I got some cashola for Christmas from my Grandma… thanks Grandma!  Anyway, so I’m pretty bad about using Christmas money for the everyday stuff.  So Denny says the other day, “I was going to get you an iPod for Christmas but I didn’t know what one to get.  Let’s go get one with your Christmas money.”  Well of course my reply was telling him about the car payment, car insurance etc, that was going to come out this week.  Ugh.  His response, (in an effort to justify things), was that this is like money we never had, lol.  And that Grandma wouldn’t want me using it to pay a bill.  I”m sure he had a point, but it’s just not who I am.  The only thing I get for myself is some scrapbook stuff here and there.  There isn’t anything else I really need, you know?  Well Denny knew I wanted an iPod, and despite my protests we ended up at the Apple store yesterday.

I had been looking at the Nano for a LONG time and then the Shuffle, but I’m wondering how the heck you tell whats playing on the Shuffle.  Not to mention that the teenie tiny Shuffle would be missing in about five minutes.  So I got the Nano (Product) Red.  I’ve been snuggling with it since I got it.  Denny has done nothing but laugh at me since yesterday.  Apparently he likes the grin I’ve been giving my iPod, lol.

Denny has been working his fanny off on the house and a few cars he has out in the garage.  We ripped out all the tile in the one downstairs half bath.  It has been tiled about a year or so ago, but we didn’t like the tile and we had a leak… so out it went.  Denny just finished up the floor last night and we just have the shower floor left.  Someone is coming out to do that part, so we are pretty much at a standstill until then.  I’ll be happy to have it done, and when it is I’ll post a photo.  I’m loving it so far!!

When I haven’t been helping him I’ve been working on some cards.  Here is one I put together the other day.  It’s all Prism cardstock, with the pink (Razzleberry) stamped with VersaMark.  The patten paper is a Scrapworks print.  Ribbon is from American Crafts.  I saw the “Seize the Cake” phrase when I was wandering through Archivers the other day.  Whatcha think?

Time for me to get going.  I still have a bunch of stuff to do before we leave.  We go on New Years to a bowling party with the Herbert family.  They do a count down around 4pm and the kids really like it.  Plus those of us who are crappy bowlers get to make fools of ourselves.  Fun stuff.  :)  Plus I’m making Mr. Eric some of my chili for Christmas and I have to get that packed up.  (I think this might really be a gift for Michelle… one less meal she has to cook!)

Happy New Year!  See you in 2008!

~j

I hope everyone had a good holiday.  Mine was jam packed, as usual.  Christmas Eve was just crazy busy.  We had family pictures that day, and for those of you with kids, well you know how trying that can be.  I’m fairly used to it being I’m with them all day long, but poor Denny, you could hear in his voice how aggravated he was getting.  He gets a vacation from work just to have to battle a family photo, lol.  Our appointment was at 10:30 and we got out of there just before noon.  The kids by themselves did ok, it was the family photo that was crazy frustrating.  Trying to get everyone to cooperate at the same time.  Yeah right.  Anyhow, here is how it turned out, the best out of 50 shots I swear…

So after family photos we stopped at Target, only to find out they were out of my prescription and it seemed after calling everywhere no one had it.  INCLUDING ME.  Hello people, those are my “happy pills” and don’t mess with the happy pills.  I could have sworn I had another bottle, but alas I didn’t, so I was in a panic.  I dug out some samples i had here and was able to pick up the script today… thank goodness for everyone around here, lol.  Anyhow, so after a wasted trip to Target we stopped at Lowes.  After that we got home, and I whipped out the gifts I had to have done for that afternoon and wrapped up the cheese ball I had made.  Then out again to my parents.  Keep in mind we had to be at my parents by 2pm at the latest.  As I said we left the photo place at noon.  You do the math.

Gotta love the holidays huh?  My answer is no.  I’m not big on this time of year.  It’s too much stress and has really become so stinkin’ commercial it kills me.  There had to be a bazillion people in Target when I went and it seemed like 90% of them were yelling at someone else.  It was a mad dash on people trying to get what they wanted as quickly as they could.  It didn’t matter to them what kind of carnage they left behind in the process.  It was a real nice display of good will to others I swear.

