I've added a few more things to my etsy store.
Marty and his boyfriend came over yesterday evening to help me put together some earrings (he said "we're about to have the gayest day ever!"). I think we got a total of 6 or 7 pairs done, but we're all so new at it and they're not exactly ... perfect hah They'll get better as I get better, though, so I'm going to keep plugging along.
I should have a Christmas themed set of wine charms done and added later today. There's one for each of the 12 Days of Christmas and are pretty cute. I just need to decide on the color beads to use so I'm not all repetitive. But I was able to add the breast cancer awareness charms I had, so that's good.
My period is almost here. All signs point to its imminent arrival. Yay. Gah. Stupid uterus.
I expect to be Smokie free in the next couple of days. Poor Lucy's been so afraid to come upstairs to go to the pans that I've started carrying her to the closet door at random times to see if she needs to go. It's almost funny in a pitiful sort of way. You shouldn't have to carry your cat to the potty box.
I'm horribly tired this morning and I really don't have a reason for it. Well outside the fact that my body is about to start trying to kick my uterus out, that is. That always leaves me fairly exhausted.
I'm determined to not leave the house today. For someone who doesn't work at the moment, I leave quite a bit.
So today will be me, the pets, and some charm-making. That's it.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Not as easy as it looks ...
Making earrings really isn't that hard.
Except for 2 things:
1) I have issues with colors. The correct term is "color deficiency" as opposed to color blindness. I see color with no problem - red is red, green is green. Some reds and some greens, though, may as well be orange or brown. I can't find those stupid letters and numbers in those color blotch things. Coordinating colors has always been hard for me and is something I usually need help with. I'll think things look stupid together and am told they go perfectly. I'll think things look good together and I turn into a polish joke. So coordinating colors for the earrings became a seriously frustrating thing last night.
2) I don't wear earrings. Ever. At all. I have a nickel allergy (I swear I'm Typhoid Mary) and my ears swell and start leaking pus within minutes of putting an earring in. I've tried real gold, sterling silver, etc ... The only thing that doesn't bother my ears is the implant grade stainless steel used in high-grade body piercings. And because I don't wear them, I don't pay attention to styles and trends. So I'm at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to knowing what someone would wear.
I've enlisted some help, though, so I'm hoping to have some thrown together later today. Especially since the friend who's letting me set up a table at his garage sale lives really close to one of the high schools - I want to put together some that match their school colors and hopefully get a few moms hooked.
My wedding dress is back on the chopping block. Someone wants to see it (the same woman who wanted to see it the last time I had it on CL), but she only wants to give $200 for it. And at this point, I'll happily take the $200. It's $200 more than I have right now. I did tell her that if someone else contacted me and was willing to give the full asking price before she has the money together to buy it, I would sell it.
Marc being in rehab for a month really, really sucks. I keep wanting to call him and remembering that I can't. Gah.
On a positive note, I discovered a branch of my bank is much closer than I thought. I've still been going to one that's about 20 minutes away, but last night realized there's a branch in a grocery store about 5 minutes from our house. Score!
So ... yeah. I'll need a few more pins and tops for the earrings, but that's mostly what my day will contain.
Except for 2 things:
1) I have issues with colors. The correct term is "color deficiency" as opposed to color blindness. I see color with no problem - red is red, green is green. Some reds and some greens, though, may as well be orange or brown. I can't find those stupid letters and numbers in those color blotch things. Coordinating colors has always been hard for me and is something I usually need help with. I'll think things look stupid together and am told they go perfectly. I'll think things look good together and I turn into a polish joke. So coordinating colors for the earrings became a seriously frustrating thing last night.
2) I don't wear earrings. Ever. At all. I have a nickel allergy (I swear I'm Typhoid Mary) and my ears swell and start leaking pus within minutes of putting an earring in. I've tried real gold, sterling silver, etc ... The only thing that doesn't bother my ears is the implant grade stainless steel used in high-grade body piercings. And because I don't wear them, I don't pay attention to styles and trends. So I'm at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to knowing what someone would wear.
I've enlisted some help, though, so I'm hoping to have some thrown together later today. Especially since the friend who's letting me set up a table at his garage sale lives really close to one of the high schools - I want to put together some that match their school colors and hopefully get a few moms hooked.
My wedding dress is back on the chopping block. Someone wants to see it (the same woman who wanted to see it the last time I had it on CL), but she only wants to give $200 for it. And at this point, I'll happily take the $200. It's $200 more than I have right now. I did tell her that if someone else contacted me and was willing to give the full asking price before she has the money together to buy it, I would sell it.
Marc being in rehab for a month really, really sucks. I keep wanting to call him and remembering that I can't. Gah.
On a positive note, I discovered a branch of my bank is much closer than I thought. I've still been going to one that's about 20 minutes away, but last night realized there's a branch in a grocery store about 5 minutes from our house. Score!
So ... yeah. I'll need a few more pins and tops for the earrings, but that's mostly what my day will contain.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
But there's more ...
Be sure to check my shop later tonight or tomorrow as I'm adding earrings to the list!
I'm a bit out of my league when it comes to the earrings, as I have issues with shades of color, but I have some cute ones I think people will like.
I'm a bit out of my league when it comes to the earrings, as I have issues with shades of color, but I have some cute ones I think people will like.
Bullets ...
Just some points over the last few days ...
* I hit a local Lowe's on Saturday to see what kind of patio furniture sales they may have been running. They were running a 30% off deal, but most of the sets were still well beyond our budget. There were a few that weren't on sale, including one that would work perfectly for us. After talking to a sales associate for a few minutes and describing what I needed, he offered to discount the table for me. I was able to get the table and 3 chairs (we have bench seating on our deck & didn't need many actual chairs) for 1/4 of what one of the other tables cost. Score!
* I'm far too honest when I have a few drinks in me and managed to piss off one of our friends later that evening.
* Had a decent brunch with friends Sunday. Other than that, Sunday was a fairly lazy day.
* I've had my first charm order. Yay! The charms will be mailed today. I'm hoping Ms Ally has started a trend.
* Another seller on etsy has listed me as a favorite. I'm not sure why outside that she seems to sell charms for necklaces and earrings. But it may lead people to my shop, so that's a-ok with me.
* The large bin of supplies I bought from a woman on CL has things to make earrings with. I'm going to look online for instructions and may soon be offering handmade earrings as well. If I don't completely screw them up, that is.
* Another friend is having a garage sale this weekend and said I can set up a table and sell charms if I want. I need to put a bunch more together in order to be prepared for it. I just hope people don't think it's part of the garage sale and try to haggle with me.
* I also need to put together some type of hand-out for it. If someone buys something or wants more information, the hand-out can direct them to my etsy store to see what else I have and / or to place a custom order.
* A friend told me about this place this weekend. I've placed my own order and am spreading the word.
* I had a dream one of my nephews had a baby and it was one of these. Only it had long, sharp teeth and nails and kept trying to bite. My nephew said it was because he was a premie and all premies are like that (no, I know they're not - not sure where that came from). I tried to be nice and not freak out while the thing kept trying to dig and chew into my hands.
* I have made serious headway in the basement. Every time I go down there, I get a little more ahead. I'm feeling more and more confident that we'll soon be flea free down there.
* While I was engaging in the Battle of the Basement, I did almost all of our laundry yesterday. Yay for clean clothes!
And that's it! Although, reading it back over, it's actually quite a bit.
Today I'll mop the kitchen and wash towels. I also need to run to the post office and drop off another set of charms a friend's co-worker ordered. Oh - and the bank. I have a couple of checks I need to deposit.
Busier day than I thought!
* I hit a local Lowe's on Saturday to see what kind of patio furniture sales they may have been running. They were running a 30% off deal, but most of the sets were still well beyond our budget. There were a few that weren't on sale, including one that would work perfectly for us. After talking to a sales associate for a few minutes and describing what I needed, he offered to discount the table for me. I was able to get the table and 3 chairs (we have bench seating on our deck & didn't need many actual chairs) for 1/4 of what one of the other tables cost. Score!
* I'm far too honest when I have a few drinks in me and managed to piss off one of our friends later that evening.
* Had a decent brunch with friends Sunday. Other than that, Sunday was a fairly lazy day.
* I've had my first charm order. Yay! The charms will be mailed today. I'm hoping Ms Ally has started a trend.
* Another seller on etsy has listed me as a favorite. I'm not sure why outside that she seems to sell charms for necklaces and earrings. But it may lead people to my shop, so that's a-ok with me.
* The large bin of supplies I bought from a woman on CL has things to make earrings with. I'm going to look online for instructions and may soon be offering handmade earrings as well. If I don't completely screw them up, that is.
* Another friend is having a garage sale this weekend and said I can set up a table and sell charms if I want. I need to put a bunch more together in order to be prepared for it. I just hope people don't think it's part of the garage sale and try to haggle with me.
* I also need to put together some type of hand-out for it. If someone buys something or wants more information, the hand-out can direct them to my etsy store to see what else I have and / or to place a custom order.
* A friend told me about this place this weekend. I've placed my own order and am spreading the word.
* I had a dream one of my nephews had a baby and it was one of these. Only it had long, sharp teeth and nails and kept trying to bite. My nephew said it was because he was a premie and all premies are like that (no, I know they're not - not sure where that came from). I tried to be nice and not freak out while the thing kept trying to dig and chew into my hands.
* I have made serious headway in the basement. Every time I go down there, I get a little more ahead. I'm feeling more and more confident that we'll soon be flea free down there.
* While I was engaging in the Battle of the Basement, I did almost all of our laundry yesterday. Yay for clean clothes!
And that's it! Although, reading it back over, it's actually quite a bit.
Today I'll mop the kitchen and wash towels. I also need to run to the post office and drop off another set of charms a friend's co-worker ordered. Oh - and the bank. I have a couple of checks I need to deposit.
Busier day than I thought!
Monday, July 28, 2008
It's here!
Our new web site is done and can be found here.
It contains the same information as the one on blogspot, but it'll also contain additional information - such as the Events we have planned and an easy link to the items I'm selling.
Speaking of, this awesome woman is my first wine glass charm customer! I was so excited to see an order and touched that it's one of my blogger friends.
There are other things that took place this weekend, but I'll talk about those at a later date.
In the meantime, please keep these people in your prayers. It's not my church and I don't know the two who were killed, but that is the city I live in.
It contains the same information as the one on blogspot, but it'll also contain additional information - such as the Events we have planned and an easy link to the items I'm selling.
Speaking of, this awesome woman is my first wine glass charm customer! I was so excited to see an order and touched that it's one of my blogger friends.
There are other things that took place this weekend, but I'll talk about those at a later date.
In the meantime, please keep these people in your prayers. It's not my church and I don't know the two who were killed, but that is the city I live in.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
No good title ...
So in the veign of "not spending any more money on beads", I paid a lady $50 for a huge supply of beads and such. And although I didn't want to spend that much, I got a much larger haul for the money than I woud have at any craft store.
