Just thoughts...

Hi. Its been a long morning kinda sucks that a friendship went blah in the matter of seconds. to the best of my knowledge we did what we could. Guess it wasnt enough. Lesson learned ... we'll meet ya there!

I couldn't just grab a CT kit ... those I have to put love in them so they purtty and have meaning to them. So I grabbed a couple of flower pictures that I took and some I found on royal free galleries then added some texture.

I feel a little better but not really. I feel bad for my old friend and wish things can be better but shit happens I guess and have to live with its consequences.  Anyways, I rarely use my blog to document my feelings so bare with me.

Here is the flower backgrounds - like I said above these are not all my images so Personal USE Only, please. Enjoy!

Download - click on explaination mark ! lol

Just Venting ... so don't mind me!

There are times were I think, I've been cursed with the burden on dealing with morons. That's the word I am looking for... but it will do for now, I guess.  There are 4 things - more like people that have been bugging me lately and I have no control over it because people are people. They all have faults and I being the better person SHOULD accept them for who they are... I've tried and It's not going anywhere... I am not going to name names cuz that will just lead to drama. And really if you know who you are I am NOT looking for your drama. I am simply venting to myself so I can move on. There is NO need to curse at me, NO need to defend yourself . I don't care to hear what you have to say at this point, anyways!

Well I was going to tell you about them but I as I typed away. I realized that they are who they are due to their environment, family up-bring, and their education. So they are who they are because that is what they developed into. They can only change, if they see they need to change and these characters wouldn't see it till it's too late. Hummm, that didn't take long to calm down. Then again it doesn't help to be watching "Ed Wood" followed by "Resident Evil" to put things back in check. I just have to believe that people are people and I just have to deal with their annoyances. Oh wells... that kinda sucks!!!!

Twilight Sale Jan 7 to 10th 50% off

Well, I am still not up ...

But I have a great sale to tell you about.

One more day off scrapbooking - major sad face

Well, the move was ok... I am having a day off from moving but the v-card that Fred gave me for xmas dont work so one more day fm sb

Happy New Year 2010

Well tomorrow is the first day of a new year .... I am very excieted to see what next year brings. 2009 has been good to me cuz I am still breathing. I had dinner with John, last night (30th) as usual we had our expensive dinner and coffee afterwards.  It was a good meeting since he noticed I was happy... not stressed or had major drama. I can honestly say, I am content. Like any year, I had some ups and downs but in general.. I am somewhat healthy. I have a job - 2 of them..sometimes 3. I have a roof over my head and Shawn does 95% of the cooking. I have my mini-family. I am very grateful for what I have.....

In 2010 I am not committing myself to anything cuz I don't want to set myself to fail but I have some min goals that I like to complete to better myself and those around me.

1) To start my scrapbook business (S4O/S4H) site/blog up and have at least 1 business client (and that will be Rosemary, she is starting up her Baking business and I will be making pages for her web site, as well as, I am making her an album at the end of January)

2) Lose weight... I am happy so I am kinda cubbie. I am not huge like a couple of years ago but I am getting up there. As of right now I need to lose about 40 lbs. I am changing my eating habbits - have to cuz thats what got me here. The plan is 1) Cut the fried stuff - maybe once a month 2) Eat soup and salad for 3 nights each week. 3) Stop eating after 8pm and if I get hungry eat fruits and veggies.

3) Pay my bills on time. I am so bad at this so I want to make an effort to pay bills on time and at least above the min amout. Then once I got that down, then look for ways to start paying off my debt. The big one I want to be current is my car note...lol... so sick of the calls every hour. Last month, on Saturday had a total of 10 calls...of course, I didn't pick up but still 10 on a Saturday!

