The good, the bad and the beautiful.

The good.
Fresh grilled king salmon caught by my dad the night before. yum.
Dulce de leche sugar free Jell-O that I'm enjoying now.
The feeling I get 30 mins into my workout, sweating out anger and frustration from work
Being able to help out a very close family member with some funds. Something I wouldn't of been able to do a couple of years ago.
Getting my haircut and walking out the salon refreshed.
Walking out of Nordstroms empty-handed. Yes, that's a good thing.
New copy of Real Simple in my mailbox.
My big headphones. They come in handy when downloading tunes in bed.

The bad.
That bitter coworker who's thrives on bringing people down. homey don't play that so back off.
Feeding the parking meter with a handful of change and barely making it to an hour.
My neice throwing a fit when I walked in the door. Um..hello..I'm your auntie and I see you every week. Yet she freaks as though I'm some stranger.
Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo. I don't know why, they just annoy me.
Knowing that I most likely won't be going to CHA next month.

The beautiful.

1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/22554961@N00/2594552519/">June moments</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67445810@N00/2114463774/">apple for the day</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/85531503@N00/2114058523/">Sacré-Coeur</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/33433959@N00/52989518/">Pôr-do-Sol na Beira-Mar</a>, 5. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/10107166@N05/2326400601/">non riesci a capire</a>, 6. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/33996498@N00/2109041670/">Waiting</a>

Inspired by beautiful photographs and interesting people.
Knowing that I've got a scrappy mess waiting for me tonight.
Scarlet's canvas art on the Studio Calico blog. Check it out.
It's Friday and that my friends is the most beautiful thing.

Take care,
Tina

do work.

What the heck happened to the weekend? It goes by way too fast. And now I'm back here, behind a desk, updating my blog and getting ready for the work day. Tomorrow I am taking off but not for fun. I've got a date with a dentist and I'm so not looking foward to it. The shot in the mouth, that's what makes me squirm...oh man.
So my itty bitty short weekend consisted of:
*staying up way past my bedtime Friday night scrapping. Yes, scrapping. I'm a dork.
*Saturday J and I went shopping for some new clothes. I intended to just get him some new clothes but ended up scoring a few things for myself. I *heart* Old Navy. I love how I can walk out of that store with 5-6 items and only spend $50. Love it.
*came home later that day with Starbucks in hand and watched the marathon of DEA on Spiketv. Love that show, love those guys.
*laundry, laundry, and oh yeah...more laundry on Sunday.
*added 20mins on the treadmill.
*and lot's more scrapping. The July kit is so very lovely. I know, I say that every month but they are just awesome every month, no?

Here's a little collage of pics from last weekend at the zoo and current sp's.

And only 2 sneeky peekies. I have more but forgot to upload them before coming to work-

That's it for me folks! Time to do work-
Tina

tune in tokyo.

wow, I've been become quite the boring blogger. I don't live an exciting life. I'm all about normalcy so forgive me for being absent as reading about my day to day adventures would most likely put you to sleep. It makes me yawn just thinking about it. :)
I am currently blogging from work which I know I should not be doing but if the smokers are allowed their 15 minutes outside to puff on a cancer stick, I should be able to take a break to blog. ha. Except I've notice that every once in awhile I get some firewall blocker when trying to cruise the net....has something to do with the new program we're on. And I've heard through the grapevine that our boss now gets a report on our internet usage. Do you think that that would stop me? Nope.
This weekend went by fast as usual. J and I went to the zoo just for the hell of it on Saturday. J can't help but get all sarcastic when we pass by the moose and see a dozen tourist oohhing and aahhing being that we see moose on any given day walking around our cul-de-sac. I remind him that they are tourist so be nice. I was really into the wolves. They were so cool to observe. Other than that and the usual costco run, I spent the rest of the weekend trying to rearrange our living/dining area which sucked because it's not like we can do much. I did pack up some things because it was starting to feel to cluttered.
And I have to brag a little because I'm way proud of myself. I'm on week 3 of healthy eating/exercising and I've lost 5 lbs so far. I'm trying not to jump on a scale everyday but more how my clothes are fitting and the prognosis is good and well worth the exercising.
Because I don't like to post with out something to look at, I leave you with this:

1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7262755@N05/2488686931/">Untitled>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/12605324@N04/2498086130/">Untitled>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/20025881@N00/433134500/">SeattleSpace Needle "mini", 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/23353750@N00/2375246366/">warningmessage.>, 5. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/23353750@N00/2421029011/">kaleidoscope.>, 6. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/26951024@N00/2217018930/">Detroitat night, 7. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/23353750@N00/378443818/">Teléfono>, 8. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/37451064@N00/2534760649/">Rememberwhen you were young, you shone like the sun. Shine on you crazy diamond, 9. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32681435@N00/2334852166/">Diana+>

Hope everyone is having a good week!
Tina

I *heart* Friday.

