My View... & Musings from the {Studio}

Good Conversations...

How often do you set patiently listening to someone talk... just wishing... hoping that they would STOP?  The whole time that their mouths are moving... you're praying for SILENCE!!!  I've had one of those kind of days.  To say that patience isn't one of my virtues... would be an understatement.  And, I have officially lost my patience today.  I've been asked to SMILE and eat... ****.  It's not a very pleasant feeling... you know... to have to smile when you'd rather be screaming with frustration. 

I went to the gym and took my frustration out on the treadmill.  After a few hours of comtemplation, I'm still not very happy with the events of today.  Not that it really matters.  I'll get up and do it again tomorrow.  BTW... I've had a really interesting offer that I'm contemplating.  I'll keep you posted on the details.

Even though... I'm complaining... A LOT.... Not everything in my world is negative.  I have been invited to have another page published in Memory Maker's Magazine.  I'm bursting with the news.  It's so exciting!!  I've been working at this for years and I'm so happy that GOOD things are finally happening.   

The transition from being at the Studio everyday has been pretty easy.  Sounds strange to say though... I really expected that I would struggle being away from the store everyday.  But, in reality... I'm enjoying it!  This weekend I'm going to do some marketing at a Women in Business program.  It should be some great advertising for the store.  I'm anxious to get the word out about "Photos to Canvas".  It's amazing that we can take a simple picture and make it look like a work of art.  If you haven't seen it... you seriously need to stop in the store and check it out! 

I'm in serious need of good conversation.  A great glass of wine and an invigorating chat with a good friend.  How about you? 

Go out and sieze the day!

Angela

What am I doing?

I feel like I've been living in a vacuum and the world has been going along without me.  Have you ever felt that way?  I am really glad to be back from Vegas.  I had fun... lots of FUN!  But, the whole process of being away from home... away from the store... away from reality is really taxing on my soul.  And, to top it off... I've got some sort of virus that I can't kick!  I feel really crappy.  I know... you're all thinking that I need some cheese to go along with my whine.  I know... I know....

I finished my HOF entry and got it mailed in on time.  Saying that HOF was a HUGE undertaking would be an understatement!!  I'm really pleased with how it turned out though.  Here's hoping that something magical comes from it.  I'm really hoping.  How unrealistic am I?  Last year there were about 750 entries.  There are 25 HOF'ers and 50 Honorable Mentions.  So... only about 10% of the entrants got positive news back.  How depressing!  More whine for my cheese... ;)

There's been lots going on today.  The new EPSON printer arrived at the store.  I cannot wait to share all the cool details.  We're still waiting on our computer and scanner and software.  Hopefully, we'll be up and running by the weekend.  Cross your fingers for us.

Those of you who know me well... know that I've been job-hunting.  I decided to go back to work.  And, today I was offered a job.  It's a good fit for my background.  I'm excited about it and a little nervous.  I start training next Monday in Cleveland.  I will be an independent business analyst specializing in helping businesses with their financial needs.  Basically, that means that I will help businesses reduce some basic expenses thus enabling them to perform better. 

Busy... Busy... Busy... is what I'm going to BEE!!! 

Holy Hairdo Batman...

I'm ready for Vegas baby!  I've got a much shorter new "DO".  You guys will be amazed!  I had count them.... 8 inches sheared off my head today!  No kidding!!!  It's bouncy and light and I'm loving it.  I had highlights put in it too...  Very blonde highlights.  I'm pleased with the overall effect.  I wish my hubby was in town.  I can't wait to see what he thinks.

Chat soon,

Angela

To CUT... or not to CUT

That's the question.  I desperately need some input.  I made an appointment with a real hair stylest for tomorrow at 5:15pm.  I need to walk into the salon prepared.  I need to be able to tell her what I want to do with my hair.  I am sick and tired of my hair.  It's far too long.... and I want a style.  The thought here is that if my hair looks better... maybe, I'll quit wearing it up all the time.  I am starting to get headaches from wearing it up everyday.

So, here's the question.  If you were me... what would you do with my hair?  How would you get it cut?  Would you have highlights added?  Ladies... I'm looking for input.  Help me out here.  OKAY?  A woman's hair is a serious issue.  I want to look classy and young.  Can a person look younger with a better haircut?  Nope.. don't answer that!  I'm sure I won't look younger.  But, maybe fresher... OK.... I suck.  The adjectives are not flowing. 