I am excieted to pick up scrapbooking again.. I've been really out of the loop for a good 3 months. My video card died but I got a used but working one for Christmas from Fred. Plus Leanne gave her emachine efore she left.  I have a new blinkie made for my blog by Justine over at Scrappin'Bratz. Over to the right, you can grab it and wear it if you want. Also, there is a link to Justine's blog. I was asked to join a creative team which never happens, so that's something new. I have joined a couple of creative teams - five of them. In case you didn't notice, i've been posting their December Specials all month and updated my Nav Menu to include all my new and old teams and I tried to list all the CTMs per group. You will see some dups but different team. There are a couple of groups I might have to have a seperate post to list them all but for now they are sitting on my Nav menu (up there in the green menu). My new teams are ---

Ahhh Scrap

Scrappin'Bratz

Twilight Scraps

Kreative Kreations Korner

Pretty Scrappy - QP Team

and I will continue to scrap for the following designers -

Simply Susan Godfrey

Store: Scrapbooks Gone Digital, Faith Sisters, Pretty Scrappy, DigiScrapbookMania

Inspired Design Studio

Store: Scrapbooks Gone Digital, Divine Digital

SgD Designs

Store: Scrapbooks Gone Digital

88 Designs by M

Store: Scrapbooks Gone Digital, Stone Accents Studio, The Creativity Box

I like how my blog is filling up so I won't be changing it anytime soon I hope. I am not sure of all the requirments of the Pretty Scrappy QP Team but expect a QP blog freebie available for 7 days here. And I am so happy to be making QPs again for designers. I sold a couple when Simply Susan used to sell them in her store. That was fun!

I am tossing the idea of doing my own blog train featuring the CT kits I use during the month. I am not sure how I will do that but it's an idea I am tossing around since Blog trains seems to be a very good starting point to get the designers out in the open.

I got this poem or inspirational thought from a co-worker and I think its perfect to be said here. It's cute!

H appiness depends upon your outlook on life.

A ttitude is just as important as ability.

P assion find yours this year!

P ositive thoughts make everything easier.

Y ou are unique, with special gifts, use them.

N ew beginnings with a new year.

E nthusiasm a true secret of success.

W ishes may they turn into goals.

Y ears go by too quickly, enjoy them.

E nergy may you have lots of it.

A ppreciation of life, don't take it for granted.

R elax take the time to relax in this coming year.

Depending on the binding machine that John (BFF) is getting me for christmas will start the path in which direction I will make with my scrapbook business. I am thinking some of the albums, I will need to read up on hybird projects. Maybe, I will be able to afford the one that he doesn't buy and I can have two continuous paths. He said he hasn't ordered it yet but he will... lol he better. If he doesn't I can use binder rings to bind the printed ones for now till I get into the swing of things.
On the1st, we rest and recover from tonight and then on the 2nd we move to new apartment. We are moving into a studio... money is so tight it hurts to do anything big these days, but there were more Pros than Cons... Luckly, I picked up a client that wants me to work with her every Saturday. It should be good - she says she has a couple of friends that might be interested but if I am working on her every Saturday, one is enough. And since I have my Saturday's back I can grab the kids again... I do miss our 4 hour park time and then grab Ice Cream before I drop them off at home!

I think that is it I am sure I am missing a bunch more... Sorry no pictures but this post is really for me!

Merry Christmas to everyone

Credits

Christmas Cow by Susan Spiler

New Blog to show off ADs

Well, I've updated my blog ... as in created a second one to report any Sales, Annocements, and maybe some freebies.... Keeping up with the Ads every week is hard plus they were overcrowding my main blog. Check it out... It's still a work in progress since I am on vacation from all my Creative Teams. I am so excieted to start scrapbooking again after the move ... 1 more month to go. There are so many adorable kits coming out from the ladies.
...........
I have lots to scrap ... 2009 - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. Personal Scrapbooks for #3, Michael, Lana, My Banana (Savvy), Leanne, Taylor's play, and Marc's Visit (hopefully he has new pics of Damien) ... I think that's it for 2009.
........

