Memorial Day Weekend was Memorable (TRT)

I promise I started this post earlier; but with work, throwing together a salad to go with my crockpot soup, and then making a quiz about myself on Facebook, I lost track of time. Anyways- here ya go:

You do know that yesterday was a holiday and I wasn't slacking off or anything. I was perfectly justified in not blogging, I was too!!

So. . . How was your Memorial Day weekend?
Mine? Alright.
Highlights? Saturday was the nieces' dance/vocal/drama recital (showcase). They both did really well.

That night, LOML and I went to Pensacola for dinner and beers at McGuire's (caution- music on site). We got there late (about 8pm) and the place was PACKED OUT!! There's usually a pretty good crowd there, but I've never seen it like this. Weirder so was that the majority of the clientele on that particular night was gay guys. No big deal, but odd to say the least. While waiting, I started with their Raspberry Wheat beer before switching to their seasonal beer - a hefeweizen. I HIGHLY recommend the hefeweizen. We were seated in the Irish Whiskey Room (a comfortable 4-booth room covered with old Irish Whiskey Ad Posters). As far as food - for an appetizer, go with the Boxty's (fried mashed potato balls with dipping sauces) Mmmm!! While they do serve traditional Irish fare (of which I have partaken of in the past and do recommend), I also recommend their steak burgers. LOML and I each ordered one and were completely and utterly satisfied with our selection. OMFG- they were awesome!!! In all, we had a really nice time and left there about 45 pounds heavier, but happy!!

Afterward, we got a hotel room near there for the night and headed back toward home in the morning. Of course, it was not a straight shot, we meandered through southern Baldwin County looking at property before lunching at the Tin Top Restaurant in Bon Secour. It just happened to be Sunday brunch with a good band and a great spot on the patio. Since we got there during brunch, we only got to order from that particular menu. However, the tuna po-boy I had was excellent.We spent the rest of the weekend winding our way up, down, and all over the county looking at property. Funny enough, the ones we liked the best were the ones closest to our house. We had a nice time together though- getting lost, laughing at the GPS as she got mad at us (RECALCULATING!!!), and discovering some areas we never knew existed. It was an adventure.
That was pretty much my weekend.

Now, for you. . . I've got some "Totally Random Tuesday" tidbits:

• 95 old school games you can play online
  
• Have you noticed the birds nesting in letters on signs. There's a whole blog devoted to this. Here's a picture I took of this, um. . . phenomenon today.
• Check out this fluid sculpture in a tubing on a knifty knitter with colored liquid piped through:

  Fluid Sculpture from Charlie Bucket on Vimeo.

  
  

Oh, and I have fit in some crafting of my own, check it out!!That's it for now.

It Really is Feeling Good (FGF)

Ah, I think posting yesterday really helped me feel a little better. The weight of NOT posting must have been heavy on my head.
As well, there have been some other issues that have brightened my spirits.
First, it's ALMOST a three-day weekend
Secondly, HB373 was signed by the governor this morning. THE HOPS ARE FREE!!! Basically, it is now a law that Alabama stores can now sell beer that is more than 6% alcohol (but less than 13%). It's been a battle. I think we even beat Mississippi to the punch on this one (making sure we are not the LAST state to allow this.)
Next, LOML told me we've got some tomatoes in our little garden. I knew keeping my hands off them would help.
And, of course, it's Margarita Friday. Tomorrow I get to see my nieces in their recital (they call it 'showcase') and then my weekend is off and running from there. Hurrah!!!

So, let me spread the joy and share the awesomeness that is "Feel Good Friday"

• Feel better, have a laugh - would you like to buy a monkey?
  
• Sugar stacks - how much sugar is in that?
  
• 55 energy boosts from Zen Habits

Now go out and enjoy yourself. I'm sure as heck gonna try to do the same.

Some Good, Some So-So, Still Here (ThTh)

I'm still here just been uninspired and uninspiring.
I've had a coupla really good days and a few days that have been just frustrating.
Saturday, was the greatest.
LOML and I went kayaking and swimming in the river. It was so refreshing. After cleaning ourselves up, we had a filling dinner and then some beers with a friend. I went to bed happy and with a bit of a contented high.

Last night, I got to play in the craft room for a bit. It was good, I needed it.

This week has been, just, well, frustrating. I can't really get into it. But, after my craft room time last night and looking forward to the weekend, I've got a better outlook. Plus, it's a three day weekend.

Let me go ahead and share some "Thrifty Thursday" and see if I can come up with some better material for tomorrow.

• Send in your old Cds
  
• sew your own produce bags
  
• 10 herbs to grow and how to do it AND how to grow herbs indoors
  
• 26 chairs from recycled materials

So that's it for now, thanks for sticking with me.

A Wok on the Not-So-Wild Side (TT)

I've just got a real quick post here. I've got to get ready to head to my Mardi Gras Meeting.

So, here goes.
I winged it with the Wok last night. I grabbed some mushrooms, chicken, onion, snow peas, and water chestnuts at the grocery store. I sliced everything and added some carrots, garlic, and soy sauce. I cooked the chicken first, added the onions and mushrooms, then everything else - splashing some soy sauce in every once in a while. This is what I got.We put it on rice.
I was really good - a success in my book.

