Mom Rocks!

I love my Mom. Sitting here with her now watching The First 48 on A&E. We used to watch it together all the time when I lived with them for my surgery. I miss those times =) but I am glad she is here with me today because we are having so much fun laughing and talking.. Plus Saks is trying to love her up as well lol..Oh and she taught me how to make the BEST Pork Fried Rice tonight as well and it was OH SO GOOD..Mom You Rock!!

Uggggh Pee Stains

Okay so I'm cleaning up my crib because my mother is coming over and Saks is right behind me as always step for step. I'm watching my Will and Grace you know while I'm doing my "thang" vacumming and whatnot. So anyway as I'm vacumming I'm thinking because the sun is shining oh so bright that I still had a glare in my eye as I'm looking at the carpet because I KNOW I don't see two YELLOW pee stains in my carpet!!!! and of course as I look up Saks looks at me and goes RUNNING to his crate! LOL Man they know when they are in trouble don't they? Needless to say I had to use my good old Spot Shot and clean them and then I put some diluted vinegar over the spot as I was told by my sister to mask it so that he won't come back to it..I know they are going to have "occasional" accidents but man..I gotta keep my eye on him..Look how sneaky he looks here as if he is saying HEHEHEHEHEHEHE...lol

Saks and Ivory's Play Date

Went to my sister's house and brought Saks with me. I like to introduce him to different scenarios and people so that he won't just get used to me and be scared of other people. He is very much as my friend Liz put it so bluntly "Very Erika Motivated" LOL..when other people have him, he is always looking for me no matter what, want's to know where Momma is lol..Anyway, I was at my sister's house and she has a Bischon Frise dog named Ivory (LOVE HER!) and she asked me to bring Saks over so that the two of them could play. It was so funny because the first thing they did for like 10 min straight was sniff each other's butts..THEN it was PLAY TIME!! they kept chasing each other around the livingroom until finally they got tired and couldn't do it anymore..

So glad the "Cousins" could get together for a Play Date =)

Disney World and My Lil Man's Bed

I forgot to mention I took my nieces to Disney World last month. We had a blast. We got there about 10am and didn't leave until about 9:30. My feet were killing me!!! We ended up having to wait for TWO hours to ride my favorite ride (Space Mountain) because they were having technical difficulties. Everyone was restless but hey I didnt mind, I would much rather them find out what the problem is and wait. Especially since that whole ride is in the DARK lol..but it was worth the wait. I love Disney World.

Saks LOVES his new bed that I bought for him. He's so cute. I thought he would prefer his crate but he got used to the bed right away. I call him my little stalker because he is always right behind me everywhere I go step for step literally! I don't know how many times I have almost stepped on him because I forget that he is right behind me! and he's so LITTLE! At least now when I am watching tv he will go right over to his bed and relax or go to sleep. He still likes his crate too. I always leave the door open to it and when he gets tired of the bed he will go into his crate and fall right to sleep. I'm telling you, I am so fortunate to have adopted such a good dog! Love you Saks!

Working on My Pet Scrapbook

Finally started working on my scrapbooking again. It's weird how I scrapbook in spurts. I get like this burst of energy to scrapbook or I get all these crazy ideas of what I want to scrapbook when I go to the stores and buy all this scrapbook stuff, and then I will start and feel really good about it and then stop. Ugggh! Well I am determined to finish this book, my Disney book with my nieces and also a book I promised my co-worker Cassy that I would finish about a night we went out to dinner at the Acropolis (I will finish Cassy I promise!)Anway, decided to post two of the pages that I have done in Saks book. I have actually finished about 8 pages so far, but so far these are my two favorites...

Saks 5th Ave.

Hello Blog..oh how I have neglected you soooooo...Well since my last post I said I was going to go to the Pet Adoption to see if I could find a pet and guess who I found???? His name is Saks 5th Ave. (Yes he is named after the store)..AND I LOVE HIM!!! He is a 7 yr. old Yorkie and he is the best! and I am very fortunate to have adopted him. At first I was looking for a puppy because I wanted to raise him/her the way I wanted to. Well when I got to the adoption, I went all the way in the back where this lady had about four puppies at the top. Well this lady had both of her sons "blocking" the crate where no one could get to the puppies!! After trying several times to get through, I gave up and went around to the other side and that's where I noticed Saks. He was so friendly to everyone that walked up to him licking them to death LOL (oh and he still does that ALOT!) so I asked about him and no one had put in an application for him so I did and guess what? The lady with the two sons were too late for the puppies and they tried to come around and ask about Saks but it was too late!! (HAHA, oops that sounds a little evil doesn't it? but hey they shouldn't have did what they did..but at the same time I wouldn't have met Saks so in a way THANK YOU for what you did!) So yeah I got my little man and I love him....