Because they won the Stanley Cup.

freshley downloaded tuneskies-

and more importantly because it's the last day of the work week. holla.
any one watch So You Think You Can Dance? seriously, why did I never become a dancer? these chicks have such killer legs. It's ultra motivating. I've been hitting the treadmill everyday this week. I love the extra boost of energy I get from working out. Why it took me so long to jump on the health bandwagon is beyond me. I know it has a lot to do with me hittin' 30. Am I know a total health nut? No. Never. But atleast I'm on the track to a more positive lifestyle.
Today is my boss' 32 year anniversery with the company. I know, right? Nutso. I don't think I want to be with a company that long. After 7, I'm bored. Thinking of polishing up on my resume 'cause I'm tired of bitchin about my job and not doing anything about it.
I also had a not so lovely visit to my dentist for a cleaing and exam. The hygenist was brutal. She was killing me with that mini-cycel thing. She tells me to let her know if she hits a sweet spot. So when she does, I groan. I think I'm letting her know so she can back off on that spot but she does the opposite and works it and works it and works. oh man, I can take some pain but I was totally squirming in that chair. I'm so glad that only happens twice a year. oy.
Feeling very much uninspired with anything lately, especially photo taking. That bums me out the most. If I don't scrap or journal for awhile, fine but when I can't find anything special through the lense, that's a let down. I still haven't purchased film for my Diana+ because I'm spending my savings on gas and food. Sheesh. Let's not even go there with gas prices. I'm thankful for my little civic but even that's getting expensive to fill up. Still would like to venture out this weekend with my camera and just shoot. 

Oh and D, sorry girl. 

Enjoy your weekend folks! 
Tina 

blogtarted.

I really am lately. I open up the comment section and my mind goes blank. And because J wants to hang, I'm going to make this a quick one.

That something something I've been working on:
Detroit lost. poo.
A scare followed by a hospital visit. T fell on her pregger belly thinking her little one was being attacked by a puppy. The kid was fine, attacked by kisses, mom's good too. All tests came back ok. The majority of my Saturday was spent in bed and room 405 at Providence Hospital.
Sunday was spent in pj's. Oh wait, I did get dressed in the morn to do a quick food/coffee run with the old dog. Then I came home and slipped back into my pj's. super, super Sunday.
Today: sucked. Monday's. always. suck. I am that person in the office that has her grumpy boots laced up really tight in the beginning of the week and by end, I'm in flip flops.
Now, I'm catching up on dvr'd stuff.

I did update my Studio Calico gallery on the side over there-------->
I really need to do a big blog update, maybe change the banner, add a few links, take a few away. Who knows. Maybe I'll even throw in a mid-year, blog clean up give away. ;)

Laters,
Tina

oh, he gonna be a soccer playa

Last night was spent putting together T's baby shower invites, Sex in the City and pizza. The girls are all going to the premiere tonight but I'm not one to go to the movies on opening night. I'm more of a weekend matinee type person. I was reluctant hanging out last night since I was pmsing terribly but I'm glad I went. Lot's of laughs. Girl time was good. Felt up T's big preggo belly. The boy was moving around like crazy and it felt so weird. Missed the big Lakers game but caught the highlights when I got home. Yeah D! You know if Detroit makes it though, it's on, right girl? hehe....

Cutting out of work early....again. Will stop by Lulu's because I need want something new. Then to my girl's for a little gossip sesh, then home for a little nappy before the game. Tonight: brewski's, detroit bball, and scrappage with my new goodness from this lady mixed in with Studio Calico leftovers. I'll try and post my layouts too.

1 hour to go until I'm free! Maybe I should attempt getting some work done before I go! ;)
Take care and enjoy your weekend.
Tina

in recovery.

from the long weekend. i keep forgetting what day it is. like today felt like a Thursday and when I realized it was only Wednesday, I decided to leave work at noon. I'm such a slacker. Plus it was the kind of day where one should not be kept inside a stuffy office So I bailed. I came home to happy dogs and nabbed my camera for a couple shots outside.

and then I scrapbooked a little something. then played outside some more. as much as i gripe about the winters in Alaska, the summer makes up for a lot of my winter grumpiness.
The weekend started with rain which was fine by me. It smelled so lovely and fresh. Found a really nice trail near our home (pictured bottom left) that I vow to walk every week.