RIP: Orman Deboe "O.D." Link Jr. 8/16/2009

Orman Deboe "O.D." Link Jr., 88, died on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, following a lengthy illness. He was born in New Orleans, lived 43 years in Monroe and most recently, lived with his daughter in Baton Rouge. He was retired from McGraw-Hill Book Co. after 36 years, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War and a Mason. He was recognized in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, Personalities of the South and the Dictionary of International Biography. O.D. was a beloved husband, father and friend. He never met a stranger and could talk to anyone about anything. He was always upbeat and easygoing and very easy to please. He loved his family, the water, traveling and was always ready for his next adventure. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Joy W. Link; and parents, brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Link; and many nieces and nephews. A private memorial service will be held for family and friends. The family would like to thank O.D.'s caregivers at The Carpenter House for the special love and care given to him in his final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association or St. Joseph's Hospice Foundation.


Published in The Advocate on August 20, 2009
Layout Credit: Mouse collection by SgD Designs

Just talking to myself to figure out what happened....

I should be happy for last night but I kind of not. I don't like sharing certain things and last night was no exception but I really didn't have a choice, it just happened. It was fun but I really don't like sharing. I am just waiting for the third wheel that is going to leave us.... my Boss' father passed away Sunday, one of my designers, her aunt is not looking so well... Then today, I relyed on someone to do something and that fell throu and I had to take time from work to handle and then once we got there no one was there. The lady made the appt and she has our number to call and inform us the situation but no did not do anything. I think there is a cloud over us whenever we try to change something. Shawn finally go word of his settlement however I don't think we will get much and thats next week. I have to log on really really early at work cause I have no PTO time to use, lol. I am actually looking forward to going to the Dodger game on Sunday... we are going with a group of ppl from the bar.. they hired a bus to take us there and there will be LOTS of drinks on the way. But I have to give up my Sunday shift to go, which totally sucks. Oh that reminds me I have to text all my clients for a special deal this month, only cuz my regulars are off camping :( I found a couple good blogs I need to link but one was to list your monthly goals so that you can see your progress. The other blog was to state 3 things you are thankful for...

For the week I've had so many negative things happen ... I am thankful that 1) My parents are both living (going to see them now ... my mommy cooked my favorite dish, guilt tripped her for forgetting my bday) , 2) I have a job (3 jobs ... never get any time but still thankful) and 3) for me! (and that's saying a lot cuz I never think of me first.)

Just me... Talking things out to myself.

I am working on my blog thread for all the July 4th sales and there are a lot of them, not including the birthday sales from a couple of my sites.You can go now I am just thinking out loud, i think it might get me introuble but at this point I am at a crossroad and don't care.

Current Projects Work
Heather and Felicia's baby album.  I am working on their baby albums now but having trouble looking for the right phase, word art, and sayings for them. I have some says I did for Norma's baby (grab them HERE) and I've found a couple good ones via the net. grrr and it would not feel right if I used the same layouts for both gals. .... Need pictures and Need to find the right album
Lana's Princess Album.  I am trying to get this done by her bday but that's not going to happen. Besides I won't see her on her bday anyways. We were planning for a party for her but I guess I should've asked what the parents were planning. Well, I might as well plan my bday and combine it with her. I have a couple of layouts already made and all I need are pictures!  Need Album and pictures
Business Plan for my scrapbooking business. Even though the economy is crappy and I am always poor. I am constantly working on my busines plan so that one day I will be able to have one of my dreams come true since the last one failed along with the other life. 
Mybday Party @ The bar. I think I will ask Jay to come and play. He did such a good job on his bday and the tips were great for me. Food, what goes well with beer and wine? Must have food cuz it keeps people there and want to drink more. Well, I have 2 more weeks to get that one done. Inviations, Band, Bar permission, Food
Bday Card. Make/Print and send. July is full of birthdays.. There are USA (4), Lana (8),  Joan (18), Daddy-O, Rashell, Arthur, and me (19), Marc (22), Lara (26) ... I think thats it  make the cards and send them on its way

Birthday wish list (you can always give me money and I can buy it myself)
From the BIG list:
1) New Desktop filled with lots of memory and all the graphic programs I can use (ie Photoshop CS4, Illustrator, GIMP, Elements)
2) External 1TB Hard drive
3) Cricut Expression
4) Thermal Binding machine and binders (Unibind or Coverbind prefer)
5) Money (to get #1-4)
From the TINY List:
1) iPod (I think I am the only one in this place that doesnt have one)
2) Clothes
3) Money to get my recolor my hair an get my nails done
4) Money to get #1-4 on the BIG list

Wishful thinking... I know everyone is poor like me and they rather spend it on someone or themselves.

