Momma's cornbread dressing...

Cause it's just not the holidays without it!

Just couldn't resist....

Ready to Organize...

Picked up these two cubes on sale at Michaels (bought a total of three)

Three C's....

Creating, Cooking and Cleaning (sort of).

So much to get done today! It's been a nice, busy but fun weekend and now I prepare to return to reality. I so wanted to stay in bed and sleep longer this morning but knew if I didn't get up I'd be there all day and that was just not an option today!

So....I am working on various projects today. My Christmas cards are almost finished (yeah me!)--thus the creating part.....I'm cooking the small turkey breast I picked up---there's the cooking....and I've got laundry started and hope to pick up a bit--that's the sort of cleaning.

As is the norm for the weekend after Thanksgiving I know I've spent entirely too much money and it's not even December 1 (pay day was Wednesday). There are just a few more things I need/want to pick up and then I'm done with any sort of holiday shopping. Though I do confess the majority of the purchases this weekend were for moi....so Merry Christmas to me! I've found a few things this year that just say Merry so of course I've had to buy them! It's my only chance to get personalized items! Guess it's a good thing the primary color in my living room is red since most everything I find is red or green....heehee.....

Almost...

It's almost the end of the work week, it's almost Thanksgiving, it's almost the end of the year....

Anticipation...

Looking forward to a long weekend, two hectic weeks at work to follow and then almost three weeks off. For the first time I'm finally starting to really look forward to and anticipate the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend. I guess things have just been too hectic and I was almost feeling overwhelmed by all the holiday hype which seems to have started super early this year. Perhaps a part of it is due to still trying to find my groove after such a crazy, almost surreal year.

So here on Tuesday I am thinking of all the things that can be done once the clock strikes 4p tomorrow. And then there are all the projects I would love to accomplish or perhaps just tackle. Oh...and then there are the black Friday sales though there's really nothing I need but I'm sure there'll be something I feel I need--LOL. For instance, I just found out Michaels will open Thanksgiving evening at 6p and have cricut cartridges on sale for 29.99....just trying to decide now if it's worth going in for!

Overdue...

Wow....looking back I see the last grateful post was the 8th. Guess I've been busier or more tired than I thought. With that said, here are more gratitudes--in no particular order....

Thankful to have a Walmart a short distance from home (since the closest when I moved here was almost 20 miles away but now we have our own). So convenient when little things creep up or when I do things like not purchase a USB cable at the same time I purchase a new printer.

So grateful to be comfortable enough to afford a few extras...like the countless scrapbooking goodies I own. By no means am I wealthy but I get by.

Grateful for digital photography.

What a wonderful thing to have the internet and access to virtually anything at our fingertips. So much technology and information.

Thankful for wonderful, funny, caring coworkers and colleagues.

Anyone who knows me knows spring was quite bumpy for me but I am thankful for the fairly quick detection that I was suffering from MS. I am also grateful for the proactive treatment that my doc put me on.

In light of the previous statement, I am also grateful to have found MS World on the internet. It's provided great support. I have a place I can go if I have questions about what I'm experiencing or just need a little support. What a great thing it is.

I am so thankful that my mother instilled in me a passion for reading. Granted I may not do it as often as I might like but I do love to read.

Thankful to the area stores who host wonderful classes by prominent folks in the scrapbooking world and the opportunity to take the classes.

Thankful for beautiful, sunny days.

I am grateful to have been able to get a new feather bed/mattress topper. I've been sleeping better than I have in some time!

I am thankful for what scrapbooking as a hobby has brought into my life. Not only am I able to document memories and make pretty things, but I have also formed wonderful friendships.

Even though I may say otherwise at times, I am thankful for Willy. He's getting old but he is a sweet cat.

Thankful for the opportunity of education and the fact I have obtained advanced degrees--despite the debt that goes with them.

Silly but I'm thankful for text messaging because it was what kept me in touch while I was hospitalized earlier this year.

So, even though I may not have been posting daily I have been thinking of the many things for which I am thankful.

Trying to motivate myself...