I've mentioned it in passing, but the back of my right knee is killing me. The only time it doesn't hurt is when I'm walking (odd, isn't it). As soon as I sit and it has to stay bent, it throbs. Stretching out or propping it up doesn't help. I find myself constantly switching positions, trying to find one that makes it stop.
I'm sure I twisted something back there, but we have no insurance right now so I can't go see anyone about it. In the meantime I've been taking tylenol every 6 or 7 hours. The thought is that it'll reduce any swelling and get rid of the pain. Which it does. But it's been several days and it still hurts. Not a terribly good sign.
We're getting some much needed rain and cooler temperatures today. It'd be a good jammie day, but we have friends coming over later to hang out.
So ... I'll be in the grind of housecleaning here shortly.
I've mentioned it in passing, but the back of my right knee is killing me. The only time it doesn't hurt is when I'm walking (odd, isn't it). As soon as I sit and it has to stay bent, it throbs. Stretching out or propping it up doesn't help. I find myself constantly switching positions, trying to find one that makes it stop.
I'm sure I twisted something back there, but we have no insurance right now so I can't go see anyone about it. In the meantime I've been taking tylenol every 6 or 7 hours. The thought is that it'll reduce any swelling and get rid of the pain. Which it does. But it's been several days and it still hurts. Not a terribly good sign.
We're getting some much needed rain and cooler temperatures today. It'd be a good jammie day, but we have friends coming over later to hang out.
So ... I'll be in the grind of housecleaning here shortly.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Daily grind ...
I've had a lot of views of my charms (the site tracks how many people have looked at individual items), but no orders yet.
I'm hoping to spread the word and get some orders.
I had a really icky dream last night (this morning, really).
Patrick and I, for some reason, were sleeping on my dad & step-mom's floor. Only it wasn't really their room and the floor was tile and concerete (can you see where this is going?).
Everywhere we stepped or reached, fleas bombarded us. I was flicking and wiping flea after flea after flea off me. I was splashing stuff around to try and kill them. I was afraid to step anywhere or move from my spot, although I continually did. My reward was to have my hand or ankles covered in fleas.
It was seriously distressing.
I woke up itching and unable to lay still, the dream still very fresh in my mind.
Stupid fleas.
I have to take Marc to this place this morning. It's a long story (stemming from a dui in 2005) and I can say with all honesty that it's not necessary. But it's what happens when you don't follow rules set by your state's medical board and you hold a therapy license.
And while he doesn't need to go there, I do hope he'll come out with a different attitude. A few glasses of wine are not worth losing your license.
I'm hoping to spread the word and get some orders.
I had a really icky dream last night (this morning, really).
Patrick and I, for some reason, were sleeping on my dad & step-mom's floor. Only it wasn't really their room and the floor was tile and concerete (can you see where this is going?).
Everywhere we stepped or reached, fleas bombarded us. I was flicking and wiping flea after flea after flea off me. I was splashing stuff around to try and kill them. I was afraid to step anywhere or move from my spot, although I continually did. My reward was to have my hand or ankles covered in fleas.
It was seriously distressing.
I woke up itching and unable to lay still, the dream still very fresh in my mind.
Stupid fleas.
I have to take Marc to this place this morning. It's a long story (stemming from a dui in 2005) and I can say with all honesty that it's not necessary. But it's what happens when you don't follow rules set by your state's medical board and you hold a therapy license.
And while he doesn't need to go there, I do hope he'll come out with a different attitude. A few glasses of wine are not worth losing your license.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Am I boring you to death yet?
My store is now open! Just click the link to your right to go to my store.
Ya know ... if you want to.
I started out with just a couple of items, but was able to add a couple more last night. I also redid the red hat charms from their original - the silver you see on them now is new.
I'm going to work on some more this afternoon or this evening.
Most of the charms I have run a theme and the actual charms are different. Some, though, will have the same charms but different color beads. It just depends on what caught my eye when I was shopping and what was available online that didn't cost a fortune (some of those buggers are pretty pricey!).
There's also a way to mark a store as a favorite and it should let you know when new items are added.
But like I said - no more shopping for a while unless I have a specific request. Otherwise I'm liable to go broke buying up supplies and that would completely defeat the purpose. I'm going to finish what I have before buying more.
And, for those who would like to place an order for something I don't yet have, there's even a Request Custom Item link on the right side of my store.
In other news ...
I just finished attacking the basement and, while there are still fleas down there, almost all of the ones that launched an assault were pre-adult.
Which means the vacuuming is working. Not only am I ridding the place of the adults, but I'm also getting the cocooned ones to come out and play.
Marc, my best friend, is having a seriously rough time right now. I won't go into details to protect his privacy, but he could use more than a few prayers.
Ya know ... if you want to.
I started out with just a couple of items, but was able to add a couple more last night. I also redid the red hat charms from their original - the silver you see on them now is new.
I'm going to work on some more this afternoon or this evening.
Most of the charms I have run a theme and the actual charms are different. Some, though, will have the same charms but different color beads. It just depends on what caught my eye when I was shopping and what was available online that didn't cost a fortune (some of those buggers are pretty pricey!).
There's also a way to mark a store as a favorite and it should let you know when new items are added.
But like I said - no more shopping for a while unless I have a specific request. Otherwise I'm liable to go broke buying up supplies and that would completely defeat the purpose. I'm going to finish what I have before buying more.
And, for those who would like to place an order for something I don't yet have, there's even a Request Custom Item link on the right side of my store.
In other news ...
I just finished attacking the basement and, while there are still fleas down there, almost all of the ones that launched an assault were pre-adult.
Which means the vacuuming is working. Not only am I ridding the place of the adults, but I'm also getting the cocooned ones to come out and play.
Marc, my best friend, is having a seriously rough time right now. I won't go into details to protect his privacy, but he could use more than a few prayers.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
My thumb is saved!
I found this tool online and, as luck would have it, that same store is about 10 minutes from my house.
Too much money later, I was able to try it out.
Did you hear the angels sing? You should have. That's how much that one pair of pliers is going to be a Godsend.
My thumb is very much happy right now.
I opened an online store here as well.
Only 2 of the sets I've worked on are shown right now, but I'll be adding more over the next few days. The best part is that it's way cheaper than selling on ebay.
I'm also vowing to stay out of any craft stores for a while. I have a ton of beads and some more charms and really need to move a few before I feel comfy spending more money. Although there are some charms I saw online that I'll be ordering at some point.
That doesn't mean I'm not taking orders, though! It just means I can't free-walk into a store and grab a basket because I can't walk out without spending at least $30.
Too much money later, I was able to try it out.
Did you hear the angels sing? You should have. That's how much that one pair of pliers is going to be a Godsend.
My thumb is very much happy right now.
I opened an online store here as well.
Only 2 of the sets I've worked on are shown right now, but I'll be adding more over the next few days. The best part is that it's way cheaper than selling on ebay.
I'm also vowing to stay out of any craft stores for a while. I have a ton of beads and some more charms and really need to move a few before I feel comfy spending more money. Although there are some charms I saw online that I'll be ordering at some point.
That doesn't mean I'm not taking orders, though! It just means I can't free-walk into a store and grab a basket because I can't walk out without spending at least $30.
Charming, I'm sure ...
I put together a few more charm sets yesterday and last night and my left thumb pad is a bit swollen and pretty painful from where I have to bend the wire to make a hook. I use a tool to grip the wire, but I have to press the other side against my thumb to actually bend it. I'm going to have to find a way to cover that pad.
(see edit below for pictures)
One of the sets I bought is a trip around the world theme. It had 10 charms, but the loop on one of them wasn't complete so I had to leave it out. Which left me with the odd number of 9 charms for that set. No one would know there were originally 10, of course, but it still bugs me.
I happened to grab some shells during one of my trips, but they don't have any loops at all. My ass was handed to me by them last night while I tried to figure out a way to make them work. I'm not giving up just yet, though.
I'm still up and down about the pricing. Most sets are 4 or 6, with some 10's thrown in. I was thinking about $2 per charm - so a set of 4 would be $8.
But then I have to take the cost of materials into account - the type of bead used (crystal, glass, wood, plastic, etc ...) and the quality of the charm (sterling silver, pewter, enamel, etc ...). The different types are priced differently - crystals are far more expensive than plastic and pewter is cheaper than sterling silver.
So I think my initial pricing thought can work for the low cost materials - plastic and pewter will be $2 per charm ($8 per set of 4, for example) and then raise the price accordingly for the more expensive materials or specialty items.
Ally asked that I let her know when I'm taking orders (can't wait to see her new hair cut!).
The answer is - anytime you want to place an order, please do! Just shoot me an e-mail at the one listed on my profile with the following info:
Theme
Color preference (if any - I suggest giving a few options)
Bead preference (if any - glass, plastic, wood, crystal)
Charm preference (if any - sterling silver, pewter, enamel)
The number you want - 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12.
Things to keep in mind:
* If I don't have the materials on hand and I can't find them locally, I'll need to order them. My experience so far is that it takes 3 - 5 days to receive the charms after the order's placed, so it may take up to 2 weeks before you actually receive your order.
* The idea of the charms is to be able to use them to identify your specific wine glass (or goblet as the hoops I use are large enough for either), but not all themes are available in larger groups. I may need to repeat the actual charm but change up the color of the beads to make it a noticeable difference.
Once I have your order, I can give you a price.
As far as payment goes, I just ask that you use the link on the upper right side of my blog and make a donation through paypal for whatever the cost is. The goal of these charms is to 'sell' them to raise money for our adoption plans. It'll be much easier on everyone (especially me hah) if I can have people just go that route. That way there's no worries about checks or whatever.
Once my new web site is done, I'm hoping to be able to find a way to post them for sale and just have the payments made that way. I'm still thinking on how to do that.
One of the sets I bought is a trip around the world theme. It had 10 charms, but the loop on one of them wasn't complete so I had to leave it out. Which left me with the odd number of 9 charms for that set. No one would know there were originally 10, of course, but it still bugs me.
I happened to grab some shells during one of my trips, but they don't have any loops at all. My ass was handed to me by them last night while I tried to figure out a way to make them work. I'm not giving up just yet, though.
I'm still up and down about the pricing. Most sets are 4 or 6, with some 10's thrown in. I was thinking about $2 per charm - so a set of 4 would be $8.
But then I have to take the cost of materials into account - the type of bead used (crystal, glass, wood, plastic, etc ...) and the quality of the charm (sterling silver, pewter, enamel, etc ...). The different types are priced differently - crystals are far more expensive than plastic and pewter is cheaper than sterling silver.
So I think my initial pricing thought can work for the low cost materials - plastic and pewter will be $2 per charm ($8 per set of 4, for example) and then raise the price accordingly for the more expensive materials or specialty items.
Ally asked that I let her know when I'm taking orders (can't wait to see her new hair cut!).
The answer is - anytime you want to place an order, please do! Just shoot me an e-mail at the one listed on my profile with the following info:
Theme
Color preference (if any - I suggest giving a few options)
Bead preference (if any - glass, plastic, wood, crystal)
Charm preference (if any - sterling silver, pewter, enamel)
The number you want - 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12.
