Great Dane Addict

Hello?

2009-06-23T20:23:00.002-05:00

Contemplating resurrecting my blog. Anyone still around?

Surgery

2008-08-30T13:44:00.001-05:00

Haven't had time to try and fix my blog yet. But Diesel is having surgery next week and I'm a wreck about it. Please keep us in your thoughts. Give me some time to get through that and then I'll get my blog up and running again.

Promise!

Until then, you can still follow me on my Twitter page.

Ut Oh

2008-08-25T12:08:00.002-05:00

My blog somehow took a crap on itself. Stay tuned...

Blah da blah.

2008-07-19T09:01:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted in ages. Just haven't felt like it. Needed a blogging break I guess (although I was still tweeting my little heart out.)

I still don't really have anything to write about. My life's been busy and boring all at the same time, which doesn't leave room for anything to blog about.

However, I leave in less then two weeks for the Stampin' Up! Convention, and I am so fricken excited. First time going, first vacation since I got the dogs, and I get to leave Cory at home too.

That being said, sort of a nervous wreck having to leave the dogs for 6 days. I know they'll be fine, but won't be getting the attention they are used to. Hopefully I'll be so consumed in stamping that I won't be missing them too much.

Off to go work on my swaps for convention!

Creative Lighting

2008-05-11T17:19:00.002-05:00

Playing with some 'fake' lighting for the first time for an assignment.

Hola!

2008-04-27T11:07:00.000-05:00

More Kidlet Fun

2008-04-21T22:20:00.002-05:00

Kidlets

2008-04-20T21:22:00.003-05:00

Weather was G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S today. Had some fun with the kidlets in the park.

More pics to follow!

'Birth' Day

2008-04-13T13:57:00.003-05:00

Better late than never.

This is Miss Maddie and baby Jackson on his 'birth' day (January 13th.)

March's Project: Twelve

2008-04-06T21:59:00.001-05:00

Photos are pretty lame for March's layout. I actually forgot that it was a Project Twelve day, and didn't start taking photos until after 5 pm. Oops.

Black n White

2008-02-21T12:41:00.002-06:00

Finally able to convert a photo to b&w that I actually like. Couldn't really do that with my old software (Corel Paint Shop Pro), as it always made everything look washed out and flat.

Used two of my new Nichole Van Actions as well.

Zoey's beanie. Looks uncomfortable doesn't he?

In the RAW

2008-02-20T00:15:00.005-06:00

Shooting in RAW format today. Haven't really done much of that yet.

Caught this, tried to do some editing, and then had to compress it to jpg format to upload it. Picture looks so much nicer inside Photoshop then it does after I upload it to Flickr.

Update: Thanks to Chris's tip (in the comments section) I was able to fix the color! Thanks so much Chris!

February's Project: Twelve

2008-02-17T00:55:00.000-06:00

The photos have been chosen!

Photography in 2008

2008-02-13T21:04:00.004-06:00

Alot of things have been happening over the last several weeks. Some of them exciting, others...not so much. Hopefully I can talk about the latter in a few weeks when things are all tied up.

On the photography front, I was recently browsing some ads on craigslist, and I came across a local photographer's blog, and posted a comment. Well, she was nice enough to come out and meet me last weekend, and I might even get to tag along on some of her shoots this year. So! Exciting! (Hi Chris!)

Last weekend, I also went out and did a practice shoot for the Brewers Dance Team. My (fake) sister in law is one of the owner/managers of the team, and she wants me to be their photographer this year! Eeek! I took over 400 pictures and didn't like a single one. Good thing it was just practice!

Here is one of the photos that I might be able to work with though. Would like to crop out the hoop once I learn CS3.

And yesterday was a Project:Twelve day. So look for those photos soon too!

Project: Twelve

2008-01-19T15:45:00.000-06:00

A scrapbook project. 12 pictures, on the 12th day of the month, for 12 months.

These are the 12 pictures I've chosen (out of 210 pictures I took on January 12th!)

Hi!

2008-01-16T12:41:00.000-06:00

Foster Dog

2008-01-06T19:48:00.000-06:00

Not mine, my friend Wendy's. Meet Wilma, she is a puppy mill survivor.

She loves the snow and is just now learning how to play.

Hopefully soon, she'll learn to trust people.

Today, at the hospital...

2008-01-05T21:04:00.000-06:00

Shelly watching the baby's heart monitor...

IV drip for dehydration...

And one of many random shots from around the room...

No baby today. She'll be sent home tomorrow if nothing else happens, and then we are back to waiting.

Mind over matter?

2008-01-04T19:56:00.000-06:00

Not all the time.

I was innocently watching a show that my DVR recorded today. Shockwave on the History channel. Heard of it?

Well one of the stories shows how a son runs across a racetrack after his father crashes into the wall. Not so smart right? Your reaction is to say, what a dumbass right?

Not mine.

I had this flood of adrenaline rush through me. I know exactly what it's like to just REACT. You don't think, you just do it. No control. Doesn't matter if you are putting yourself in harm's way. Your instincts take over and there's no thinking to be done.

I did that once. Put myself in harm's way. Didn't matter. Wasn't thinking about it, my body was just reacting. Later being told how dumb I was. But explaining that I really had no control over my actions, was totally lost on them. Because they don't know, they haven't experienced it. And hopefully they never have to. Because regardless of the circumstance, situations as such are almost always traumatic, and forever haunting.

February 4th, 2006 changed my life forever. My situation might not have been as a big a deal for some people, but that was the worst day of my life. I'm over it now (in a sense), however I can hear and see (and feel) that moment still very vividly. And there is one thing I can never look at the same again. Without wanting to vomit.

Been there, done that, never want to do it again.

More Snow

2007-12-28T23:35:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking of taking up being a meteorologist. They're never right, and yet still never lose their jobs.

Dogs spazzed out today in the snow.

Oddities

2007-12-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

I put this list together after having a momentary lapse of judgement, when for one second, I thought I was more important than I really am. Because really, who cares about my oddities or weird thoughts besides me? But what the hell, here is the list anyway.

1. I have an extra vertebrae in my back. I like to think this is why I'm not flexible, but I'm not a doctor.

2. I like ice in my wine. Sometimes white soda too.

3. I make lists. Lots of them. Sometimes I have lists for my lists.

4. My favorite part of my body are my fingers.

5. I'm afraid of the dark. And tornadoes. And of dying. Oh and of needles. Most bugs too.

6. I hate feet. Except my own, which are glorious.

7. I met my bestest friend Ericka, on the internet.

8. I like to pretend I'm not girlie, but I ♥ pink, and sometimes even commercials make me cry.

9. I like belching and using vulgar language. I guess this is why I question the girlie thing. That, and I don't like shopping or wearing skirts. Or sitting properly.

10. I have a crush on Jessica Alba. Like, I would seriously contemplate not being straight anymore, just to get me some of that.

11. I could live on mashed potatoes, *if I had to*. Not because I like them or anything.

12. I like being sarcastic. It's fun.

13. I randomnly worry about my house starting on fire.

14. I'm secretly proud of my cleavage. Although I don't show it off nearly enough.

15. I like science, but am frustrated because I'm too dumb to understand most of it. Kind of like when you feel like you are talking to a brick wall? Yeah, that's me and science having a conversation.

16. I get headaches on almost a daily basis, and haven't yet bothered to figure out why.

17. I'm easily amused. I couldn't imagine going through life any other way. How boring.

18. I sometimes feel bad when I kill a bug.

That's it.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T00:37:00.000-06:00

Well the holiday is mostly over for me and it's not even Christmas Day yet (ok technically it is, but I still need to go to bed, so for me it's still Christmas Eve.)

I really feel that I got alot of good gifts this year and I hope that the gifts I gave were just as good. We spent well over our $1000 budget and that didn't even include what Cory spent on my camera lens, eeek!

The season of gifts started with a Secret Santa exchange that I sign the dogs up for each year through Danes Online (pictures forthcoming as usual.) Insane, I know, but I'm crazy like that.

