Oops!

Ok, you now how you're driving along and then all of a sudden you realize the car or truck in front of you is up and down in speed, drifting from the center line to the edge of the road?  Well, last night the hubs and I were on our way to Muncie and somewhere just outside Winchester a couple of miles we came up behind a truck (the name on the truck will not be disclosed) that was clearly marked with the business name.  Anyhow, we followed this truck for 30 miles and finally, I said to my husband, "I'm not calling the police but I am calling the business and report this driver."  Much to my surprise when I called the business and indicated I wanted to report one of their drivers the person on the other end of the phone said "are you in the black GMC behind me?"  WHAT, how does he know who's calling him?  Turns out, the owner of the business was the erratic driver and YES, my phone call went directly to him!  Turns out he got overheated and was having trouble keeping his wits about him.  He was very kind, thanked me for the phone call and indicated after I suggested that he pull over and allow us to take him to the hospital that he actually was starting to feel better.

Crafting

Well, I certainly have been enjoying my craft room during these extraordinarily hot dog days of summer.  I recently had the opportunity to go shopping with a friend of mine who is a bit of a 'fashionista' and she has  convinced me that accessories really do finish an outfit.  In an attempt to find pretty but inexpensive jewelry to accessorize with I came across fractured marbles on a website.  Now, the website didn't mention making jewelry out of fractured marbles but I decided, why not? First you bake the marbles at a very high temperature for 20 minutes and then you shock them in ice cold water.  Here's a sampling of the marbles after fracturing and here are a couple of the necklaces I have made.  I'm so behind, I'll post pics later.

MONTE COMES HOME and IT'S A BUSY WEEKEND!

My brother, Monte, who lives in Arizona, actually flew into Indy on the 1st of August.  He spent 4 days in Indy for training and then headed to our parents home for the weekend.  What a great weekend it was!!! It started off with me taking Friday off from work, spending the morning with my niece and then the afternoon at my parents with my sister, brother, niece, nephew and parents.  Later that same evening we met up again at Pizza King in Winchester because Monte has to have a Royal Feast Pizza King pizza when he comes to Indiana.  On Saturday morning we had a burial ceremony for my Grandpa Gegenheimer who recently passed away, instead of mourning his death we celebrated his life.  On Saturday afternoon there was a 'huge' cookout at mom and dad's, both sides of our family showed up, what an awesome time it was catching up with everyone.  I enjoyed ever minute of my long weekend but the best part was realizing how much love and laughter my family brings to my life!

My Day with Rebecca

My ever so precious niece and I spent the morning together on Friday, August 6, 2010.  I took her to a local nail salon, Mimi's, to get a mini-pedicure, well, it turns out that she got a mini-pedi AND her nails done. All I can really say about children is that they are a 'hoot' to be around.  They take things at face value, they are so very honest and they think that growing up is really cool!  We had a blast, I spent the majority of my time laughing because I just love all the little stories she told me and I love hearing her answers to questions I might ask.  At one point in the day she said "I don't know what I want to be when I grow up" and I said "maybe you'll be a nurse just like your mommy" and she said "or maybe I'll work at Kroger".  Oh the innocence of a child!  After the mini-ped and nail makeover we met Thad for lunch at our local mexican restaurant where I learned that Rebecca LOVES salsa!  Not necessarily the tomatoes but the 'juice' of the salsa :)  I look forward to creating many more memories with that little sweetheart!!!!

Hanging on for dear life.....

As I was preparing my breakfast this morning I happened to glance out the window and saw our fountain grass covered in little droplets of water, the sun was coming up in the east and was making those water droplets shine and glisten like little diamonds on the end of green thread.  At the very moment I saw the droplets I thought to myself "and so is life, we often feel like we're hanging on by a thread" just like those tiny droplets were hanging on each blade of the grass. So I darted upstairs, grabbed my camera and set out to capture what I thought was a beautfiul thing.

Cancer Services for Randolph County

Just wanted to share some things I've been making for the Cancer Services.  I feel very blessed to be a part of this organization.  I've heard before that 'to teach is to learn twice' and I'd have to say that 'to volunteer is to feel good twice over'.  When I volunteer I stop for just a moment and think of other people, my problems or concerns seem very small in that moment and how humbling of an experience it is to put other's battles in front of your own, it's an amazing feeling. What you are seeing above is some adorable purple boxes that I jazzed up with the use of my handy dandy cricut.  A couple of 8x10 pieces of art work that I made and a few store bought items:  the iron clock, 2 yellow and 2 white plastic baskets, canvas artwork (love this) and a couple of pegged hangers (accordion style).

It's My Birthday!!!!

This isn't a day I usually brag about, not because I'm concerned with my age but because I don't want anyone making a fuss over me.  You know, I really don't mind in the least getting older, I'd like to think I'm getting better with age!  I know I'm calmer, I'd like to think I'm more sensitive, thoughtful and wiser.  Anyhow, I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love on this particular day so I thought I'd document it! 

Being creative...

