HAPPY NEW YEAR

Almost Happy New Year....

...just a couple hours left in 2007. May each of you have a wonderful and successful 2008 and may it be all you wish and more.

A start on 2008 goals...

I sent out a challenge to all my buddies to blog about their goals for 2008 so it's time I started on mine. I've actually spent the biggest part of today working on one of mine which is to get rid of all the boxes stacked in the corner of my dining room. Yes, I've been living here since June of 2006, and there were still about 15 boxes stacked in the corner of the dining room (that count doesn't include the four of scrap supplies stacked on or beside the bakers rack.

So anyway, I can now say the 15 boxes are no more (ahead of schedule--yeah for me). To be honest, I wasn't even sure what was in all the boxes and figured I'd actually be moving them to the storage closet on the patio (hey, they would be out of the dining room!). I found several boxes of books (so maybe I don't have boxes of books in storage being ruined-yeah), cds and videos along with some miscellaneous kitchen things. I made a trek to Target to pick up an inexpensive bookcase (twenty bucks and it's not bad looking) for all the books. There isn't a lot of room in my tiny place since I have quite a bit of furniture but the bookcase works in the corner where the boxes were stacked!

Goal: go through boxes in dining room and disburse items to permanent place or purge them. (Done!)

Goal: continue to go through items in apartment to find them a permanent home or purge them

Goal: go through items in storage unit and find them a permanent home among my things or purge them.

Goal: go through my closets and purge clothing I do not or cannot wear (send items in good condition to charity---Tim, you may be getting a call for a pick up!)

Goal: go through and sort scrap supplies so I know what I have so I can use them. Purge any that I feel are no longer my style or that I will not use (any suggestions are greatly appreciated on what to do with them because I know I have stuff in good, useable condition).

Goal: Cook more meals and eat at home. Also, eat healthier.

Goal: Either go to the gym and workout or at the very least walk on a regular basis.

Goal: save some money instead of spending every nickel I get!

I think that's a decent start for now. It's time for me to get back to picking up around here for the night.

Super Duper LAZY...

That pretty well describes me of late. I do admit to getting out the day after Christmas--yes, I'm nuts. Had lunch with Robin and shopped for calendars at Bookstop. On the way home I stopped by some friends and we played board games till nearly 10p--so much fun. Thursday I went in to the office but only stayed a short while--the wax fumes and lack of heat were a bit too much. Since then I've done pretty much nothing--I'm blaming it on the wax fumes.

So much for my grand ideas to get my place overhauled. I can say for certain I hardly lifted a finger to do anything. Now I still have four days before reality returns but I'm thinking I really don't want to spend that time homebound, cleaning. Chalk it up to my mother who was always up for getting out and doing stuff rather than sitting at home. And suddenly I have lots of ideas of how to spend the last few precious days of freedom---see a movie or two, go to the museum, check out some of my old haunts. No telling what I'll get into before Wednesday!

On a side note: flipping channels last night I came across a political debate on one of the cspan stations. This is not something I would normally watch but this was a debate between the 'lesser known candidates'...read: people who don't have a shot in hell at ever being elected dog catcher, much less president. So with it being a trainwreck, I couldn't help but watch. Where the hell did these inbreds come from? I was really intrigued by one of them so naturally, I googled him...Michael Skok.....it's apparent from looking at this guy he has some sort of medical issue going on and I don't want to make fun of someone for such a thing BUT...check out this guys site and read some of his discourse...I could only laugh at it. There's one part where he lists 'updates' of his days...now you would think someone running for a major office would be writing about various issues but not this guy--he basically writes that he has nothing to write! He's nearly 60 and lives with his mom and talks about his few friends which mainly consists of neighbors. I'm telling ya, it was like a trainwreck and I just couldn't look away. Good for a laugh. Bored?? Goggle the guy and read his stuff...oh and be certain to check out the pictures! LOL

Happy Christmas Eve....