Then I also signed up for a Secret Santa exchange at work, and this year was by far the best exchange (for me) at work. Ever. My Secret Santa totally spoiled me. I received homemade cookies and these super awesome wreath thingamajiggys, all of which have already been eaten. I also got a gift card for one of my most favoritest places on earth, Caribou Coffee. Oh and it doesn't end there! I got several dark chocolate Godiva candy bars, which if heaven exists...I ate it. So heaven's gone now, sorry. And, a $15 donation to the Wisconsin Humane Society...and if that's not enough for you, there's still more. A gift card to Michaels (and I already know what I'm getting, uh I dunno, on Wednesday!)

Saturday evening, we went out to dinner with Cory's family. Afterwards we opened gifts, and I got gift cards and cash (may seem boring, but that's what I asked for.) Today, from my family, I also got gift cards and cash, and I now have enough to buy Adobe Photoshop CS3, I'm totally stoked. I'll even have some cash leftover to buy a camera bag and some filters!

I also got these slippers from Life is Good, which I've been eyeing for months, along with these socks, which are the best socks on the face of the earth. I promise. Plus another gift card to get this shirt and these pants (still from Life is Good - that store rocks, don't let the pictures on their website fool you.)

Oh, and the pink robe! It matches my new socks and slippers and is so soft that I might not ever take it off. Except to shower.

And this little girl? She is not photogenic. Except I'm totally lying.

Merry Christmas bitches!

Blog Update(s)

2007-12-24T00:46:00.000-06:00

Spent too much time working on the new boring blog header today. Snore. That'll probably have to go soon. Also added a new section in my sidebar called Twitter, and I found myself all geeked out by this super cool little tool to keep my blog updated more regularly. No one cares, I know.

I really should be working on a few things for tomorrow, well I guess it's today already - so maybe I should be in bed. Yep, that's it. Good night.

Early Christmas Prezzie

2007-12-22T00:39:00.000-06:00

From Cory. Terrible photo, but wanted to show off my new lens anyway.

Btw, scary I know, but I've already started my 'New Year's Resolution List'. The last several years I've been pretty good at sticking to my resolution (note that's not plural on purpose.) Because my resolution is normally to not make any. Too easy? Works for me.

Well for some reason, I have about 10 I wanted to write down in the last few days, which is just insane, because I won't do any of them anyway.

I'll post them up soon. I think.

Holidays

2007-12-20T12:29:00.000-06:00

Or HoliDanes as we crazy Dane people call it....

Have they crept up on anyone else? All of a sudden it's a few days before Christmas, and I so don't have everything done. It's kind of overwhelming. Anyway, since I'm so overwhelmed, might not be around much til sometime next week. Hope that's ok!

Have a great Holiday!

For anyone who has ever loved a dog

2007-12-13T22:03:00.000-06:00

I didn't think I would cry since it's a staged movie, but oh my god, I couldn't breathe when it was over and my keyboard was soaked.

*And the last line of the movie should be interpreted to read 'I want a dog again', not 'I want another dog'.

Birthday Cake

2007-12-12T12:45:00.000-06:00

From the horse's mouth.

Christmas...

2007-12-11T00:30:00.000-06:00

Is right around the corner. I just can't believe it. The doggies can hardly wait.

And did I mention that it pretty much hasn't stopped snowing since December 1st?

Excuses, Excuses

2007-12-06T09:50:00.001-06:00

I know, again with the huge gap in posts. Sorry. My excuses are lame, so I won't bore you. I do have a bladder infection though, so feel bad for me.

Diesel's 5th birthday was on November 30th. We celebrated with cake (pictures forthcoming later in the week) and chewies and treats, and snow. But it was more depressing than anything. I can't believe my puppy keeps getting older on me, and now he's actually OLD. Which means Zoey is OLDER. Blech.

Later!

Artz Fartz

2007-11-26T13:45:00.000-06:00

Shadowlicious.

Happy Monday! Weekend was too short. Always is. Stupid neighbor dog came out and grabbed my dog (Zoey - the already psycho one!) when we were out walking over the weekend and I'm still peeved about that (no injuries, physically anyway.) Good news about my friend's dog with cancer though. She had surgery on Friday and they think they got all of the tumor (clean margins or whatever they call it) and x-rays showed that it hadn't moved to the bone.

Oh and one more photo for you to enjoy from my maternity photo shoot a few weeks ago.

Later!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-23T11:08:00.000-06:00

So what if I'm a day late?

We had our first snow accumulation on the eve of Thanksgiving Day, which made everything pretty until you walked outside and your hands froze off.

Could you imagine if you had to walk on the frozen ground without shoes?

I'm enjoying my day off after Thanksgiving, but I have so much to do! The house is a mess and I need to get that cleaned up before I even start thinking about decorating for Christmas! And I'm not quite sure how far I am regarding my handmade Christmas cards. Just know that I have to make ninety-two. NINETY-TWO.

Well I need to get off this puter and call one of my friends to check on her. She found out on Tuesday that one of her dogs has cancer. Not good. Send some good vibes this way for her please!

Later!

Lone Foot

2007-11-19T13:15:00.000-06:00

Been busy. At home, and at work. And we are being displaced (not replaced) at work and I am NOT happy about it, but there really isn't much more I can say.

Glad to have a few days off at the end of the week though! Turkey Day approaches us quickly!

More from...

2007-11-14T12:51:00.000-06:00

the maternity photo shoot!

After a little editing, I have absolutely fallen in love with this photo!

After a little editing, love this one too.

Another fave.

More later in the week!

Photo Shoot

2007-11-13T13:18:00.000-06:00

I did a maternity photo shoot on Sunday for Shelly, Alex and Baby Jackson. It was alot of fun and I got alot of good shots (and some not so good shots.) I'm still only working with one lens, and still learning my new used camera, so not all the good shots were excellent shots, but I can live with that. I guess.

This is one of my favorite shots. Super fun. I love how you can see Alex's hands in the corner and that totally wasn't planned. Now, what I don't like is that the picture isn't very crisp and the colors are pretty muted.

This shot is almost perfect if you ask me. And I don't even like feet.

I will post more photos as I upload them to flickr this week!

Fall Yard Clean-up

2007-11-12T13:23:00.000-06:00

Raking, oh so much fun!

Where we wait while we burn what we've raked...

Burning. The best part. Except how your clothes smell afterwards.

Another week in Photos

2007-11-09T12:37:00.000-06:00

Chuck

2007-11-08T13:56:00.001-06:00

I seriously didn't even realize that I haven't posted all week - because I'm crazy like that.

Here is something fun, to brighten your day.

Chuckles, The Former Congressman 2008 Calendar

Chuck fascinates me and I'm off to purchase my very own copy. Right. Now. And that's the most excited I've been since Saturday (when I saw Dane Cook @ the United Center) and Sunday (when I went and spent money at a scrapbook / stamp expo.) And that's just pathetic.

Copic Marker Class

2007-11-02T14:27:00.000-05:00

The Copic Marker class I signed up for last week at Creative Pals was on Tuesday evening.

Here is my *practice* image from class, along with some markers I purchased after class.

The next morning, I logged onto Splitcoaststampers to view the alcohol marker tutorial to see if it was similar to what I learned in class, and to my surprise, my instructor was also the author of the tutorial! How weird is that!?

I enjoyed the class and was happy that I got to play with the markers before having to invest in them. Kathy (the instructor and author) also went into detail about using the markers on different papers, how to refill them, and let us in on a secret that will save us some money (because we now know that we don't have to purchase all 322 colors!)

I practiced some more with the markers at home this week, and well, haven't quite impressed myself with my coloring ability. This is something *I* will have to work at a bit. But that's some of the fun in it. Well hopefully (I get frustrated easily, so I guess we'll see if I'm fooling myself or not!)

Enjoy your weekend!

More Photos...

2007-11-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

from the Chicago Botanic Garden.