Things to keep in mind:
* If I don't have the materials on hand and I can't find them locally, I'll need to order them. My experience so far is that it takes 3 - 5 days to receive the charms after the order's placed, so it may take up to 2 weeks before you actually receive your order.
* The idea of the charms is to be able to use them to identify your specific wine glass (or goblet as the hoops I use are large enough for either), but not all themes are available in larger groups. I may need to repeat the actual charm but change up the color of the beads to make it a noticeable difference.
Once I have your order, I can give you a price.
As far as payment goes, I just ask that you use the link on the upper right side of my blog and make a donation through paypal for whatever the cost is. The goal of these charms is to 'sell' them to raise money for our adoption plans. It'll be much easier on everyone (especially me hah) if I can have people just go that route. That way there's no worries about checks or whatever.
Once my new web site is done, I'm hoping to be able to find a way to post them for sale and just have the payments made that way. I'm still thinking on how to do that.
Edit:
My camera won't focus, so I took these with my phone. The pictures aren't great quality, but .. eh .. they'll do for this purpose ...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Not much here to see ...
I've decided that Hobby Lobby is like Home Depot - you think you have everything you need, but you don't so you make 20 trips in 3 days.
When I ordered the charms, I guesstimated what type / style beads I would need and just grabbed up a bunch. And while I can definitely use some of what I grabbed, I have a much better idea of what I actually want now that the charms have arrived.
I finished the soccer themed charms for my friend's co-worker and they're pretty damned cute if I do say so myself. They really are. I'm quite pleased with how they turned out.
I would show pictures, but they just don't come across in a photo. I think part of the charm (no pun intended) is that I used colorful wooden beads and they just don't show up in photos.
We're starting to think our friend won't have a booth at this weekend's festival. Patrick suggested we get our own, but I won't have enough to be able to support our own booth.
I've looked at ebay again and I'm amazed anyone with small stores makes money. Between the fees ebay and paypal charge, the actual profit is reduced a good bit. So I'm not sure if I'll be putting them on ebay or not. I'm going to look into other ways to take orders and payments.
We're also going to keep our eyes out for other fairs being held in the area. I may not have enough to support our own booth right now, but I may in another month.
Saturday I received a "thanks, but no thanks" letter from the company I interviewed with. Although I probably would have turned it down had I been offered the 2nd interview, it still sucks to be the rejectee as opposed to the rejector.
I'm trying to keep the faith that God is going to take care of this. Not that I expect Him to just drop a job in my lap or anything, but that He will help make sure things work out in some fashion.
So I'll keep plugging along and applying for jobs. Someone somewhere will want to hire me at some point.
I'm just hoping it's sooner rather than later.
When I ordered the charms, I guesstimated what type / style beads I would need and just grabbed up a bunch. And while I can definitely use some of what I grabbed, I have a much better idea of what I actually want now that the charms have arrived.
I finished the soccer themed charms for my friend's co-worker and they're pretty damned cute if I do say so myself. They really are. I'm quite pleased with how they turned out.
I would show pictures, but they just don't come across in a photo. I think part of the charm (no pun intended) is that I used colorful wooden beads and they just don't show up in photos.
We're starting to think our friend won't have a booth at this weekend's festival. Patrick suggested we get our own, but I won't have enough to be able to support our own booth.
I've looked at ebay again and I'm amazed anyone with small stores makes money. Between the fees ebay and paypal charge, the actual profit is reduced a good bit. So I'm not sure if I'll be putting them on ebay or not. I'm going to look into other ways to take orders and payments.
We're also going to keep our eyes out for other fairs being held in the area. I may not have enough to support our own booth right now, but I may in another month.
Saturday I received a "thanks, but no thanks" letter from the company I interviewed with. Although I probably would have turned it down had I been offered the 2nd interview, it still sucks to be the rejectee as opposed to the rejector.
I'm trying to keep the faith that God is going to take care of this. Not that I expect Him to just drop a job in my lap or anything, but that He will help make sure things work out in some fashion.
So I'll keep plugging along and applying for jobs. Someone somewhere will want to hire me at some point.
I'm just hoping it's sooner rather than later.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sorry for the rant ...
This store is the place to be. But they're closed on Sundays and this store has a pitiful selection along with higher prices. There was no bead or charm buying yesterday.
Today I'll hit that first store.
In bowling news, my score is back on its way up again. I changed the way I held the ball while approaching the lane and found I was suddenly throwing it much straighter. It improved my score by about 20 pins.
Although I now have some decent pain in the back of my right knee.
It's a bitch getting old.
Our friend expects to have a booth at this weekend's festival and I'm totally excited. I'm hoping to get plenty of charms put together this week in varying themes so I'll be more likely to sell some.
I figure that if I can sell 10 sets, I'll make back the money I spent on supplies. Everything after that will be profit.
The get together with my friend was much fun. So much so that they came over last night and hung out for a few hours. I really do enjoy his company and am so glad to have discovered he lives closer than I thought.
Although Marc may not be happy about it.
We had been invited to Marc's for a cookout, but they were going to spend the day at his complex's pool before grilling. I don't do well sitting at a pool with no shade in 90 degree heat. Patrick, who is very fair skinned, does even worse. And because they spend hours at the pool, they usually don't start grilling until 8 or 9pm - not ideal when someone has to be up the next morning at 6am for work. Hoping they would start at an earlier time, I texted him mid-afternoon asking for an idea of when they were going to start grilling and never heard back. Around 4:30pm, Marty texted saying they wanted to stop by to see our house.
5 hours later, we had had our own cookout and they were getting ready to leave.
Which is when I noticed that Marc had texted at 8:39pm, saying to come over now.
Even if Marty and his partner hadn't stopped by, that still would have been too late. We would have already eaten and chances are high we would have even already been in our jammies.
But knowing Marc as I do, he will be unhappier with the reason we didn't come over more than anything else. We're both pretty possesive friends and he'll see that as my choosing to spend time with Marty when we had already had an invite to his place.
I say - well, ok, I'd probably get irritated too. But we've been down the "we can't come over at 9pm for dinner when Patrick has to be at work the next morning by 8" route several times before.
So I'm sure my reply that since I didn't hear back from him, Marty and his partner came over and we hung out pissed him off. Especially since I didn't even see his message until after 10pm because we were outside and my phone was inside.
Ah well ... his schedule is what it is these days and mine just doesn't match up.
And I'm grateful to have discovered that Marty lives so much closer than we had thought. We're rekindling our friendship and I'm absolutely enjoying it.
So much so that he's probably going to run to that first store with me today.
Why? So I can work on my charms, of course! So I can (hopefully) sell a bunch this weekend!
Now that there is some real excitement.
Today I'll hit that first store.
In bowling news, my score is back on its way up again. I changed the way I held the ball while approaching the lane and found I was suddenly throwing it much straighter. It improved my score by about 20 pins.
Although I now have some decent pain in the back of my right knee.
It's a bitch getting old.
Our friend expects to have a booth at this weekend's festival and I'm totally excited. I'm hoping to get plenty of charms put together this week in varying themes so I'll be more likely to sell some.
I figure that if I can sell 10 sets, I'll make back the money I spent on supplies. Everything after that will be profit.
The get together with my friend was much fun. So much so that they came over last night and hung out for a few hours. I really do enjoy his company and am so glad to have discovered he lives closer than I thought.
Although Marc may not be happy about it.
We had been invited to Marc's for a cookout, but they were going to spend the day at his complex's pool before grilling. I don't do well sitting at a pool with no shade in 90 degree heat. Patrick, who is very fair skinned, does even worse. And because they spend hours at the pool, they usually don't start grilling until 8 or 9pm - not ideal when someone has to be up the next morning at 6am for work. Hoping they would start at an earlier time, I texted him mid-afternoon asking for an idea of when they were going to start grilling and never heard back. Around 4:30pm, Marty texted saying they wanted to stop by to see our house.
5 hours later, we had had our own cookout and they were getting ready to leave.
Which is when I noticed that Marc had texted at 8:39pm, saying to come over now.
Even if Marty and his partner hadn't stopped by, that still would have been too late. We would have already eaten and chances are high we would have even already been in our jammies.
But knowing Marc as I do, he will be unhappier with the reason we didn't come over more than anything else. We're both pretty possesive friends and he'll see that as my choosing to spend time with Marty when we had already had an invite to his place.
I say - well, ok, I'd probably get irritated too. But we've been down the "we can't come over at 9pm for dinner when Patrick has to be at work the next morning by 8" route several times before.
So I'm sure my reply that since I didn't hear back from him, Marty and his partner came over and we hung out pissed him off. Especially since I didn't even see his message until after 10pm because we were outside and my phone was inside.
Ah well ... his schedule is what it is these days and mine just doesn't match up.
And I'm grateful to have discovered that Marty lives so much closer than we had thought. We're rekindling our friendship and I'm absolutely enjoying it.
So much so that he's probably going to run to that first store with me today.
Why? So I can work on my charms, of course! So I can (hopefully) sell a bunch this weekend!
Now that there is some real excitement.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Don't be jealous ...
Today I go pick up more beads to match some of the charms I ordered.
Then we go bowling.
Yeah ... I'm a fount of excitement.
Then we go bowling.
Yeah ... I'm a fount of excitement.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Fundraising update ...
Ok so my day quickly turned to shit. Yes, it's what I get for voicing the fact that it started out so awesomely.
But it's been somewhat salvaged.
I went to a local restaurant (that really yummy italian place I mentioned some days ago) for lunch and my friend was working. So yay for that.
After I ate, he and I were talking about our fundraising plans when one of the cooks came out and joined the conversation.
As luck would have it, he's done all sorts of fundraising for his daughter's soccer team and has even gotten places to donate food (read: for free!) for various fundraising events.
He's volunteered his services - both in calling distributors and in cooking.
How lucky can a girl get?!?
Of course I took him up on his generous offer and let him know that I will definitely be in contact.
I also received some of the charms I ordered. So yay for that too. They're absolutely adorable and I can't wait to get started on putting them together.
And I have my first order!
The cook (I just now realized I never even got his name ... woops) wants 4 wine glass charms in a soccer theme.
So even though my morning took a nosedive, lunch definately went a distance in making up for it.
But it's been somewhat salvaged.
I went to a local restaurant (that really yummy italian place I mentioned some days ago) for lunch and my friend was working. So yay for that.
After I ate, he and I were talking about our fundraising plans when one of the cooks came out and joined the conversation.
As luck would have it, he's done all sorts of fundraising for his daughter's soccer team and has even gotten places to donate food (read: for free!) for various fundraising events.
He's volunteered his services - both in calling distributors and in cooking.
How lucky can a girl get?!?
Of course I took him up on his generous offer and let him know that I will definitely be in contact.
I also received some of the charms I ordered. So yay for that too. They're absolutely adorable and I can't wait to get started on putting them together.