The View from Room 1104....

Favorite Shot...

I love how I managed to catch the candy canes in mid air. What a once in a lifetime shot!

Sleigh BelLS Ring....

Priceless moments...

I'll never be able to listen to the particular song performed during this portion again without at least giggling because of something Richard told me later that night after the show.

An Oak Ridge Christmas

I had the great fortune again this year to see the Oaks' Christmas show. Although somewhat altered because it was at a casino, it was still wonderful. There's no one that can sing "I'll Be Home For Christmas" like Richard Sterban. Unfortunately due to being a casino show it required a shorter show so it had to be cut down and we missed out on Jimmy singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and the most important missing piece was "Silent Night".

Back from the Bayou...

I have returned from two restful, entertaining, amusing days in bayou country. As with any trip there were ups and downs but the important thing is that it was more up than down. Once I get unpacked and settled I'll share some of the details and possibly a picture or two.

On another note, Kudos to Carol. I see where she has started her 'goals for 2008'. I'll be working on and sharing some of mine in the coming days.

Busy, busy....

Must have stayed up too late last night (I'm getting old) cause I ended up sleeping in till about 9 this morning---so much for an early start! But....it has been a somewhat productive morning/mid-day. So far I've managed to get in a couple hours work at the office (could have easily done much more but stopped myself before getting lost in files--that would have been an all afternoon ordeal), had the oil changed, dropped by the post office to mail a couple of packages and college mail, ran by the liquor store to pick up a gift, a stop at the dollar store for cat food because I forgot to get it last night at Walmart and grabbed my dry cleaning on the way home. Now I just need to run out to Vicki's to pick up something then back home to clean out my car and do laundry, oh and pack. If I get going I can get the outside part done within an hour or so and have the rest of the afternoon/evening to do the laundry, pack and maybe even play a bit. Let's see how far I get!

Holiday Break: Day Four

Had lunch with a colleague/friend who as a surprise brought along one of his coworkers who is also a colleague/friend. It was a wonderful surprise.

Almost hard to believe it's Tuesday. The days are flying (as I knew they would). I am sitting in a sea of paper trying to get in gear to finish up some gifts tonight. I think it might happen--as long as I actually get away from the computer and work on them. First though I'll need to make yet another run to Walmart since my printer is now out of colored ink. Maybe once I get the gifts finished I can do something fun for me.

Tomorrow will be busy with errands--pick up dry cleaning, get the oil changed, clean out/up the car, post office--ugh and pack. Thursday morning it's adios Texas, hello Lake Charles.

Holiday Break: Day Three

No progress at home but I did manage to finally get clothes to the cleaners. After that I made a run to Petsmart for cat food then stopped by Kohls for new tennis shoes. I also made a stop by the new Whole Foods in Sugar Land and picked up a few things. Back home I enjoyed some couch tim. Maybe tomorrow I can get motivated to do a bit more.

Willy

just because...

Quilt Show Pictures.....finally....

Holiday Break: Day Two

Despite the dead heat gun and not finding the stamp I wanted, I made trading cards this morning and went to Book Club this afternoon. I've only glanced through the book briefly but nothing really caught my eye. Not sure how I feel about this kit-maybe it'll grow on me.

Surprisingly I came straight home after Book Club. No stop for a newspaper, no stop for dinner; just straight home. So far I've managed to find my dining table (now all the scrap stuff is scattered in the spare bedroom as usual), take out the trash, vacuum the living room and hallway (which the cat hated) and fixed a little dinner (nothing exciting, just some chicken on the George Foreman and some pasta salad--more easy than anything and it meant I didn't spend any money). Oh, and I've scheduled some bill payments--isn't the internet great.

I need to finish just a few Christmas cards (I finally found my stamps this morning) and work on a few other projects. If only I can motivate myself to do so without making a huge mess on the dining table again (since I still can't see the top of my drafting table).

Hoping for a divine revelation...

