CKC

Well, I decided to post about our trip to CKC. Jennifer and I had looked forward to and dreamed of going to a convention for quite a while. It seemed like it was all talk though. I did tell her that I thought I was going to head to Nashville when CKC came through, but no body was sure. Then all the sudden things started happening. We got to go together, which is better, you can buddy shop!!!

We arrived at the convention and first off.....NOTHING was labeled to tell you where the convention was...so we had to ask. But there it was in the Presidental area of the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center...I thought the President part was perfect. We entered our tickets, got our class passes and headed to the showroom floor. We entered the room and literally both of our jaws hit the floor. We went to the first booth and just glanced, then the second one and almost at the same time said "I am a little overwhelmed". So much vendors, so many ideas, so many things to buy. But we decided to take our time. We had about 2 hours before our first class...so here we go. Over the course of the 3 days, we encountered many many booths that we liked, some were just ok, and some that we visited so much the owners recognized us and chatted up with us. I even got into political converstations with the owner of Creek Bank.

Now I am going to break this down in terms of things we did....first off CLASSES!!!

1. Our first class was on Friday at 4:30 pm. It was an acrylic album class. I had done one, but never been skilled in how to do it the right way...so this was new. The class came with stuff all ready pre cut....which is very lovely. My complaint here was the not everyone had the same pattern papers and this confused people and slowed done the process. This was an all level class though, and I had to remember that Jennifer and I are what I consider advanced, and some of these folks were newbies. One lady said this was her first time ever. So that part was strange having all those skill levels together. The teacher taught us how to layer and buid the book, but all allowed us to use our own creativity on the project. I do believe that Jennifer and I used every single thing she gave us. I know I did. And we were very pleased with the project.

2. Class number 2 was the best class EVER!!! Ali Edwards every day life. I myself am a huge fan of Ali (even won a prize for knowing private info on her at the class), and I told Jennifer when we were looking at the classes that she would love her too. I know that neither of us were disappointed!!!! We got TONS of stuff at this class...a stamping block, a set of very cool stamps which I have all ready used alot (they were designed by Ali and feature her handwriting). Enough stuff to do a one page layout, but Jennifer and I soon made it into a 2 page, and a wealth of knowledge. Jennifer and I have both stamped for years, but this lady taught us so many tricks and gave me a new spin on how to use acrylic stamps and what to buy. Eileen you are the bomb!!! jennifer and I WILL do an Ali Edwards class again, and maybe 2 or 3 of them.

3. Jacob's Ladder. The papers did not blow me away, but the technique was wonderful. I came home and made another one I liked it so much. This class took the jacob's ladder thing you used to make a dollar bill move from one side to the the other and put it in scrapbook form. You can get SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many pictures on a page with this!

The vendors were wonderful as well. Our favorite was for sure Creek Bank Creations!!! We visited here what Jennifer like 4 or 5 times? Tom Creek, was the guy that owned the store. He was the one that reconiged us and got to talking about politics too. I loved this store. I probably spent most of money here. Jennifer, I sure wish I had bought the little sis or the big brother...wanna make an order from them? I am telling you guys, they have the greatest chipboard that I have EVER seen...and I have been doing this since 1990!!! One side was like you usually get it and one was distressed and it was sOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO thick and good quality. I sanded, painted, and distressed and it did not tear up. I am so impressed with the products. Why did I not get more? www.creekbankcreations.com

The second favorite was Eileen's booth or technique tuesday. They have Ali Edwards products. They make wonderful stamps, and killer layouts. Their kits are outstanding. I have seen them for years in magazines and been inspired by them...even copied one from Creating Keepsakes magazine exactly, went to this convention and it was one of Eileens (she had the original at the booth). they have amazing cloth tags/sticker like things, and WHITE chipboard. Now that I was impressed with!! www.TechniqueTuesday.com

The next vendor we really liked was Keller's Creations. They did these tags and chipboard connectors that were just wonderful. I have noticed since I brought my purchases home that you can be very creative with their products. Their slogan is scrap outside the box and they mean it. The accordian tags are my favorite and I have used all of mine, except one I am saving it and a package of circles. www.acidfree.com

There were many many vendors that were selling pre cut, ready to go kits. I did not buy one, but I think Jennifer bought 2. They were wonderful, but I like to be creative on my own. I do wish that I had gotten the owl one though. I can almost see it in my brain, but not quite. It is not availible for purchase on their website, but check it out www.licketyspilitscrapbooks.com



There were vendors that had great sale items...got cardstock by the pound, but man it is the thickest best cardstock I have ever seen! Sure wish I had gotten $5 more.