Ho Ho Ho and here is hoping that no one gets maimed in a return line this year.

~j

So we had a rough day here yesterday.  Lots of stuff has been going on and poor Denny is pretty stressed.  I hate to see him so wound up.  At any rate, the below video, posted on YouTube, covers the record breaking run of “Casper.”  For those of you that don’t know, and I suspect if you are reading my blog you fall into the “what the heck is an LS1″ category, here is a little background.

Casper is a 1995 Chevy Camaro, and the first LS1 Pro Street car to go into the 6’s (as in 6 seconds) and break 200 mph.  (I’m not even a big roller coaster fan, so the whole idea really churns my stomach.)  Anyway, Denny and his crew over at Wheel to Wheel made Casper what it is.  And of course, made all of us proud.  Even if I have no idea why men are in such a hurry to get to the end of the pavement.

So here is to a happier time!  Way to go Denny.

~j

Ok, so I had a comment come through moderations, which I approved… I make it a point to only filter our spam, and once you’ve registered here and posted I don’t have to moderate anymore.  Saves the hassles of all the junk ads for Viagra.  :P  Anyway, so I got this comment from Heidi, whom I don’t know, that work’s at Emporium.  (At least I don’t think I know her.)  You can scroll down to the post from the other day and read the comment if you like.  Basically it said it wasn’t disrespectful and it comes down to that they were looking to let customers know that they were staying in business.

I so TOTALLY understand communication.  And yes, Heidi, I have worked and have owned a store, I know the competition.  (Which is why support all the local stores with links here and sale ads, regardless of if I visit them, or like what they carry.)  I support good communication wholeheartedly!  I can see how customers would want assurance that you would have your doors open before they bought holiday gifts, etc.  That being said… all of that really could have been stated in the email expressing you sympathy for the closing stores, and left it at that.  My disappointment was that a sale was named after another’s misfortune.  If due to unforeseen circumstances, or too much competition from the other store so very close to you, (which shall remain nameless), forced Emporium to close, think how upset everyone there would be.  How would you feel to see an email come through for that very close by store naming a sale after your closure?  I suspect it wouldn’t feel so great, and maybe even downright awful.  I’ve only been in Paradise a handful of times and SPST I’ve been in maybe four times, and I’ve never purchased anything.  But after getting your email my heart sank for those people.  Closing a store and loosing your “baby” is a terrible and emotional thing to go through.  You said in your comment that it wasn’t a dig or a rip on any of the stores closing.  I thank maybe that should have been worded that it wasn’t INTENDED to be a dig or a rip.  If you look at it from the other side of the fence, or a neutral party, it looks, and came across as a dig or a rip in the very least.

So, yes, an email could, and should have been sent out letting customers know Emporium was here to stay, but disrespecting the feelings on other store owners not so lucky to be in that situation wasn’t necessary, or very professional.  By all means, don’t let me put an end to all sales, I’m happy that Emporium is in a position they can offer one, but did if have to be named, especially in that way?  Seriously.  A note of sadness and condolence, store news and then a sale, period.  That may have been a better way to handle it.

When I originally posted I had had several people already make a comment to me about how inappropriate the “sale” email was.  All the forwarded emails, “Did you see this?”, “Can you believe they said that?”, “This is just awful!” And I see I’ve had some comments here agreeing.  It is what it is, and not that I’m suggesting anything, but a gesture of remorse that intentions may have been misconstrued after reading the sale email in question, might be a wise idea.  An apology goes a LONG way.  It’s something to think about.

I appreciate your comments Heidi, and that you have taken the time to
attempt to clear it up.  Hopefully the others that have had troubles
with Emporium can come to the store and address them with you. 
Customer feedback is an important thing and valuable to say the least.