And I have my first order!
The cook (I just now realized I never even got his name ... woops) wants 4 wine glass charms in a soccer theme.
So even though my morning took a nosedive, lunch definately went a distance in making up for it.
Just a bit more ...
Our logo is finished! Yay! Josh did an awesome job of melding two symbols I found and sent to him and I'm beyond pleased with the finished product. Big thanks to Josh!
Our new web site should also be finished sometime this coming week. So double yay!
There's a big yearly festival taking place next weekend in a nearby county. I had the idea to see if we can sell some of the charms we'll be making, but I think you have to pay for booth space. We have a friend that usually sells handmade furniture pieces and, if he's taking part this year, we're going to ask him if we can usurp a bit of his space. I don't know that they'll sell, but it's worth a shot!
If he is and we can and the web site is finished, I'm going to try to put together some fliers to hand out as well. Not that I'll be walking along and passing them to strangers, but if we can sell some charms (you just know I'll have some sort of adoption fundraising sign there) and people have questions then we can hand them a flier to get more information.
I feel really good about that idea, so please pray extra that our friend will have a booth and we'll be able to join in.
This evening we'll be heading to a cook-out at a friend's house. This is a previous running buddy of mine who I absolutely adore. But, as life moves along, you lose touch. Turns out he and his partner bought a house about 4 miles from us. And he moved there around the same time we moved here. So after an hour-long catch-up session on the phone yesterday, we made plans for a cook-out and some adult beverages for this evening.
I'm totally excited.
So yeah ... today was a good day from the word go.
Our new web site should also be finished sometime this coming week. So double yay!
There's a big yearly festival taking place next weekend in a nearby county. I had the idea to see if we can sell some of the charms we'll be making, but I think you have to pay for booth space. We have a friend that usually sells handmade furniture pieces and, if he's taking part this year, we're going to ask him if we can usurp a bit of his space. I don't know that they'll sell, but it's worth a shot!
If he is and we can and the web site is finished, I'm going to try to put together some fliers to hand out as well. Not that I'll be walking along and passing them to strangers, but if we can sell some charms (you just know I'll have some sort of adoption fundraising sign there) and people have questions then we can hand them a flier to get more information.
I feel really good about that idea, so please pray extra that our friend will have a booth and we'll be able to join in.
This evening we'll be heading to a cook-out at a friend's house. This is a previous running buddy of mine who I absolutely adore. But, as life moves along, you lose touch. Turns out he and his partner bought a house about 4 miles from us. And he moved there around the same time we moved here. So after an hour-long catch-up session on the phone yesterday, we made plans for a cook-out and some adult beverages for this evening.
I'm totally excited.
So yeah ... today was a good day from the word go.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Plans moving forward ...
We continue to make progress in the basement. It's slow going as those buggers are fairly resourceful, but it's going and that pleases me.
I'm pressuring my younger brother into taking Smokie. That cat can not stay in this house. I won't have Lucy hiding all day and night for fear of getting her butt kicked.
The web site has made progress and I'm excited to see the final product.
I'm still waiting on the graphic for it and the t-shirts and such. We can't really move forward with the final web site design until the graphic is done. And if we can't move forward with the final web site design, then I can't start calling local businesses for gift certificate donations as they won't have anything to see.
The full plan for The Event depends on the web site being completed.
I downloaded paintshop pro 2, but have no idea how to actually use it. I know what I'm going for with a few pictures. I just don't know how to get there. I'll figure it out, though.
I've heard back from another celebrity's something or other. This wasn't a flat out refusal so much as a "write here and tell us what you want" type of thing.
That's 2 out of about 20 or so. Not good.
I think I'm going to take my friend's suggestion of how he went about getting something like what I'm wanting. He had some success with it and it was a pretty ingenious way of getting the signatures. It'll mean a bit of expenditure on my part and that the celebrity raffle will have to be pushed back to another event, but that's fine if the end result is what I'm hoping for.
I should receive the charms I ordered within the next few days. One order shipped yesterday and I'm not sure about the other as there isn't an order status link on their site. I'm really looking forward to working on those.
Still no hits on my wedding dress. Grrrrr. I guess maybe it's just not meant to sell.
So that's where we are with the fundraising stuff.
Edit:
Today's mail brought 2 invitations to Dr Phil's show - one for his current show and one for a new show he's producing. The invitiations are for VIP seating for 3 people with free parking. To use them, you have to call in advance to reserve the seats and bring the cards with.
I'm not sure if this is exactly above and beyond any normal ticket, but it might have been useful had it had his actual signature on it.
But it's something and makes him the 3rd celebrity to respond in some fashion.
I'm pressuring my younger brother into taking Smokie. That cat can not stay in this house. I won't have Lucy hiding all day and night for fear of getting her butt kicked.
The web site has made progress and I'm excited to see the final product.
I'm still waiting on the graphic for it and the t-shirts and such. We can't really move forward with the final web site design until the graphic is done. And if we can't move forward with the final web site design, then I can't start calling local businesses for gift certificate donations as they won't have anything to see.
The full plan for The Event depends on the web site being completed.
I downloaded paintshop pro 2, but have no idea how to actually use it. I know what I'm going for with a few pictures. I just don't know how to get there. I'll figure it out, though.
I've heard back from another celebrity's something or other. This wasn't a flat out refusal so much as a "write here and tell us what you want" type of thing.
That's 2 out of about 20 or so. Not good.
I think I'm going to take my friend's suggestion of how he went about getting something like what I'm wanting. He had some success with it and it was a pretty ingenious way of getting the signatures. It'll mean a bit of expenditure on my part and that the celebrity raffle will have to be pushed back to another event, but that's fine if the end result is what I'm hoping for.
I should receive the charms I ordered within the next few days. One order shipped yesterday and I'm not sure about the other as there isn't an order status link on their site. I'm really looking forward to working on those.
Still no hits on my wedding dress. Grrrrr. I guess maybe it's just not meant to sell.
So that's where we are with the fundraising stuff.
Edit:
Today's mail brought 2 invitations to Dr Phil's show - one for his current show and one for a new show he's producing. The invitiations are for VIP seating for 3 people with free parking. To use them, you have to call in advance to reserve the seats and bring the cards with.
I'm not sure if this is exactly above and beyond any normal ticket, but it might have been useful had it had his actual signature on it.
But it's something and makes him the 3rd celebrity to respond in some fashion.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Battered but not broken ...
Although we have lost many Basement Battles, we are slowly winning the war.
The fleas are no match for our triple threat.
First - the apple vinegar is working. Now I'm not sure if they're jumping into it for yummy goodness or if they're jumping and the plates just happen to be next to them. And I don't care. All I know is that a number of them are ending up swimming with the fishies. Or something.
Second - I don't know if the borax sprinkle is working or not, but I do know that it's making it easier to see them and thus suck them up with the vacuum cleaner. If it is killing them, bonus.
Third - I'm vacuuming down there every other day. Everything I've read says that the heat and vibration of a vacuum cleaner tricks the fleas still in their cocoons into thinking a food source is nearby and breaking out. So it's good to vacuum at least every other day when battling the fleas. The vacuum will encourage them to hatch from the cocoons and then you suck them up the next time you run the machine. You also get the added bonus of sucking up any eggs and larvae that may be laying about as well. And, of course, the pre-adults and adults.
Two days ago, I was mauled. Absolutely attacked when I went down there to start this process.
This evening, I was just mugged.
Big difference.
I strongly feel that our current offensive is working.
The fleas are no match for our triple threat.
First - the apple vinegar is working. Now I'm not sure if they're jumping into it for yummy goodness or if they're jumping and the plates just happen to be next to them. And I don't care. All I know is that a number of them are ending up swimming with the fishies. Or something.
Second - I don't know if the borax sprinkle is working or not, but I do know that it's making it easier to see them and thus suck them up with the vacuum cleaner. If it is killing them, bonus.
Third - I'm vacuuming down there every other day. Everything I've read says that the heat and vibration of a vacuum cleaner tricks the fleas still in their cocoons into thinking a food source is nearby and breaking out. So it's good to vacuum at least every other day when battling the fleas. The vacuum will encourage them to hatch from the cocoons and then you suck them up the next time you run the machine. You also get the added bonus of sucking up any eggs and larvae that may be laying about as well. And, of course, the pre-adults and adults.
Two days ago, I was mauled. Absolutely attacked when I went down there to start this process.
This evening, I was just mugged.
Big difference.
I strongly feel that our current offensive is working.
Close ...
It's not exactly perfect, but it's close.
The pay will be the issue.
Believe me when I say I'm not asking for tons of money. I'm not even asking for anything unreasonable.
And if I lived closer to the business, the pay would probably be fine.
But it'll be a 40 minute drive each way and I do have to take that into account. Especially with the gas prices here pushing $4 a gallon.
Yes, it's more than I'm bringing in with unemployment. But I'm a long term type of employee. I don't flit from job to job.
I need to make sure I'm completely comfortable with whatever position I take because I don't want to be looking for something else in 6 months.
We'll see ...
The pay will be the issue.
Believe me when I say I'm not asking for tons of money. I'm not even asking for anything unreasonable.
And if I lived closer to the business, the pay would probably be fine.
But it'll be a 40 minute drive each way and I do have to take that into account. Especially with the gas prices here pushing $4 a gallon.
Yes, it's more than I'm bringing in with unemployment. But I'm a long term type of employee. I don't flit from job to job.
I need to make sure I'm completely comfortable with whatever position I take because I don't want to be looking for something else in 6 months.
We'll see ...
Today's the day ...
I have an interview today. At 11 (est).
I'm hopeful, but in a reserved sort of way. I'd like to think this will be it, but you just never know.
When Patrick and I got married, I made some wine glass charms for the reception. They were too cute and, while a bit tedious, were super easy to make myself. (nevermind that we ended up with goblets instead of wine glasses)
Since then, I've thought and talked about making them to sell. Because really, the profit turn over would be pretty large compared to the amount spent on supplies.
Except I never did anything about it. It was just talk.
Well ... between last night and this morning, I've spent almost $100 on supplies - beads, rings, charms, etc ...
Once the charms start arriving, I'll be in business. And if it goes well, maybe I'll get requests and can turn it into a decent, albeit small, part time thing.
For now, though, I'm going to get ready for my interview. If you read this before 11am est, please say a small prayer that this will be the job I've been waiting for.
I'm hopeful, but in a reserved sort of way. I'd like to think this will be it, but you just never know.
When Patrick and I got married, I made some wine glass charms for the reception. They were too cute and, while a bit tedious, were super easy to make myself. (nevermind that we ended up with goblets instead of wine glasses)
Since then, I've thought and talked about making them to sell. Because really, the profit turn over would be pretty large compared to the amount spent on supplies.
Except I never did anything about it. It was just talk.
Well ... between last night and this morning, I've spent almost $100 on supplies - beads, rings, charms, etc ...
Once the charms start arriving, I'll be in business. And if it goes well, maybe I'll get requests and can turn it into a decent, albeit small, part time thing.