One of these spouts is quicker than the others...

I loved the little noise these spouty things made when the water fell back in. Ploop, ploop.

And I love this picture for some reason, but can't put my finger on why. Picture looks better when viewed large.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T09:57:00.000-05:00

Halloween around here is also known as "Night of the Living Beanie".

One of the beanie's has risen from the dead, and has made it's appearance known...

BOO!

Click here if you have no idea what I'm talking about.

Chicago Botanic Garden

2007-10-30T13:56:00.001-05:00

Met up with my bestest friend Ericka @ the Chicago Botanic Garden on Sunday. You can see her pics over on "our" blog here.

I'll post a few of my pics throughout the week here also.

AND this coming Saturday we'll be meeting up again to see Dane Cook IRL! Can't wait!

Trick or Treat!

2007-10-29T10:01:00.000-05:00

Tinkerbell stops in the forest for a quick photo - before taking off to go trick or treating!

Dark, too much.

2007-10-26T12:50:00.000-05:00

Oh I think SAD has already set in. When I get up to go to work, it's still dark out. When I leave to go home, it's already dusk. It's one of the reasons I haven't been able to post any pictures lately. I can't take them if there's no light!

But on the brighter side, I've found a few new stamp goodies. But gasp, they aren't Stampin' Up! I've been trying to branch out slightly, just for my own personal growth. I obviously can't demo with anything other than Stampin' Up! products, but who says I can't make cards with other supplies for my own personal use!?

Yesterday on my way home from work, (in which I was stuck in traffic for 1.5 hrs - and it was pitch black before I even stepped out of my car, ugh) I stopped by Creative Pals to cheer myself up. Can you believe this store is only MINUTES from my house? I'm a lucky gal aren't I? I've been drooling over some new Whipper Snapper stamps on Anna Wight's blog, so had to stop off and get me some of my own!

While at Creative Pals, I also signed up for a Copic Marker class next week. Even though I can't afford to purchase Copic Markers at this time, I keep seeing all of these gorgeous cards colored with Copics, and I need to at least see how it's done. Because that will satisfy my urge! So that I won't pull out the credit card and buy all $800 worth of them? Or it could backfire and I'll have to buy them after class. Guess we'll see.

I also liked this card SO much, that I jumped on over to Anna's ebay store and purchased those stamps. Can't wait to get them!

And I can't forget about the new Hanna Stamps I just purchased also. I've never used acrylic blocks or clear stamps before, so this should be interesting. And what's even better? Kristi, the owner of Hanna Stamps, has a Great Dane! Who'da thunk! I didn't even know that before I purchased the stamps. Now I'm a customer for life.

Enjoy your weekend!

Recent Craftings

2007-10-25T13:15:00.000-05:00

A few cards I made yesterday...

California Fires

2007-10-24T00:07:00.000-05:00

This picture breaks my heart.

Details here.

I'm not sure if it would be possible for me to stand there and take a picture like this without trying to get those horses out of there. But when they aren't yours, where do you go? So sad.

Lots 'o updates over at Pet Connection.

Hope all my California friends are safe.

Update: Click here to see how you can help refugee horses in California.

Life Update

2007-10-10T13:27:00.000-05:00

Zoey had to go to the vet on Saturday, as something was (is) wrong with her eye.

I also had to go to a wedding Saturday night, and I drank about 18 bottles of wine, and am *finally* starting to feel normal again. It's Wednesday.

Last night I taught a technique class.

Tonight I have a downline meeting and had to finish 10 cards to swap.

I'll be back to posting photos soon.

Hopefully.

My Week in Photos

2007-10-08T15:55:00.000-05:00

Crunch Time

2007-10-05T10:41:00.000-05:00

Silly girl, always using her feet. This is the edited version, and I love LOVE love how it turned out.

You can see the original here.

Hock.

2007-10-04T23:59:00.000-05:00

Love this photo, but staring at it makes me dizzy.

Coffee

2007-10-03T23:13:00.000-05:00

Visited my favorite coffee shop last night. Needed some coffee beans, but didn't need any caffeine at that hour, so purchased a decaf to go. Took a moment to sit outside Caribou to snap off some shots. Then tonight I played around with my editing program, even though I have no idea what I'm doing. I guess I like how it turned out.

See the original here.

Playful Lions

2007-10-02T22:42:00.000-05:00

At the zoo in August.

1. I am LION..., 2. You talkin to me?, 3. No, I'm not talkin to you., 4. Oh, I think you were talkin to me!, 5. Yeah well, what if I was?, 6. Well..., 7. Stop talkin to me!, 8. Seriously, stop it., 9. Well ok, maybe we can play., 10. Wait!, 11. Ouch., 12. That's my face, thanks.

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Wine

2007-10-01T20:22:00.000-05:00

I like mine with ice cubes.

Wine also goes well with flickr.

My mug.

2007-09-30T11:56:00.000-05:00

I made it myself.

Morning froth

2007-09-29T23:44:00.000-05:00

Nope, not in a cappucino.

New Camera!

2007-09-29T10:49:00.000-05:00

Picked it up yesterday. You will now get a daily dose of photography as I practice. Every. Day.

I've given myself a goal. I would like to be able to quit my *real* job and have all my income based on photography, by the time I'm 35. That gives me 5.5ish years. I first need to LEARN photography. I need to stop making excuses such as, my brain doesn't work properly. Because I can't understand (or keep straight) camera lingo. I mean that aperture stuff kills me.

A new take on my morning coffee.

Fun Dog Things

2007-09-26T22:03:00.000-05:00

I came across some nifty collars recently, and thought I should pass along the link.

www.georgiabrowndog.com

You can see a few up close and personal here, including one that isn't up on the website yet, and that one I *so* have to buy.

And I promise THIS will make you smile (you'll have to click play!)

Lame

2007-09-25T12:57:00.000-05:00

I know I keep using the excuse that I've just been too busy to post, and that's lame. But true.

This month marks the two year anniversary of this beloved blog. So I guess I should get back to posting more regularly. Otherwise I no longer will be able to claim blogiversary's, and that's lame too.

Yesterday I found someone selling a Canon 10D with a 50mm f1.8 lens at my work for $350. I got in contact with my favorite photographer of all time, Erin Vey, and she told me to go for it (after l looked on craigslist for a 20D, which I couldn't find.) So after this weekend, I will be a proud new owner of a DSLR! Can't wait.

Cards I've made recently...

This card I originally made for a workshop that got cancelled.

This card was one of the cards for the Stamp Camp I hosted on September 16th.

There are a few more over on my flickr page if you are so inclined...

And did you know that one of my dog's is a freak?

Yeah, I know she doesn't fit back there. Why she hasn't figured that out is beyond me.

So...

2007-09-18T12:10:00.001-05:00

Hi!

5 Random Current Facts About My Life

2007-08-22T10:59:00.000-05:00

1. Zoey had bloodwork on Monday again, and this time THIS TIME! it came back normal. Well of course not completely normal, as her cholesterol was elevated, but that was normal last time, so more importantly - her ALT was normal. She'll go back in 6 months to be re-tested.

2. I haven't seen the sun in 5 days. This has forced me to overdose on vitamin BITCH. Or to be politically correct, I am deficient in vitamin happy.

3. I'm the fattest I've ever been, and that's hot.

4. Mice are taking over my life. And more importantly, why won't my dogs EAT THE MICE?

5. If I said 'I love my job', you could call me a liar.

Photography & Slideshows

2007-08-12T00:39:00.001-05:00

So lately, I've started to ponder photography even more and am wondering if I really should start to think of this as a possible career path in the future. Of course my main focus would be dog photography, and I am inspired daily by my favorite photographer Erin Vey.

Now of course I realize I'm not going to be able to up and quit my *actual* job anytime soon, because at this point I'm still an amateur. Which is why I'm exploring the *possibility*.

Anyway, I had fun today taking pictures of Dudley, and I also had fun tonight making my first slideshow. I've never made one before, so forgive me as it's not perfect.