Now I'm going to bail out on this post 'cause my Piston's lost and I'm in no mood to type now.  
Laters

simply put.

Happy Friday.
Enjoy the holiday weekend.
Tina 1. ? (smile), 2. smile, 3. Smile: Gion ?????, 4. Contagious Smile, 5. Smiling Dog, 6. Smiling coffee, 7. Smile, without a reason why., 8. Cheriesu x Dean Chou- Do you smile today?, 9. lily's smile, 10. SmILe, 11. Bright Bright Bright Sunshiny Day, 12. Kitty Smile

sneak.

Coming in with a little peeksie of what I've been working on for Studio Calico. I'll post more tomorrow. The weekend was great, quick but great. The only thing that sucked was my internet connection going in and out but it gave me an excuse to get outside and do other things besides sit behind my laptop. Eating healthy and exercise is still going strong. So many temptations being thrown at me but I happily say, "no thank you" to Cinnamon loaf bread and ice cream. Seriously, I haven't gone this whole week and half just to blow it that. I want to make a big breakfast for J and I on Saturday and would much rather treat myself with a hot stack of buttermilk pancakes. mmmmmm... Ladies with long hair, do you ever wake up with the kind of bed head that makes you look like a Victoria's Secret model? My hair was so full and perfectly tousled this morning. Spritz a little spray and was out the door. An hour into work, it's flat again. boo. Alright, enough of this randomness. Take care, Tina

feel good friday.

My outlook on life always seems to come to a high point on Friday. Why is that? Well, I know why and I'm sure you know why. Work has actually been pleasant this week with a certain some one being on vacation. It's funny how one person can effect the overall attitude of an office.

I don't think I've had a solid blog post for about a week. I haven't done anything creative but doesn't mean I haven't been inspired. It's a good build up that'll be released tonight. Knowing I don't have to work the next day makes me want to stay up late and make a mess in my scraproom. I've got the June Studio Calico kit sitting neatly on my desk along with another side project that'll make an appearance next week. Just typing my creative plans makes me itchy to get out of this place BUT it's Friday and it'll go by fast.

Another positive note is that I'm well into my operation:eat healthy and move my fat arse. I'm not a gym rat, nor do I enjoy working out but I have to say exercising has made me walk with my head held higher and I know I've been glowing because I've had a few comments about it this week. My physical therapist noted my "spiciness" when I walked in yesterday. That's a new one. I've been called sweet, sassy, and a smart-ass but spicy....that's a new one.

So I leave you with a little Flickr love since I have no personal pics to share. Oh, which reminds me.......my Diana Dreamer is on it's way!
 

1. scarlet 2, 2. All you need to do is think, 3. mondays are for color, 4. What does it feel like?, 5. Do you feel it too?, 6. Feel it, 7. Bring it on, 8. Can you feel it?, 9. What it feels like... for a girl, 10. FEELS SO GOOD., 11. yawn, 12. Someone for you to meet...

Have a great weekend!
Tina

ready?

The winner is...................................................................................................................................................................................................................

thats pretty rad! you ladies rock my world!
-Helena Youngs

Alrighty Helena, claim your goods!

:)
Tina

Ok, I've closed the posting for the free Studio Calico kit. I will pick a winner later this afternoon.

Thanks for all the lovely comments. Please check back later!

Tina

wanna a free kit?

We're celebrating NSD over at Studio Calico today! No, not that nsd, National Step Day! Yep, that's right. I'm sure you all know her. Stephanie Howell is the newest member of the Studio Calico design team. To celebrate her welcome and premiere night tonight, each dt member is giving away a May kit. You heard me, a Free May Kit!

Leave me some love and one of you will be rewarded. And if you want to greater your chances, leave my ladies some love too.

Caroline: Pictures & Words
Davinie: My Little Piece of that Azure Sky
Jenn: Evolutions
Joy: Jesus, Family & Scrapbooking
Kirsty: My Daily Blah
Nicole H: Seriously... brains
Nicole S: Nicole Samuels
Stephanie: Just me and my 2 little chicks

Laters,
Tina

yo.

had a fab extra long weekend. Saturday was spent celebrating the art of shopping, trying on clothes as quick as possible while patient husband waits, and partaking in some nsd fun with a few challenges. Sunday was spent watching Alvin & the Chipmunks, dancing, reading, playing under a tent made of blankets, and trying to understand the language of my seventeen month old niece. The more she gets older, the more I adore her.
Monday was dinner at Ginger, which was ok and seeing the Margaret Cho comedy show with my girls. Funny, funny lady.
Tuesday was spent running a few errands in the morning, then planting my butt on the couch, until my new RVA kit arrived on my doorstep. I then decided to upload all the photos I had taken the past few days and do a quickie layout.