For now, though, I'm going to get ready for my interview. If you read this before 11am est, please say a small prayer that this will be the job I've been waiting for.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Not much news ...
The home remedy? A bust. A stinky bust, at that.
The Borax, from what I could tell, didn't do much of anything.
So after changing bags and dumping a bunch of salt into the new one, I dragged our vacuum cleaner down there and went town.
I know it worked, but it'll need to be done a few more times. The Borax did help in this sense as it let me see where I had been and where I needed to go. And it let me know that the vacuum was sucking stuff up as it disappeared.
If we can't get this licked, we're going to have to call in the professionals. A charge I was hoping to avoid.
I've relisted my wedding dress on CL. Someone needs to buy it to close the gap for the home study money. If anyone knows of anyone looking for a wedding dress, please have them contact me. I'm willing to send it wherever as long as the buyer pays for shipping.
I have a job interview tomorrow. It'll be about a 30 minute drive, so I'm hoping (if I'm offered the job) the pay will be enough to compensate for the gas. I was only thinking pay for bills, but Patrick pointed out how much gas I'd be using. Good point.
I've also applied for a handful of other jobs this morning. Keeping fingers and toes crossed.
That's about it. I'm busy with household type things, but that's about all.
The Borax, from what I could tell, didn't do much of anything.
So after changing bags and dumping a bunch of salt into the new one, I dragged our vacuum cleaner down there and went town.
I know it worked, but it'll need to be done a few more times. The Borax did help in this sense as it let me see where I had been and where I needed to go. And it let me know that the vacuum was sucking stuff up as it disappeared.
If we can't get this licked, we're going to have to call in the professionals. A charge I was hoping to avoid.
I've relisted my wedding dress on CL. Someone needs to buy it to close the gap for the home study money. If anyone knows of anyone looking for a wedding dress, please have them contact me. I'm willing to send it wherever as long as the buyer pays for shipping.
I have a job interview tomorrow. It'll be about a 30 minute drive, so I'm hoping (if I'm offered the job) the pay will be enough to compensate for the gas. I was only thinking pay for bills, but Patrick pointed out how much gas I'd be using. Good point.
I've also applied for a handful of other jobs this morning. Keeping fingers and toes crossed.
That's about it. I'm busy with household type things, but that's about all.
Monday, July 14, 2008
1 down, several more to go ...
The only celebrity type person I've heard back from so far is Gordon Ramsey. Well, I heard from someone somewhere who thanked me for my inquiry, but who also said that Gordon only donates to specific charities each year.
I'm apparently not one of them.
Not that I asked for money. I was actually very specific in my e-mail that I was not asking for a money donation.
What I need are some connected friends. Or just one. Just one to get things started.
Today's going to be a fairly busy day. Kind of.
Another assault will be held in the basement. This time it's a combination of a home remedy and Borax.
It will get started shortly.
I also have laundry to do. Not a lot, but just enough for me to think I can knock out the rest of it in one load.
I keep thinking that there's one place I wanted to go, but I can't remember where it was. Must not have been too important.
I'm apparently not one of them.
Not that I asked for money. I was actually very specific in my e-mail that I was not asking for a money donation.
What I need are some connected friends. Or just one. Just one to get things started.
Today's going to be a fairly busy day. Kind of.
Another assault will be held in the basement. This time it's a combination of a home remedy and Borax.
It will get started shortly.
I also have laundry to do. Not a lot, but just enough for me to think I can knock out the rest of it in one load.
I keep thinking that there's one place I wanted to go, but I can't remember where it was. Must not have been too important.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
But there's been fun, too ...
I normally don't buy a lot of sweets. My theory is I eat enough as it is and bringing sweets and snackies into the house only encourages it.
But lately we've been eating ice cream with the same determination reserved for last call at a bar.
After running a couple errands and meeting a friend for a few drinks, we stopped at Kroger.
Where we picked up two 1/2 gallon containers of ice cream (1/2 the fat kind, at least) and one of those containers of Nestle cookie dough.
One ice cream is just to eat. But the other kind, vanilla bean, will be paired with the cookie dough to make chocolate chip cookie and ice cream sandwiches.
Yeah ... that was our sole purpose for going to Kroger.
Other fun things is that I've signed up for zazzle and I will be signing up with cafepress to design our own stuff. It'll be another widget to add to help raise funds.
I need a decent paint shop or editing program for pictures, but it was still fairly amusing.
And of course now I can't think of a single witty thing any of my friends have said. Once they come back to me, I'll be adding them to the list.
Now I'm sitting here contemplating when I'll be making the chocolate chip cookie / ice cream sandwiches.
Because those just sound yummy.
But lately we've been eating ice cream with the same determination reserved for last call at a bar.
After running a couple errands and meeting a friend for a few drinks, we stopped at Kroger.
Where we picked up two 1/2 gallon containers of ice cream (1/2 the fat kind, at least) and one of those containers of Nestle cookie dough.
One ice cream is just to eat. But the other kind, vanilla bean, will be paired with the cookie dough to make chocolate chip cookie and ice cream sandwiches.
Yeah ... that was our sole purpose for going to Kroger.
Other fun things is that I've signed up for zazzle and I will be signing up with cafepress to design our own stuff. It'll be another widget to add to help raise funds.
I need a decent paint shop or editing program for pictures, but it was still fairly amusing.
And of course now I can't think of a single witty thing any of my friends have said. Once they come back to me, I'll be adding them to the list.
Now I'm sitting here contemplating when I'll be making the chocolate chip cookie / ice cream sandwiches.
Because those just sound yummy.
So much to do ...
I keep coming up with things that need to be done.
The thing with fundraising is trying to keep your output minimal so you can raise as much money as possible. If you google fundraising ideas, it's like digging for a gem in the middle of a mine.
Most of the things you'll find require either a good bit of up front spending or passing around of catalogs and such. I'm not about either.
Every now and again, though, you'll find something that might work. I've found a couple more ideas that I think can be relatively painless for all involved.
I say "all" because I'm not above blackmailing my friends into helping bahahaha
Still no word - at all - from any of the celebrities I've contacted. And I didn't just go for 3 or 4. No, this girl has sent at least 30 e-mails.
If I don't get a response anytime soon, I may chuck the idea of including something celebrityish at the lunch and go with another suggestion a friend of mine made. It would just mean using that raffle at a later event and that's fine.
There are a lot of other things that need to be done and put into order as well.
Ms J has been an amazing source of information and advice and I'll never be able to thank her enough. She's given me some things to consider that hadn't really entered my brain before.
I never considered the fact that we'll both need to have physicals for our home study. Which, considering our lack of insurance at the moment, is going to be somewhat difficult. Hopefully I'll be offered the job at my interview and it'll pay enough for me to accept it, which would remove this concern.
We'll need to find some church somewhere to attend. Another thing that we'll both find rather hard to swallow. Not because we don't believe in God, but because we have issues with most organized religions and the level of hypocrosy that usually runs fairly rampant in most churches.
But that's not a discussion to have here. Believe me, you really don't want me to get started on my views on the average 'christian'.
Anyway ... finding a place we're both fairly comfortable attending will be especially important considering the agency we'll be using.
A lot to do.
On top of normal stuff. Such as the run to Wal-Mart that I really don't want to take. It's raining outside and dreary, a perfect day to stay home and vegetate.
But there are things to get (the dogs would like food, thank you very much) that need to be gotten.
Maybe I'll do the vegetate thing later.
The thing with fundraising is trying to keep your output minimal so you can raise as much money as possible. If you google fundraising ideas, it's like digging for a gem in the middle of a mine.
Most of the things you'll find require either a good bit of up front spending or passing around of catalogs and such. I'm not about either.
Every now and again, though, you'll find something that might work. I've found a couple more ideas that I think can be relatively painless for all involved.
I say "all" because I'm not above blackmailing my friends into helping bahahaha
Still no word - at all - from any of the celebrities I've contacted. And I didn't just go for 3 or 4. No, this girl has sent at least 30 e-mails.
If I don't get a response anytime soon, I may chuck the idea of including something celebrityish at the lunch and go with another suggestion a friend of mine made. It would just mean using that raffle at a later event and that's fine.
There are a lot of other things that need to be done and put into order as well.
Ms J has been an amazing source of information and advice and I'll never be able to thank her enough. She's given me some things to consider that hadn't really entered my brain before.
I never considered the fact that we'll both need to have physicals for our home study. Which, considering our lack of insurance at the moment, is going to be somewhat difficult. Hopefully I'll be offered the job at my interview and it'll pay enough for me to accept it, which would remove this concern.
We'll need to find some church somewhere to attend. Another thing that we'll both find rather hard to swallow. Not because we don't believe in God, but because we have issues with most organized religions and the level of hypocrosy that usually runs fairly rampant in most churches.
But that's not a discussion to have here. Believe me, you really don't want me to get started on my views on the average 'christian'.
Anyway ... finding a place we're both fairly comfortable attending will be especially important considering the agency we'll be using.
A lot to do.
On top of normal stuff. Such as the run to Wal-Mart that I really don't want to take. It's raining outside and dreary, a perfect day to stay home and vegetate.
But there are things to get (the dogs would like food, thank you very much) that need to be gotten.
Maybe I'll do the vegetate thing later.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Celebrityless ...
No word yet from any of the celebrities I've contacted. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero.
Gah.
I try to be patient because I realize that not everyone's world revolves around my stupid ovaries and our adoption plans.
Well, sometimes I have to remind myself.
Plus it's not like any of my messages are going straight to them, so chances are some person somewhere is trying to decide if it's even worth passing on to the intended recipient, if the original message is being read at all.
The domain and hosting for our new site has been purchased and there's already a Coming Soon message up there. The friend working on it had some really great suggestions, too.
I've pointed him towards my current donation site for some "about us" and history content and was, as usual, surprised at how reading my words affected me.
I'm not sure how everyone else handles it, but I find it easier and less painful to think of our miscarriage in a more abstract way.
When I read the details, which really aren't details of the miscarriage itself, it all seems to rush back at me with surprising speed and clarity. I then spend the next several minutes trying to get my emotions in check.
So this whole new site thing has made me feel somewhat flayed open.
But it's ok. I know it will always be with me and there will be varying degress of how I feel depending on the moment. It just caught me by surprise.
But you know what the bestest surprise would be (other than miraculously becoming pregnant)?
If some celebrities would reply to my message and say "Why yes, I'd love to!"
It'd be even better if the celebrity would say "Ya know, let me make some calls and see who else we can get on board!"
Gah.
I try to be patient because I realize that not everyone's world revolves around my stupid ovaries and our adoption plans.
Well, sometimes I have to remind myself.
Plus it's not like any of my messages are going straight to them, so chances are some person somewhere is trying to decide if it's even worth passing on to the intended recipient, if the original message is being read at all.
The domain and hosting for our new site has been purchased and there's already a Coming Soon message up there. The friend working on it had some really great suggestions, too.