I may be back to edit this post, as I do want to do some editing to the slideshow, so when I'm done with that, I'll replace the one I am posting right now.

Enjoy!

Ok, I'm having trouble embedding the slideshow after uploading it to my actual website (anyone know how I can do that?) So for now I'm embedding the file from YouTube, but ya'll know things get seriously degraded after uploading to that site, so............

Reading

2007-08-09T22:15:00.000-05:00

For all those readers out there...even when a book is good and the ending is perfect, it's still disappointing when you turn that last page, isn't it? Because it's so good, it should just go on forever right?

Well I just finished probably one of the bestest books I've ever read. If you like dogs, humor and good writing, you should pick up this book too. I promise it's a good read.

Walking in Circles Before Lying Down.

Now I'm off to peruse some other Merrill Markoe books.

Oh and I updated my Fall Into Reading Challenge list which can be found here.

Puppies and Rainbows...

2007-08-09T12:02:00.000-05:00

make me happy.

Invites - Done!

2007-08-08T12:42:00.000-05:00

Again, *almost* another week has passed without me posting my lovely rants. My bad.

I finally finished ALL the invites, including those I made for Shelly's Bachelorette party.

52 cards in all (40 for the bridal shower and 12 for the bachelorette party.)

And since the invites were driving me crazy, I had to pull out some other supplies and work on some other things. Wanted to try out a new technique called 'Emerging Color'.

And my 'Just Because' card that I case'd from splitcoaststampers...

Well I'm off to shove a cream puff down my throat.

I wasn't going to post today.

2007-08-02T14:18:00.001-05:00

Really, I wasn't. Didn't even realize it's been a week, eek! But alas, my brain doesn't seem to be working right, so I'm not able to work on what I was actually going to work on during my lunch hour, so here I am. With lots to tell. Well ok, I really have nothing to tell, but that's only because my life is full of so many fabulous adventures - I just don't want you to feel bad that yours isn't.

Ok, so my life is really dull, so what? A girl can pretend right? Although please note, dull does not mean I am not busy. Busy is apparently my middle name these days.

Ok now the feature presentation....

Here is a recent purchase I made. Custom wall hangings. One for me, one for a friend.

Best $12 (well I spent $24 on both) I've spent in a long time. I bought them from Ellia, a fellow local crafty blogger. Isn't she talented?

She also sent along a really nice card and some handmade drawings that are very special...

Oh, and Zoey found the *other* beanie I have and then hid it.

SHIT. Sure Happy It's Thursday! (That must be a new theme of mine I guess!)

Never did I think...

2007-07-26T22:43:00.000-05:00

that I EVER would be making 40 handmade cards. In a whole lifetime. And here I am making 40 handmade cards. In one week.

I must say I am so super proud of myself ~~and so therefore my large head will no longer fit through a door.~~

I'm not finished yet, but am getting close.

Oh and I made these cards this week too, just for fun. With all 4 spare seconds of my free time.

SHIT. Sure Happy It's Thursday!

I live with a Goofy Dog

2007-07-24T12:57:00.000-05:00

More beanie action...

The aftermath...

Original beanie story here and video here.

Weekend Festivities

2007-07-23T13:12:00.001-05:00

Please note that I am so super crabby right now that you might not want to read much further ~~although I will try to not write about it much.~~

I had my Stampin' Up! Open House on Saturday. I put so much work into it and it basically failed miserably. I had a few friends and family show up, and I am at least grateful for that. However, 2 out of the 3 orders were from immediate family, and they get my 20% discount, so I therefore made no money. I also got no hits off of the 150 flyers I handed out, even though I knew not to get my hopes up. It still sucked. I mean I really REALLY worked my ass off for several weeks and pretty much for no reason.

And now this week I have to work my ass off some more to make 40 invites for Shelly's bridal shower. Although I won't mind this much because I've already designed the concept and it should be fairly easy to pump out of 40 of them. And it's super cute, because I rock.

Can I get pulled over for this?

2007-07-19T20:29:00.000-05:00

Anyone care to join me?

Love this SO much.

2007-07-18T12:32:00.000-05:00

Oh and if you are as disgusted as me, and have some Michael Vick paraphernalia laying around?

Send it to:

Mr. Roger Goodell
Commissioner
National Football League
280 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10017

Thanks Gina!

I told you I was busy...

2007-07-17T16:35:00.000-05:00

Made this adorable 6x6 scrapbook page last night for a display for my Open House.

'In Color' Chart with ribbon and textured cardstock...

'In Color' samples for guests...

'Nother set of notecards for a door prize...

Little treat boxes for door prizes too! (Stamped with bleach!)

Gotta run! More to do!

Open House Prepping. +

2007-07-16T13:26:00.000-05:00

Had a busy weekend planning for my Open House on the 21st. But I did manage to capture a picture of the cutest baby bunny in my yard, that hopefully is smart enough to not get eaten by my dogs. Because I so don't need to see one of them ~~prancing~~ running around the yard with a bunny in their mouth, like Zoey did last year. And then she proceeded to skin it (thank god it was dead, or else I would have been.)

So anyway, here is a set of notecards I made for one of the door prizes for my Open House.

I think this set is super cute and I made one for myself too. First time I used my aquapainters and watercolor wonder crayons and I really enjoyed it. Well, that was after I switched to watercolor paper. Before that I used regular paper and totally pissed myself off. Lesson learned.

Here is another set of notecards for a door prize (there is more than one card, but of the same design.)

And here is the Make 'n Take that will be available for $2 during the Open House.

I ~~guiltily~~ case'd alot of ideas from a few members over at splitcoaststampers.com. Without them, I wouldn't have many cards to make! Well cards that rock anyway.

But this one is all my own! And for my technique class I am holding on Tuesday. Frosted Filters. With new 'In Colors'!

I have alot to do this week yet too! Eeek.

Here is a card I made last week for my friend Jilly Bean who recently had a baby girl.

AND!

Aren't these adorable?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenbeanbaby/804339912/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenbeanbaby/821018871/

I custom ordered these two wall hangings from my blogging friend Ellia and wow, she did such a spectacular job! Can't wait to see these in person! One is for me, and the other is for my friend Wendy for Christmas (this is the only time I've ever planned that far in advance, I promise!)

I'll post some more Open House goodies later!

Caught in the act!

2007-07-13T22:16:00.001-05:00

Of hiding her beanie.

Go here to see all the places I've found said beanie.

I'm a Princess

2007-07-12T10:06:00.000-05:00

I've been awarded a lovely 'Bloggin Princess' Award by my blogging friend Tee over at Double Duty!

And she gave me such a lovely write-up to boot! Thank you so much Tee!

And so now, I must pass on the torch.

My first nominee is Lynda. She's a loyal reader of mine, and so sweet that she must be made of sugar. And of course she has a Great Dane, which, well...always puts you at the top of my list.

My second nominee is Jay. And honestly, I don't think she's a princess in the literal sense of the word. She's getting the award because she's been through some shit that no one should ever have to go through, and yet she's still alive and kickin it, and not looking back. Oh and her birthday was like 2 days ago too.

Super busy around here. Refinancing (so the house is getting appraised today.) And I've got 8 billion things to do before my Stampin' Up! Open House next weekend. But I'll be around.

Later!

It's F'N HOT!

2007-07-08T10:13:00.000-05:00

So I brought out the kiddie pool with the 18,000 holes in it, for the dogs. Except really it's just for Zoey, because Diesel's a retard and is afraid of the plastic ~~because it might eat him.~~

It's really more of a giant water bowl rather than a pool...

And this princess isn't afraid to dunk her face...

Aren't my Lillies pretty?

This is what Diesel does on hot days...

He froths. And two seconds later it was on my head...

And on hot days, both of them like to stand in front of the garage. It seems to generate even more heat than the sun does. Diesel does this for about 3 seconds and then wants to go back inside to lay on top of an air conditioning vent.

