DIETING

Tired of feeling FAT. Well my hubby and I decided we needed to get in shape. We have been on a diet for 2 weeks and I have to say it's working. I am down 15 lbs. according to my scale this morning. I have to say that I am feeling more like my old self again instead of such a blob. My clothes are fitting once again so that's also a nice feeling.

We are doing low-calorie meals and then protein shakes in between. I kind of like this idea because I am not hungry, it satisfies my sweet tooth and I can just make it to the end of the day without feeling like I gotta cheat. This may be a realistic new way of living.

Gotta give a shout out to my friend from work-Melissa Sturgeon today is her 29th birthday (wink). Whatever birthday it is Melissa YOU ROCK! And have a great time at Organ Stop Pizza! (I joked with her that she's much too old for a pizza party-but isn't any age a great age for a Pizza Party?)

We are finally having nice weather again here in Sunny AZ. I love this time of year...wish I had saved more days off so that I could actually enjoy it. Oh well....maybe next year.

September '08 Update

Well, haven't blogged in a while. Today I am totally inspired by all the great scrapbook shows coming out on QVC. Although I haven't felt the need to pick up the phone and order anything, I have been watching for new ideas to put in my own scrapbooks. I have been doing quite a bit of scrapping lately, my kitchen counter has been covered in scrapbook stuff, but so long as I've been doing something is all that matters. We did have a great time in the mountains for Labor Day. I got a really great photo of Caris with a bright yellow butterfly we caught. I think the butterfly was on it's way out because it never flew away, it just let her hold it the entire day. I think that's what made it even more special. Those magical creatures are only around for a few days and on it's last day of life, she got to hold it, treasure it, love it, enjoy it's beauty. I also got a really great photo.

Creative Escape 2008

Ok fellow scrappers...I was not able to attend this year's Creative Escape Event held at Wildhorse Pass and Casino down south of Ahwatukee. It is a scrapbooker's delight hosted by the Bazzill Paper Co. (local company) and Heidi Swapp. The cost to attend this year was 699.00 plus resort room fees so basically $1000.00 Sort of out of my price range, but I am a huge Heidi Swapp fan. I was able to get a hold of a project idea book from the event as well as a 12 x 12 paper pack and I have them listed on ebay if anyone is interested. I started the listings at only 99 cents which is a bargain considering I paid waaaay more. But with ebay, who knows what these might sell for.

Labor Day Weekend

Time to head up to cooler climes and escape this desert heat. Me, Freddie, the kids and my parents will be going up to the White Mountains in Pinetop, Arizona for a long weekend. Hopefully we'll get to experience the big annual White Mountain Apache Rodeo Parade. It is a true Arizona experience that I have enjoyed since I was a young child. My least favorite part back in the old days was that sometimes the crown dancers would circle our truck and I would be terrified. Or they would pick me out from the parade route nearly every time and threaten to kidnap me. It was so scary back then as a child, but now I have so much respect for those who keep their culture alive. Not only that, but I'm looking forward to eating a piece of Indian Fry Bread...like the natives say....KIYEAAAAH!

Check it Out

As mentioned, one of my passions in life is for Scuba Diving and travelling the Caribbean.
There is a new travel website started by a friend we met in Whitehouse, Jamaica. Her name is
Shelby and she lives about 5 miles away from my cousin Brant in New Jersey.
The website link is: http://www.rantalot.com/
It also has disney links. I am looking forward to seeing her message board grow into a beautiful resource for travelers and I wish her all the best!

yes this is a picture of me (third from the left) scuba diving with my compadres Jody and Deanna Castaneda and my hubby Freddie this past April, 2008 diving at a spot called Koloa Landing in Kauai. This is one of my fav. pictures of all time. How many people get a group shot 40 feet under? GOTTA LOVE IT!

Tribute to my Neighbor

I wanted to take a minute to honor my neighbor
from my childhood home. Ross Bittner passed away over the weekend. He was our city councilman, member of Holy Angels Catholic church, husband to Armida, father to David, Kim, Lisa and a loving grandpa. I still remember when they first bought the lot above us and I used to go play in the dirt while Ross worked to build their home. Probably never again will I know someone who builds their home with their own two hands. He lovingly built a modern, beautiful, castle-like home with an amazing 2-story view. He was a gentle giant, patient, caring and a wonderful neighbor. I'm sad he's gone, but celebrating his entrance to heaven as I am sure he is there. Ross-thanks for a lifetime of memories, you will be missed.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday to Me and Susan McFadden my scrappin' buddy.
we are 'twins' and celebrating our 29th birthday again today.
Mom and Dad called first this morning and Mom said I am not
officially 'born' until after 1pm. So lovely for her to remember.
She always says Dad wasn't there and that he had gone to eat
lunch when I arrived. Those were the 'old' days.
Going to Stamp Club tonight at the Stampin' Up demonstrator's House.
She is a neat lady. We learn great techniques there. She does an
excellent job of presenting what you're learning step-by-step.