-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

Everything Pizza

Diverse and adaptableYou enjoy the full buffet of lifeIt's hard to you play favorites with friends... or flavorsThere's very little that you dislike!

What's" Your Pizza Personality?

Ah, how very true this is...

My first blog post

2006-02-17T07:33:00.000-05:00

testing, testing 123