He sort of dwarfs her ~~but she could still kick his ass.~~

And here Zoey got sick of her giant water bowl, so went back to the regular one...

Notice she still dunks her face...

Well I'm off to go lay on top of an air conditioning vent too.

Diesel

2007-07-06T23:22:00.001-05:00

I don't think I've posted any pictures of Diesel in quite a bit. Seems he's been getting dissed. But no fear, the giant dog is still here.

Took him out to my friend Wendy's house on the 4th for a 'playdate'. I was able to train him on her Invisible Fence after she installed it a year or two ago. It's one of the few places I can take him off leash. And her yard is a bit bigger than mine, so he can stretch his legs, although he mostly just wants to pee on her flowers.

I don't think I ever posted anything about her foster dog Guinness (and how he was adopted out to a family of idiots who let him run away, and then us having to search for him for 4 days until we found him. And you bet your ass Wendy took him back home.) Anywho, seems Diesel gets along with him too, as well as her other 3 permanent dogs.

Guinness also seems to be the jealous type.

Jealous of the testicles that is.

Here are a few videos of Diesel and Guinness. Listen carefully. You can hear me snort in one of them. I promise it's worth it.

And here is Miss Maddy, Zoey's best friend, and one of Wendy's dogs. This pic is so 'her'.

And last but not least, here are Diesel and Maddy licking their lips simultaneously, which is what I call 'Licky Loo's'.

Well I'm off to drink some more wine. I'll be back to post some other pics from the 4th and what not, over the weekend. Later!

Happy 4th (of July)

2007-07-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

A Day in the Life of Zoey's Beanie.

2007-07-02T10:04:00.000-05:00

I posted a blurb a little over a month ago about posting pictures of the adventures of Zoey's Beanie, and now I'm back to document the life of said Beanie.

Zoey's 'Beanie' is obviously a beanie baby (his name is Ears.) I've had said beanie baby since before Zoey was even born. I don't remember at what point MY beanie baby became Zoey's, but she has a weird obsession with it, and I just had to document it.

She's always loved hiding things. And she's really good at it. She will find a spot that she can tuck something away in, and then she usually also finds something to cover it up with. I've seen her pull sweatshirts and blankets from other rooms, and then go back and cover up whatever she's hiding, with the blanket or sweatshirt. Sometimes though, she'll just drop the item in a total obvious spot and leave it. Usually because she notices that you are watching her and then she must think OH FORGET IT. Who knows.

But 'Beanie' has always been a favorite. She's never tried chewing it or damaging it, although I have seen her shake it like dogs do when they are pretending to kill something. Well at least that what it looks like they are doing.

So here are a few pictures I've taken after finding 'Beanie' in different spots over the last couple months...

May 16th

May 18th

May 19th

June 28th

July 2nd

You can view some other pics of 'Beanie' here.

I hope to add many more pictures to this set. Hopefully I can catch more of her creative spots. And maybe even a video of her in the act. We'll see.

For THE LOVE OF GOD.

2007-06-25T14:47:00.000-05:00

Seriously.

Zoey's bloodwork came back.

BAD.

But the vet wouldn't tell me the exact results because she said she thinks something happened with the blood draw that may have thrown off the results. So we have to go back.

AGAIN.

On Wednesday. Free of charge this time.

Except it's not REALLY free, considering my sanity pays a high price here. Oh and gas. That's expensive too.

What? I can't hear you...

2007-06-23T23:59:00.000-05:00

because I'm deaf now.

Flowers

2007-06-20T12:29:00.000-05:00

Isn't this bouquet beautiful?

My Grandpa's wife passed away last week from cancer. 2nd spouse he's had to bury. Anyway, my co-workers are pretty thoughtful and I got these flowers from them after being off for funeral leave last week.

Technique Class

2007-06-19T21:53:00.001-05:00

Tonight I hosted my monthly technique class and I demonstrated Polished Stone.

I made the following cards last week for Father's Day and used Polished Stone for the background.

Anyway, this was my first class with 4 people and it still went super quick! I will have to come up with a more challenging technique for next month!

Also, for the card we made during class, I used slightly different colors than the ones I used in my Father's Day cards. Stampin' Up! doesn't currently have ribbon that matches some of the 'In Colors', so I dyed my white grosgrain ribbon to match the Buckaroo Blue cardstock in the Father's Day cards (I did not demo this at class since we used Vintage Violet as a cardbase and I had Vintage Violet stitched grosgrain available.)

Anyway, I'm off to finish writing up my new monthly Stampin' Up! newsletter. I'm also hosting a special (for a change!) for the product that will soon be retired forever! Need to finish up details on that too!

Later!

More bloodwork

2007-06-18T23:24:00.000-05:00

Hi, hi, hi.

More bloodwork today.

Zoey's fancy blue bandage.

On a lighter note, Diesel had his annual exam last week and all his bloodwork was normal.

More Test Results

2007-05-23T12:30:00.001-05:00

Zoey went in on Saturday for a Bile Acid test (see previous posts on this subject here.) This involved bringing her in first after she had been fasted for 12 hours, then taking her home and feeding her, and then bringing her back two hours later for another test.

Her results were *slightly* abnormal (a continuing trend that is slowly driving me mad.) This is good and bad. Good because well she's not dropping over dead tomorrow from something related to this (even though I don't know what *this* is yet.) Bad because they were abnormal in the first place, and at the same time weren't abnormal ENOUGH to tell us, "Hey, this is what the problem is!"

Pre - Bile Acid - 18.5 (normal is less than 13)
Post - Bile Acice - 26.6 (normal is less than 25)

My vet also ran her ALT again since there was some blood leftover and it did go down to 124 (down from 165.) So that is good. However she is still hovering over being slightly abnormal (normal is 12-118.)

So now what right? Good question. Because I'm not really sure.

My vet is concerned, but not overly concerned, so she's not really quite sure where to go with it either. She said if *I* wanted to be aggressive about it, the next step would be to have an ultrasound and biopsy of her liver. But even then that might not provide an exact answer either.

So what I think we are going to do is to have another liver panel run in 30 days. If at that time the values are still abnormal then I have two options. The ultrasound / biopsy of her liver (which would tell us if it was something such as hepatitis or some other problem such as a mass / tumor etc.), or we could have a digestive panel run (and that would tell us if it is something such as pancreatitis etc.)

In the meantime, my vet wants me to keep a journal of everything she eats (including supplements) everyday and notate how she is acting (because as we see it right now, she has no symptoms of any problem whatsoever.) Removing some fatty foods from her diet is also a good idea right now. So I'll probably stop supplementing with oils (such as Salmon) for now and remove ground beef and switch to lean beef or ground turkey. I'm thinking I should switch her main source of RMB's also (which are pork necks) but am not really sure what to switch them to since she won't eat poultry RMB's.

I will also keep supplementing with Milk Thistle (Marin) and Livaplex, which I got from the vet.

Absent

2007-05-22T12:53:00.000-05:00

I know, I know.

Where have I been right?

Well I'll tell ya what, I almost couldn't login because I forgot what my login name was. How's that for an absence? Gone so long I can't even remember my own login!

Well I'm still not back officially. I've lost the desire to write about anything right now. Maybe it's spring fever, who knows.

I have been *slightly* more active over on my flickr account, but even that's severely lacking in updates.

I really need to post all the pics from my trip to the Chicago Botanic Gardens on Mother's Day. I got some really pretty pictures. And also the pictures of the adventures of Zoey's Beanie (which will need to be explained at a later time due to the fact that I'm already severely bored with typing this post.)

Ok, so I'm alive. That's about all you get for now.

More Bloodwork

2007-05-02T11:04:00.000-05:00

Sorry I've been sort of non-existant. Been sorta bummed out and haven't had much to blog about. Well that's not true, I'm sure there are tons of things I could blog about, but I haven't felt like blogging, so there.

Zoey went back to be retested on Monday. (If you have no idea what I am talking about, go here.)