It's Friday and I have tons of things to tell you!

First off before I get introuble...

Happy Birthday Pam (she's my BIG sister from another mother)

and Happy Birthday John (he's my best friend in NY)!!!!!!!

Now on to my CT news.

As many of you know, I CT for Simply Susan Godfrey and I create Quick pages and Brag books for her at Faith Sisters Shop. What's cool about this for you is that starting Today to an undetermined time Susan is lowering all of her kits and quick pages to $1. That's right $1. Check out her store at Faith Sisters!

Simply Susan's newest kit is called "Catch A Wave" 

Perfect for those Beach Trips. Color scheme is Yellow, Orange, and Blue.

And this kit contains 96 elements ... and it's only $1

Here is my one layout... I've been working on couple of quick pages and maybe a bookmark for those of you who have a summer book in mind. I created the word art it's about a Smile. The point of this layout is that Shawn's smile is the same smile in every picture, plus I just felt like making a page of poeple smiling with my honey. Pictures were taken from his birthday in January.

On to SgD Designs, Norma's last kit The Valentine Collection was perfect for my nephews pictures. He was born in 2007 but I finally got the first couple of days pictures. I used this kit to display his pictures of then and now. The word art came from a set I posted awhile ago.  Here is a couple pages of Damien.

And here is one of my honey and me... 

 We took that picture ealier this month and it was a good fit for this kit

And This layout was created using Simply Susan's Sugar Baby kit.

This is Bean playing with a gummy yummy penguin that has a yummy filling in his belly.

*********

On to my personal life, you can leave now... Just keeping John and Pam updated.

Latest News

Well that was a fun weekend - A couple days off away from work, family, and all that drama. And then totally forgot that Mother's day is this Sunday! Took care of that really quick. Shawn and I bought the same present for our mom's. Shawn's mom liked her gift. I know my mommy will like her's. And of course, I made a scrapbook page for a couple people - My mommy, IE, Shawn's mom, and "you know who" - I found 4 5x7 plastic frames for a $1 at CVS. I wish I had a couple more for a couple of people.  LOL I guess this trip took a lot out of my loss tougue.

lol drama at the bar between friends!!!

It's funny that I posted a Quote about Friends, yesturday! Well, I haven't caused much drama and I am still waiting on the outcome of the last two weeks reguarding "you know who" and my brother. Oh ya, I didn't let the cat out of the bag, Kevin told me that my cousin's daughter.. (techniqually she is my 2nd cousin's offspring) saw the same info I saw on myspace and told her parents (her dad is my 2nd cousin). And her mom called my mom and there you have it. I have to be all secret about some of the details because from time to time "you know who" pops in here and reads and looks for layouts of the kids and her. but anyways...

You can download the friends WA HERE Sorry, drop shadow is added to the WA.