Give me some "HAIR" suggestions.

Angela

Memories Expo - March 31st and April 1st

Read the news... Read the news...

Memories Expo will be held at the Veterans Convention Center on March 31 and April 1, 2006. I am excited to announce that I will be teaching Scrapbook Basics at the Expo!  This is going to be the best Beginners - Scrapbook class you've ever seen! 

• Scrapbook Basics will teach you how to use sketches to create a dynamic 2-page layout.  Creating a great scrapbook page is easy, especially if you start with a sketch.   In this class, you will use cardstock, patterned paper, ribbon, chipboard letters and acrylic paint to create a layout that you'll love. This layout can easily be adapted to fit any theme and will highlight 4 of your favorite photos. After finishing the layout, we will create 2 fabulous cards.  Bring 4 photos, a 12x12 paper cutter, scissors and your favorite adhesive to class with you. 

Stacy will be teaching Two... amazing, {Out of the Box} Altered Classes.  I hope that lots of you can come and join us.  Stacy and I will be hosting the Friday night "Girls just Want to Have FUN ... CROP"!  This crop is going to be a BLAST!!!  Check out Stacy's blog for more information regarding her classes.

Also... I need to give a HUGE thank you to Stacy for bringing me along.... so to speak.  She told the people at Offinger Management that I'd be a good choice to teach the basics class.  That's how I got my gig.  So... THANK YOU Stacy!!  I appreciate you so much!!!

:o)

What a day...

Saturday was a busy day.  We went to the Y and exercised.  This was the 3rd day this week I ran 4 miles.  It's a pretty good feeling to be back at it...  Working out... testing my endurance and then whining because my muscles hurt later.  I'm a firm believer in diet with exercise.  Over the last few years, I've completely let myself go.  I'm correcting that problem NOW and I'm pretty happy about it!

Kelsey is a member of the St. Joe's 5th grade girls basketball team.  Yesterday, they had a game with the St. Michael's.  It was blazingly obvious that our girls are NOT intended to be basketball players.  The are NOT aggressive.  They don't steal the ball.  I swear they couldn't even shoot the ball.  It was the worst display of athleticism I have ever seen!  St. Joe's girls are dainty.  I'm not joking we have a class full of really cute, really non-athletic girls.  Kelsey is as the top of this list.  You'd think her height would help her.  But, Nooooo...  She really just wanted the game to be over.  Did I mention that... Kelsey's dad, David and I made her play basketball?  I'm sad to admit that we did.  We all thought that it would be good for her.  And, she has made it perfectly clear that she does NOT like basketball.  She asked me the other day, "Mom, why am I playing basketball?"  My response was because we thought she'd enjoy it.  She said, "Well, I"m not and I want to quit."  I feel bad for her... but, I'm making her finish the season.  But, I did promise that I won't make her play again.  Gosh... I feel like a mean Mom!

Stacy got the best offer yesterday.  She has a really BIG NEWS and I can't wait until she can share it with all of you.  I'm hoping that I can share in her excitement...   But, that's a whole other story.  I'm sure she'll being shouting from the rooftops really soon.

***READ ALL ABOUT IT***  --->  Here's my version of a short press release.

Scrapbook Studio has a fabulous new venture starting.  It's called... "Photos to Canvas"  I promise you'll be amazed with the results.  We are one of only a handful of businesses in the United States with this new capability.  Keep your eyes open for more information. 

I'll be chatting more about it really soon!

Hugs,

Angela

Reality TV

I think that I've become a reality TV junkie.  I hope that there is a "12 Step" program for this addiction.  On Monday, I watched the Bachelor.  On Tuesday, I watched American Idol.  Tonight, I'm watching American Idol... again.  And, tomorrow night... I'll watch Dancing with the Stars. 