Her ALT, Total Bilirubin and Cholesterol were even higher this time. Sooooooo.......

Next step is to go in and have a bile acid test done. We go on the 19th for that. She actually has to have blood drawn twice that day. First after being fasted for 12 hrs, then I go home and feed her, and bring her back 2 hrs later to have blood drawn again.

In the meantime we are going to put her on Milk Thistle and Livaplex which I am picking up from the vet tomorrow.

So we don't really know what is going on yet. Whatever it is, she is showing no symptoms and we came upon this during an annual exam. Which I guess is a good thing, because we are hopefully getting a handle on it before it would normally be too late.

Or nothing at all could be wrong and it's just a fluke. But I won't sit back and do nothing and risk that.

Lost a pet to the pet food recall?

2007-04-24T23:59:00.000-05:00

Found about about the 'Postcard Blitz' here...

My Pet Counts! Postcard Blitz

We are calling on all pet owners, parents, guardians who have lost a pet due to contaminated pet food to join us in a post card blitz to demonstrate the full scope of this pet food recall disaster.

The FDA continues to publicize only “16 confirmed deaths.” This number has often been repeated by the media. Reliable sources report that the number of pet deaths are and will be much higher - most likely in the thousands.

If you want your pet’s death to count for something good, please join the My Pet Counts! Post Card Blitz.

Who: Anyone who has lost a pet due to contaminated pet food.

What: Post cards may have a picture of your pet, or can be blank.Purchase cards or design your own. Each set of postcards represents one pet. If you have lost multiple pets, send multiple cards to each address. Only one set of postcards per dead pet, please. Postcards ONLY, this is to ensure the mail is delivered with no security delay.

Where: No need to leave home. You can mail your postcards from your own mailbox.

When: All postcards should be mailed on Saturday, April 28th.This coincides with the national march organized by KOPS (Keep Our Pets Safe). If all postcards are mailed on the same day, the impact will be all the greater when received at the other end.

Why: By sticking to the “only 16 confirmed deaths” wording this disaster is being grossly minimized. The word must get out!

How: Mail a postcard to each of the addresses provided.

The message should be very short, easy to read, no anger, profanity, or rudeness of any kind. Let them see your grief. Tug at their heartstrings. Use your pet’s name. Use the words “My Pet Counts!”

Post card Mailing List:

Marcia K. Larkins, D.V.M
FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
Ombudsman
7519 Standish Place HFV-7Rockville, MD 20855

Senator Richard Durbin
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Your own senator: addresses at http://tinyurl.com/b1lm

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Anderson Cooper
c/o CNN
One CNN Center
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2762

Bloodwork 'History'

2007-04-19T13:37:00.000-05:00

Zoey's bloodwork (see original bloodwork post here.) I'm not anal or anything. I made up this little spreadsheet a few years ago, so that I can see what her values are easily without having to go through any paperwork.

Click on the picture to go to flickr, and then you can view the original size to see the values better.

Bloat

2007-04-19T10:48:00.000-05:00

Dogs. They supposedly increase your lifespan. Dogs. They are supposed to bring joy and companionship to each moment of your life. (Ok, well I'm probably not playing fair, since I think the adage means 'pets', not just 'dogs'. But I'm a dog person, so that's just how it is, k?)

Well no one ever tells you about the heartache and worry. The type of worry that might actually shave years off your lifespan instead. The type of heartache that causes actual physical (and obviously emotional) pain in your body ~~quite possibly causing the inability to function as a human~~. I have yet to experience this pain (well that's not technically true since I lost my beloved Lillian in 2004 – however I have a greater bond with my dogs than I do with my rabbits. That's just how I am. Don't fault me for that.)

This inevitable loss is starting to ~~freak me out~~ concern me. My dogs won't live forever. I believe I will have to be medicated, sedated, and/or committed when my dogs die. Literally. I love them like no other being.

And the worry? Well, I experience that on an almost daily basis.

Part of it could be that I'm ~~totally insane~~ slightly crazy. The other part of it is that I own a breed prone to a number of ailments, including bloat.

Which KILLS them. In MINUTES.

Bloat, which is completely and utterly NOT understood. It happens for no reason, it happens because of stress, it might or might not happen because of genetics. It might or might not happen because of age, exercise, food, how and where they eat or live.

Ok wait, maybe I'm not describing this effectively enough.

Bloat is where the stomach fills with gas, and for some reason it is unable to be expelled, and then the stomach turns over. Cutting off blood supply to itself, and possibly some other organs. This all happens, FOR NO REASON.

Did you know the statistics say that almost half of Great Danes will bloat in their lifetime? And some even say it could be as high as 75%?

All I know right now, is that Diesel's sister died of bloat earlier this week (I found out this morning.) She was 4. FOUR! And Diesel's Mom bloated a few years ago (but made it through and is still alive and kicking.) One of his 'Aunts' also died a month or two ago from bloat as well. That is one too many close relatives for me to not seriously consider having him tacked.

But then what happens when I don't tack Zoey? I really have no information on any of her relatives, so am completely in the dark there. So would she be the one to bloat? Should I have both of them tacked?

I really didn't ever plan on tacking Zoey, and I guess not really Diesel either. I have taken both of them (on different occasions) to the ER for what I already thought was bloat (but was not, and those stories are for a different day.) I know what the symptoms are. I live fairly close to the ER. I'm confident I could get them there in time. When I'm home.

What happens when I'm not?

What happens though if I have them tacked and something happens during surgery? What happens if they have complications after surgery? Or what if the tacking even comes undone at some point?

There are pros and cons on each side, and while the pros and cons are different from each other, they are almost equal in number.

Good lord, just kill me now.

As if I didn't have enough to worry about this week with Zoey's bloodwork coming back abnormal (she goes back to be re-tested on April 30th).

So yes, my lifespan *may* be increased by having a companion (or two) due to the joy they bring me. However, I have to seriously wonder if the worry and heartache diminishes any sort of lifespan increase that supposedly takes place. Maybe it all evens out in the end? Meaning, maybe you'll only live as long as if you didn't have pets in the first place? But what fun would that be?

Bloodwork results

2007-04-17T13:34:00.000-05:00

A follow up to the topic I just posted here.

Zoey's bloodwork came back. Some slight abnormalities. Liver enzymes are *slightly* elevated as is her cholesterol. So she'll need to be re-checked in a few weeks.

Poopsicles.

Annual Exams, and so much more...

2007-04-17T13:08:00.000-05:00

Zoey had her annual exam last week. I think my definition of 'annual exam' is probably different than what a lot of other people consider it to be. Even when I called to make the appointment, the receptionist at the clinic seemed confused. I told the receptionist I needed an appointment with Dr. Morgan, and that it needed to be the last appointment of the day (which is 5:30) and even what day I wanted to come in. I said we'd be doing bloodwork, an exam and a chiropractic adjustment. Hard to be so confused when I state exactly what I want and when I want it right?

Well maybe it was because when she asked about which vaccines Zoey was going to receive, I think I screamed "NONE!", like I was on fire.

I don't vaccinate my pets. Well let me state that a different way. I don't OVER-vaccinate my pets. In fact, the only vaccine they get in their adult lives is Rabies (every 3 years), and that's because it is the only one required by law. If I had a choice, I'd only vaccinate them once for that also, just like I do for Parvo and Distemper.

Yep, once. That's right. Not every year. Not even every three years. Just once. Because they are then immune for life (mostly because they don't live very long lives.) I've even run titers just to double check, and yep, the immunity was there (well that's a simplified version of what the test showed.)

I don't vaccinate for anything else, because in my opinion, nothing else (in my area) is life threatening. I don't even vaccinate for Lyme Disease (which is prevalent in WI) because again, in my opinion, that vaccine does more harm than good and isn’t even very effective in the first place.

I also don't give heartworm prevention either, nor do I use Frontline or any other chemical that says I (a human!) can't come in contact with it (that's right, read the back of the box folks!)