Drama at the bar.. I am so glad that the relationships that I've made at the bar are with trustworthly people and not possisive jealous types of people. And I don't air my business to them.. lol I air it out here with a larger audience stretching from all directions. The night bartender got a call from the owner telling her that she was caught by a neighboor business drink outside the bar from the trunk of her BFs car. OK we are all trying to figure out who said anything. But in the meantime, her BF is not allowed in the bar during her shift only but can come in on other ppls shifts and when he is shooting for league. The night goes on and night bartender goes to the bar next door (they are a full bar and we are only a beer/wine bar) and talks about it with the people there. The owner of the bar comes around as they were headed to see me. They always visit me while I work after they are sooboring up. Well the owner of the other bar hears what is being said from his bartender (who happens to be his brother or best friend) and comes over and talks to the night bartender and BF. Thank goodness, I the usuals and they all knew each other and actually didn't care to know the latest and greatest gossip. Basicly,, the person that told my boss was her friend, the morning bartender at the other bar, and she did it because she doesn't like her BF. On top of that, she never saw anything she was relaying the message from a rumor. What happened was we had a party on Friday and the Friday night bartender at the other bar got mad from 6-12 it was slow. But from 12-2 the guys from our party went to that bar and she made a good tips. In the meantime, the guys from that party didn't pay their tab from the party. The next morning that person told the "friend" and then she went to tell my boss. Then went to work and told her boss, the owner. Well, he said he was going to talk to our boss and tell him what really happened. So hopefully this will ease the situation. I just know that the friends she picked at the other bar are not worth it. Oh wells... that was the drama from last night.

As for the BF, he is actually good for her. She needed someone to treat her right and he is the one to do it. She's 43 and he is 31, i think. But you would think she would be the bad influence vs the other way around. She is happy with him. And if people don't like it oh wells all you can do is be there for her when she needs it. That's the crap I had to deal with when my family/ friends and Shawn. I can't really drop my family but the friends who did have a problem with him I no longer speak to and one of them was a gradeschool friend. That one was a little hard to get over but you know what... my happiness is worth something. The only friend I had to make sure saw Shawn for who really is was by BFF. From the last meeting up, BFF and BF had a great time making fun of me! And my BF realize that once you get over the macho-ness and the BS, he's not that bad of a guy.

I love this quote. It makes you think.

Well, Harley found Richard's daughter and they are making arragments for his viewing. I've learned a lot from the people I see at the bar. You see all types of people there from bums to college kids (they are the worst, they always want to start crap) to well established business owners having a drink.

LOL JOhn called... A drawing of Lana!

Since I am computerless this totally sucks... I've actually made 10 paper scrapbook layouts. I miss my computer! So on my downtime I am keeping up with my CT forums which is kinda my weakness. And I am looking up fairy princess kits. Lana's birthday is in July. Her parents are taking her to Disneyland but I am throwing her a "Princess Party". So I am looking up kits that's already out there to give me an idea of what I can use to decorate, create the invite, and maybe get my hands wet and create a kit on my own.

Well usually I am scrapbooking on a conferance call but this time I was drawing Lana... seeing if I still know my portrait drawing rules. I showed it to a couple of people and it came out pretty close minus the details. Please leave your comments if this looks like lana!

It's weird I kinda want this week to go really really really slow but fast. Is it possible to skip a day and not let that day come about. Shawn are planning to go to Oakland on Thursday but it all depends on what happens on Thursday morning. My boss is on vacation till today ..and she is coming back to at least 400+ emails. So I have to make sure she see's my PTO request for Friday & Monday. But everything is based on what happens Thursday morning. I already got my shift covered for Sunday night. Can I just ask father time to skip a day or at least from 8-5pm. I want to have some type of vacation away from all the drama.

I talked to my BFF last night because I guilt him on an email. We talked for an hour, thank goodness the bar so super dead and I wasn't being rude to people. It's weird the last time I talk to him was in January, I think. It's not recent .. we need to eventually talk talk talk session. But that won't be till he's done with his thesis in 2 weeks. Then he's gonna take a 2 year break and figure that he needs to go back to school for something, this is what he does every 2-3 years he goes back to school for something and slightly changes his speciality while he has either a kick ass job or internship... basicly where his income is null. It's a good thing he's the only kid and his parents adore him lots. Now this is "shit-talking" compared to the other stuff that happened over the weekend. One thing different I know my BFF and he knows me and this what we do. I am waiting for an email he supposed to send me of his doctor friend but that won't be for another 2-6 months. (Heart you John.) I am also waiting for a recent pic of him so I can add it to this quote about friends.

What a weekend but quess what next weekend is... NSD!!!