Here's a few snippets from my weekend:

Today will be spent clearing my inbox at work. Oh joy.

Happy hump day!
Tina

turn a frown upside down.

It's been one of those weeks and as of today, I am emotionally spent.  Almost numb. From doctor's appointments everyday this week, to a funeral for my husbands grandmother and hearing bad news about my own grandfather. I'm happy it's Friday. I will be in full chill-mode this weekend. I will celebrate NSD in the comfort of my own home. J and his dad are going to the car show which is perfect. A quiet house, listening to my tunes, windows open, scrapping. That is my ideal day and is perfect therapy for an emotional week.

I leave you with a few other things that are putting a smile on my face-
'roid week on Flickr

1. 'roid week 08. day 5. lucky cat., 2. best wall in portland, 3. 112 (waiting), 4. 14 (fourteen) is the natural number following 13 and preceding 15, 5. The Finish Line Where Everything Just Ends, 6. Untitled, 7. A Delicate Balance, 8. Untitled, 9. Salt & Pepper, 10. Free As a Bird, 11. 'roid week • day five, 12. April Snow

My fellow supportive dt'ers at Studio Calico.
Taking some days off to extend my weekend.
Having a girls night to see Margaret Cho and dining at Ginger. I. cannot. wait.
Spending time with my niece.
Bear hugs from J.
Dinner and funny convos with inlaws.
Hearing the announcement of the RVA design team. Yay Michelle and Kara!
The success of the "bring a friend" contest at Studio Calico. If you haven't done so already, head over and create a username, it only takes a minute, and enter to win your chance at a 6 month sub! That's a crazy cool prize people. 

Hope to see you around tomorrow. I'll be on the SC boards and if you want to hook up on gmail chat, let me know. 
Take care friends, and enjoy your weekend!
Tina

*edited* want a chance to win a 6 month sub to Studio Calico?

Just to be more clear so your chance at the free 6  month sub isn't botched, you need to go onto the Studio Calico site, create a username and them post on the "NSD Bring a Friend" thread. Be sure to credit your source!
So far, this is a big hit....lot's of newbies on the mb's in the past few days. I look forward to seeing you there!
:)
Tina

It's easy, really, it is. I don't want to hear any excuses as to why you can't!

This thread is officially open and will close at 11:59pm on National Scrapbook Day: Saturday May 3.

Between now and then, you and your friends have an opportunity to win a 6 month sub to Studio Calico!!!! 

Here’s how it works. 

1. Tell a friend (or as many as you wish) to come to this thread and tell us that you sent them here.
2. Each post should contain a friend’s name and the name/username of the person who referred them to this thread.

You may refer as many people as you like, but they have to post before 11:59pm on NSD.

From that list, we will be drawing for a 6 month sub, for both of the "friends."  The more friends you bring, the more likely you are to have your name drawn….get the drift.

The drawing will be at 12:00am and will be announced immediately and the free sub will begin with the May kit. 

If either already has a paid sub, that’s fine, we’ll refund your payment for May and you will get the May kit plus the following 5 months free.

One more thing, you need to refer someone who has never signed up for a username.

G

Thanks and have fun!!!!!

Any plans for NSD? I've already planned my weekend around some serious paper cutting and gluing and chatting with other creative girlies who share my love for the day dedicated to scrapbooking. It's has to start with a starbucks run though. I don't do well decaffeinated. Will also have to pick up some snacks. Very important. And make sure to clean my favorite comfy a&f sweats. sexy, I know. Let me know if you're going to be around so we can hook up and chat, k? Hope you can make it! Finally, since I just got done watching GG. Jenni's a lot taller than I thought. Lance and his devilish eyes are growing on me and what Georgina did at the end........all I can say is Serena better watch her man.

Goodnight!
Tina

something out of nothing.