I have been looking for a few things in my spare bedroom/scrapbook room since yesterday and have yet to locate them. I was hoping for a divine revelation while I slept so that when I woke I would either remember where I put what I'm looking for or would find it upon walking in the room. No such luck. And the heat gun is definitely dead, dead, dead....it met the trash can this morning.

Lazy, lazy, lazy....but in a good way....

So by noon I had dishes washed and some laundry done and Christmas cards started. And that's about where it ended. Sometime after that I lost my mojo...it might have been when I could not find my postage stamps--still haven't located them and I just had them the other day. I did manage to fix some lunch around two or so....watched a couple of holiday movies and decided I don't like watching holiday movies....read some....played on the computer and basically did nothing the rest of the day but I'm not complaining (though some may think I am). I rarely take days to do nothing....I usually think of something I feel I need to do and end up turning a short errand into a half day or more affair running the roads somewhere. But not today. The only thing I regret is that I didn't actually take a nap!

On another note, my heat gun died when I was trying to emboss my trading cards for book club...grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Holiday Break: Day One

How wonderful it was to sleep in this morning even though I did wake around 6ish and had to remind myself it's Saturday and that I could sleep in. Willy crawled in bed and stretched out beside me (yes, he stretches out) around 8ish. Lately he wants to lie right beside me on the edge of the bed after which he'll proceed to either place a paw on my hand or rest his head on my hand-goofy cat.

After a few strange dreams, I decided to open my eyes and finally crawl out of bed around 9:30. I grabbed a quick Whataburger breakfast (I am addicted to the honey butter chicken biscuits) then started the dish washer and laundry. Not sure what got into me but so far I've managed to fold an overflowing basket of clothes that have been sitting on the dryer for heaven knows how long, do two loads of laundry and I've even started my Christmas cards. And it's not even noon!

The thought crossed my mind that maybe I should keep track of the things I manage to get done over break so at the end I'm not looking back wondering how the hell I wasted two and a half weeks. And I have quite a list of things I want and need to get done. Seems I'm off to a decent start--I just have to keep it up!

Color Changes...

....yes, I've obviously been screwing with the templates and colors. Here's what I've decided on at the moment. Leave me a message and let me know what you think. Basically if enough people have trouble reading it and hate it, I'll change it to something else....

Break...

Winter Break aka Christmas Break (trying to be PC) is here. The first part of the week seemed to drag by and today flew. So many things don't hit till the last day and it makes for a hectic day. We spent a good part of today just laughing while trying to cram some work in between. Grades were finally run about five-thirtyish so then we could begin to run our processes. Our wonderful computer system kinda does it's own thing so we have to run one program multiple times and even then we may not get the desired results. On top of that our reports did not run correctly the first time so about sevenish we were handed new reports where the number of students had tripled. Everyone else had been gone since 4p but bossman and I along with our programmer were there till 8pm. I would like to say it's all done but unfortunately it isn't. I'll go in a couple of times between now and the first of the year to do the final clean up and run a few things in the hopes we won't be too overwhelmed when we return. Heck, I might even go in tomorrow. The nice thing is I can go in at my leisure with no interruptions.

Despite a little work, I'll have the biggest part of two and a half weeks to do whatever I want. (Although I have plenty of work to do at home.) My first project is to finish a few gifts and get cards made and in the mail (maybe this weekend since the weather is supposed to be crappy). After that I have got to get some things done around my place. Fit in a quick roadtrip to Louisiana and maybe one to San Antonio and break will be over and it will be January before you know it.

Unfulfilled goals....

I had plenty on my 'to do' list today but accomplished little...very little. Let's see....one load of laundry.....a trip to the Village for paper....a fruitless trip by Target for printer ink--have to run by Walmart tomorrow in hopes of getting that....a picture cd made instead of loading camera software (but at least now I can access the pictures in my camera!)....four pictures printed...an idea for Christmas cards (we'll see if that works out)...zero gifts made--gonna be a very busy week!....gift acquired for Tuesday night party....and here it is after 9pm already....no wonder I'm yawning....