It was a great convention...YES, I am going next year...more Ali/Technique Tuesday classes are on the agenda. Thanks CKC!!!

I have included photos of the stuff we made/bought (that I have not used). Creek Bank chipboard can be found on my "death" layout on facebook.

This needs no title other than DEF LEPPARD

Just listening to an album that changed some of my musical tastes for the rest of my life. I remember where I was the first time I saw the video for "foolin". Yes I do, I was in the living room in Mayfield in front of a coffee table that we used to hold our tv. I was sitting on the floor with my hand on the cable box (no remotes back then), and was changing the channels. I stopped on Friday Night Videos (this show was very popular in my youth), and saw Joe Elliott on a triangle sort of tied up. Ok, I knew who Def Leppard was because of my uncle. He had played the High N' Dry "tape" for me in his car. I loved the music but this was different. While it had the same guitar style, it was in a class of it's own. I watched the whole video and begged my mom for the tape. I do believe it was my uncle who ended up giving me his tape, but I can't remember. All I know is I got it and I was hooked for life (I still have this tape...doesn't work anymore just have it for the memories).

Pyromania was the 2nd best selling album of 1983...an album that you probably have not heard of but thrilled me just as much was the #1 album of that year. It was called Thriller by a fellow that goes by Michael Jackson. While Pyromania was HUGE and by most years sales, it would have been number 1 by a long shot....that other album just sort of took over. Believe it or not it sort of happened again in 1987 when Def Lep released Hysteria, Jackson did Bad and again Bad outsold it by a few million. Strange how that happened both times in both careers. Of course, the Jackson fellow sold way more than the Def Lep, and I must admit in both cases I helped that Jackson fellow by buying his products.

Over the course of time, I have had 2 pyromania LPs, 3 cassette tapes, and 2 cds. Only one of which I did not purchase myself, but all of which I have worn out, with the exception of that last cd. Compare to Hysteria and it is stranger, 1 LP, 6 cassettes, and 2 cds.

Pryomania still ranks as one of the top albums of all time for me and you know I forgot to buy the deluxe set last month because of that Jackson fellow again (this time he died). I have just now ordered it and look forward to hearing the band sing "traveling band" with Brian May. You see the set comes with the remastered cd, but also a live unreleased show from 1983, which is what I am most looking forward to hearing.

And in 10 days I go see them again. I am sure it will be just as fun and thrilling as all of the other times that I have been to see them and I look forward to it very much.

Oh, I guess that again this year, Michael Jackson will out sell the Leppards...mmmmm

A fried egg with the middle loose

I have many many things running through my mind today. However, the brain is a tad fried, a bit like an egg with the middle loose. Crusty on the outside, but it you touch it all the middle will ooze into a large puddle at your feet. I am literally DEAD tired; but I am hanging on cause my daughter is at the movies and I have to wait up until she gets home.

So what am I doing to stay awake? First of all, I have uploaded every photo that I have yet to print. Cool...the rest of Disney and July 4 and my LATE birthday celebration at Red Robin. If I print all of them it will be over $40 so I am going to print most of them.

Tomorrow I am going to Mandy's wedding. It is a strange rite of passage...Mandy was just in high school when I met her, a small little child playing in the high school band. Strange that tomorrow she will be a married woman.

Then I am thinking (my mind is very ADD right now), about song lyrics...some of them are downright stupid, but I just keep on singing them. I will list some of the stupid songs on my playlist now.
1. Super Trooper-ABBA
2. Who is it-MJ
3. Rockstar-nickelback (this is not a clean song)
4. Let's get rocked-Def Lep
5. You know my name, look up the number-The Beatles
6. 1984--Wings
7. CAn you feel it?-the Jacksons
8. Who'll stop the rain?-CCR
9. Bop til you drop-yes, it's a kids song I do not care, I like it
10. Soarin-WDW
11. Splash mountain medley-WDW
12. Dirty Diana-MJ
13. Tug of War-Paul
14. Action-The Sweet
15. Jeepster-T Rex
16. Give Ireland back to the Irish-Paul
17. 15 step-Radiohead
18. Foolin-Def Lep
19. smooth criminal-MJ
20. Flightless Bird, American Mouth

These are subject to change at a moment's notice. I expect any day I will go to a mainly Def Lep list as I am just a few days out from seeing them live.