It started here:

I left work at 5:30am in open-toed sandals because the snow was just about gone. This was what it looked like when I left work. Picking up a bucks for friend I was visiting. I knew I should of just gone home because I later got stuck in her driveway and had to shovel my way out. Good thing it was Friday. It takes a lot for me to lose my cool on a Friday.
Considering my car barely made it up my own driveway, I knew I wasn't going anywhere on Saturday. Being stuck in the house led to the purchase of  this:

Isn't she beautiful! Can't wait to get out there this summer and explore with this lovely.
Then after a little internet shopping, I caught up on some blogs.
This makes me want to break out my linoleum cutter.
SFgirlbythebay's interview with HulaSeventy.
apartment therapy for some nifty ideas.
After some internet inspo, I decided to catch up on some challenges.
The Art is Found: board books, hosted by Kara.
Dare 91: Typography.

Finally got to play with my RVA kit combined with a little Studio Calico.
So while everyone was working in their yards, camping and enjoying 90 degree weather, I hibernated. Guess my new shorts won't be making their appearance this week.

Happy Monday,
Tina

hiy fiyve.

said in my best Borat impression.
a little random survey of 5's I saw on Rachel's and Michelle's blog and since I have nothing exciting or clever to blog about, here you go..........

What were doing 5 years ago today:
I was working at the same company but in a different position which was sales. I had to work sales to realize that I am no saleswoman. You say no, I say ok, have a nice day. I think that's when J and I bought our first home. That was fun. Going into strangers homes and trying to picture yourself and your stuff there. Having kids was not on my priority list, in fact I was dead set on not having little ones until this biological clock started ticking. We also got Butters while garage selling. Apparently he was the runt of the litter and no one wanted him. This was also the point that scrapbooking started to become cool to me. I shifted from altered books and collages to playing with my own photos.

5 snack I love:
-edamamae
-rice crackers
-swedish fish
-nori
-good & plenties

5 things on my to do list today (or things I did today)
-get through the work day
-resist candy bowl
-run errands at lunch. I need a good body scrub so I can start my faux tan. Shorts will be making an appearance next week.
-possibly scrap. I've hated everything I've produced this week.
-watch awesome Thursday line up. Grey's, Office, 30 Rock, Scrubs.

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire
-quit my job
-travel...Amsterdam, France, Japan, Korea, Egypt
-buy my brother and his family a home
-start a business for pure pleasure, not for income
-buy my dream home on the hillside here in Alaska and a proper winter vehicle.

5 bad habits I have
-pealing and biting my lips
-cracking my knuckles
-not returning phone calls
-impulsive spender
-leaving my empty coffee cups everywhere

5 places I've lived
-Korea
-Florida
-New Mexico
-Las Vegas
-Alaska

5 jobs I've had:
-Lady Foot Locker-the worst, lasted a week
-TCBY Yogurt
-Intern at the Attorney Generals Office
-Batista
-currently a sales coordinator/VP assistant

Alright, you're turn. Give me your fives!

operation:get out of work early...

is in full effect. 2 hours until freedom and creative time. countdown begins........now.

one last thing. GG was so good last night, thoughts Vee? Jenny is getting to be quite the b*tch.  Hills once again was good in all it's awkwardness glory.

hi's and lo's.

-feeling the usual Monday blues- low
-spilling coffee directly on my crotch-low
-not giving a damn about it-hi
-knowing that time only goes forward-hi
-finding out there's a family of unwanted critters residing in our garage-serious low. We spent a good part of the weekend in operation:kill mice and we're up 2-serious hi.
-having to throw away an altered book from a round robin I did years ago because the pages were used as a nest0-low, very very low.
-having a clean garage-hi
-forgetting my Monday soundtract I burned to get me through my day-lo
-pandora radio to the rescue-hi
-craving the songs on my youth, listening to Aaliyah, 311, Fugees-hi

1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/77346902@N00/349304940/">Bravo's Work Out</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/74526606@N00/425442726/">Healthy Eating</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/19112945@N00/485502452/">#203:  working out</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7396767@N05/1270625231/">Working out</a>

-realizing how unhappy I am with my weight-hi and lo. If I can quit smoking cold turkey, I can lose this extra 20lbs I've been carrying for the past year. Time to take a bite out of this muffin top. Watching Work Out on Bravo and seeing them run around in tight, white pants and look damn good motivates me-hi
-after eating well my first day of operation:muffin top, I come into work this morning to see the candy bowl has been filled with an obscene amount of chocolate-lo. But, like I mentioned above, if I can turn down a cig, I can turn down chocolate.-hi

Yeah, lot's of missions going on, the big one, operation:get your shit together is a combination of it all. Hi's are great but knowing that the lo's are fixable is even better.
Today, operation:positive monday.
Laters,
Tina