Decorate

Tree went up on Thanksgiving....

Goals...

I've got a lot of goals for today....get some Christmas gifts made (though it looks as though that will require a run to the Village), get my gift 'together' for a Christmas party and Chinese gift exchange Tuesday night (lots of ideas there when initially there were none), get my apartment picked up (a thorough cleaning will take longer than I have left in this weekend but next weekend and week is another story), get some pictures printed, try to finally load that camera software so I can download pictures from the camera, finish laundry, pay some bills (yuck), get Christmas cards made, work on book club, work on trading cards......so much more than I'll be able to cram into just today. Maybe even try to post a little more before bed.....oh and did I mention I slept until nearly 10am and it's already after 11a?

Sissy's home!!!

My sweet, little orphan kitty is back. This morning when running out to pick up something to eat I heard a faint mewing that seemed to be coming from the patio downstairs. When I would call her name it would get a little louder and last a little longer. At that point I figured out that she must be trapped in the neighbor's patio storage closet. I last saw her Wednesday when I was home for lunch and when painters were starting to do trim work on this building. She must have run for cover in the storage unit when they were painting the door and trim and got shut in when they finished. Poor little thing has been in there since Wednesday.

It was before 9a and I didn't want to disturb the neighbor but fortunately her kitchen window was up and I could tell from the sounds someone was up. I knocked on the door and apologized for disturbing her and told of the dilemma. She agreed that was a likely occurrance and checked the storage unit. Sure enough, Sissy came bolting out. It took her a few minutes to get her bearings but once she did, she was more than happy to come bounding up the stairs for some fresh water and something to eat. She's back to being hesitant about coming inside but considering her ordeal I'm just happy she's not reverted back completely to being so totally skiddish. Given a day or two and I may be able to start coaxing her back in--Willy will just have to deal with it!

December just around the corner...

geezh...I can hardly believe tomorrow is December 1. Another year has flown. Isn't it funny how when you're young time seems to nearly stand still--especially waiting for good things like birthdays and Christmas and breaks from school. And then you're an adult and it seems it was just yesterday you were driving for the first time, or graduating from high school or college and so on. Now I understand the 'youth is wasted on the young' comment.

On a sad note, the kitty I 'inherited' from downstairs has been gone for over two days now. It's not like Sissy to be gone that long. She generally comes when I call her but not the last two nights. She was just starting to get friendlier to me--rubbing up against my leg, even coming inside (which Willy did not like but he seems sad that she's not there pawing at the window). I just hope nothing bad happened to her and that she was just picked up by someone nice who treats her well.

So if Sissy really is gone, I'm thankful for the time she was around.

self portrait...

...why the hell not...I haven't posted any pics in a while (one of these days I'll get off my arse and load the software for the new camera so I can load some of those pics I've been promising since I got it!)

It's undeniable....

...when it comes to posting I am a slacker. I can come up with lame excuses but the biggest fact is that I've just been lazy...really, really lazy. Seems I get home and the only thing I want to do is veg on the couch--and it's not like there's anything on worth watching--other than Ugly Betty (in my opinion). So as the month draws to a close, I will try to catch up....for

I am thankful:

-for having made the decision (back in the day) to apply for the job and subsequently move to Wharton--even in those times I hate my job
-for incredible sunsets
-the half mile commute to work and the ability to run home for lunch or other issues
-for (finally) having a WalMart in town for those times when I need to pick up things like cat food and shampoo
-the sense of independence my mother gave me and teaching me to not wait for someone if there's something I really want to do
-for cool nights with I can turn off the ac/heat and open doors and windows and enjoy fresh air (and Willy can go out on the patio)
-for the ability to buy the scrapbooking toys I want and have so I can play at home without having to mooch off friends (granted I would like to have more-who wouldn't-but I do have enough for now)
-for finally getting a Taco Bell/KFC in Wharton (yeah, a new choice even if it is fast food...now if we only had a Wendys)
-for having met my great friend Louise who is so good to me in so many ways
-to know that winter break (because calling it Christmas Break is not PC) is right around the corner
-for a wonderful Chiropractor (and his staff) who puts up with my whining and is more than willing to change my treatments to include massages
-for Michaels and Hobby Lobby 40% off coupons and for Scrapbook Village who will accept them and even give a 20% off coupon to Book Club members
-for Pinecone Press Book Club and the challenges and fun kits it brings (yes, even the crappy one like tridigi--maybe I should give that one to Robin....hmmmmmmm)
-for Starbucks and their peppermint hot chocolate
-for Hospice who did so much for mom
-for the ability to care for the kitty downstairs after the woman who cared for her passed away (because let's face it, can anyone ever really own a cat?)
-for the technology to allow almost everyone to have the internet in their homes and at their fingertips
-for digital photography and all it brings (I'm so happy to have been able to get my first digital from mom because it allowed me to capture so many memories I most likely never would have on actual film--and it's also generated an interest in photography)

.....that's quite a list for now but I promise to post more by the end of the month....

What the hell is up with Ohio???

First we find out the so-called mother of the child found in Galveston Bay is from Ohio (near Cleveland). Now the news says the wacko who killed the woman at Greenspoint then himself is from Cleveland, Ohio. Was it the cold? The Amish?? What the hell????

Lazy, rainy days...

I'm thankful for lazy, rainy days when I can spend the day lounging and napping. It's seldom I take a day to do absolutely nothing but today has been one of those rare days. I slept in a bit, cooked some breakfast then cleaned the kitchen. Still feeling a bit tired late in the morning I decided on a nap--that lasted almost three hours! I think I'm catching up from yesterday's antics of being up and shopping well before dawn.

For the first time in my life I got up (3am) to be one of the first in line on black Friday. My prey? The Cricut at Michaels. I was the fourth in line and was rewarded with the coveted scrapbooking tool at quite a savings. I can't share pictures because I didn't want any evidence.

It's been in my possession for about 34 hours now and I've yet to play with it! However, the weekend isn't over yet!

Today....

Today I am thankful for my wonderful friends who are forgiving because I have gotten behind in my posting. (Let's see now, that leaves me eight thankfuls to catch up to tomorrow!)

I know...I know....

....I am majorly behind. I haven't been abducted by aliens or sking in the Alps. Things have just been hectic plus trying to deal with some things. I am still around just not posting as I should be. My goal--yes, I'm setting a goal--is to get caught up by the end of the weekend. So stay tuned and I'll do my best to entertain. Maybe I'll finally get my act together to load the new camera software to post pictures from the quilt show and other assorted pictures from the last two weeks.

On a current note....and an addition to 'Are we too PC?'..........

Did you see the story today on yahoo and msn (msn had a link for a video of the news story) about Santa Claus in the land down under? Seems they have been telling their Santas they should say 'ha ha ha' in place of the well known 'ho ho ho' because (get this)....ho ho ho has a negaitive connotation and is frightening to children. Why the concern???? ....wellllll, because 'ho' is an American term for a female prostitute. WHAT???? Tell me, what small child is thinking that Santa is referring to a female prostitute when he says 'ho ho ho'???? This belongs in the John Stossel 'gimme a break' spots.

....more later....promise

Slacker warning/post

It's late, I've only been home a short while (thanks to work) and I still have to do some laundry, pack a bag and go over my presentation material and make notes for tomorrow. Oh and I have to be up, dressed, ready to go and at the office no later than 7:30am (I'm doing good most days if I have my hair almost dry by 7:30am).