Thinking about my son too, he has decided to give football a try....football. I hate football. It is too stinking cold! I am NOT going to do well at this. I think I might schedule staff meetings around the games...Mom's don't need to see their boys do football do they? I am so not looking forward to this.

You know at this point...I think I am much to tired to talk about anything. I was trying to take a Def Leppard quiz and I was even missing questions. I am totally gonna kick myself in the morning for that...see ya

New Love

Today I am going to talk about some new loves...are you ready for this?

Over the last 19 years or so, I have seen every episode of Law and Order in all it's various forms. I have had many teams that I have loved: Benson/STabbler, Bricoe/Green, Briscoe/Curtis, Goren/Eames, and Bernard/Lupo...and there were some that I did not like. Fontana? Blah Wheeler? Blah WAIT!!! Wheeler, no I have never really been a fan of yours, I would watch you with Logan fretting over your lines, and you two had no chemistry. I hated it, but I did like Logan so I watched through it. Then Zach Nichols walked through the door! Of course, I love Jeff Goldblum. I have liked his work for years and even told my husband when Curtis was leaving, "he would be good on that show." No one ever listens to me, especially not Dick Wolf. Anyway, life went on, and then years later Jeff got the RAines tv show. I was a huge fan from the get go. I watched all ____ (it went by so fast it's a blur) episodes. I was sad to see it go...but then rumors started flying. Noth wanted out, he wanted to be a movie star; hopefully wheeler was going to, maybe bring back Whitt. Then the news came out "Jeff Goldblum to join the cast of CI". I was so thrilled. What would he character be like? You knew just from the folks that he portrays that he was going to have to play it sort of like a Goren, and that excites me. I like Goren, but I know that the actor is just as unstable as the character and that you never know what he is going to do onscreen or offscreen.

On his first appearance you could see that there was going to be an air of mystery. What did 9-11-01 do to him? Where has he been for 7 years? Where is his wife? How is he hooked up with the captain? But also, you could see a connection...a connection with WHEELER. Will it be a romance? A big brother thing? Will he help with the baby? He has even made her interesting to me, she is not just a wallflower basking in Logan's dust. She is shinning... he is treating her like an equal, even if she doesn't have all the answers like he does. DAre I say that it is sort of like a Goren/EAmes in that respect? Yes it is! I love it! Mr. Goldblum you have energized one of my favorites shows and hopefully got it the attention it needs to get back on network so my mom can see it. Wonderful acting, wonderful stories, wonderful job. Thank you for entertaining me every other sunday at 8pm on the USA network where characters are welcome.

Grounded

You have all read (hopefully) about Trevor being grounded. I am telling you this child just must play...it doesn't matter when, how, or with what; he has to play. So he was grounded from certain toys and his friend, so he just had to be creative and think, "what can I play with that mom won't get mad?"

I keep my morning "get ready" stuff in the living room, make-up, curling irons; and also in there is my sewing basket that holds whatever I am sewing at that time. They are in 2 baskets that sit on the side of the recliner. My son got into a 1 foot space between the wall and the recliner and began to play with the curling iron and the flat iron. The 2 irons were fighting with each other and making these great gun sounds. And of course he threw in the typical "sword fighting" techniques that one usually uses when one plays swords.

When I asked him,"why do you want to play with curling irons?" He said, "I am grounded from all the fun things". Enough said!