~j

UPDATE…

For those of you not on the Scrappin’ & Stampin’ Paradise mailing list you may have missed the news. As I said before they are closing but I heard that a customer had bought the store. Apparently that is true as it was confirmed in the email the store set out yesterday. So here is the scoop:

A gal named Kathy is the new owner as of Friday the 14th. The store will continue the same they have now (30% all products and things have been added to the 50% off clearance table) and will go on until further notice. The store will close December 25th and reopen on January 2nd. The store name will remain the same however they will have new hours, which are as follows:

Mon-Wed: 10-7
Thur: 10-11
Friday: 10-12am
Sat: 10-7
Sun: 12-5

These new hours are effective starting January 2, 2008.

The Christmas Eve hours are 10-2.

I’m looking forward to seeing what changes will be taking place. So hopefully things will work out the best for everyone involved in the switch. I wish the past owners, Melonie and Zelda the best! And good luck to Kathy, a scrapbook store is A LOT of work.

~j

I had someone ask about stores closing as mentioned in my last post.  Here they are… I have no idea what sale offers are going on so check with each one.

Simple Pleasures (M59& Mound).  As far as I know they are closing at the end of December.  The other location has already closed.  35% off storewide last I heard.  586-323-6300

Scrappin’ & Stampin’ Paradise (23mile & Card).  Again at the end of December.  However, rumor has it that the store has been sold, so what is in store for that I don’t know.  30% off storewide last I heard.  586-421-2212

On to happier news… I have a TOOT to share this morning.  For those of you that don’t know the scrapbooking forum lingo, lol, it means I’m blowing my own horn basically.  Anyway, I had two projects picked up for publication this morning.  One card and one layout.  I’m pretty excited about it, so I wanted to share.

FYI, for those of you not on the mailing list I wanted to post the information about card kits for December.  I am offering class kits this month due to not only the holiday, but also the weather.  The cost is $20.00 plus any actual shipping charges, which will vary depending on your location.  International shipping is also available.  Along with the cards themselves, I will be including the color photos and information on how to access the online presentation covering the card assembly.  I had some people interested in the presentation portion, so I’ve decided to add that in also.  Along with this you will also be provided a link where you can download any of the computer generated items used on the cards.  Again this offer is available no matter what your location being the instruction itself will be virtual and the kits are being mailed.

I have a class party for Ethan today.  He was to have his Student Council party yesterday but he had a snowday.  So I’m not sure what is going on with that.  Tomorrow is the class party for Dilly.  So, I’m a busy Mommy this week!

Have a great day!!!

~j

I’m not sure if this is a localized problem or not, but here it seems there has always been a trend for one LSS owner to try and, uhh for lack of a better term, eat the other LSS owners in the area ALIVE.  What’s with that?  Historically I’ve found that we get a lot further working together than trying to take each other out.  Sadly, I’ve only run into one or two store owners that share my outlook over the last five years.  What a shame.  Again, I’m not sure if this is a localized problem or not, but I’d certainly be interested in knowing.

At any rate, last week I got an email from a LSS.  I won’t mention any names, but I am going to share the email and my thoughts, you’re shocked I know…

So this is what I got:

Subject: We’re Staying in Business Sale!

We’re Staying in Business Sale

We
are saddened by all the local stores going out of business and would like to
tell you that we are here to stay!  And to thank you for that, we are
having a  ”We’re Staying in Business Sale” this
weekend!   Come save money on all the newest and latest
products!

Join us this Saturday
& Sunday, December 15 & 16 Only!!!

Cardstock: 4 for $1.00

Storage Items:  40%
Off

Cutting Tools:  40%
Off

Everything Else: 25% Off

Thank you for keeping us in business for the past 7 years!

There was a little more fluff in the bottom half of the email, but basically, the above was the majority of the message.  Yes, We’ve had several stores close here, and two that are closing this month.  Macomb County is saturated with stores, but it is sad to see anyone go.  BUT - What saddens me more is to see another store pick on those that are leaving the industry!!  I may be the only one, ok well I know I’m not the only one, to think this email was just awful and to make it that topic of an in store sale is just terrible if you ask me.

