Friday, April 9, 2010

Apr 5 - 11

Young love in a cyber age...this is what's been on my mind this week. Watching T and her sweetie in their relationship, noticing the changes that time has made on young love and remembering some of the things that remain unchanged as time marched on.


I think back to when I was 16, and I was totally and completely in love. I remember what it felt like, and the urgency that surrounded everything that had to do with being in that relationship. I know that things have not changed that much, that the feelings are similar, and that I did as T does, planned my day around being next to the object of my affection, the rest of the world be damned. So...as frustrating as it is for me as a parent, reminding her about homework, telling her to get off the phone, and supervising their time together, I really do understand what it is like to be in love.


Back in the day...in the late 80's for example...if you were "going" with someone...you hung out at the mall, or the community centre. Sometimes with your boyfriend...sometimes with your friends, watching him. (Stalking in its form today was not really a big deal back then!) Maybe if you were fortunate, like me, you would sneak your friends into the house when your parents weren't home. You made a mixed tape for your crush, and you spent hours on the phone talking to him, and talking to your friends about him.


Technology has made some drastic changes...the internet has certainly made having a relationship different. Today kids sign onto MSN or Facebook and cyber-chat - without hearing a voice. Words have been replaced by letters inticating words - laugh out loud is now LOL - and physical connection has been replaced by web-cam. T spends her time with her boyfriend via the net...on web-cam. It's truly bizarre to me...she was sitting on the couch beside me, with her computer in front of her. I thought she was chatting online and surfing the net...only to find that the web-cam was on. Her boyfriend could see and hear everything going on in our living room...kinds creepy in a Big Brother is watching kind of way!


They actually spend hours joined together via web-cam...which would be fine if that was the only way they were joined. But surprisingly enough, we still have to watch the kids when they are together, as teen-age pregnancy and STD's are still as real as back in my teen years. I trust my kids and know that they are smart and very aware of the dangers that face them. I have been upfront and honest about the challenges that I faced in my decision to have children young, and I know that they are armed with the facts. And when they look this happy together...who can come between that?

Mar 29 - April 4 - Happy Easter everyone!

Again...Wow...what a week! The best news...we are a family of 4 under on roof! With Alex home and Tori back...boy oh boy our little house is crammed with love. LOL! But with one extra diva, brings the juggling of bathroom schedules, checking of homework, and re-adjusting to the attitude that is all TORI! My husband is a saint...he accepted this new change with his easy-going Don-self, keeping the rest of us "freak-free' in the worst of situations.


I got some quality time with Dale at Fringe on Vine Street in St Catharines. The man is a wizard with hair and I am sporting a new colour...which I love. It's in the regular tones...just a bit more ginger that usual. Now I will blend in with my step-Ford family. LOL!

Easter brunch this year was at Betty's in Chippawa. What a great place to eat! Yummy buffet goodies and the best part was looking around the table at all the family. The kids have all grown up...we don't have anymore babies at the table. Where did the time go? Marisa is the youngest...and she is all grown up! Dad and Lynn were so generous to treat us all to such a great afternoon out. We had brunch, posed for some pics and then, in true-Cranford fashion...hit the outlet mall. It was really cool to have the guys head off toward the Sony store without a word between them...like Sony was calling them back to the mother ship! And us girls gravitated to the shoe stores. The most surprising part...Tania "Mexx'd" Don in an amazing make-over project...but my hubby's cheap-skatedness took over and he did not purchase any of the designer finds. But...I did copy the sizes in to my B-berry and will be using this to my advantage come Christmas, birthday, or sales, I expect to add some Mexx to his closet!




Here are some pics of the Cranford photo shoot...


This is the Ingraham clan...








A rare moment of sisterly-love





The set up of the group shot...technical difficulties...

The good group shot to follow next week...waiting for Brian to get it posted!


Have a great week!

Ness




Mar 22 - Mar 28

Wow! What a week! Easter party craziness is finally over! But before I get to the party and some cute pics...my week has been a whirlwind. I had a meeting in Stoney Creek for the Credit Institute - Hamilton chapter board...and got to see a behind the scenes look at how the Chapter is run. I was asked to serve as a board member and have accepted...so I am committed to a 2 year term. And I thought I was busy now!


Then on Thursday, my sweetie and I went to the Niagara Falls Grand Dinner Theatre to see Maggie's Getting Married - with my Finance colleagues. The dinner was good, the play was ok (the theatre is really much better in Milton) but I loved the company. Our table was hilarious and both Don and I really had a good time. This proves the point that it really does matter who you are with!

Finally...leading up to the Easter party craziness...Saturday 10-12 was insane! But I loved every minute of it. I have been on the planning committee for our company kids Easter parties for a couple of years now...and the hard work is definitely worth the effort. The kids had a blast this year...we let them decorate cookies, make foam photo frames, there was a visit from the Easter Bunny and lots of games and prizes. Tori and David volunteered their time...putting on fake tattoos...the kids loved that part. I was so impressed with the volunteers this year - some from the office and 3 high school students...what a difference help makes! And thanks again to my two high school lovebirds...love you guys for being such great helpers!