Now, for some "Totally Random Tuesday"

• Check out this tea bag coffin tea cup and saucer - perfect, wonderful idea . It's one of those - "why didn't I think of it" products. -
  
• If you think you are a font expert, you should try this little font game.
  
• For LOST fans, this is pretty funny
  
• Here's another addictive game

That's it now - gotta go try to look pretty. It takes a while.

Weekend Run-Down & Mother's Day (MMSM)

The weekend started with a BANG. Dinner at our favorite restaurant with our favorite beer. And, then a great show by 311.

Saturday, we played mini golf with my Mardi Gras society. One of my best friends and her family (husband and daughter) teamed up with LOML and I. We had a really nice time, except for the heat. Then, I took the nieces out shopping for Mother's Day gifts. That was an adventure! I didn't get all my shopping done though. I headed home, for some time at the bookstore and then to see Wolverine.

Of course, Sunday was Mother's Day. I got to visit both with LOML's family and mine. I was not too crafty with the gifts this year. Being ill all week kept me down. So, I made a couple of cards for my mom and grandmother and gave them store-bought gifts. What's funnier is LOML's gift to his mom was craftier than mine. He framed a picture he took in the area for her. I think she really liked it. I, on the other hand, was a crafty FAIL.

How was Mother's Day for you? I've already seen two other friends' blog who lamented the fact they they, as well, do not have children at an age that they feel they should. It comforts me some to know that there are others going through some of the same emotions I am about the day.

And then, I didn't want to wake up this morning because I was dreaming I was pregnant. I'm sad, I know!!

In other news, LOML and I bought a wok yesterday. I'm itching to cook something in it and can't seem to find a decent, easy, and concise recipe. Anybody got something I can try? I'm tempted to just do it my own way. That could be disastrous. Let me know if you've got any great Wok recipes.

Now for some Monday fun - "Made Me Smile Monday"

• Who made the fries?
  
• Walk on the wild side (animals with voice-overs)
  
• Matrix puppies attack a Neo-cat. Just go watch it - too funny!!

No pictures again today, I apologize. I hope your Monday is treating you nicely!!

Fo Yo Mama (for your mama)

Before I forget AGAIN (I meant to do this yesterday), here are a few Mother's Day gift ideas and projects. Just in case you are a bad offspring (like me) and have yet to get this done.
I'm not that bad - I'm waiting to shop until tomorrow when I'll take the nieces to do theirs also. Maybe not the best plan, but it is a plan. I just hope I get done in time to go see Wolverine with friends.
Here ya go - a short and sweet list (fo' yo' Mama)

• Last minute and just plain thoughtful mother's day gifts
  
• From CRAFT, a few more Mother's Day projects
  
• A homemade gift guide from one pretty thing of mother's day gifts you can make

Alright, now get to it!!

Friday Surprises (FGF)

If you read my post yesterday, I'll just say that the alternative reared it's very ugly head this morning. I know that last month I bought a box of supplies and for the life of me I CANNOT find them. [If you saw 'My Name is Earl" last night you'll understand this part.] LOML says that Randy stole them. Yeah, that helps.

What does help is knowing that he still has some spontaneity in him. Just yesterday he decided to buy us some tickets to go see 311 tonight. I've seen them once, YEARS ago; but he never has. I can bet he's a bigger fan than I am too. In any case, it looks as though Margarita Friday is off for tonight in place of bigger plans. Unless, the Amphitheater at The Wharf has margarita concessions. I doubt it!

Eh, in any case it's still "Feel Good Friday"

• kids choir singing eye of the tiger
  Watch Eye of the Tiger Kids on CollegeHumor
  
  
• 27 healthy breakfast ideas
  
• The police in Denmark were giving out hugs and helmets. So nice! Yet, why were they only stopping men, not women w/o helmets? My only answer is maybe the helmets they had were only men sizes or something. Let's hope.
  

I think I just remembered where my 'supplies' are - in the kitchen. He he. . .come on over to my house for dinner. When I offer you tuna surprise, don't be surprised. J/K

Anyways - I'm in a weird mood. I apologize.
Go on and finish up your Friday then have a great weekend.

Personal and Printer Illness (ThTh)

Prepare yourself - this will be a long one since I've been absent a few days.
It's been a rough week for me. I've felt crappy. I've been moody. As such, I thought that maybe I was pregnant. Initial tests have produced a negative result. But the alternative has yet to show its face. Instead, I just feel awful and am moody. In other words, I'm probably just sick. Oh well! The attempts to become pregnant right now are not whole-hearted. If I become 'in the family way' within the next five months or so, it produces problems for me at my Mardi Gras Ball. It's just one of those things. I won't be disappointed either way right now. After the ball - I'll be back to daily crying fits. FUN!!