It's been an extremely busy not so good day and I'm afraid trying to come up with anything I'm thankful for at this moment would not sound too good. I am not asking for a pass, just forgiveness if I don't catch up till Friday or Saturday (since I'll be in Austin tomorrow night and all day Friday--not certain if I'm going to drag the laptop). And did I mention that I have to be at the office no later than 7:30am?

Is it too early...

...to look forward to the weekend?? I know it's only Tuesday but it's already been a stressful week. Add to that me trying to finish a big presentation (tonight) for Thursday (need the final tomorrow for tweaking and copying handouts) and I'm spent. I've been tapping away in the living room on the lap top all evening but now I am wanting to just lay my head on the pillow (and I don't quite feel done). And then I think of all the next three days entail: get everything together for Thursday which includes a trip to Rosenberg Wednesday night to set up for Thursday, workshop all day Thursday then drive to Austin for a meeting on Friday (that starts at 8:30am), then home after the meeting. I won't even have time to enjoy Austin-just in and out. And so I'm looking forward to the weekend. I have no plans and at the moment am just looking forward to lounging. Of course if a good offer comes way like last weekend I'll be certain to take it. Not to mention chances are good I'll be working on another presentation I have to do next Tuesday and Wednesday night in Katy. At least Thanksgiving break is just around the corner!

Are we TOO PC?

As I sit here I can hear the news on in the other room and one story has caught my attention. It seems in London they are telling Santa to slim down. They say by being fat he's not setting a good example and doesn't send a good nutritional message to kids. Gimme a break! Santa is supposed to be 'round and jolly'. A skinny Santa just doesn't do it for me. So many things change in this world, let's not monkey with what has become tradition for so many.

Today...

I am thankful for Willy...the little furry creature that lives with me. He's quite a little character and oozes with personality. He's not much of a lap cat unless he wants to be and in those times he's the sweetest little guy. Every so often he'll come curl up in my lap but when he's had enough, he's gone.

Yes...I am a day behind...

...that pretty much sums up everything at the moment. I have a HUGE presentation Thursday and I'm still trying to get my powerpoint together. Taking the year off from doing this last year has really made a difference!

And then there's the fact that I fell asleep on the couch last night not long after eating and cleaning up the kitchen. So much for getting anything accomplished last night.

Yesterday's gratitude was for technology and all that it brings to each of our lives. No longer do we have to go to libraries and dig through dusty old volumes of encyclopedias to do research. Just about anything we want is within our reach thanks to the internet and it's even more convenient that most have this in our homes.

Today's thankful thought...

I've been thinking most of the day of the many things for which I am thankful--many trival, some not. Several things have come to mind to list for today but mostly I am thankful for the freedom to enjoy so many things. Most weekends I can sleep in and do things as leisurely as I wish. I can drive my own car (some countries do not allow women to sit in the front seat, much less drive). I can express my opinions against the atrocities in the world without fear of persecution. I can pretty much do as I please, when I please. I am thankful for the thousands of young men and women who put themselves in harms way to defend our way, my way of life. And I am thankful for their families who make so many sacrifices themselves. God bless these men and women and their families.

Plate of Ice...

Plate of Ice...

...ever asked for extra ice at a restuarant and been given a plate of ice? Obviously I wouldn't mention such a thing if it hadn't happened.....

Laughs and Giggles...

Today I am thankful for everyday laughs and giggles. I spent a big chunk of the day laughing with Melissa about numerous things. Stupid things we've both done, stupid things others have done, life in general around us. And then there are the giggles provided by Robin reminiscing about last night and rubbing on things. I must find her something soft for Christmas....

The weekend has been packed. And here I had planned a weekend at home! After a day of running I opted to come home as opposed to staying at Melissa's. There's just something about being able to sleep in your own bed. Besides I have tons to do tomorrow, tons more I would like to do (that I know I won't get to but seem good in theory at this point) and just generally getting in the mood to go back to work on Monday and it's going to be a busy week. On my to do list I'll add loading pictures from the weekend--adventures with Robin and some of the quilts from the International Quilt Show.