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not creative on my own, it often takes seeing something already done that triggers my imagination and creativity.  Today I received a promotional magazine full of ideas for promoting breast cancer awareness (pens, book bags, gift bags, emery boards, etc).  Anyhow, these words "Love, Live, Believe" kept appearing on nearly every page and it got me to thinkin'.  I'm pretty proud of my creation, used some of my new pretty "Marabelle" paper, did a little printing off the computer and finally, got to use my StoryBook cricut cartridge for the embellishments. 

Ghyslain

Well, first it's a feast for your eyes and then a feast for the belly. 

Anyone who wants to serve me decadent desserts in a gift box is alright by me.  Steve and I both brought home a dessert to enjoy.  It should be no surprise that I chose "Trois Chocolate" and Steve chose "Raspberry Cheesecake".  I had no idea that Ghyslain's served lunch daily or dinner on Friday and Saturday night.  Steve said that is definitely something we will give a try.  In the meantime I have sampled my "Trois Chocolate" and you should see the big smile on my face :)

Beach Party!

Thanks to the many ideas from my sister I was able to put together a pretty cute "beach" table at work. I assembled two sand buckets that will be raffled off to some lucky winners later in the week and just in case you can't see what's in the buckets I'll list the items for you now:  beach towel, flip-flops, sunscreen, spf 15 lip balm, frisbee, bubbles and a beach ball. I used my cricut to cut out sea turtles, sea horses and shells which I hung in the employees break room window. I put information on the table regarding sun protection, sun care and sun damage.  I also shared drink recipes and easy to prepare food recipes. I don't have a lot of room to work with nor is my expense account very big but all in all, I'm really happy with the way it turned out.  Later in the week I'll be serving fruit/cheese kabobs, punch and some type of sammy, probably chicken and ham salad.

Hope all this puts you in a beachy mood!

Florida in May

We just spent the last week in Florida, Panama City Beach (5/22 - 5/29), what a great time we had.  Our condo was beautiful, the weather was perfect, it was a great week had by all.  My big find of the week was a 'sand dollar', twenty years of visiting different beaches and I've never been so lucky to find such a shell; it literally washed up at my feet!  All the Surf & Sand shops sell the sand dollar along with a card referencing religious significance, I'd like to think that my sand dollar is a sign of good fortune and good luck.  Who knows whether we will be able to take our regular trip to Panama City Beach in the fall, that entire trip depends on the outcome of that devastating oil spill in the Gulf.  For now, we're back home enjoying Indiana weather!

Mother's Day

Well, it's Mother's Day and I wasn't sure how this day would turn out but it's been great!  Steve and I visited both of our mothers yesterday and today Steve worked so I expected to be all alone.  I got up early and started cleaning and much to my surprise I got a call from my sis and then a 2nd call from my sis--she helped break up my cleaning!  Tyson sent me a text this morning wishing me a Happy Mother's Day and then Thad stopped by with a card and we went to lunch then shopping at Walmart and Aldi.  I purchased my nieces birthday present and then I came home to work, actually play, in my craft room. I had two particular projects on my mind this morning, the first was to complete a birthday card for my niece Rebecca --she turns 7 on May 21st and Steve and I will miss her party because we will be on our way to Panama City Beach, Florida.  And 2nd I wanted to make funny little birds for my twig tree at work.  Today has been a great day!

p.s. Because I don't know 'yet' how to label pics I will explain the above pics.  1st are the pics of my 'funky' birds, 2nd is the gift for my niece, this pic is mostly for my sis (wanted to make sure I got the right thing), 3rd  is Rebecca's b-day card (red hair with bangs, freckles, green eyes, and since I'm giving her a mermaid Barbie for her birthday I thought it appropriate to put Rebecca in a bathing suit as well, so there it is......

431 South Main Street

The Real Thing

Kick It For Kath!!!! Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

This was my first experience being a part of such a big event, 41,000 + participants.....truly a sea of people!  I guess I should say a sea of hormones and estrogen, although, there were many men who also supported the cause.  I don't know how to describe the atmosphere, it's like nothing I've ever been involved in or felt.  You would be walking and come upon someone wearing a "I'm a survivor" tee shirt and you'd feel inspiration and hope, and then you'd come upon someone was wearing a tee shirt that said "In memory of" and you'd feel loss and despair and then I'd look into the face of my friend Kathy who is currently battling cancer and I'd feel very humbled and very lucky to be in her presence.  Kathy has always been a fighter and now facing the biggest battle of her life she remains strong with the most amazing attitude.  This post is dedicated to my dear friend Kathy, I love you!!!!  Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Saturday, April 17, 2010

Sweet Surprise!

I got to enjoy lunch with my sis and nephew today - what a great surprise!  Sis called shortly after 12:00 and asked if I'd like to meet her and Ryan for lunch - it was perfect timing, I was needing a break!  Ryan is so much fun to talk to, especially when he's not trying to compete with lots of other conversation.  He ordered banana cream pie and I ordered butterscotch pie, we tasted each other's pie and then he said "hey, lets trade."  He told me all about signing up for kindergarten, he doesn't start for awhile but he's excited now :)  He was quite fascinated with the bar stools at Mrs. Wick's so after he ate I encouraged him to go on over and sit on a stool.  He behaved like the perfect gentleman, he sat right up on a stool, looked all around, made a little conversation with the waitresses.  Well, that was just the perfect midday break!