Here is a pic of our beautiful, generous, kid-friendly Easter bunny! Thank you again girlfriend...you made the event a total success!

Have a great week!
Ness



Sunday, March 14, 2010

Mar 15 - 21

Hey faithful followers!

How has your week been? Not much to report this week...it's been pretty boring actually. Busy work related getting ready for a big presentation...and looking ahead to Easter party craziness. The kids' easter party is next weekend and I will be running all over gathering up the necessary goodies for that!
On the home front...things are quiet and no Easter plans from the family yet either. Hope that our schedules all mesh and we get to be together for the holiday.
I went to Copic Club at the Nook this week and got alot done. I was able to get playing with my Magnolia stamps...promise that there will be pictures soon. I love getting out with friends and meeting some newbies to the Copics. I got to show the masking technique that Pauline at Stamplicity taught us...so slick and makes using multiple stamps a breeze.
Thanks for checking in...sorry that there are no new scrappy pics...but with all the craziness, I have not been completing anything to show off.
Have a good week.
Ness


Monday, March 8, 2010

Mar 8 - Mar 14

Hey,


Just an opening promise not to vent about home repairs...I promise...it's out of my system.

Some scrappy pics for you to drool over...isn't my Liam just the cutest!!!

I also love this one...the 3 of them...the Ford men!




It's after Oscar weekend and I love seeing the ladies decked out in their finest and finding out which movies made Oscar history. Now I know what movies to rent in the summer!


I woke up Monday morning with the worst cold ever...maybe not the worst but I feel dreadful. I hope that it's gone by Wednesday...big training at work and don't want to be coughing or sniffling thru the presentation.


Well...my cold was not gone by Wednesday, or Thursday or even Friday. I dragged myself thru the week looking toward the weekend like a desert traveller for an oasis! I feel soo tired but know that the weekend is pretty open and I will be able to rest.


I got alot done in the way of scrappy projects...here are some pics of my Card caddy. I found the template at Nothern Girl Stamper and love the end result.




The little medallions have card categories on them... so easy to help me get organized. I could not believe it on Wednesday when I could not find a Thank You card. Come on! I have made hundreds of cards over the years...and I have not given them away...they are hidden in my messy scrappy room! So...I vowed organization will be mine! I didn't get the caddy finished until late afternoon on Sunday...but it's done.

I have also been playing with some new Magnolia stamps and will be going to Copic club this week at the Scrapping Nook. I am sure to have more scrappy goodies to show by next weekend.

Have a great week!
Ness

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Mar 1 - Mar 7

Hey,

Sort of a disappointing week. We have been doing some research on Arizona - had a dinner with Cathy and Chris to plan some of our trip details last weekend. And...this week it's looking like it might have been in vain.



We have been taking some financial hits lately...car repairs and eye glasses, and now...our bathroom is letting us know that it's in desperate need of attention. It's one of the frustrating parts of home ownership...those maintenance and repair costs that you try to prioritize...but never works out how you hope. We spent money late last year on a new fence because it was about to fall over, new doors on the front and back of the house because there were huge drafts and new basements windows because we were boarding them up - there wasn't even glass in 2 of the windows! So...you would think that we might get a bit of a break with home repairs just until after our trip...but no. The bathroom tub / taps have been a problem for a while now...the plumbing is just so old that we can't get replacement parts. So we thought that instead of having a massive demolition and remodel, we might be able to get a tub/shower overlay. This seemed like a good idea from an environmental perspective...no tub and tiles to dispose of. We could have it done by a company relatively quickly and they would be done the work in one day! I would not be without a bathroom (since our downstairs bathroom is worst that peeing outside) and that was a big plus!



The obstacle...the quote! It was higher than I thought. And it would take most of our saved nest egg. But we need a bathroom...so the stress becomes...how to do Arizona and a bathroom in the same year. It is going to take belt-tightening to a whole new level! Don and I had just worked out the whole mess when yesterday...our toilet started leaking water all over the floor. Come on!!! Can we catch a break...just a small one???!!!



If I had not already paid for Creative Escape, I would be opting out. Don says that he is going to pass on him going this year which sucks! I really wanted him and I to have this time away. But he brings up so many good points...it would be less money, the weather in August in Arizona is not really good for outdoor activities...heat being a factor. And many of the places we wanted to visit are not even operating during the August week that we are in Arizona. Something about heat! So...it might be a girls vacation - which saves half the expenses. Enter guilt! I feel sooo guilty...but Don says that this is my Super Bowl...anyone who knows Don knows that Super Bowl is sacred! He really wants Cathy and I to have this opportunity and have fun. He knows that we really want to go and he is the most amazing husband to think this way!