Wow...I look at the calendar and see there are only 15 more work days before Christmas break and actually only 14 for me since I'll be out of the office at a workshop tomorrow. Of course, even though we're off for nearly three weeks (one day shy of to be exact--yes we go back to work on a Friday!) I'll be working a day or two over the break to make certain we don't start the new year too far behind. But I digress....

I am thinking of all the things I need/want to get accomplished (making gifts, etc) and know I have to got to get my rear in gear!! I have been procrastinating finishing up the book from my recent trip. I think about it almost constantly but never seem to muster the energy to sit and work on it. Tonight that is on my list--especially since it's Schwans pizza for dinner and the fact that I actually printed pictures. Wish me luck!!!

TOO wordy...

I decided the posts were getting a bit too wordy so I'm posting an old picture of Willy....didn't think anyone wanted to see another Oak Ridge Boys picture....lol....

New Addiction...

Thanks to a coworker I discovered cinnamon sugar pecans from the local nut distributor (started to say nut house...lol). Then I found Fisher Cinnamon Pecans at Walmart (at a much cheaper price). I am now addicted to them. I took a can with me on vacation (good thing cause Walmart up there did not have them) and they were the perfect little protein snack in the car. Since returning I have a can on my desk and find myself going into it several times a day. I use it as a little pick-me-up. I just had a handful and could go for another handful but I am going to restrain myself...for at least ten or twenty minutes!!

On another note, I bought a new printer over the weekend and last night I finally managed to print some pictures on it. What a wonderful thing it is. Now if I can just get myself in gear to scrap some of them! Maybe, maybe, maybe tonight...maybe.

Instant Gratification and Excess....

Why is it we see something and we feel we must have it and usually sooner rather than later??? It seems (at least maybe to me) that is caused--at least partly--by the shift in society and attitudes. We feel we have to have the newest, biggest, brightest, best whatever. Our friend/neighbor/coworker/family member/rival has it so we must as well and we need bigger/better/more expensive than them. People have gone away from saving/waiting/working for what they want. And it is a case of want. And like everyone, I am guilty too. The thought of going back to basics seems appealing but could I (or anyone else for that matter) handle it? With the current economic conditions perhaps we will see a shift take place but, can the leopard really change its spots?

...ok, off my political/philosophical soapbox and back to wanting the My Minds Eye Christmas papers I just saw!!!!

Lists....

Seems I seldom get as much accomplished as I want to. Carol suggests I should be a list maker. I do make lists at times. My real problem is actually following the list and crossing things off without continually moving them to a new list. Carol reminds me I have to actually complete tasks on the list! What a novel concept. Perhaps that should be another of my goals for 2009...

Planning for 2009......

Like it or not, the holiday season has started and the end of the year is fast approaching. As I am bombarded with everything Christmas I am also thinking of the fact that 2009 is literally around the corner. As I've stated in previous years I am not one to make resolutions because it seems too much of a letdown when they cannot be followed or maintained. Instead I prefer to set goals for the new year. In the coming days/weeks I'll need to find my old post and the things I had hoped to accomplish in 2008 and note what happened and what did not (I know of several that did not).

Perhaps I'll add those things to my 2009 list. However there is one thing I already know I want on my 2009 list and that is to make time to scrap. I would like to say that I'll do something daily but fear that may be a bit too ambitious. I'll shoot for weekly and hope for daily. So there is my first goal for 2009! More later....

Fun Ahead...

Yeah...it's finally Friday. This evening is the first Delta Phi Scrappa meeting and I am excited. What a great group of gals to hang with. And I know it's a forgiving group (because my grand plans to get albums made for our 'service project' has just not happened for me the last couple of nights). Maybe I can get one made during lunch today!

Tomorrow it's off to By Design for the Junk Binder class. It's something I signed up for somewhat last minute on the fly (from Branson) but I am excited about it. I am also excited about being at By Design cause it's such a cool store. I'm sure I'll end up spending way too much money as usual!

Initially I had planned to spend Sunday taking it easy and catching up on things...and then I got a call about Joey's clear album class. What can I say. I couldn't resist signing up to hang with the girls for another afternoon of creating.

So here I am on the verge of a scrap-packed weekend. Is it 5p yet???

Behind...