I'm still here

Dang, I have been truly neglecting my blog for a while now. Ummm basically have been chillin with family and at home trying to get settled into my new place. Painted a couple of walls and then mistakenly dropped a whole pan of PAINT onto my dining room carpet!! yes that freaked me out just a little bit. Last night I re-organized all of my scrapbooking supplies, so now I can find what I need faster LOL. Will start doing more pages soon because I will be starting classes again in January and won't have time for it.

Other than that will be looking for a puppy this weekend <3 Yes I want me a little companion at my apartment with me. I think it will be good for the both of us =). Other than that just making plans to go to Disney with my nieces in a couple of weeks! Can't wait!

On My Way to Bed

I'm sitting here at 11:53 pm and I can't sleep, knowing ten hours from now I will be going to a funeral for a wonderful co-worker that lost her battle with cancer. She was one of the sweetest women I have ever met. She made you smile everytime you walked past her or when she came into our office. She also went to the same Hematologist office that I went to when I was getting my iron transfusions and she would get her treatments. She would always encourage me and tell me to be strong and that everything was going to be okay for my surgery. She was also the person that made our whole department feel like "family" because she always made sure that we did things together apart from just doing our regular "job". She will be dearly missed. I also pray for her daughter Stacee that she has the strength to make it during this hard time also because not only did she lose her mother last week, but she also lost her father just a week before. I can't even begin to imagine what she must be going through right now, but she will be in my prayers daily...

On another note (Not a better note), a friend called me earlier to tell me that his place was robbed and everything was stolen that wasn't tied down..Man what is this world coming to? Although he was happy that his textbooks weren't stolen (I guess you have to pull something good out of it I guess) Although he was mad and okay with it at the same time (kinda weird) Oh well..I just finished painting my toes and they look dry, so I'm off to bed...

Me and My Friends

Okay so do you ever go shopping and you have in mind already what you want to purchase, but you end up buying something totally different? Okay so yeah, that's what happened to me when myself, Liz, Cassie and Angie went to the Outlet Mall. My intentions were to purchase some walking shoes because I wanted to start back walking on the treadmill again, but did I purchase walking shoes? Nooooo, I ended up purchasing these oh so cute boots! LOL They were right next to the walking shoes man, but they looked so much better and I had to get them because you know, it only gets cold in Florida what maybe 2 mos out of the year if that? Ha! But anyway, we had loads of fun that day.

Angie however, saw this little boy in one of the store windows with this fake mustache on and thought he was so cute, so we happened to be walking by this vending machine that sold fake mustaches and of course Angie had to buy one, which made we want to buy one and I had to encourage Liz and Cassie to get one because they were hesitant, but I begged and said these will make "great" scrapbooking pictures for me! and they finally gave in lol. You should have seen the look on the guys face that I asked to take the pictures of us..

It's Been a Long Time, But I'm Back!

Woo! It's been a minute since I have been on this blog. So much has happened, that it is too much to mention. But I'm back and hopefully I will be able to keep up with this blog on a regular basis. Anyway, one thing I will mention is that I feel much better since I had the surgery, I have moved out of my amazing parents home into my own place again. (Feels weird after two years) but I am liking it. I'm almost done with unpacking and decorating and will post pics when I'm done. As far as scrapbooking, I have unpacked all of it, but I need to order some paper trays so that I can get started again. Can't wait!

Rain, Rain Go Away

Please come back some other day...Man it has been raining all day for the past two weeks. I'm happy in a way because we need it, but sometimes it becomes to depressing because all it makes me want to do is sleep. I'm starting to feel much better though from the surgery so that's a plus but the Dr. AND MOM wont let me drive yet..feel like i'm on punishment or restriction and i'm a 36 year old woman dangit..LOL oh well, I know it's for the best in the long run (me saying that in my whining voice of course :) Anyway, man I am loving eBay right now (i'm sure it's loving me too) I am finding all of my books that I would normally pay for in the store for way way cheaper and getting them at a really fast turnaround too (which reminds me, crap I gotta go leave feedback) BBL...

Something Old, But New to Me

Okay so I still can't leave the house yet, so I have slowly been trying to collect some more scrapbook stuff and learn more about photography since I purchased my new camera. Came across this book from Memory Makers that came out in 2007 called Flip, Spin and Play. Had never heard of it before, but then I saw this cute video that shows some of the things you can do in your scrapbook to make it more creative and interactive. Reminds me of when I started scrapbooking back in 1990 when there were pop-ups and slides and pictures you had to look underneath to find out more information, etc. It seems like it is slowly going back to that point or they are just recylcling it kinda like they do with fashion or hair-do's that come and go. Anyway, can't wait to get my book because I found it at a good price. Normally it goes for $22 at Michaels and I found it on Ebay for 2.44 (Hopefully, it will be in good condition when I get it LOL).