Before I get into the drama of the weekend.... Next week is National Scrapbooking Day! So many scrapbooking sites are having tons of activities, sales, and freebies.  So be sure you stop at your favorite sites to see what they are offering. Here is a list of my favorite designers:

Pixel Princess/ Inspired Designs Studio

Simply Susan Godfrey

Kenna's Designs

88 Designs by M

MY SCrap Shop

These ladies are great designers. They all have different styles in their designs. I love that each of them are different.

I found the cutest quote it was on someone's signature line. I made it into a word art. I am going to use it as a Word Art challenge at SgD. This months's word art challenge is " The Special Ingredient is nothing"... It's weird I feel like this quote is something to follow especially when you give 100% to everyone and they don't appreciate it because they are not getting anything out of it.  It's hard.

More drama, sorry! I tell ya... Shawn was right. I stuck my nose into "you know who's" business I get double karma shoved in my face. My brother calls it "shit-talking" but come on I didn't do that I told the truth. I guess the truth hurts too. Now, I know that others have called "you know who" out and that's most likely "shit-talking". Oh wells. I didn't take the kids Saturday but after I got my nails done I went to my parents house to eat lunch with my brother and the kids. I was craving noodle soup. I had the noodle soup and the three of them had Rainbow Shaved Ice. Anyways, after driving around to the mall, pet store, we went home. I cleaned out my car - two trash bags worth of trash. Then mom comes out with a disturbing call, Kevin takes it and it's for an ad to purchase a Mustang via Craigslist listing. Mom was freaked out because Kevin's personal information and the house number was on the list. First off, we don't have a mustang and my brother and parent's have no idea how to post an ad on Craigslist. Well, after a day of phone calls I just had a feeling that "you know who" was behind this. So I called Eric ... well he is going to find out who it is and then he mentioned "you know who's" brother knows about cars. OMG I went nuts. It's one thing to take it on Kevin or me but to scare my parents and to see my mother nervous. I don't think so. Anyways, I told him my two cents and hopefully he figures something out. The 2 postings are removed from Craigslist and I am debating weather to seek legal action on this form of harassment. The weekend is not over yet... Next week Shawn and I want to go to Oakland but for some reason finding someone to work for me on Sunday is a B...Itch. I help the other girls out and when I want to take a vaction they don't help. The only one willing to help is Kelli but not sure if the boss will go with it. I have till Monday to cancel the plans. So the quote above is so true in my life right now.

But then again... I totally love this quote. I have so many pictures that I can use with this quote. Well, since I don't have a computer I've been trying to blog the new kits from my Creative Teams. Along with my rambling of what's going on with me, so if you don't like it I am sorry. Like I said this keeps me sane and it keeps my BFF and Big sis know I am ok.

A hard weekend... do you have one of those? I had to write my thoughts done her b/c when the babies are born I can reflect back.

Well, this weekend was supposed to be a mini break from having the kids (michael, lana, and savvy) and by all means it was. Well, I was posting a bunch of layouts on Myspace and Facebook because I've been lazy, busy, and I've been working on a couple of albums ... I see one little comment and I go nuts. I did things I would normally not do ... I started drama. Nothing new but OMG I am so heart broken that the people that do not deserve life get life (as in they get prego and they can't even take care of business). One of the girls that's prego, I don't like the word abortion and think the whole process is wrong but she totally needs to consider that.. but she is keeping the baby. I think solely to trap the father again. This one I have so much to vent out but I won't because it's going to happen no matter what I say or do. Then the other girl, I feel for her she has Type B cancer. I am so scared for her but she is too far long to do anything but to enjoy life.