Today....

I am thankful friends who contact me out of the blue to get together to do something. I had planned for a fairly quiet weekend--stay home, get a few things done around here, hopefully work on a few scrap projects. Robin emailed me this morning because she didn't want to hang at home tonight so we planned for an evening of shopping at the Sugar Plum Market in Stafford and stop at the Village and of course, dinner. (FYI the yummy new KI Memories lace paper is in.)

Later in the afternoon my friend Melissa called to see if I was up for something this weekend as she is going to be a 'deer widow'. She found a few craft shows around town and of course there's the International Quilt Market in Houston (and she's never been). So tomorrow I'll get up and head to Cypress to meet up with M and head out for the day. There's no telling where we'll end up before the day is over--much to detriment of my wallet! I may even pack a bag and spend the night (if I can find someone at the last minute to feed the Willster--so forgive me if it's Sunday before I blog again).

Oh and one last UPS update....I finally got my package. What a nightmare it's been tracking it down! From now on if I'm buying something I'll find out if the company uses UPS and if not, chances are good they will not get my business.

The UPS Saga Continues.....

The package was supposed to be delivered today yet no one can locate the package. Supposedly a delivery attempt was made yesterday yet when I spoke with the distribution center at 2:30p (yesterday) the package was there....so how can the package be in two places at once?? So now I'm waiting to hear back from the distribution center---of course I'm still awaiting the call back from yesterday too. Have I mentioned how much I hate UPS?

Leann's Challenge...

For some reason when I agreed to Leann's challenge I was thinking that I only needed to post what I was thankful for on Thursdays....so I was thinking only four posts, no sweat. And then I reread it and find it's the challenge for the month.....a month of posts of what I'm thankful for. I can see some lagging already but I'm game....and I'll try starting with less common subjects to be thankful for.....

So today I am thankful for the invention of the washing machine and the modern convenience of having one in my own home (which can be a big deal). I am greatful that I only need walk down the hall to start a load to wash or throw a load in the dryer. I can wash anytime I wish--weekend, weekday, 3 in the afternoon, 2 in the morning, whenever. I don't have to lug piles of clothes to the laundromat and with pockets of quarters to fight for machines. It's something miniscule in the grand scheme of things but it's a wonderful, modern convenience no matter what a pain it seems at times.

UPS Update...

Still no camera. I found today when I spoke with the Stafford distribution center that supposedly attempts have been made since last Friday (10/26) to deliver the package. Okay...so why is it there is only one notice of attempted delivery???? With luck the package will finally arrive tomorrow. I guess it would have just sat indefinitely in Stafford if I hadn't called someone.

I guess if I were getting packages all the time I would consider some sort of parcel drop location but since I seldom get packages it would be an unnecessary expense. Not to mention the closest place would probably be Rosenberg. Hopefully this saga will end soon.....

Should I or shouldn't I???

I received the December (yep, December) issue of Creating Keepsakes today with the information for their Hall of Fame contest for next year. I've read through the list of required layouts and most seem do-able to me. The one that I think would be the most difficult would be the new technique but overcoming that hurdle I think I could actually pull things together and enter. But then I think, who am I kidding? My layouts are so linear (and somewhat predictable) that I doubt I could do anything that would wow anyone...but it might be fun. So to all my scrapping buddies, weigh in on the topic and help me make a decision...and if you have any ideas for new techniques I could use that too.

UPDATE: Or maybe that should be no news....still no new camera. I didn't make it home during the day and by the time I did get home (5:15pm), the office was closed so I couldn't check to see if UPS actually delivered my package. If he did, he didn't bother to leave a notice so I didn't feel I could call and complain today. I'll check tomorrow and if there's still no package I will be having words with someone!