I've pointed him towards my current donation site for some "about us" and history content and was, as usual, surprised at how reading my words affected me.
I'm not sure how everyone else handles it, but I find it easier and less painful to think of our miscarriage in a more abstract way.
When I read the details, which really aren't details of the miscarriage itself, it all seems to rush back at me with surprising speed and clarity. I then spend the next several minutes trying to get my emotions in check.
So this whole new site thing has made me feel somewhat flayed open.
But it's ok. I know it will always be with me and there will be varying degress of how I feel depending on the moment. It just caught me by surprise.
But you know what the bestest surprise would be (other than miraculously becoming pregnant)?
If some celebrities would reply to my message and say "Why yes, I'd love to!"
It'd be even better if the celebrity would say "Ya know, let me make some calls and see who else we can get on board!"
Friday, July 11, 2008
Follow-through is important ...
A lunch will take place either the 2nd or 3rd weekend in August.
My goal is to have a few choices for the actual meal, with drinks. All for one low price (which I haven't figured up yet, but probably around $5 per person).
Other items will be offered for an additional dollar or two, such as various dessert options.
The grand idea, though, is to make it more. More than just a meal with a drink.
I want it to be An Event.
I'm going to start calling various restaurants and shops around Knoxville and ask them if they would be willing to donate a gift card or gift certificate or something to raffle at the lunch. I think if we set the raffle price at $1 per ticket, they're more likely to move faster.
From past experience, I know they'll want to see something to prove I'm not just trying to finagle free stuff for myself so I can have a few nights on the town. More on that in a moment.
I've also started e-mailing various celebrities, asking for a signed item that we can raffle off. I think those stand a chance of bringing in more raffle tickets than the typical items. So far I haven't had any responses, but it hasn't even been 24 hours and I'm hopeful a few will come through for us.
I would like to have some sort of ... something else to offer for sale. I thought about t-shirts with our design on it (more on that below), but I'm trying to keep our output as low as possible. Maybe I'll go with wristbands instead. They seem to be all the rage right now. I'm still thinking on it, but there will be another item - one that can outlast the lunch, that we can continue to sell to help raise money.
The follow-through - it's easy to make plans and never actually move on any of them. Just let the thoughts roll around your brain as unbirthed ideas, while you sit on your hiney and talk about them.
So I've enlisted some help.
Have I ever mentioned how much my friends rock? Really. They do. They rock the casbah. I sent an e-mail out to some friends, detailing what I want to do and asking for volunteers for any part of it.
And the response was pertty instantaneous.
One friend is working on a new site for me. He's been through a lot of my IF crap as he sat next to me for quite some time (so you could say he almost had no choice but to go through it bahahahah the poor man). He was one of the first to learn we were pregnant and he was there to watch me freak out over the hives and swelling I experienced the day before we lost it. So yeah ... he's been through a lot with me.
Anyway - he's awesomely volunteered to build us a good looking site that we can use for donations, fundraising information, and updates. I've seen his work and all I can say is ... thank you God. So my donation page will be moving and it will have a completely different look.
I think we can use this site as a reference point for the local businesses that I'll be hitting up for donated items. I want to allay their fears and give them something tangible to look at. So once it's pretty well up and running, I'm going to start calling.
Another friend has offered (well, his wife offered him hah) to help design some sort of graphic for us to use on the site and any fliers we put together. He has a lot of experience with graphic design, so I'm excited to work with him on an image that will represent our future.
And what will turn it into An Event?
I want to hit the local news channels about a week or so before the lunch and see if I can talk about it with one of their news people. Our local channels are all about community spots and like to talk to local people about upcoming events. Plus we'd be able to have the web site address put on screen!
What better way to get the word out and ensure a higher turn out for the lunch and more visitors to the new site than the news?!?
So that's the plan I mentioned yesterday.
I have more thoughts on it - such as making the raffle one of those where you don't have to stay - put your name & number on it and we'll call you if you win. Maybe people will be more likely to buy a ticket if they knew they didn't have to hang out until the end of it (although, if we get enough, maybe we can raffle a few items every hour to help keep things interesting).
Whew, this was long! But getting it out here, same as getting others involved, will help make sure I follow-through (there's that word again!) on our plans.
My goal is to have a few choices for the actual meal, with drinks. All for one low price (which I haven't figured up yet, but probably around $5 per person).
Other items will be offered for an additional dollar or two, such as various dessert options.
The grand idea, though, is to make it more. More than just a meal with a drink.
I want it to be An Event.
I'm going to start calling various restaurants and shops around Knoxville and ask them if they would be willing to donate a gift card or gift certificate or something to raffle at the lunch. I think if we set the raffle price at $1 per ticket, they're more likely to move faster.
From past experience, I know they'll want to see something to prove I'm not just trying to finagle free stuff for myself so I can have a few nights on the town. More on that in a moment.
I've also started e-mailing various celebrities, asking for a signed item that we can raffle off. I think those stand a chance of bringing in more raffle tickets than the typical items. So far I haven't had any responses, but it hasn't even been 24 hours and I'm hopeful a few will come through for us.
I would like to have some sort of ... something else to offer for sale. I thought about t-shirts with our design on it (more on that below), but I'm trying to keep our output as low as possible. Maybe I'll go with wristbands instead. They seem to be all the rage right now. I'm still thinking on it, but there will be another item - one that can outlast the lunch, that we can continue to sell to help raise money.
The follow-through - it's easy to make plans and never actually move on any of them. Just let the thoughts roll around your brain as unbirthed ideas, while you sit on your hiney and talk about them.
So I've enlisted some help.
Have I ever mentioned how much my friends rock? Really. They do. They rock the casbah. I sent an e-mail out to some friends, detailing what I want to do and asking for volunteers for any part of it.
And the response was pertty instantaneous.
One friend is working on a new site for me. He's been through a lot of my IF crap as he sat next to me for quite some time (so you could say he almost had no choice but to go through it bahahahah the poor man). He was one of the first to learn we were pregnant and he was there to watch me freak out over the hives and swelling I experienced the day before we lost it. So yeah ... he's been through a lot with me.
Anyway - he's awesomely volunteered to build us a good looking site that we can use for donations, fundraising information, and updates. I've seen his work and all I can say is ... thank you God. So my donation page will be moving and it will have a completely different look.
I think we can use this site as a reference point for the local businesses that I'll be hitting up for donated items. I want to allay their fears and give them something tangible to look at. So once it's pretty well up and running, I'm going to start calling.
Another friend has offered (well, his wife offered him hah) to help design some sort of graphic for us to use on the site and any fliers we put together. He has a lot of experience with graphic design, so I'm excited to work with him on an image that will represent our future.
And what will turn it into An Event?
I want to hit the local news channels about a week or so before the lunch and see if I can talk about it with one of their news people. Our local channels are all about community spots and like to talk to local people about upcoming events. Plus we'd be able to have the web site address put on screen!
What better way to get the word out and ensure a higher turn out for the lunch and more visitors to the new site than the news?!?
So that's the plan I mentioned yesterday.
I have more thoughts on it - such as making the raffle one of those where you don't have to stay - put your name & number on it and we'll call you if you win. Maybe people will be more likely to buy a ticket if they knew they didn't have to hang out until the end of it (although, if we get enough, maybe we can raffle a few items every hour to help keep things interesting).
Whew, this was long! But getting it out here, same as getting others involved, will help make sure I follow-through (there's that word again!) on our plans.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
It's all I think about these days ...
The wedding dress hasn't moved, so I'm trying to think of other things I can sell that would make up the rest of what we need. It's just that we don't have much, especially after all of the things I pitched from the garage. Not that I threw out anything of value, but some money is better than none.
I have a job interview next week. Yay! I hate that I have to wait a week for it, but I'm thankful to have it at all.
One of the things that concerns me about adopting is getting time off work. I'm not foolish enough to think that we'd get a placement before I find a job and most jobs won't give you time off until you've been there at least a year. And you surely don't qualify for maternity leave if you adopt.
So that'll be a dilemma we'll have to overcome. Because I refuse to bring a baby home and have it with a sitter its first few weeks. At least one of us will need to be able to be home.
I'm hoping beyond hope that whatever job I get, it'll be with a company that offers most excellent adoption benefits or will give me the flexibility to work from home when the time comes.
I'm also back to the lunch / dinner benefit thing to help raise money. That's been on my mind lately and I think I have a few good ideas on how to make it work and get people to attend.
I'll go into more detail when I have things fleshed out a bit more.
I have a job interview next week. Yay! I hate that I have to wait a week for it, but I'm thankful to have it at all.
One of the things that concerns me about adopting is getting time off work. I'm not foolish enough to think that we'd get a placement before I find a job and most jobs won't give you time off until you've been there at least a year. And you surely don't qualify for maternity leave if you adopt.
So that'll be a dilemma we'll have to overcome. Because I refuse to bring a baby home and have it with a sitter its first few weeks. At least one of us will need to be able to be home.
I'm hoping beyond hope that whatever job I get, it'll be with a company that offers most excellent adoption benefits or will give me the flexibility to work from home when the time comes.
I'm also back to the lunch / dinner benefit thing to help raise money. That's been on my mind lately and I think I have a few good ideas on how to make it work and get people to attend.
I'll go into more detail when I have things fleshed out a bit more.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Almost there ...
No hits on my wedding dress yet, but I'm keeping the faith that it'll sell.
$600 stashed away, $400 more to go.
No hits on the job front. I'm keeping the faith there, too, but it's getting harder and harder. This whole job search thing is pretty irritating. I've applied for several things since Sunday and, as my talks with God haven't gotten me anywhere yet, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
It appears my mom and her boyfriend received his settlement check. This means the house should be Smokie free within a couple of weeks as planned. Lucy will be so pleased.
Um ... that's about it.
oh - if anyone has any suggestions for books about adoption, please share them. Right now I'm trying to get as much information as I can - not just about the process, but also about after the baby is brought home.
$600 stashed away, $400 more to go.
No hits on the job front. I'm keeping the faith there, too, but it's getting harder and harder. This whole job search thing is pretty irritating. I've applied for several things since Sunday and, as my talks with God haven't gotten me anywhere yet, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
It appears my mom and her boyfriend received his settlement check. This means the house should be Smokie free within a couple of weeks as planned. Lucy will be so pleased.
Um ... that's about it.
oh - if anyone has any suggestions for books about adoption, please share them. Right now I'm trying to get as much information as I can - not just about the process, but also about after the baby is brought home.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Books ...
Marc and I went to a few bookstores today.
I picked up this book at a national chain. It was one of the ones I had seen online but wanted to see in person.
The others I wanted to check out?
All I got was a "we don't have it but can order it if you'd like".
If I wanted to order it, I'd have ordered it online.
So I created an amazon wish list to help me organize which books I want to for sure get. I won't post it here because I really don't want my whole name plastered on the internet, so no worries that I'll be hitting y'all up for free books hah
I figure I'll slowly get them each as time goes on, although I would rather see them in person so I know for sure they'll mostly fit what I'm looking for.