See ya

Stories of Walt Disney World

Well, I have given my reviews...now it is time to give you some stories of our trip. Day one...the flight was ok, only one spot did I have issues with the flying. I did land, text my friends (a very incoherent message) and we were on our way to the Magic Kingdom. I slept all the way because that pill make me bonkers. When I awoke we were at the hotel unpacking. The unpacking process was quick and then we whisked ourselves to the Magic Kind om because we wanted too! We did the Carousel of Progress (one of my all time faves)...STitch, and Buzz lightyear (we only missed one tomorrowland ride and that was because I will never again....Space Mt and TTA were in refurb). Then we board a ferry to Fort Wilderness for dinner. See nothing much going on here. Dinner was great...we shopped a little at the campground, then took a ferry back to the kingdom. Still nothing! We rode many more rides all in Fantasy Land. Still nothing going on right? We then went to Adventure land...I wanted so much to do the Jungle Cruise at night (it is way more fun at night). I was so lucky (thanks to Trevor's GAC) to land a seat next to the guide. He and I bantered the whole trip. My "Disney" training kicked right back in, and I became the "class clown". I LOVED IT. For those of you that don't know...I have CAS or Center of Attention Syndrome. LOVE THE SPOTLIGHT!!!

At 1 am the park closed and we made our way to the exit. My body gives me serious issues when it is too hot or too cold, that is a fact that you must know. And I hate the ferry from MK to the TTC (Ticket and Transportation center). EVERY SINGLE TIME that I have ridden it I have "ISSUES"...every time!!! I told john that I did not think it was a good idea, but the monorail line was HUGE! We got into line for the ferry...it was a long line. Disney likes to cram people in the smallest space it can...the cm kept saying, "move up and to the left"...we had so many people in there, no air, B.O....it was a nightmare. I could feel it, down I went! We did get to the front of the line, but I felt like crap. I did not have a seizure just got too hot. This was issue #1

I was very careful to go inside every time that I felt "weak" for the rest of the trip...good thing it was sooo hot. Even bought a $17 fan to keep cool with, and it was worth every penny.

Day #2, Hannah and I were alone since the boys took a road trip to Miami to see the Cardinals. When we first entered Epcot...Dave the purse inspector was singing...sorry, can't sing but can't help myself...I started singing with him. "oh, what a beautiful morning". I was having so much fun being in "Disney" mode. I enjoyed engaging the CM's in conversations at every chance that I had.

Hannah and I took a Gardening tour, and Hannah was bored to death! I was very proud that some of what my mom had taught me rubbed off. I got 4 out of 6 right on the guess what plant quiz. They were all herbs, thanks Granny!

We had dinner reservations at the Garden Grill in Epcot. I knew I was going to embarrass my tween daughter as soon as I made the reservation. It would only be worse because dad was not going to be there to control me. When Pluto came around the first time...I was fine, I said nothing that would drive my child crazy....but when Chip and Dale came by...I got a little whack. Dale and I go way back (I know it's a different Dale now but we do). I told Dale he was my new favorite because he "kissed" me upon sight because I had my "dale" page ready to go. Dale and I "flirted" for a bit and then Mickey came over. Mickey and Dale each pulled on my arm fighting over me, YES!!!!! I then told Mickey that he was my new favorite leaving my beautiful daughter mortified that I love Disney stuff so much. Mickey sat with me for a bit, then left promising to return. Both he and Dale did return and we went through the same circle again. My poor child wanted to throw me over the railing of the revolving restaurant!!! However, her heart was about to be won over...Dale "broke" up with me and started in on my child...she was in love. He flirted, kissed, hugged, and made great photos with my baby. This $91 meal was worth EVERY penny.

Day #3...Animal Kingdom...We did the touring plans and did all the big rides by noon. Then we slowed down and looked about. We saw Turk standing on a trail and the CM encouraged us to go up the path...WHO was up the path? OMG....Baloo and King Louie...my all time favorite Disney movie characters. I was hoping to see them months ago and determined to make it happen...I bought "Jungle Book" stickers (expensive ones) in hopes for this glorious event. Mission Accomplished!!!