But to be fair, at one time I did use those products. Each time I used Frontline, Zoey had an allergic reaction and parts of her body blew up. Oh what good times those were.

Oh and that one time she had a seizure after giving her heartworm prevention? Yeah too scary for me to not do some uh, what's the word….research? Well ok, how about A LOT of research. And guess what, it doesn't actually PREVENT anything! Imagine that. It only does its job if the dog is actually infected by heartworm larvae in the first place.

Disclaimer (written only because I am sure someone will diagnose their own dog or stop treatment because of something I posted, and I don’t want that responsibility hanging over my head.) These are very personal decisions that I have made because of research I've done. These decisions need to be made by each pet owner. Talk it over with your vet too please, because I have.

I have plans in place should my dogs become infected with heartworm. Or some sort of tick disease. Which my vet said is more of a problem around here than heartworm disease. This is why she is recommending pet owners run an annual tick panel each year. They aren't even recommending an annual heartworm test anymore! Although I do run this test every year since I don't use 'preventative', and the earlier heartworm disease is detected, the easier it is to treat.

So the lowdown on our annual exam went like so...

Exam (checking heart rate, ears, eyes, weight, temperature etc.)
Bloodwork (CBC, Chemistry Panel, Thyroid, Tick Panel including Heartworm)
Urinalysis
Fecal Exam
Chiropractic Adjustment

All for $245. And honestly? I thought that was a pretty good deal. I was expecting to spend about $300.

Maybe that's a large price tag to you, but I get a lot of information on my pet and can compare it to years prior as she ages (she's now considered a senior at 6 years old!) And that information is priceless to me. And at the same time I don't have to assault her immune system with 18 different vaccines during her annual exam, and then use all sorts of toxic chemicals on and in her body the rest of the year.

So when you take in your pet each year, what is it exactly that your vet does during the annual exam?

PS: My vet is a holistic vet, and I consider holistic vets to be of a higher caliber than regular vets (not that regular vets are inferior, just maybe not as knowledgeable about the topics I am interested in for my pets health.) The reason for my opinion is mostly because holistic vets go beyond the 4 years of basic college courses required to become a vet. My vet has continued her education by taking courses in nutrition, becoming certified in acupuncture and chiropractic, and also taking courses in canine rehab etc. I LOVE her.

Oh wait, I'm not done yet. Bounce and Phillip (my rabbits) had their nails trimmed yesterday. Considering my dogs outweigh me and I can easily dremel their nails with no help, this sounds retarded right?

Well ever try to catch a rabbit that doesn't want to be held? And then try and hold them with one hand while trimming with the other with no help? Yeah. I. Don't. Think. So.

I'll pay the $12 to take them to the vet and have them help me there. Besides, Phillip is getting old (he's 8.5) and he needs to have his bum checked (rabbits have these disgusting pockets next to their pooper-holes and umm stuff gets stuck in there. All I can say is, don't ask.) His teeth need to be clipped occasionally too (and this has been fun in the past when one of his teeth have broken off at the gum line and bled, again, don't ask – although I did save the tooth one time, you know, for scrapbooking purposes.)

Anyway, while I was there, I saw a chart where it lists the dogs age in comparison to how old they would be in human years. Well this chart is more sophisticated then the common thought that each year equals 7 human years. This chart takes age AND weight into consideration. Because large and giant breed dogs age faster.

The one thing I don't like about the chart is that there really isn't much of a difference between a 50 lb dog and say a dog who weighs more than 150 lbs. But it's not actual science anyway, it's just something for us humans to use as a tool to show us how old the animal might feel compared to what we understand for our own ages.

So according to this chart, Zoey, who is 6 in real life (meaning actual real time, this is how many years have passed in our lives since she has been born), would be around 49 in human years. Can I start crying now?

Diesel, who is 4.5 in real life, would be around 34 in human years.

Ugh.

Scrapbooking

2007-04-16T10:21:00.000-05:00

I haven't been able to do any scrapbooking in months. But on Saturday I went to a scrapbook expo with my friend (and Cory's sister) Shelly, and I was super excited to do some scrapbooking, because we had alot of fun at the expo and saw alot of great products!

I purchased some chipboard, bling, miscellaneous embellishments and some scrapbook paint...

I also purchased this apron which I had sort of been drooling over for months (sorry it's not the greatest picture I've ever taken)...

So on Sunday, I spent the whole day scrapping.

Guess how many pages I got done? You ready for the grand total? I'm not sure you can handle it!

One.

One. Whole.Page.

Trust me, I know it's ridiculous.

Whateva.

At this rate, I should have the last 5 years worth of pictures scrapped in no time.

If no time means 327 years from now.

Anyway, I'm going to be editing and possibly deleting some older posts, as I'm taking my blog in a slightly new direction. I might go public with it. Well it's public now, but I might be sharing it with family and friends. Scary, I know. Well, not really.

I used to keep a separate blog for my niece Maddie, but it is impossible for me to keep up with two blogs, so I gave up on that one. But now since my blog is mostly craft, dog, family oriented, I might as well be able to share it with family and friends, right? So before I do, I think I need to do some housecleaning. So off I go.

Behind

2007-04-13T07:31:00.000-05:00

I have not been keeping up with posting here compared to what I've uploaded over on my flickr account!

Not sure I should post 18 pages of pics all in this one post either, but maybe I'll give it a go anyway. I will try and break it down by topic to make it easier for ya'll.

Easter

Miss Maddie posing for me while we made Easter baskets...

Marilyn Monroe wannabe...

Seriously, is doesn't get any cuter than this (because it's impossible, I promise)...

Dying eggs (and yes, I used my Stampin Up Classic Ink Refills for this!)...

Finished Easter Baskets (idea courtesy of Martha Stewart - I was going to post a link, but I just spent 15 minutes on the Martha Stewart website looking for it and couldn't find it, so Martha can blow me)...

Crafts (obviously in addition to the Easter Baskets above.)

Recently I've made a few projects, including this microbeaded pen that I adore...

Maddie's Birthday Card (I can't believe she's already 4!)

A housewarming card for Shelly and Alex (and Maddie.)

And two cards for a technique class I taught this last week called wax paper resist...

And here is a pic of the recent Sweetwater Papers I've purchased to feed my paper fetish and addiction.

Online Photo Class - Week 3 - Composition

I took this photo on Wednesday when we got 7 inches of snow (and now all my plants that sprouted [you know, because it's supposed to be SPRING!] are officially dead.)

I like how that picture turned out. The subject is the snow outside my window, and I was able to sort of 'frame' the picture with Diesel on one side.

Took this photo on my lunch hour at work. Was trying to take pictures of something other than my dogs for my class. Trying to follow the rule of thirds with this picture and also have the subject entering the frame rather than leaving it...

Follow up to previous picture. The goose in the water made sure to look up and check on his mate. It was sweet.

I just like this pic. Didn't follow any composition rules...

I took a couple of other pics, but there isn't anything spectacular about them, so won't post them here. You can see them on my flickr page though.

Dogs

Love these kinds of pictures...

And here is Zoey proud of her accomplishment of taking off the cap to a water bottle. Hand her a water bottle, and she'll do it EVERY. TIME.

And finally, a pic of Mr. D after finishing a meal of cottage cheese. He always manages to get it all over himself.

I think that's all I have for now. Picture-wise anyway. I do have some other things to write about, but I'll start a new post over the weekend.

Toodles.

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T11:18:00.000-05:00

I posted a picture for Easter last year that is still totally appropriate and still makes me laugh.

Go here to see it.

Enjoy!

Birthday Photos

2007-03-26T20:46:00.000-05:00

It was 80 degrees today. It was 89 degrees in the office I work in. Because the windows don't open and they won't turn off the heat until April 15th. Parts of my face melted off today.

The only other reason for my post today is to share some birthday photos. Enjoy!

Well ok, this isn't a birthday photo, but can you pull your back leg up past your face? I can't.

Dig in.

No crumb left behind.