I really want to have a bathroom...so the dilema continues. I could get the bathroom done in a more DIY fashion, pulling the tub out, gutting the tiles, new plumbing, for less money that the company wants for the overlay...but I would have to have demolition ongoing for weeks, maybe even months. And we are not handy so we would be relying on help...helpers who have other priorities other than my bathroom. I am blessed to have a Dad that is amazingly handy...but he also doesn't have to live with me during the chaos! And who knows what we will find when we rip the wall down...I shudder to think!



So I move thru the weekend with more questions than answers...more confusion than ever. I know we will work it all out...but right now...I am spinning from all the possibilities.

Feb 22 - Feb 28

Hey,

This week has been a loooong and expensive one! With the car repairs last week, and new glasses for me...this week has brought more high ticket expenses! Tori had an eye appt and needed new glasses...my goodness - two sets of eye glasses in under a week. And waiting for the insurance company to reimburse us is never a short wait!

But we both love our new frames...Tori's are very sophisticated and make me realize that she is becoming more of a young woman every day. I was due for a change...I had not changed frames in almost 10 years! I was happy to not be stuck in 1999 with my round owl frames. What do you think?

The snow fall this week played havoc with the rest of my week - I had to cancel some Friday appts so I got alot done in the office. And I am hoping against hope that we have seen an end to the snow this winter...I know...there has not been much...but I am ready for pastel colours, capri pants and some warmer weather!


I also got to go to the Grand Opening of the Scrapping Nook in Welland and was honoured to be asked to do a make and take. I demonstrated the new Shimmerz...if you are interested take a look at http://www.shimmerzpaints.com/. They are really a great product - very versatile and great to revive some old supplies and make them more current with a bling finish. I made this canvas almost entirely out of the shimmerzpaints and some white coasters. Every coaster is made without patterned paper...that's using shimmerz techniques. So cool!

In the days leading up to the Grand Opening I got to thinking about how Janice (the new owner) must feel...nervous, excited, happy, worried...all these emotions around fulfilling her dream of owning a scrapbook store. I watched her move through the customers on the opening day...and was so happy to see her achieve her dream. I felt very blessed to be a part of that and thank her so much for including me in making that day a great success. We had a lovely dinner after the store closed and seeing everyone celebrating Janice's special day felt great.

Janice, I wish you success as you embark on this new journey. It is much appreciated that you have continued the Nook family, giving us a place to call home and a source for our creativity. And for anyone looking for a great store for scrappy supplies...check out the Scrapping Nook at http://www.thescrappingnook.ca/. Tell them Vanessa sent you.

Ness













Thursday, February 18, 2010

Back with a shameful smile...




Feb 15 - Feb 21




Ok…I am back with a shameful smile and a heavy heart that I have been remiss at blogging. My new goal for 2010 was to “check in” here once a week…and it’s already mid-February but I am here!

This week has certainly been a week of revelations for me, and one reveal has opened the door for the next. First and foremost…Cathy won a Golden Ticket at Creative Escape 2010 and this gives her and a friend the opportunity of attending the event. And I am that friend – lucky for me! We are awarded with the opportunity of paying the fee…and attending the event and what an event! The line up of teachers has my head spinning and I am a bit overwhelmed at the idea of booking accommodation/flights…and getting to AZ by August. But it’s going to happen…I see this in my future.

When the initial excitement of getting a chance to attend CE had sunken into the foggy matter that is my brain…I was struck with a big of anxiety. The trip is going to be costly and with Don and Chris coming with us…it’s a major vacation. So getting the funds available for such an endeavor in a short period of time will be the challenge. Second…my health / weight and flying. I always get nervous before a flight…worrying about cramming my ample rear end into a teeny tiny airline seat. So…I vowed then and there that this year…from February until August…I was going to make my health my priority. And the very next day I was up at 5 am…walking on the treadmill.

I have determined that exercise is non-negotiable…I mean…I would not think of going into work without a shower…so I should view exercise the same way. I have to get up…get it done and over with. And so far…three days down and I am still alive. LOL!
I am not running marathons yet, but I am finishing the 30 minutes and getting to watch one of my TV shows on DVD. This week it’s Season 12 of Dallas…and I am loving the outfits…the 80’s humour and the fact that any woman would find JR attractive. The DVD keeps me from wanting to scream and the time flies by. Well not really flies…but it’s not intolerable.

Interestingly enough…in the past 3 days, I have been the least tired that I have been all week. Who would have thought that exercise would give you energy? But it does! I have been whipping thru the daily tasks at work and at home, I have energy at the end of the day for a little creative play. I know all the scrappers will be wanting pics…so I have added one of my Valentine’s card for Don…it’s not mushy cuz he is not a mushy card guy. I have been crazy busy getting ready for a certain LSS’ grand opening next weekend…I am doing a little make and take but no sneak peeks are allowed.




I have also been busy making a little gift for my nephew Liam – a little altered gift box with a chipboard album and some coordinating wooden letters. He is so adorable…here he is with his overly excited Auntie. Isn’t he precious? I was pleased at how the letters turned out…and will share the album once Chris and Jaimee get to see it.


Well...that's it for this week...thanks for taking a look.


Ness