Day #4...The Studios, the reason we planned this trip in the summer. STAR WARS weekends!!! I knew we would have 2 days here so I planned my days to the letter. First up was a storm trooper. I was very lucky to have encountered one as he was exiting "backstage" so I was he first guest. He was to go to his queue but I nabbed him first and made him pose. Next up Sand People...I was a bit frightened of him...he was so in character. I asked to have my picture and he grunted, then he held his weapon up at me in a threatening way. He held it over his head and my husband got the shot of the two of us (with Trevor too). It was crazy, but hey mark it off your list. Next the Big Dogs!!! Vader, check; Anakin, check; Amedalia, check; ewok, check; Jango, check. Good job! I only missed Chewy! I got bonuses too, the Cantina band, a speeder bike (I have had my picture taken on this bike many times...they just moved it for the event...it usually is right outside of Tatooine Traders. Got R2D2, Asoka Tano, and SHAKK Ti (my all time fave SW character). Day #5, back to the Studios...we watched the opening ceremony with the troopers guarding the park. Saw Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Vader Goofy, and Trooper Donald. More guests were dressed up today giving the park bonuses. Rode Toy Story Mania 3 times...it was our favorite ride in this park (everyone but mine the whole trip). Did the animation tour and got to the front of the line for Sorcerer Mickey. Hannah went first...Mickey admired her new SW tshirt and pointed to R2D2 and gave a thumbs up. R2D2 was his favorite he let us know. He kissed on my sweet child and then it was my turn. Hey, I took my own turn, I did not go up with my kids. I went up to Mickey and he pointed to my Happy Anniversary button. He "asked" how many years and I told him "16! But Mickey I love you most!" He pointed to the mickey and Minnie on my button and did the "break up" sign. He was saying he and Minnie broke up. I said "for me?". He shook his head "yes". I asked, "will you come home with me?" "Yes" he shook. He grabbed my arm and put it around his arm and began to walk me backstage. The photgo was snapping photos of this wonderful moment. I asked Mickey if he "loved me best", and again he shook his head "yes", but there was trouble....right outside the backstage area was a man. A man wearing a "happy anniversary" button like mine. A man whose job it was to take pictures of my encounter with Mickey. He put his fists up to my new boyfriend, and my new boyfriend shrieked back like a .....like a MOUSE! Mickey kissed me goodbye, and I had to leave with the man. Good thing, cause the man paid for my trip. Mickey I love you.

Day #6 Back to the Epcot...our friends were there. And more character encounters...Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Mary Poppins, gosh, I have lost track of the others will have to look at the pictures. I spent $50 for Disney cds, and then more for scrapbook stickers. Got flashed by a CM that was wearing a tshirt that I bought. He pulled off his costume and I saw it all. He was embarrassed, but I said it is ok. When I went back later that evening to the same store to buy water, he had remembered me, "guess I really made a lasting impression and you came back for more." "you know it" I said. He was sweet and funny! Saw my 4th British Invasion show today. And for the 4th time had my picture made with the band. "Paul" loved my Beatles shirt. And actually I tried to buy a new one, the store had FOUR on display. I asked about them..."we don't have those in stock". Not in stock but on display...yeah that works!

Day #7 A little bit of everything. We did the Studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom. I met up with the British Invasion show, and they remembered me too. "John" called me their "groupie". "Paul" was saying "please tell guest relations how much you love us" (I did!!)

Day #8...the plane...this was messed up from the get go. Times were changed and my husband had no clue of how far away from the airport we were. I was doing ok, until I looked at the clock and realized that the plane was supposed to take off in 40 minutes and we were not at the airport. I began the freak out. John had told me that I could get something to eat at the airport, so I had nothing, and could not take my "happy" pill. I could feel it, feel the pulsing in my heart and the nervousness building up. We arrived at the airport with 15 minutes to spare (before take off). The bags went through the TSA fine, that's the checked bags. We got to security and BOTH of the kids DVD players had to be inspected, this has NEVER happened before even in Orlando international or Sea-Tac! We made that part only one piece to go....the ids. My id was fine and he waved me on...John's was a problem his did not have a security strip in it. He was a week from needing a new one anyway. The guy kept him there and John sent Hannah and I on. Hannah and I boarded the plane...by now I am hyperventilating. I told Hannah, "hang onto you bag, if he does not make it, I WILL get us off this plane" Finally at the last second he makes it. By then I have had no food (blood sugar), no pill (anxiety), and no sleep. I am doomed to fail. I tried so hard to hold it together cause I was sitting with Hannah. John and Trevor were sitting elsewhere. But that flight attendant said to the folks in front of you, "are you sure that you could help people off this plane in the event of a crash?" That was it! I looked back and John and said "I have to get off NOW!" He said to hang on...I could not! I was breathing so fast, and then the tears came. I said, "I am not supposed to be here, I have to get off". He asked if he could switch seats and asked for water and food. I downed a whole bottle of water in one drink SERIOUSLY! The next parts make me look freaky but I had a full blown anxiety attack. I finally had enough food that I could take my pill, and I cried until I fell asleep. I hate flying! Hate it more than anything! Why could I not take my pill before and then I would remember none of it. Lesson learned! Take the pill the night before. Even if you are a zombie the day of, at least YOU won't know it! I did make it, but I am telling you flashbacks of Final Destination came to me...did any of you know that when I saw that movie the first time, my water broke and my son was born 3.5 weeks early because I was so freaked out about it? Airplanes...blah!!!