Yes, I am behind....in many aspects. I need to catch up on my grateful blogging, I need to pick up around my apartment, I have a list of things I need to get done, I need to get things together for my scrap adventures this weekend. How did I ever manage to work full time, run mom all over to doctor appointments, go to grad school and get everything done??? Now by the time I get home from work I just want to collapse on the couch. The good news is the weeked is coming.

Now I'll bore you with more Oak Ridge Boys pictures--I'm reliving last week since I won't see them till January.

Scraptober Winner......

There were four individuals who played along and two who met the challenge of 15 posts-minimum. Choosing a winner between the two was difficult but it is now done.

The winner will receive a gift certificate for one hour of indulgence (massage) at Massage Envy. Personally I see Emily at the Greatwood location and she's terrific.

And the winner is.........Carol! Congradulations on a job well done.

Bye Branson...till next time....

Not so happy day...

There were a few things today that weren't exactly what I'd bargained for in returning to work--well one thing actually--but hopefully it's behind me If I can just put it out of my head! Just one of those things you know you have to do but try to avoid it thinking it will resolve itself and when you realize it won't you must deal with it. Yeah, one of those things.

And I know I have to catch up on my grateful blogging....

November 8: Is it okay to say I'm grateful (once again) for arriving at my destination (home) safely? Ya see, just as I pulled out of my hotel in Branson, my check engine light came on (and I never did take a picture!). So here I was nearly 700 miles from home with only the option of praying there was no real problem and heading home. There were no problems that I could detect and believe me, I kept checking. But I made it home, safe. Okay, if you insist on something else, how about two kitties who were happy to welcome me home!

November 9: Thankful for the luxury of a washer and dryer in my apartment to my laundry at my leisure.

November 10: Happy to have a mechanic I could call to check my car--free!!!

Back to Reality...

....The alarm clock rang too early and I managed to drag myself out of bed and to the office. I even managed to do so early enough to run through Mickey D's and get breakfast and get in the office before my boss. So now reality is setting in and I'm hit full force in the face with it--two people have called in. Usually the days when staff is out end up being super hectic. So much for easing back in slowly.

More later....

Home at last...

After a twelve hour drive that included detouring over to Conroe to avoid a gigantic traffic snarl on 59 just outside Cleveland (that appeared to go on for miles--cars were literally stopped), I am home. The weather was perfect--even turning downright cold last night (I had a drink in the car from yesterday evening that still had ice in it this morning!). As I expected, it was another wonderful trip to the Ozarks and I hated to leave it behind this morning. But since I've yet to become independently wealthy or a kept woman, I had to return home and to reality.

There were many highlights to the trip and as always, the Oaks were a big plus. Since they aren't coming south this year it was a chance to see the new Christmas production-always a treat. They're still working out the kinks but it's coming along and everyone who sees it is in for a treat. Though a shade early, it was fun kicking off the holidays with the Boys. In addition to seeing the show it was wonderful seeing friends and having a chance to visit with various individuals. And a big thank you to those who expressed their concern for me--it means more than you know.

Naturally I spent too much money and probably ate too much too. But then, isn't that what vacations are for?? On the upside, I've already started documenting my trip. Maybe I'll be able to get that wrapped up tomorrow while I do laundry and get set to return to the reality of work come Monday morning.

Some favorite memories....

HOW.....

How did it get to be Friday so quickly??? My last full day in Branson. A day I've basically spent out on the roads enjoying the sights and mild (even downright cold at times) temps. And now I feel the hours dwindling away. This time tomorrow I'll be back on the road with these memories of another wonderful trip (yet one that as usual seems too short).

Catching Up....

Though my eyes are still a bit heavy I'll try to catch up on my 'grateful blogging':

November 3: Grateful to have arrived at my destination safe and sound and ready for some fun and relaxation

November 4: Many thanks to my mother for my sense of adventure and even a bit of wanderlust. She always told me if there was something I wanted to do not to wait around for someone else but to embark on the adventure on my own otherwise I'd always be waiting and miss out.

November 5 Thankful to live in a land where I am free and can do as I choose.