But, such is life. Online will have to do.
I picked up this book at a national chain. It was one of the ones I had seen online but wanted to see in person.
The others I wanted to check out?
All I got was a "we don't have it but can order it if you'd like".
If I wanted to order it, I'd have ordered it online.
So I created an amazon wish list to help me organize which books I want to for sure get. I won't post it here because I really don't want my whole name plastered on the internet, so no worries that I'll be hitting y'all up for free books hah
I figure I'll slowly get them each as time goes on, although I would rather see them in person so I know for sure they'll mostly fit what I'm looking for.
But, such is life. Online will have to do.
Home study blathering ...
Our stimulus check arrived yesterday. Yay!
That puts us at having just over 1/2 of the fee for the home study.
Now I just need my wedding dress to sell. If it does, we'll be oh so close to the mark and I'll be able to easily close the gap.
The closer we get, the more excited I get. The more real it seems.
So much so that I've even allowed myself to look at the baby items section of craigslist and wondering when it would be appropriate to make my family throw us a baby shower (heifer's getting a baby shower, damn it, but more on that later).
That real.
I've also been looking online at some adoption books - mainly those aimed at the child. I want us to be open about our baby being adopted from day one. No surprises to explain when the kid turns 5 or 10 or 15 and discovers he / she is adopted (although it'd be pretty self evident if we do adopt a black or mixed-race baby). There are some pretty good books out there that I'd heard of before, so I wanted to take a closer look at them. I think I'll head over to a real book store and look at them in person, though.
One book I found kind of amusing is a family tree of sorts, but aimed towards the adoption. I'm going to look it up again and see if I can find it locally.
In other news ...
I was cleaning out Hoss's kennel this morning (he's been cooped up a lot with my taking over the back yard for painting) and discovered a well dug trench behind his dog house. He goes back there to get out of the sun, no biggy. But there's now a trench. Not a long trench, though. Not the kind that'd let him sink his entire body. No. This is more like an angled hole. What makes it stranger is that it's where his front 1/2 lays. I know this because I'll sometimes see him peek around the corner if I go outside. So he's laying in this hole with his upper half lower than his bottom half? It doesn't seem like that would be comfortable.
Although it would explain why he was so muddy after the last hard rain.
That puts us at having just over 1/2 of the fee for the home study.
Now I just need my wedding dress to sell. If it does, we'll be oh so close to the mark and I'll be able to easily close the gap.
The closer we get, the more excited I get. The more real it seems.
So much so that I've even allowed myself to look at the baby items section of craigslist and wondering when it would be appropriate to make my family throw us a baby shower (heifer's getting a baby shower, damn it, but more on that later).
That real.
I've also been looking online at some adoption books - mainly those aimed at the child. I want us to be open about our baby being adopted from day one. No surprises to explain when the kid turns 5 or 10 or 15 and discovers he / she is adopted (although it'd be pretty self evident if we do adopt a black or mixed-race baby). There are some pretty good books out there that I'd heard of before, so I wanted to take a closer look at them. I think I'll head over to a real book store and look at them in person, though.
One book I found kind of amusing is a family tree of sorts, but aimed towards the adoption. I'm going to look it up again and see if I can find it locally.
In other news ...
I was cleaning out Hoss's kennel this morning (he's been cooped up a lot with my taking over the back yard for painting) and discovered a well dug trench behind his dog house. He goes back there to get out of the sun, no biggy. But there's now a trench. Not a long trench, though. Not the kind that'd let him sink his entire body. No. This is more like an angled hole. What makes it stranger is that it's where his front 1/2 lays. I know this because I'll sometimes see him peek around the corner if I go outside. So he's laying in this hole with his upper half lower than his bottom half? It doesn't seem like that would be comfortable.
Although it would explain why he was so muddy after the last hard rain.
Monday, July 7, 2008
A better update ...
The thing with the painting - I'm not painting for 12 hours straight. That's why it's taken several days.
I usually started around 10 or so and then went until around 4 or 5. With breaks in between while waiting for various coats to dry. Believe me - our kitchen isn't large enough for me to spend 12 hours at a time painting and still not be done after 4 days.
Plus I'm about out of paint and will need to get some more. I'm going to paint the trim and outlet/switch covers the same color as the cabinets and I won't have enough paint to finish it all.
I found it so tiring, though, that I pretty much neglected most of my other daily duties. Patrick's been pretty patient on that front.
Ms. J continues to be a wonderful help in allaying my fears of a home study, sharing their experiences and what they did to prepare. I'm still amazed that she used the same agency for her home study that we'll be using for our adoption.
Speaking of ... I'm really hoping our stimulus check arrives today. I got the letter telling me it was on the way, but it wasn't in Saturday's mail. I'm hoping it arrives today so I can cash it and stuff my 1/2 away.
I'm still applying for jobs weekly and I'm trying to not get discouraged. The headhunter continues to be a big fat waste of space.
Smokie, known as the basement kitty, continues to be a huge pain in my ass. The cat is sweet. He really is. But he imagines himself an alpha cat and has wreaked all sorts of havoc. Mainly with Lucy. He's learning, though - now as soon as the yowling and hissing starts, he runs. He also has less manners than our cats. My mom never cared if her cats were on the counters or table. I've always cared and mine will only dare the counters every great once in a while. Smokie, on the other hand, sees the counters as just another area for him to be. Especially if we've left any food on them.
It's been very trying, but I don't want to toss him back into the basement with those tiny bloodsucking freaks. Who, by the way, seem to reappear like magic. The bombs I set off last week seemed to do their job. Yesterday, though, they were back.
I keep saying ... I don't get it. I just don't get it. Maybe all that's happening is some are coming out of their cocoons when I do a few cursory walk-throughs to check for live ones after each fogging because I've been getting the growth regulator kind that kill the eggs, pre-adults, and adults. That should, technically, only leave the ones still in their cocoons. I don't know. But I do believe it's time to bring out some bigger guns.
Not sure what bigger guns there are than those damned bombs, but we'll find them.
I usually started around 10 or so and then went until around 4 or 5. With breaks in between while waiting for various coats to dry. Believe me - our kitchen isn't large enough for me to spend 12 hours at a time painting and still not be done after 4 days.
Plus I'm about out of paint and will need to get some more. I'm going to paint the trim and outlet/switch covers the same color as the cabinets and I won't have enough paint to finish it all.
I found it so tiring, though, that I pretty much neglected most of my other daily duties. Patrick's been pretty patient on that front.
Ms. J continues to be a wonderful help in allaying my fears of a home study, sharing their experiences and what they did to prepare. I'm still amazed that she used the same agency for her home study that we'll be using for our adoption.
Speaking of ... I'm really hoping our stimulus check arrives today. I got the letter telling me it was on the way, but it wasn't in Saturday's mail. I'm hoping it arrives today so I can cash it and stuff my 1/2 away.
I'm still applying for jobs weekly and I'm trying to not get discouraged. The headhunter continues to be a big fat waste of space.
Smokie, known as the basement kitty, continues to be a huge pain in my ass. The cat is sweet. He really is. But he imagines himself an alpha cat and has wreaked all sorts of havoc. Mainly with Lucy. He's learning, though - now as soon as the yowling and hissing starts, he runs. He also has less manners than our cats. My mom never cared if her cats were on the counters or table. I've always cared and mine will only dare the counters every great once in a while. Smokie, on the other hand, sees the counters as just another area for him to be. Especially if we've left any food on them.
It's been very trying, but I don't want to toss him back into the basement with those tiny bloodsucking freaks. Who, by the way, seem to reappear like magic. The bombs I set off last week seemed to do their job. Yesterday, though, they were back.
I keep saying ... I don't get it. I just don't get it. Maybe all that's happening is some are coming out of their cocoons when I do a few cursory walk-throughs to check for live ones after each fogging because I've been getting the growth regulator kind that kill the eggs, pre-adults, and adults. That should, technically, only leave the ones still in their cocoons. I don't know. But I do believe it's time to bring out some bigger guns.
Not sure what bigger guns there are than those damned bombs, but we'll find them.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Just a boring ol' update ...
The rain didn't last long, so another trip to Home Depot was made.
Because ... get ready for it ... I wasn't done painting.
And I'm still not done.
But the main parts are finished. I just have 2 small cabinet doors to paint and then 4 drawer fronts on this small drawer section thing (it sits between our stove and fridge). Easy cheesey.
The rest are finished and the main cabinets are all put back together. We are no longer stepping over various cabinet doors and parts. Yay!
After a full day's painting, I really wanted a relaxing dinner out. So we headed to this place for dinner. The food is beyond excellent, but it's fairly pricey so it's somewhat a rare treat for us.
I know one of the employees, who turned out to be working, and this person had our waitress give us the employee discount. Which, to my delight, ended up being 50%.
Imagine my surprise when I was expecting a bill for around $40 and was instead handed one for $22. Even without the discount, though, it's always worth every penny spent.
Today ... well ... today I could finish those last 4 cabinets and do the drawers in that section thingy. But I may not. I may just run my few errands and call it a day and be lazy. Which I may very well do since I've been dealing with it every day for the last ... what ... 12 years?
Ok maybe not that long. Maybe just 10.
Because ... get ready for it ... I wasn't done painting.
And I'm still not done.
But the main parts are finished. I just have 2 small cabinet doors to paint and then 4 drawer fronts on this small drawer section thing (it sits between our stove and fridge). Easy cheesey.
The rest are finished and the main cabinets are all put back together. We are no longer stepping over various cabinet doors and parts. Yay!
After a full day's painting, I really wanted a relaxing dinner out. So we headed to this place for dinner. The food is beyond excellent, but it's fairly pricey so it's somewhat a rare treat for us.
I know one of the employees, who turned out to be working, and this person had our waitress give us the employee discount. Which, to my delight, ended up being 50%.
Imagine my surprise when I was expecting a bill for around $40 and was instead handed one for $22. Even without the discount, though, it's always worth every penny spent.
Today ... well ... today I could finish those last 4 cabinets and do the drawers in that section thingy. But I may not. I may just run my few errands and call it a day and be lazy. Which I may very well do since I've been dealing with it every day for the last ... what ... 12 years?
Ok maybe not that long. Maybe just 10.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Spilt Coffee ...
Yesterday morning, bright and early, I spilled my coffee on my keyboard.
And killed it.
At first it was ok. Within minutes, the space bar stopped working. Then the "n" went. Then the . disappeared.
I gave up.
This morning, I clicked on the address bar and it suddenly started entering 22222222, etc ...
Luckily, Patrick had brought home another keyboard for his computer so I was able to take his other one.
I hope everyone had a good holiday.
We went to a friend's for their yearly cookout with massive amounts of food. It was an interesting time.
In the last couple of days, we've watched a few movies.
The first was this one. It got to the action fairly quickly, which was ok but surprising. The ending? Sucked. Sucked hard. I called it with about 5 minutes left and it ended just the way I expected.