I found this email not only tacky, but really rude, mocking and insensitive to the other store owners and whatever personal situations might have contributed to the closure, or imminent closure of their stores.  It just seems pretty childish and all around nasty to name a sale after another’s misfortune.

I didn’t shop this sale, and at this point, I probably won’t go into the store again.  It just left a really bad taste in my mouth.

Enough said!

~j

You have no idea how many people tell me that I should have cameras in my house and then sell the footage to a network for a reality tv show. I’m sure a large portion of that, (if not all of it), is based on my relationship with Denny. He is generally pretty funny, and I’m well, if you haven’t noticed, fairly sarcastic with a pretty good sense of humor myself. At any rate, if you’ve read my blog before you know that sometimes Denny acts before he thinks. Yesterday was another one of those days.

So a little background which brought us to yesterday…

Last week Denny’s air compressor bit the dust. A new one on the cheap end was going to be at least $900.00. An expenditure that I certainly wasn’t about to approve without a fight. Had that been for scrapbook supplies, maybe, but an air compressor, uhh no way. Anyway, so I called Sears and found out the parts we needed to fix it were not being made anymore. At that point I made the executive decision, (cuz of course that’s who I am around here… the executive decision maker), to wing it and order something from a different, but similar model, crossing my fingers that when the parts came, they would work. Well, they didn’t. Stinks to be me.

Which brings me to Wednesday. Denny went to work, I’m sure visibly mourning the loss of his compressor, when the powers that be over there told him to take one they had in the back. Yes, they like Denny, a lot. Anyway, its commercial sized, and would need some special stuff to make it work here in a residential, but that was still less than $900.00 for another compressor. Denny came home, told me about his new baby and went in the garage. His time in the garage, long story short, resulted in his original compressor working. Yipee.

But, and there is always a but, Denny figured, why not take the one from work just in case. I agreed. Mind you I had never seen this thing before, and that’s a whole new lesson learned on my part….

So yesterday, Denny came home from work and said he was going to borrow a cherry picker from my dad to get the compressor from work out of his truck. This is a cherry picker:

At this point I still haven’t seen it, and frankly, I just didn’t care. It’s dark and we go get the cherry picker. When we get home and Denny turns on the garage lights I finally see it…

I should note that:

1. This is a full size pickup, not one of those little jobs
2. The Denny loaded it in the truck with a FORK LIFT
3. That the cherry picker is only even capable of lifting around 2 tons.

I stood there in shock, and then in laughter, telling Denny what a, uhh, schmuck he was for even thinking that cherry picker was going to move that monster even an inch. Denny’s reply: “Hmmm, it didn’t look that big when I put it in there.”

Maybe I’m really missing the boat on that reality tv thing.

~j

So today I’m hiding out.  I’m not leaving the house.  I may go tonight to the school for Pizza with Santa, but only because that would get me out of making dinner.  Frankly, I may not leave the house tomorrow either.  This morning, while doing laundry, I realized I ran an entire load and forgot to put in the soap.  So basically it’s past noon and I haven’t even gotten to the folding and putting away part because I had to start all over.  :p

In the time while I was “waiting” for the wash, I started to do my online class schedule for the spring.  Classes will start again at My Creative Classroom February 3rd.  I will be offering several classes throughout the spring semester including, Cards, Altered Clock, Scrapbooking Techniques, and then some…

I’ll be posting more details here soon.

~j

I’ve been running around like crazy and I swear my to do list just gets longer.  On top of which I let just about everything stress me out.  I’m near my breaking point, really.  I think everyone around me can tell.  I think it might be that I’m just over booked this week and I have cards next week… which I’m seriously considering canceling.  Enrollment isn’t what it usually is, no where near it, and I’m pretty sure that is because of the holiday.  I haven’t decided.  I don’t think I have to leave the house for anything tomorrow or Friday, so I hope that helps.

Cheers to freaking out, lol.

~j