Moving on, I'm having printer issues. We're out of yellow [or banana or whatever that C-word is the printer companies use for it (not cLEMON), WAIT that's the blue one - yellow is just yellow - I apologize] toner at work. So, I decided to print some stuff I needed for work at home. Of course, the printer here hates me too. It will start to print a document, then it stops, yawns, turns in a circle a few times, and proceeds to nap. When it eventually wakes, it spews out whatever was there when it went to sleep (i.e. NOT the full document.) LOML says he can help me when he gets done working today, but he's not even exactly sure why it's acting that way either. I tried getting closer to it (it's wireless), but that didn't help ANY. It's really upsetting, because it's a new printer that LOML JUST got because I wanted a wireless one with a scanner. This SUX!!

Before I share some Thrifty Thursday links, I want to share my thrifting finds from Saturday's yard sale venture.

Now for the "Thrifty Thursday" links you've been waiting for:

• Check out this repourposed trophy birthday cake topper. I've never thought of re-painting a trophy, but this really seems to work and be just cool/cheesy enough.
  
• I'm always saving glass jars. Here's one way to re-use them: turn glass jars into photo frames. It really does make a neat display.
  
• Here are two really cool organization/storage ideas that incorporate recycling - LOVE it. From Better homes and Gardens no less. - (1) - use old tins - (2) use paint or soup cans. Cool huh?
  
• This yard sale treasure map (awesome!!) is now a part of my weekly online activity. It incorporates yard sale listings from Craigslist with GoogleMaps to map out your yard sale route. I've found a few quirks in it, but overall it's pretty cool.
  
• As well, I even found this other garage sale lister today.

So, that's if for now. Tune in tomorrow to hear me complain some more. OR, I might surprise you with something positive. You never know!!

Fun Weekend With Some Craftiness (MMSM)

As I stated on Friday, we had a fun weekend planned. And fun it was!
Margaritas on Friday
Yard Sales on Saturday morning
Our attempt to go to the beach was thwarted, so I camped out in the craft room while LOML played with some of his recording-studio software.
Sunday was a blast at a pool party with friends followed by more crafting.
It truly was a fun-filled weekend in every possible way. Some time with friends, some time with each other, some time doing our favorite activities. I even got the fridge cleaned out!!
Here's a sampling of what I accomplished in the craft room:
Pretty crafty huh?

I hope to get a post up either here or on the Fairly Creative site with some more info and pictures of these projects. I'll let ya' know!!

Besides the torrential rain we're having right now, Monday's going pretty well for me. I was actually able to get out of bed this morning with enough time to do some yoga before heading to work. Now, if only I can keep that up. Anyway, it's time for some "Made Me Smile Monday":

• Bohemian 8-bit rhapsody for the NES (you'll need your speakers on for this one) -
  
• Check out this cat condo
  
• Google makes everything easier (just check it out)
  
• Jim Henson's Ocean's Eleven (he he he)
  

So that's about it for now. I've got all kinds of plans for what to do tonight (especially since my Monday shows ended their season last week) and hopefully some of it gets accomplished.

Drunken Meditation

So, now that I’ve had a few margaritas and am now working on a glass of wine, I feel inspired to talk about my favorite subject – ME! LOML and I go through this on margarita Fridays quite often (I’m sure he tires of it).
I begin to worry about what to do with my life, my artwork, my passion for crafting. He says I should just JUMP and start listing items. However, I have a serious case of self-doubt and fear of failure. I’m so afraid of making that jump and failing miserably. At the same time, I realize that if I never make that jump, I’ll never know what could have been. It’s such a catch 22 and totally not my style (to not try something). I think I just like to get compliments on my jewelry and hear how I should start selling it. It’s such a great confidence boost. To actually answer, “Yes, I TRY to sell it,” and know it’s not selling seems so scary, so sketchy, so. . . . I don’t know

But, I don’t know. I keep putting it off. I just go with the flow, and I despise the FLOW. I want to stick out, make a statement, and be the person I know I am. I want to be the person I see reflected in the eyes of those who know me best.

I’m almost there. I think! Keep believing in me and giving me the boost of confidence and I’ll make it someday. I just had to get that out. THANKS!!

Crafty Pictures (FGF)

I've got several ideas for blog posts I'm tinkering around with but am not quite ready to post yet.

As such, I don't really have much to say (especially since I posted so late last night). I had a feeling that would happen, so I snapped some pictures in the craft room before I ran out the door this morning. You better appreciate these, I was late to work after getting them. This is a continuation of the little bit I revealed the other day.Here are the backs again with the words highlighted and the copper foil on (I'm still not really good with the foil yet) Here's a little view of all the fronts I'm working on right now. If you can't tell, they're letters that correspond with the words on the backs. Here's an even closer view of them.

And, although a bit fuzzy, this is the closest view I could get in the light I had this morning.

I know they're a little wacky, but I started them forever ago and am determined to get them done. Almost there!! After that, I've got no idea what to do with them. Suggestions?

And now, if that wasn't nice enough - it's also "Feel Good Friday." These are more craft-related

• Lisa Hannigan - beautiful music video with a craft flair - Love, love, love!!
  
• Send in and recycle you bottle caps with aveda
  
• This one just makes me feel good. It's some ribbon storage - I want - so much!!
  

Tomorrow is LOML's birthday, tonight is Margarita Friday, and Sunday is fun at a friend's pool. We've got a busy (but fun) weekend ahead. Looking forward to it!!