Throw back to the 70's and 80's

I remember as a child going through Woolco here in Paducah KY. I remember looking at the dolls (a barbie type/size doll). She was so pretty. She had big hair (which even then I loved). A red jumpsuit (polyester), and wonderful white high heels. I wanted her so much. Begged for her...but was told no. Every time we went to Kmart I would see her. She wanted so much to come to my house (trailer) and play. However, I am guessing she was expensive. After all I had the Superstar Barbie, the Donnie and Marie, the Bionic Woman, even the Wonder Woman (which I also had wanted so badly), but not HER! I wanted HER!!!! She even had "fluffy" eyelashes! She was perfect!

Well, come Christmas time we were at my grandparents opening gifts. In most years we opened gifts in an old converted garage. This was way before that. So how old was I? 5? I bet so! Well, we are opening the gifts and there is one for me! I open it up.....THERE SHE IS! SHE IS MINE! My very own FARRAH! She was way better than I had imagined. She had a red jumpsuit on, but also came with a blue evening gown (polyester), and a red dress. She was the most perfect toy (and wonder woman was the bomb)...that I could have. Farrah and I spent a long time together. But eventually she got a cracked neck and just fell apart. I had to throw her away. However, to this day, I have all 3 of her great outfits. I loved you Farrah.


Then in 82' when I was much older, I got a poster for my birthday. A poster of a dude in a pink sweater, and I believe blue jeans. He had on a button down shirt under the sweater but the color escapes me. I must tell you, this poster started a craze of hanging posters all over my wall. This one had prominence directly over the bed (at least until 86' when Def Leppard hung in that spot). I would dream that I would marry him. He could dance wonderfully. I was amazed even then by his talent. Of course at that time he was not labeled as "weird" so it was great. Near the end of 85' at Christmas time again, I got a gift from Santa that I was so excited to have. I got the Michael Jackson doll. He wore the Blue sequined jacket from the awards show. For my birthday I got another one...This was the thriller one. I love both of them. I played with them so much that the awards outfit tore up (it was poorly constructed). Then the dolls started falling apart...one spilt up his torso and just literally fell to pieces. The other cracked in the chest, but I do still have it. The thriller outfit fared well all these years. It was a pleather type thing, and held up so great. I still have it and my one MJ doll. There was a time that I could say that I had every MJ album available, you know I may still have all but the last one (only most are LPs). I was a huge fan of his a well, even when he got creepy I was amazed by his talent and writing ability. I was however ticked at him when he got the Beatles song rights. I have hoped for years that Paul would have those. I think that is what is right. Paul and John were swindled out of those rights and I am hoping that maybe the estate would sell them. I am sure Yoko and Paul would pay alot for them. They should have them since THEY wrote them. It is their art, but that is an argument for another day.

Anyway, today I mourn the lost of a piece of my childhood. I pray for their families. MJ had very small children, I pray that they are cared for and not taken advantage of. Farrah's son sits in prison, I pray he gets his life on track and becomes drug free. It is very shocking about both, sort of a surreal feeling that I am feeling today.

Thank you both for entertaining me. Thank you Farrah...for having great hair, and perfect teeth, for creating movies that I will never forget. Thanks for being one of my favorite little dolls and making me so happy as a child.

Michael, thank you for Thriller...what an amazing record that I still listen to today. It was just in my cd player less than 2 weeks ago. Thank you for a cheap little doll that I had lots of fun playing with (you know I killed you off the top of the Barbie house balcony when the torso split....that was such a poorly made doll), thank you for your dancing....words can't describe how wonderful it was, thank you for drawing a picture of Paul McCartney that I think it so cool...but not thank you for getting the Beatles songs. I pray that all those allegations aganist you were never true today, but shall not talk about that because it makes me very sad.