The 2nd was this one. Good movie, great acting. Shitty ending. I've never read the book and maybe that's how it ended, but still ... suuuucked.
Today I planned on finishing the cabinets, but it's going to rain most of the day so that will probably not happen until tomorrow.
So a rainy day with a book seems to be in order. Which is perfectly fine by me.
And killed it.
At first it was ok. Within minutes, the space bar stopped working. Then the "n" went. Then the . disappeared.
I gave up.
This morning, I clicked on the address bar and it suddenly started entering 22222222, etc ...
Luckily, Patrick had brought home another keyboard for his computer so I was able to take his other one.
I hope everyone had a good holiday.
We went to a friend's for their yearly cookout with massive amounts of food. It was an interesting time.
In the last couple of days, we've watched a few movies.
The first was this one. It got to the action fairly quickly, which was ok but surprising. The ending? Sucked. Sucked hard. I called it with about 5 minutes left and it ended just the way I expected.
The 2nd was this one. Good movie, great acting. Shitty ending. I've never read the book and maybe that's how it ended, but still ... suuuucked.
Today I planned on finishing the cabinets, but it's going to rain most of the day so that will probably not happen until tomorrow.
So a rainy day with a book seems to be in order. Which is perfectly fine by me.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
My but it's yellow ...
So it seems that I'm never going to paint the cabinets hah.
The kitchen is almost ready for its second coat. It's a pale yellow, much like the original color.
Minus the nicotine stain.
Walls are much easier than cabinet doors.
I've decided, of course, that I don't like the color on the cabinets so much. It just seems too ... blue. Not at all the light chocolate the paper showed.
I may end up, at some point, repainting them (because I'm a glutton for punishment). Especially if the painter's tape pulls the paint off.
That'd just make my day.
Or it'd make me drag out the Cap'n Morgans. One or the other.
The fleas have, so far, lost round 2 of the battle.
Battle of The ... what ... what should I call it?
I went down there and didn't get jumped on once.
In 2 days time, though, I expect another party to arrive.
My house must be the neighborhood place to be.
Go me.
Update - 6:40 pm est:
So Marc went downstairs to close the windows so I could turn the air back on. And came up with 2 fleas on him. Better than the 8 - 10 that jumped on me when I was setting the bombs up. But still ...
I swear I'm going to kill them all.
The kitchen is almost ready for its second coat. It's a pale yellow, much like the original color.
Minus the nicotine stain.
Walls are much easier than cabinet doors.
I've decided, of course, that I don't like the color on the cabinets so much. It just seems too ... blue. Not at all the light chocolate the paper showed.
I may end up, at some point, repainting them (because I'm a glutton for punishment). Especially if the painter's tape pulls the paint off.
That'd just make my day.
Or it'd make me drag out the Cap'n Morgans. One or the other.
The fleas have, so far, lost round 2 of the battle.
Battle of The ... what ... what should I call it?
I went down there and didn't get jumped on once.
In 2 days time, though, I expect another party to arrive.
My house must be the neighborhood place to be.
Go me.
Update - 6:40 pm est:
So Marc went downstairs to close the windows so I could turn the air back on. And came up with 2 fleas on him. Better than the 8 - 10 that jumped on me when I was setting the bombs up. But still ...
I swear I'm going to kill them all.
It's never done ...
Yes, there is more painting to do.
However, I did learn another lesson yesterday - don't paint in the sun when it's 85 degrees outside. 85 isn't hot ... unless you're sitting directly in the sun for a couple of hours. This causes headaches and the urge to just crawl into your freezer.
I think what I'll do is start on the kitchen walls and do that until the sun moves around to the front of the house. Around 3 or so, the back deck will be shaded by the house so I won't have to sit directly in the sun while painting the rest of the cabinets and the drawer fronts.
I already have some of the trim in the kitchen taped (I did that last night), so I can get started on the walls.
But - and here's a shocker - I have yet another trip to Home Depot before I can get started.
Gah.
I need a step ladder, another paint tray, and some more flea bombs.
Yes, we're still fighting the fleas in the basement.
And there's more! It's crazy. Bombed twice and it brought them down quite a bit. Ignore them for several days and it's like they've called all of their friends and are throwing a party down there.
So while I paint, I'm hoping I can choke the life out of even more of them.
The good thing is that the paint color for the walls is similar to the existing paint (minus the smoke stains), so I don't have to primer the walls. I can just go straight to the color.
I'll take my victories where I can, no matter how small they may be.
However, I did learn another lesson yesterday - don't paint in the sun when it's 85 degrees outside. 85 isn't hot ... unless you're sitting directly in the sun for a couple of hours. This causes headaches and the urge to just crawl into your freezer.
I think what I'll do is start on the kitchen walls and do that until the sun moves around to the front of the house. Around 3 or so, the back deck will be shaded by the house so I won't have to sit directly in the sun while painting the rest of the cabinets and the drawer fronts.
I already have some of the trim in the kitchen taped (I did that last night), so I can get started on the walls.
But - and here's a shocker - I have yet another trip to Home Depot before I can get started.
Gah.
I need a step ladder, another paint tray, and some more flea bombs.
Yes, we're still fighting the fleas in the basement.
And there's more! It's crazy. Bombed twice and it brought them down quite a bit. Ignore them for several days and it's like they've called all of their friends and are throwing a party down there.
So while I paint, I'm hoping I can choke the life out of even more of them.
The good thing is that the paint color for the walls is similar to the existing paint (minus the smoke stains), so I don't have to primer the walls. I can just go straight to the color.
I'll take my victories where I can, no matter how small they may be.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
HGTV this isn't ...
Some things I've learned while painting our cabinets ...
1 - It's not as easy (or as quick) as they make it seem on those home improvement shows.
2 - I suck at painting the cabint doors. Really. There are a few drips that will show. Gah.
3 - If you're painting outside, make sure you're in the breeze and have plenty of shelter. While the painters on those shows look all happy and cheerful painting in the sun, the reality is very different. Picture if you will - gloppy paint. Yes. The paint in the pan gets gloppy and chunky, like soup, causing you to throw it out and pour more. Do yourself a favor - paint inside.
4 - Get more brushes and roller pads than you think you'll ever need. You'll need them.
5 - Forget breezy. If it's breezy, things fly / get blown onto your newly painted surface. This means you have to either a) quickly get it off there or b) paint over it since it's now glued in place. Ok ya know what? Forget outside. Don't paint outside.
6 - Get some help. I was at Home Depot by 8:30 this morning and painting by 9:30 / 10 am. It's now 4:32 and I'm pooped. And I still have 6 full-sized and 2 smaller cabinet doors to prime and paint. I feel like I'm. never. going. to. get. done.
7 - Putting cabinet doors back on by yourself is a lot harder than taking them down.
Ok ... here's what I have so far. You can't really see the new color of the cabinets all that clearly (although that orange sure as hell stands out!). They're almost a light light chocolate. And I haven't repainted the walls yet, so ignore their icky mess. I still have the lower cabinets and drawers to prime and paint, too. I petered out around 5pm. Now I'm looking forward to dinner and a shower.
1 - It's not as easy (or as quick) as they make it seem on those home improvement shows.
2 - I suck at painting the cabint doors. Really. There are a few drips that will show. Gah.
3 - If you're painting outside, make sure you're in the breeze and have plenty of shelter. While the painters on those shows look all happy and cheerful painting in the sun, the reality is very different. Picture if you will - gloppy paint. Yes. The paint in the pan gets gloppy and chunky, like soup, causing you to throw it out and pour more. Do yourself a favor - paint inside.
4 - Get more brushes and roller pads than you think you'll ever need. You'll need them.
5 - Forget breezy. If it's breezy, things fly / get blown onto your newly painted surface. This means you have to either a) quickly get it off there or b) paint over it since it's now glued in place. Ok ya know what? Forget outside. Don't paint outside.
6 - Get some help. I was at Home Depot by 8:30 this morning and painting by 9:30 / 10 am. It's now 4:32 and I'm pooped. And I still have 6 full-sized and 2 smaller cabinet doors to prime and paint. I feel like I'm. never. going. to. get. done.
7 - Putting cabinet doors back on by yourself is a lot harder than taking them down.
Ok ... here's what I have so far. You can't really see the new color of the cabinets all that clearly (although that orange sure as hell stands out!). They're almost a light light chocolate. And I haven't repainted the walls yet, so ignore their icky mess. I still have the lower cabinets and drawers to prime and paint, too. I petered out around 5pm. Now I'm looking forward to dinner and a shower.
Icky Orange ...
The previous owners painted the kitchen cabinets this really ugly burnt orange.
Yesterday and today I'm repainting them.
I'll try to post before and after shots later.
Yesterday and today I'm repainting them.
I'll try to post before and after shots later.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
More home study stuff ...
I think I'm going to run to Home Depot today and look at, maybe buy some, paint for the kitchen.
I have the color scheme in mind, but I need Marc to go with me to make sure I get the right shades. It really sucks not being able to match colors.
I may also pick up some new hardware for the cabinets.
We should receive our stimulus check this week. When we do, I'm putting my 1/2 into an envelope and stashing it away for our home study. Then we'll just need another few hundred dollars and we'll have the money to get that started.
The only thing I'm truly nervous about is Hoss. He's a large dog that doesn't like strangers. Once he knows you, you're fine and can pretty much do anything to him. But until then, he growls and acts like a badass. I'm worried the home study agent will automatically think he's a mean dog. I abhor the thought that it might come down to the dog or a baby. Really. I don't even like thinking about it.
Ms. J left a comment for me yesterday that just adds another link to the whole right path thing.
Until she mentioned it, I completely forgot that her reading my blog entry about the MTHFR problem prompted her to ask her RE about being tested, leading them to confirm she has the same problem. And, more than likely, giving reason for her 3 losses.
And now here I am preparing to use the same agency she used for her home study. If she hadn't left the comment she did, I never would have known.
It's as though the way was lit long ago.
I have the color scheme in mind, but I need Marc to go with me to make sure I get the right shades. It really sucks not being able to match colors.
I may also pick up some new hardware for the cabinets.
We should receive our stimulus check this week. When we do, I'm putting my 1/2 into an envelope and stashing it away for our home study. Then we'll just need another few hundred dollars and we'll have the money to get that started.
The only thing I'm truly nervous about is Hoss. He's a large dog that doesn't like strangers. Once he knows you, you're fine and can pretty much do anything to him. But until then, he growls and acts like a badass. I'm worried the home study agent will automatically think he's a mean dog. I abhor the thought that it might come down to the dog or a baby. Really. I don't even like thinking about it.
Ms. J left a comment for me yesterday that just adds another link to the whole right path thing.
Until she mentioned it, I completely forgot that her reading my blog entry about the MTHFR problem prompted her to ask her RE about being tested, leading them to confirm she has the same problem. And, more than likely, giving reason for her 3 losses.
And now here I am preparing to use the same agency she used for her home study. If she hadn't left the comment she did, I never would have known.
It's as though the way was lit long ago.
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