I HATE *#@**&* UPS...

or at least the ASS assigned to my complex. The problem is that it takes days and numerous phone calls to locate and get my packages. I never had a problem till moved into this apartment. The incompetent moron that delivers here can't seem to figure out how to fill out the notices that UPS often leaves and when he does finally deliver a package he mouths off and the so-called supervisors do nothing about him.

It started last spring...he would never leave my stampin up shipments or my monthly club scrap shipment. It didn't matter how many times I signed the release for the package to be left or left notes to please leave the package either at my door or the office. Every time I came home to another delivery notice where the moron had checked all the boxes (lot of good that does in planning to be home or whatever).

Good luck finding a number on the UPS website where you can actually talk to a human! But, somewhere along the way I got lucky and got the name and number of a rep at the Stafford distribution center (which is now on my fridge). Every time there was a notice I would call to find out if the driver was still in the area and to ask that he please be redirected at that point to deliver--sometimes it worked, most often it didn't.

The driver would always claim that no one was at the office when he attempted to deliver the package. I would ask what time the attempts were made and was always told the driver said all different times. At which point I would point out that the office is only closed one hour each day, at the same time unless there is an emergency. So how is it he's supposedly attempting to deliver at all different times but no one is ever there according to him.

The final straw was when it took a week to get my last stampin up and club scrap shipment (i dropped SU and cancelled CS because I was tired of fighting to get my stuff). It was Friday evening and I was told he would deliver by 6:15pm....and he finally showed up at 6:30pm. I so wanted to say something to him but I bit my tongue and then he commented that he 'usually delivers to my office'....at which point I told him, no he did not...so he tells me that I should have my packages delivered to my office. I tell him no, that is not possible and he proceeds to tell me in a smart-assed tone that I should stay home then if I'm expecting a package. I could not believe what i was hearing and asked him to repeat himself...so he tells me to stay home. I informed if he felt I should stay home to wait on him that he could pay my bills and that I would be reporting him.

I held to my promise to report him and the supervisor apologized and assured me he would follow up with me--which he never did.

So today I come home to find a notice stuck to my kitchen window and once again the moron has checked all the boxes. I've called the distribution center but they couldn't contact the driver but I have been assured they will make certain he delivers the package tomorrow to the office--we shall see!

The package is my new camera and I was really hoping to have it tomorrow to take halloween pictures at work. Oh well, one more day won't hurt me....I just hope it's only one more day.

Haunted Courthouse???

I left the halloween party early so I could go to the local production of Dracula (all this time in this town and this was the first time I went to the theatre--won't be the last). Keeping with the halloween theme the show didn't start till 10pm and everyone was encouraged to attend in costume--which means I could go straight from the party to the theatre (and though I felt a little silly I was not the only adult in costume). Leaving downtown (a whopping two and a half miles from my home) I decided to snap a few pictures of the courthouse square. I was somewhat shocked when I reviewed the pictures and found this one of a huge orb beside the bell tower. Normally I would just think there was some camera malfunction that ruined what might have been a good picture....in light of my recent education via the Branson Ghost Tour I'm wondering if perhaps if it's something else.....

BEAUTIFUL DAY

Saturday was a beautiful day with mild temps. Other than a halloween party in the evening I didn't really have a great deal planned. One item on the list was to pick up around my place and possibly hit the Country Peddler Show in Rosenberg. Peddler won out. After I made a quick trip to Michaels looking for some dollar calendars (crappy Michaels in Sugar Land didn't have the size you did Carol--bummer--so I'm back to the drawing board on that one.) But I digress...the day was too beautiful and I couldn't resist snapping this pictures of the flags as I was headed out of the fairgrounds.

Cold Front or No????

The latest news cast calls for a real cold front tomorrow--with temps supposedly dropping about twenty degrees. I say, BRING IT ON! It's nearly November...we should have had some cooler temps by now. It'll be nice to not have to run the A/C quite so much....to be able to open the windows...to wear a light jacket. To finally have some fall weather.

Great Hat...

This is the hat I brought back from Branson for Bossman....

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