I got curious and decided to change the way the blog looks, I hope you like it!

So what did I learn these past couple of weeks?
Well, many things.
First, when going to a long crop at a friend’s house (what constitute “long”? oh, twelve hours) make sure to get up every once in a while instead of only three times.

Second, when at said crop – don’t keep stuff at your feet and then bend over from the chair to get it. Instead, keep it within reach OR get out of the chair and kneel down to get it.

Third, learn these two things before you repeat it again a week later at another crop (this one not lasting twelve hours – but still a good amount of time was spent sitting, and reaching, and so on…)

How did I come to learn these things?
I pinched a nerve in my hip. Yes, that’s what I said. In my hip, the area of the ball joint – and I don’t suggest it to anyone. It burned with the fire of a thousand suns…and I’ll just spare everyone the rest of the details.
A doctor’s visit and a filled prescription of Ibuprofen in 800Mg later… I just have to wait the 6-8 weeks (5-7 now) for it to heal. Oh, and be careful. Sigh

Another lesson learned:
Don’t order anything online that is a “pre-order” - wait for it to be in stock, then order it.

The pink ATG gun that I was so excited to be ordering and had hoped to have in my hands by at least now, well – it’s back ordered until August!
Well, I’m taking care of that on Monday.

Let’s move on to happier thoughts, shall we?
Here’s what I have gotten done lately, even while combating injury -

I have completed my Mom’s mini album of my wedding. Now I just need to send it off to her with her other goodies.

Steve’s album is caught up to current.

I am a good way through stitching the wedding project for Eric and Vanessa – my goal is to try to complete the stitching before the middle of August.

I have started amassing the photos for my Disney scrapbook.
This might actually become a couple of books because I have so many memories to record. Unfortunately I don’t have all of my pictures anymore, so we’ll see what magic I can create!

I have been hesitating making my Cricut compendium book…it’s because it is a daunting task – but I need to get on top of it, then it won’t feel like such a huge project.
I also found out that simple math is not easy (yes, sarcasm) – I have to correct myself to say that I own 28 cartridges, not 29. And I’ve only completed cataloging 2 of them.
So in order to challenge myself I am adding a project counter:
Compendium Status: 2/28 – of course that will get more intimidating if I pick up more cartridges….


Recent Day Trips and Experiences
Edana and I went to the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda to see their garden.
We didn’t know that the garden was part of the museum’s admission, so we went ahead because we were told that they had the largest rose garden in Orange County. The garden was nice, but I feel that Roger’s Gardens and Nursery in Newport is actually bigger.
It was a pretty warm day; it was also the 20th anniversary of Nixon’s induction into office (I believe) so we were there when they were having a celebration and luncheon.
While there we were able to get some photos of a few pretty flowers and one very flighty butterfly. After walking through the gardens we meandered through the museum a little bit, mostly to take advantage of the coolness before going back outside. I learned some new things but I also have a deeper appreciation for Pat Nixon now.

The Geek group had a Cake Challenge event that I co-hosted. We had a really nice turn out and a lot more cakes were brought in to be judged than I anticipated. We all had a lot of fun, but when we plan to have one next year we’ve decided it will be in the winter, everyone’s cake kinda got beat up in the heat. John made his own entry and won two prizes!


Other News and Happenings…
I will be traveling to Santa Barbara this next weekend to take part in some wine tasting with my friends Vanessa and Jen. I will be taking this opportunity to discover what type of wine I like, if I truly even enjoy wine. So we’ll see how that goes. I’m hoping to take a lot of beautiful pictures and fun times to capture!

My Sister-in-Law; Anita, and her husband; Jimmy, bought a house! I’m so excited for them. It was a long process with many many emotional set-backs, so I’m very happy this has come to fruition for them. I’m looking forward to seeing their new abode soon. Congratulations you guys!!

Okay…I think that’s all for now…which seems like a lot…
Take Care!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by!
~Ren

Projects!

Here is what I've been doing during this long break between posts:

I worked on and FINISHED the Monterey scrapbook. Yay!!


I have also been working on Steve's 1st year album, and I'm almost caught up to current, three more layouts and we'll be waiting for the next big activity.




And I started a mini scrapbook of my wedding for my Mom.


There have been a few late night/early morning crops at Denise's house. Not only are we having a great time enjoying each other's company and seeing what we're all working on but the conversations have been varied and stimulating!
I've been having scrapping fun with these gals!!

We also recently had our last crop with Theresa, the lady who pretty much brought us all together. We will miss her very much and we wish her and her family the best of luck in Colorado and we're hoping we will get to visit her soon!!

I have been working on a project for my friends Eric & Vanessa, for their wedding in October. I am hoping to have it completed soon. I'll show you the pics once they're finished.

My Cricut cartridge collection is now up to 29 carts since the roll out of the Walmart exclusive Lites. They seem to be introducing new carts more often lately. I just saw today that they are making a full content cart for Halloween (along with some seasonal carts) - I've been saying for a while that they needed one. I know - I'm obsessed! I hope I don't regret not joining the Cricut Circle as a charter member...

I am one of the (not so) happy folks who couldn't update her Gypsy this holiday weekend, but that's okay - the glich should be repaired and the site up and running again by Tues/late Wed.


And I ordered a pink ATG gun from Custom Crops, now I am patiently waiting for my shipping confirmation that its on its way! Once I get the ship confirmation number I'll order some refills!!

My dear friend Edana gave me some good reassurance about my post back a while ago when I was so hard on myself about my picture taking abilities. She was so wonderful to point out that digital cameras make it easier to take bad pictures because we don't take the time to really take a photo like we used to when we were using actual film. So true on my part! So I've decided to take a little more time when I take my pictures, we'll see how they turn out...in the meantime here is one I took when she and I were wandering through downtown Orange a couple of weeks ago, its so pretty I thought I'd share it with everyone.

Thank you Edana for your continuing support and love!!