April is so far a busy month as far as creating albums. Auntie Merlyn arrived on the 14th and she has a flash drive filled with Damien's pictures. She said Marc is too tried when he comes home from work to post the pictures! So that's one album I am working on. I need to finish and print Lana's Baptism from Febuary. I've completed and posted Jelynn's birthday album. I came out absolutly adorable. It's funny her mom, we call her I.E. instead of Auntie Evelyn... anyways she was giving me lip for putting the "E" in evette lower case. I explained 4 times that it was because I was using a Font that the "e"'s are lower case and the whole point of the layout was to emphasis on the "J" in Jelynn. Then Dee asked me to do a couple layouts with her and her friends and miget (that's my nickname I've always called Kevin, my younger brother... his new nickname from Jelynn (aka: bean) is fathead! And what's cool, is I might get paid for Dee's album! Finally, I can make money off my hobby. I am kinda of debating on weather I should start an new album for that one girl but I am definantly making on for the other one. Only because a picture is a memory! Memories are good especially when you are telling a story for future generations

I am so sorry you had to read my oops in life. I normally don't ramble but I really needed to. So thanks for listening.

Here are some new layouts from the ablums that I've completed and or in-progress.

The first two are of Michael and Lana at the park having a good time. I am working on a Word Art package of quotes that have inspired me on experiences that recently have occured in my life.

This one is a card I made for Yellow. Yellow is the nickname I call my friend Grant. Grant is a good person to keep handy LOL. And if you are playing against him on the pool table .. he's actually pretty good. The Gal in the picture is Leslie. She is one of Shawn's sister.

The Wisdom of Hot Chocolate

The Wisdom of Hot Chocolate

A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at

a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired.

During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives.

Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a

large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups — porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking,

some expensive, some exquisite. He then told them all to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they each had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said:

"Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones.

While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress."

"The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate.

In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink."

"What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup

... but you consciously went for the BEST cups."

"And then you began eyeing each other's cups."

"Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups.

They are just tools to hold and contain life."

"The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have.

Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate."

The happiest people don't need the best of everything.

They just make the best of everything that they have.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

And enjoy your hot chocolate!!

~Author Unknown

Found this info while looking for some chocolate information.

I am upset! Why does this happen?

I just need to get this off my chest. I've created 4 quick pages using Donna Phillips - Ice Cream Kit. I offered it as blog freebie here at Scrapin'Faye. Oh course, I have Donna's permission to post the Quick Pages as blog freebies, plus I am on her Creative Team. I am excieted that to this date there are 600+ downloads. The most downloads I've had for any of my blog freebies. I just hope that the quick pages generated sales for Donna.

Last night, as I was posting new layouts and checking on my freebie download counts I notice that someone has loaded the 4 quick pages as seperate files in the png format. I am upset and angry that all my work in creating those pages, others like to take that happy feeling away. I am so pissed. I've wrote to her to remove them and emailed 4shared to see if they can flag her or remove them for me. What I think is sad is that I am not even the designer and I am angry and upset.

Thank you!

I just wanted to post a THANK YOU note to everyone that visits my blog, downloads my freebies, and or leaves a message. Everyday, I try to visit and comment blogs and threads because when you visit mine, it brightens my day. And lately, with work and home stress I totally need it. So Thank you for visiting me, today.

Sorry no freebies, I've been working a lot of overtime. But I can tell you I should have some new quick pages using new kits from Donna Phillips and SgD Club! And I have a couple of quick pages I've been working on from other designers from ADS. (see ADS Blogroll for the list of designers... look out upcoming kits from many of them on August 1).

Thank you again!!!!

5 Days till My Birthday. .... background freebie

Well, I was totally excieted about July but I've ran into things that just make life a pain the butt. But I have to look at it as things happen for a reason. With life getting in the way, I have not scrapbooked in 4 days :( I am so sad....

The last two weeks, I've picked up a couple shifts at a local bar. Last night, I ran into Doc. He asked a lot of questions, at the time, I felt I was getting one of those parent lecture. But in the end, he did make a great point that my Pvlous Dog has been trying to tell me for years... To successed you need to finish school and money should never be a barrier.

Last week, I was working on a couple of background papers for ADS. I like how this one came out. What do you think? Better Yet. Download HERE and leave your comments and suggestions. If you use the background please give me credit. Thanks.