New Do

Okay so this is the new Hairdo I am trying to sport. It's much longer than my past haircut. I am gonna wear it for a little while though. I say a "little" because it gets so hot in Florida and I hate to sweat man! So we will see how it goes, if I can't take it then I will go back to my short haircut..

Recovery Time

Okay so I'm back..Well kinda..I'm actually able to finally sit up for a little bit since my surgery about two weeks ago. It was major surgery and the recovery time is 6 weeks. I am going on week 3 and I am about to go out of my mind!! I am tired of laying in this bed. Fortunately, I have this wonderful laptop table where I can prop it up for me to get online. Actually, I was able to walk to the livingroom yesterday and lay on the couch for about an hour but then I had to go lay back in the bed because the pain was too bad. Anyway, I cant wait for the dr. to give me the okay to go outside and do things again! I think I might just get in my car and just drive until I can't drive no more..

Hmm..Look Alike?? I Think So...

Okay so for a while I have been telling my sister that my niece looks like Drew Barrymore. Well after I took this picture she had to agree with me..

Here is my niece:

Here is Drew:

Now tell me that she does not look like her!!

Scrapbooking Toilet Paper Rolls??

I thought this was the neatest idea I have seen yet with Scrapbooking. She used toilet paper rolls to make a mini-album. There are truly some creative people out there...

Reflection

Did a scraplift today about reflecting back on some of the things I would like to accomplish this year. Having to have surgery in the beginning of the year kinda sucks (Okay IT DOES SUCK) But will be planning to accomplish some things after it though. Here is the original layout by Leena along with my layout..

More Camera Straps

Okay, so the UPS man came today and delivered my Camera!! I'm sitting here reading the manual in between blogging, schoolwork, regular work and checking emails...Okay, okay so I found some more camera straps by Shealynn at Etsy that I love here. My favorite colors are blue and brown so this is perfect PLUS the mink material on the back looks soooo comfortable...Will be ordering this soon..

Bwaaa Hahahahahahaha..

My friend Liz at work showed me this clip today. I couldn't believe it. This woman's hair weave actually saved her life! I mean it's scary if you really think about it because her boyfriend was trying to kill her, but the fact that the weave caught the bullet had me dying of laughter (shame on you Erika). Ladies believe in the weave. Here is the video..

Spreading the Word...

Was reading Cathy Z blog and her friend came across a great deal at Costco for Photoshop Elements 7. It's only 49.99 after a $30 discount. This is a steal and I know it because I have been looking on Ebay for months now pricing this software. The sale is only until April 5th and you can get it here.

Paitently Waiting...

Okay so I am patiently waiting for my camera but in the meantime I have already been looking around for accessories (lol,pityful) Anyway, I found this pretty strap for the camera on Emily Falconbridge's Etsy Shop I love all of the colors and beautiful fabric that she has for the straps..

OH MY GOSH!! I'm SO EXCITED!!!!!

YES (Doing the happy dance) I just purchased my camera today!!! (Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!) The Canon Rebel EOS Xsi and I'm so excited!! I found it on Ebay of course. They were having a St. Patricks Day Sale with 10% off and with a camera that expensive it was a great deal to me!! (Woohoo) I can't wait to get it in my hands. It was between me and this other person down to the last 10 seconds and I outbid them (finally learning that auto bid thing on there lol) Anyway, I will be on cloud 9 until I receive it..Okay off to bed now (Can't sleep, wondering how my pictures are going to look now on my scrapbook pages ;)

Spring Break!

Ahh yes Spring Break..A week where you have so many things you want to get done and before you know it, it is time to go back to work. Me in my case, I am waiting for my doctor to schedule my surgery during Spring Break (yuck). I went to see him today and it turns out his office tried to reach me at work (Not gonna happen cuz I'm not there) and then they tried my cell and it was dead because I couldnt find my charger (ugggh)So I go "be boppin" in the office and they tell me I have to re-schedule (Are you serious!!!) I am ready to get this over with! Tired of being in pain, tired of taking medicine and tired of being home all the time. I can't even do my scrapbooking like I want to because sometimes the pain is so bad I just can't. Oh well, I will practice my patience at this point because now it's gonna be another week..Maybe it's for the best..

P.S. On a lighter note I went to Michael's and they finally changed their scrapbook papers and added Tim Holtz products..(Woohoo!)

Here's To a Good Week

I saw this "Rasta Kitty" on Oh So Cute website and it made laugh. I love the dreads and the costume. Too cute!! I need as many laughs as possible nowadays because my health has not been so good. I go to the doctor today to schedule my surgery. Not looking forward to it, but I know it is something that must be done.