WHAT A WEEK!

Been busy this week stripping wallpaper at our rental in Parker City--I really want to hurt anyone who puts wallpaper on top of wallpaper on top of more wallpaper AND THEN decides to paint it!  Besides that, I am really geared up for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, it's supposed to be cooler which will be good, might not even break a sweat :)  Teresa (my walking partner) and I are starting our day early (6:00 a.m.), breakfast at Mrs. Wick's and then downtown Indy to park and get to our starting destination.  After the walk we plan on heading to Hamilton Towne Center where we will relax, enjoy lunch and SHOP.  Teresa is the queen of shopping, especially when it comes to shoes and purses and she has dedicated her day to making sure I come home with at least one new purse!

Cancer Services of Randolph County

I've been a member of the Cancer Services of Randolph County (CSRC) for a few years now but not a very active member I am embarassed to say.  One of my New Year's goals was to be more active in community service in some fashion or another and recently when yet another dear friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer I thought "what better organization to be active in."  It's hard for me to volunteer my time at CSRC because I have a full time job so after a lot of thought I decided to ask if I could do follow up with all those that come to us for assistance by way of my homeade cards.  My idea was greeted with blessings from the entire committee :)  Most of my cards will be simple thinking of you or thoughts of you cards but today I created a couple with a "play" on words.

Best Buy!!!!

For years I have been looking at fancy smancy margarita making machines, smoothie machines, etc.  Nothing I bought seemed to work quite right to give me the texture I was looking for.  My sister, the smart cookie she is, mentioned making icees on her blog so I asked her what she used and she told me.  SO, today I went to Walmart and found a Rival Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Maker, they had just a snow cone maker but I opted to pay $6 more and have the flexibility of a fine and course texture of ice. Since Walmart hasn't put out their snow cone syrups I was forced to come home and make a margarita instead of a snow cone :)  WOW, is all I can say!!!!  Not only was the machine so much more quiet than the blenders and smoothie machines I have owned in the past but it was inexpensive in comparison (only $25.00) and made the best margarita ever!!!  I am anxious to buy some flavored syrups and my next drink will have to be a frozen coke.  Thanks sis for the tips, I've found yet another small appliance that I love.

My Craft Space

We've been talking about moving my craft space into a spare bedroom and this evening we stopped talking and started doing!  I've owned my Cricut Create for about 2 months so I'm still learning what I need and I'm trying to buy things slowly and choose only those items which I know I will use.  I think I have 7 cartridges which is pretty good considering I've only been doing this for a couple of months.  I am currently utilizing a corner desk unit that was Thad's when he lived at home, now it houses all my craft stuff and I think it's going to work out quite well.  My space is small but it's my space and I'm so excited!!!  I hope to get a sewing machine cabinet soon.

Good Smells!!!!

Last week I got the cutest little blue tulip-shaped candle holder from my sis and my niece along with 6 yummy smelling butter rum scented candles.  The candle I had on my desk finally burnt down so it was time to throw it away and get out my new candle holder and candles.  That butter rum candle smells so good I'm sure I'm smelling on calories :)  Sweet smells from two of my favorite girls!

The Hair

Well, I just found out today that my longtime hairdresser and good friend is taking a job in Wayne County and will no longer be in Randolph County.  Losing my hairdresser is the equivalent of a heart patient losing their heart doctor, well, perhaps I'm not comparing apples to apples but it certainly feels that tragic to me right now. The good news is......she deserves a good job with health insurance and good hours and that is exactly what Deb is going to get.  She's spent a great deal of her life working weekends without very many job benefits to brag about but that's all about to change for her and I am so excited for her!!!!

Happy Easter!

Saturday, April 3rd
Easter supper at our house - not your typical traditional Easter Dinner but it worked!  Mom and dad were there, along with grandpa Gegenheimer, Jon, Rebecca, Ryan, Tyson, Thad, Brock Edwards, Alice (Steve's mom), Joe (Steve's brother), Steve and I. The house was full of chatter, laughter, dishes clanging, all those good sounds that let you know everyone is having a really good time.  No ham or chicken and dumplins' at this party.....Steve cooked hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill and we had typical picnic food (potato salad, chips, baked beans and the list goes on and on).  The rain stopped long enough for Rebecca and Ryan to go on an Easter Egg Hunt and boy did they enjoy that!  Happy Easter everyone!

Girls Nite Out!!!!

Tuesday, March 30th
I met sis and Rebecca in Richmond for a "Girls Nite Out" and oh what fun. Besides the miles that separate us, our work schedules are very different so I don't get to spend a lot of time with my sis, so this was very special. We met in the middle and had a wonderful time, nothing compares to being surrounded by love and laughter!