Onesies

2007-03-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

Looking for a gift for a baby shower?

These are super easy to make. Just get some iron on transfer paper and print sayings or pictures right from your own printer. And then IRON ON! Voila.

I got the original idea from Sunni over at tworabbits. Then I searched on the internet for a few sayings and off I went. I probably could have spruced them up a bit with different colors, but I didn't. So there.

I also made this adorable spring like card which is non gender specific.

Btw, that video I tried uploading the other day of Diesel wearing his booties for the first time (which didn't work?) Yeah. GONE. Forever. Don't ask me how. Super sad. Phucking computer.

Zoey at 6

2007-03-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

Zoey started graying at 6 months old! But at 6 years old (which she turned on Tuesday), she isn't any grayer than she was when she was 1.

And I absolutely adore this picture.

And have you seen Diesel's booties yet?

I tried uploading a video I took of him wearing them the first time, but it didn't work. I almost peed in my pants it was so funny. And now when he runs? Totally sounds like a horse. All the neighbors are laughing. But I'm more sane because of the shoes. No more mud. IN. MY. BED.

A Birthday Wish

2007-03-20T08:56:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted anything in over a week. Time flies as they say.

I really don't have much to post about, but I do want to announce that today is Princess Zoey's 6th birthday. I actually left the house this morning and totally forgot to wish her a Happy Birthday! Not that she has any idea what that even means. She is a dog afterall.

I'll try and get some pics of Miss Zoey on her birthday later today (or maybe later in the week, who knows.)

I have posted some pictures recently over on my Flickr page that I haven't posted here. Just in case you're bored.

And I'd also like to make a request to have everyone send some good healing thoughts to Mr. Moose for me. He is a fellow Dane out in Cali that had recent surgery on his bum.

Later!

Spring Fever

2007-03-08T08:52:00.000-06:00

No, no, no, I'm not talking about the current Stampin' Up! promotion (because I don't think I'm allowed to do that anyway.) I'm talking about Spring. Fever. Like seriously? When will all this fricken snow melt? Although that in itself brings on a whole nother can of worms, an entity that lives and breathes with Diesel's whole being. I think I've posted about that before once. You can read about that here.

Yesterday I got a notice in the mail about the Farmer's Market opening on May 5th. LIKE OMG I can't wait. Because they sell the bestest Cheese Curds of all time. But that's two months away. TWO WHOLE MONTHS. And then I have to wait THREE WHOLE MONTHS until I can go to Great America for my birthday! I've been doing that for the last 8 or 9 years. Every. Year. It rocks.

This weekend there is a scrap/stamp expo very close to my house. That seems spring-like, no? Well how about the flea market that is going on at the very same time on the very same grounds? Not sure if I'm really into flea markets, but there is only a parking lot between the two buildings, so I'm going to try to stop at both. Then there's another stamp expo at the end of the month on the State Fair grounds. And! another scrapbook expo on April 13th and 14th.

I also was planning on having a class on March 25th, promoting the Stampin' Up! Spring Mini, but so far I have ZERO RSVP's, so it looks like a bust. I think I am going to have to start advertising with flyers and such around my community to try and get more customers. Only because I can't afford to meet the minimums on my own. You know, because I have to spend some monies at all the upcoming spring-like expos!

Anyway, here are a few cards I've made this week. Not sure what my point total is for the March Craft Challenge I'm participating in over on splitcoaststampers - because I don't have the spreadsheet in front of me (yes, that's right, a spreadsheet - don't laugh.)

Stamps: Polka Dots & Paisley

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pixie Pink

Ink: Black Stazon, Pixie Pink Craft, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Black Grosgrain

Stamps: Big Blossom, Linen

Paper: Pixie Pink, Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Pixie Pink, Basic Black

Accessories: Linen Thread, Button

Techniques: Kissing

And I LOVE this one. So easy, so cute.

Stamps: Very Punny

Paper: Whisper White, Cool Caribbean

Ink: Black

Accessories: Watercolor Pencils, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Versamark, Heat & Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, 3/4 inch Circle Punch Black

Challenges

2007-03-02T08:22:00.000-06:00

Remember the 'Fall into Reading' challenge? Well, I wasn't much of a participant. I think I only finished two books by the due date. Life got in the way (as it always does.) But I recently finished another two books (I updated the original post with which books I finished) , so I'm bringing the challenge back. However, since the original challenge is technically over, I'll just be challenging myself.

I did just start another book that wasn't on my original list (since someone basically forced me to borrow it.) Ever heard of Marley & Me? It's a book I've been interested in possibly reading for awhile now, but have been putting it off on purpose since I have heard that it's horribly sad. Which is one reason I never saw the movie Eight Below.

I also joined the March Craft Challenge over on Splitcoaststampers. Here is the point breakdown (these are potential points you could get each day)...

5 pts per completed card
--2 pts for duplicate cards of same design
25 pts per completed scrapbook page
--5 pts for duplicate scrap pages of same design
10 pts for other stamped items completed (altered tins, calendars, altered notebooks, ect.)
10 pts per day for using items from your stash
10 pts for using items you've been hoarding and haven't used yet
5 pts if you upload your creation to the flybaby gallery
5 pts for mailing/giving the card or gift
10 pts if you complete the challenge of the day (there will be a challenge each day of March)
10 pts for finishing a "UFO" (UnFinished Object)
10 pts for flinging a "UFO" (If you decide you will never get to it and get rid of it.)
25 pts for a completed Non-Paper Craft

So here was the card I made last night for the first day of the challenge. (I also cased this card from another member at splitcoaststampers.)

So I got 42 points on my first day! These are the points I earned...

5 pts per completed card
--2 pts for duplicate cards of same design (I made 2, although originally wanted to make 4, but the Crystal Effects was taking too long to dry.)
10 pts per day for using items from your stash (used eyelets from my stash)
10 pts for using items you've been hoarding and haven't used yet (I hoard ribbon)
5 pts if you upload your creation to the Flybaby Gallery (this is one of the galleries on the splitcoast website which I uploaded my card to)
10 pts if you complete the challenge of the day (yesterday's challenge was to use eyelets, which I did)

Well I'm off to put a Stampin' Up! order in! Have a good weekend!

Hobbies

2007-02-28T22:37:00.000-06:00

I love taking pictures. However, I really have no idea what I'm doing. I get some good shots just by chance and a whole lot of crappy shots that frustrate me. I have a nice camera (Canon S2 IS) with all these different settings, and while I've played around with them a little bit, I still have no idea what they really do or mean. It's almost like a foreign language to me. One that I haven't learned. (Not that I know any at all.) And don't even getting me started on the manual. It's obviously written for smart people. Really smart people.

There are two bloggers who's pictures I absolutely adore. These two people I am sure do not know each other and I am almost positive neither of them know I exist. They both have the same camera (Canon 5D) which I can only dream of owning at this time.

While drooling over some of Erin Vey's pictures today (yes, she of course has one of the coolest Great Danes of all time named Gracie), I was inspired to look for photo courses or something to help me take better pictures. (My second source of photo inspiration is Heather Armstrong, although I mostly read her blog because it makes me spit liquid through my nose.)

In my quest for taking better pictures, I found an online photography class for only $25! I'll be signing up for that shortly. I also found a book called 'The Digital Photography Book' that I thought might be helpful as well (it's already on it's way and should be delivered Friday.) So hopefully you'll soon be seeing some awesome shots here at Great Dane Addict. Because my drivel is surely driving you away.

I also think I'll ask for some accessories (lenses, hoods, filters etc.) for my camera for my birthday which is several months away - because I need time to actually research what they are.

Enough about my quest for enlightenment. Tonight, I had a meeting at my Stampin' Up! upline's upline's house. I know that makes absolutely no sense to anyone who has the slightest sense of what normal is. I signed up under Kathy and Kathy signed up under Pam. I was at Pam's house.

This is one of the projects we made during our meeting. Zoey is the model. The stamped saying isn't ironic with the giant foot next to it or anything.