November 6: (Cheese warning....)Ever so thankful for the finding my way back to the Oak Ridge Boys and their music. Go ahead, roll your eyes (you know you want to) but my feelings go deeper than just admiration for a music group. I don't speak much of religion cause it's a private thing for me but I am ever so grateful the Lord led me back to the Oaks. And it does sound a bit cheesy but they came back into my life giving me something I'd been missing. They brought a message of hope and peace. Little did I know it was going to be the last year or so of mom's life. They gave us something to do together. They brought me friendships that would help me through the difficult times after her passing. They gave me their friendship. No longer the pie-eyed girl watching figures larger than life (at the time) from the top of the Astrodome...I now call these gentlemen friends. I've had the great fortune of being able to spend time talking with each about things that really matter not just superficial pleasantries. I've had them show concern for me (thanks to Richard for the chat the other night). So cheesy as it may sound, I am thankful for the Oak Ridge Boys.

November 7: Grateful for the ability to take a few days off to go and do whatever I choose and to have the means to do so. I am by no stretch of the imagination wealthy and I can certainly benefit from budgeting but I am able to pretty much do whatever I want, when I want. I often hear mom's voice Do you want it?....Get it......maybe not always the best advice but it's served me well.

So I believe that now catches me up!!!

Vacation coming to an end.......

First let me apologize for not blogging....I just got the laptop to connect to the net--first time since I arrived. Yes, I know I am behind on grateful blogging but please be patient--I will catch up (but not tonight since it's nearly 1am and I am tired).

Tomorrow is my last day in the Ozarks. Other than seeing Joe Diffie tomorrow night and then the Grand Jubilee Radio Show I don't really have any plans. I want to soak in everything I can before heading back to reality. The weather has been perfect and I've enjoyed every minute. I look forward to being home but will miss the downtime I have been enjoying. Oh and I'll miss seeing the Oaks too!

Sunday adventures...

Thankfully they are nothing like last night. The door knob is fixed-hoooray. The extra deadbolt won't turn all the way but I'll worry with that when I return. The keyed lock works and that's what matters most at this point.

Now I just need to get in gear and get packed. Anytime I travel it's always the same old thing--waiting till practically the last minute to get things together. You would think this would be easier since it's pleasure so I can wear whatever....but it's not. Knowing me I'll still be trying to figure out what to take at 10/11p tonight and then will end up taking more than I would or could possibly ever wear!

Today I am thankful for the extra hour of time that I used snoozing--I needed that!

Cute Target Find

Can you say PISSED....

So I spent a good chunk of the day doing nothing. It's not that I didn't have anything to do--there's plenty--I was just trying to catch up on rest. I finally got out about four to run a few errands (forgot a few) and got home just about nine. And I could NOT get my door open. The lock turned but the tumbler on the door knob just turned....never opening the door.

I called the office and got the emergency maitenance number for what good it did. I began calling about every five minutes trying to get an answer. I finally managed to track down the lady who works for the complex cleaning the apartments for make ready. She didn't quite understand and asked if there was somewhere else I could stay tonight! THAT pissed me off (as if I wasn't pissed already). OH and she tells me the maintenance guy is already sleeping and won't answer. So what the hell good is the emergency maintenance number??? ]

She comes over and the first thing she does is ask for my keys to unlock the door. Surprisingly, the door is already unlocked and it still won't open. Fortunately she brought a screwdriver and was trying to open the door with it. My neighbor across from me was leaving but gave us a butter knife before she did so. FINALLY, that did the trick and tripped the door knob. Now I just have to get maintenance here TOMORROW to fix the damn door so I can leave as planned early Monday.

Not exactly the activities I had planned for when I returned home.

A Month of Thankfulness

Carol threw out a challenge to everyone to post daily the things for which they are thankful. It's a reminder to each of us to cherish each moment and be thankful for all the things in our lives whether good or bad. It might sound odd to mention being thankful for the bad things but think about it a moment; the bad things can really help us to grow and in retrospect end up being a good thing. So, celebrate the good but also think about the bad and what good might come from it.

That said, I am thankful for the wonderful friendships I have. All unique, each person brings something special to my life. For how dull would it be if it weren't for colorful friends?

Rocky Horror Comes to Wharton