Okay Today Was Better

Much better than yesterday. I was able to complete two tests for one of my classes and got A's on both of them. My Mom cooked a wonderful meal for the whole family (which is delicious as always). Got a chance to catch up with some old friends, and I was able to get some scrapbooking done. Here's hoping to a good week :)

I'm So Upset

Okay, so I have been sick lately in and out of the hospital and have not been able to get out much. So, since I have not been able to drive myself to my favorite Scrapbook stores, I decided to order my supplies online. I ordered from FOUR count them, FOUR different websites..And can you believe that so far two of the websites who have delivered my orders have gotten them WRONG!!! I am so upset!!! And I'm not talking about just a missing item. I'm talking about absolutely nothing in my order was correct and I think that I received someone else's order. I can't believe it and I am so disappointed. At least one of the stores offered to send the correct items to me AND even told me that I could keep the incorrect items and apologized, so I do feel better about them, but the other store I have not heard from and now I'm getting nervous about the remaining two stores that I ordered from ugggghhh!! Just going to chalk it up as a bad experience...and to my local Scrapbook stores..HERE I COME!!

Oh My Gosh Tim Holtz Rocks!!!!

I just went to Tim Holtz's blog and he is giving away these stamps that are to DIE for!!! I love his techniques and style. I just created a scrapbook not to long ago using alot of his techniques and lets just say my family wants me to make them some now! LOL

Week One

Okay so it's been a week on my plan..So how come I havent lost 60lbs yet? LOL..Sometimes I wish you could just take this long belch and all of the weight would just fall off as you belch (If only it was so simple)..The sad part is that I can't exercise yet because of medical reasons and I get winded doing just the simpliest of things..BUT Good news is I got on the scale this morning and I lost WHAT?? five pounds..WOOHOO, Go Erika, Go Erika..okay I'm calming down now...Well on to week two..

Not the Normal

Okay, so I never start my new eating plan on the 1st of January. And alot of times I dont start it on Mondays, but I have GOT to get to my goal weight this year!!!! I will be 37 in September and I am DETERMINED to do it this year. I have some medical problems that I have to get past first but I dont want to use that as an excuse to not get started at least on the eating. Right now I dont have enough energy to go up my stairs in my house without sitting down for 20 min, but hopefully one day I will be able to get back to my exercise routine where I was working out 5 to 6 days a week and taking one day off for rest. So in the meantime "in between" time, I will work on eating alot healthier. Today I made THE BEST SALAD!! Actually, I had one for lunch and dinner it was soooo good. I drank all of my water today and was not tempted one time to stop by my co-worker's desk (she keeps a jar of chocolate all the time). So I did good for day one..On to tommorow...

P.S. Had to cool off on the tea also..Just when I found some that tastes so good!

Much Better...

Okay today was MUCH better :). Although the lines were still quite long, the stress of it all was not there today. The students seemed more content and the staff is pretty happy that the weekend is in sight. And boy did I stress eat this week. Ugggh, will definitely start my diet on Monday. But the bookstore ordered this new Sweet Tea by Coca-Cola called Gold Peak and it is sooooooo good! My friend Liz introduced me to it and I think I have bought a bottle every single freakin day this week!! LOL..they are running out of it like crazy because so many people love it. Man, I need to start my water regime but this is going to make it hard..Would like to reach my goal weight before my birthday in September, which I feel is doable (lol is that a word). Anyway, will have to come up with a plan so that I can fit into these clothes that are in the back of my closet..

Wow is All I Can Say

And I dont mean that as a wonderful wow. I mean man what a day..actually what a WEEK so far. Work has been soooo crazy. I thought we had most of the "crowd" or "students" before we went on our two week break but it seems like it TRIPLED when we came back!! The lines are long and endless, people getting impatient, the computers are crashing and we are having to manually search for classes for the students, it just frustrating the students and the staff as well. Will be so happy when this week is over!!! Calgon take me away please :)

Man, I am STILL TIRED!! LOL..I have got to get my body back on track before I go back to work on Monday because it is going to be soooo busy! Registration starts for all of our Cross-Enrolled and Transient Students at the College and they are normally there at 6am waiting to get into classes that are already closed and we have to give them the bad news. That's the only part I do not like about it, but as the week goes on it gets a little better. Couldn't find my glasses this morning, so I found my gray contacts and decided to put them on, only to find out that my RIGHT eye did NOT want to take the contact!! So of course I had to take a picture because it was getting so frustrating and I had to make light of it. Ugggh one more day...

Wow What a Day!!

Okay, so yesterday I watched my 1 month old nephew and my 4 yr old niece. At first, it was supposed to be a couple of hours, but they were so good and they were taking a nap when it was time to go home, that I offered for them to spend the night. Hehe, you can tell this was my first time because I did not realize that by letting them sleep the majority of the afternoon for their "nap" that they would be UP for the rest of the night!! LOL..Needless to say I did not get them to sleep until 5:20 am and did not go to sleep until 12 pm today (24 hours later!) Now I am up late, writing this blog because NOW I CANT GO TO SLEEP! LOL..Oh well, lessoned learned.