How did this happen?  I really don't even like TV.  I don't watch soap operas.  I don't watch sitcoms.  I don't even watch Dr. Phil and Oprah.  I am NOT your average TV watcher.  I'm a reality TV junkie.  And, I'm not too happy about it.  Why am I interested in this sort of TV?  Maybe, it makes me feel better about my life.  Watching other people embarass themselves... Or, watching people attain goals that they didn't think they could reach.  Reality TV is a new addiction.  It's not like being addicted to Diet Coke or M&M's.  It's much worse.  I find myself asking other people if they watch... and, then telling them that they should watch.  That means I'm an reality TV enabler too. 

It's pathetic.  But, even now... I'm planning my evening around 2 hours of reality television.  Please feel free to offer suggestions and even give me the number to the closest exorcist.  Maybe, one of you have an answer to this problem.

Ssssshhhhhhh...

Everyone is sleeping... and, my house is so quiet.  It such a relaxing feeling when my house is still and everyone is nestled in their beds.  I woke up to a winter wonderland this morning.  School is delayed.  I'm whispering a silent... Woohooo!!

Today is my day off and I really haven't planned anything.  I still have lots to accomplish for HOF.  So, it's great that there is snow on the ground and I don't have a "TO DO" list to finish.  I'm working on my memory keepsake.  It's amazing to me that I can complete something like this as a gift pretty quickly.  But, I have spent about 8 hours working on this project that is not even close to being finished.  The whole HOF pressure has me second guessing my regular creative process.  I know it's dumb... but, I can't help myself.  I seek perfection!  BLAH BLAH BLAH....  I'm searching for my muse... help me!

How about a change of topic...

We are struggling with Attitude in my house.  I can't help but think that my mouth and actions are somewhat to blame for my daughter's attitude.  I know that our kids follow the example we set for them.  I tend to say exactly what's on my mind and don't generally temper my attitude for any reason.  My daughter is in trouble on a daily basis for her mouth.  She's got a fine little temper and she's not afraid to use it.  I am working on myself... trying to control a life-long problem... and, then maybe I won't feel guilty every time I discipline her for her mouth.  Being a parent is the most important job I have.  I want so much for Kelsey and if I'm part of the problem... You'd better believe that I want to fix the issue to be better for her.  Wish me luck... I think I'm going to need it...

Go out and enjoy your day! 

Angela

Good Morning World

It's Sunday morning and I've got tons of stuff to get accomplished.  We're cleaning out our storage area downstairs and getting stuff ready to go to Good Will.  That's going to be an ALL day type job.  I need to finish some housekeeping chores.  And, I really want to spend some quality time at my scrapbooking table.  I really need to have some uninterrupted hours being creative.

• Creativity is a drug I cannot live without.    Cecil B. DeMille

It seems that with me... Creativity is a fleeting thing.  Either I'm BURSTING with ideas or I'm dry as the desert.  So... today, I need to use my creativity while it's flowing.  If you're wondering... all this talk about creativity is leading to HOF projects that I'm excited to create.

Wish me luck.

Have a great Sunday!

Angela

You've gotta LOVE a Sunny day...

I had no idea that we were going to be blessed with a 55 degree - BRIGHT, Sunny day!  I am so happy.  Northwest Ohio gets so blah and icky during this time of year.  YEAH for SUNSHINE!!!

I don't know about you guys... but, I've been spending some time working on the journaling for the {ME} Unedited class that Stacy is teaching on the 25th of January.  The topics she has brought up really have me thinking.  How often do we think about ourselves... about doing something for ourselves?  I am really excited about this album!

I'm really SAD to say that some of the questions have me a little stumped...  It's pathetic, really it is!

1. What is your favorite color?  Well... I'm going to say BLACK.  How wrong is that? Am I mourning something?  I guess it's just the color that makes me look thinnest.
2. 3 Words that describe me?  Tired, Stressed and Creatively Challenged.  OK... so, I know that I used 4 words.  Remember... I told you that I don't follow directions very well.
3. How many times a day do you smile?  Um... yea, I'll have to get back to you on that one.  I guess I'll need some sort of {Smile-O-Meter} to measure this. :o)
4. How do you feel when you're alone with your pets?  Generally annoyed... because my dog, Bandit, wants to be entertained and let outside.  He's a bratty dog!
5. What does the color RED make you think?  It makes me think of energy and FAST cars.

I'm beginning to think that it's going to take a long time to finish all this journaling.  I may need to work on it all year.

Hope you're all having a great day!

Carpe' Diem!

Angela