So, here I am.....

The girl that said she'd never blog. The far from computer savvy girl that is always up for a challenge despite a serious lack of time.My blog goals. Do I have blogging goals? Hmmm, I guess I should. So I pledge to be funny, lighthearted, not vent or complain to much and maybe just maybe share a crumb of wit and wisdom on occassion.I will most likely chat about etsy, my addiction and muse. the incredible artsists and friends I have found in a community that oozes with creativity, friendship, support and a home for all things handmade.You will hear me ramble about the insanity of my life including my 3 boys, ages 12, 16 and 53. Yes, that last one I am married to, but trust me, he is just as much boy as man. After 17 years of marriage I find myself raising him along with them. Then again, he would probably say the same of me at times. I will often speak of friends I would go to the ends of the earth for and a family that more often than not defines dysfunction. Then again, I strongly believe a functional family is the stuff legends are made of.I am a lover of music of all kinds and not so much the TV ( except maybe Glee). I have an addiction to handmade glass, especially venetian and lampwork beads as well as unique pottery. I have made a concerted effort to tame my jewelry fetish with my own creations which can be seen at http://www.kjbeads.etsy.com/If you haven't figured out by now, I can jabber my jaws and my fingers as if someone could care what I have to say.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Summer and Sore

What a weekendd! I never plant anything before Memorial Day. Many plant at Mother's Day, but being a lifelong Chicagoan, I am well aware of the late May frosts and cold soil. Outside of Pansies, which I love, I hold out for a touch of color until we are fairly sure the frosty nights are a thing of the past.
This does make visits to the garden center a bit more challenging. Things are more picked over, the stores are much more crowded and I get overwhelmed with getting everything in the ground or potted quickly. Usually I can spend a few weekdays shopping and browsing, thinking of color combos and what I want where. Not this year. Time is not my friend this year. Graduation and a few other obligations have put me on the fast track. Thus, I found myself at the garden center not once, not twice, but 3 times this weekend. Memorial Day Weekend. Busy as hell, everyone is shopping for plants weekend.
Oh, My, God!!!!!!!


Now I sit, enjoying the plantings, the water fountains, the perennial garden and the deck with a nice glass of red. and the rain. :(

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Fun Run


Not two words I usually use in the same sentence. Walk yes, run........not so much!

Well today was the first annual Fun Run at Culver Elementary. Can I just say, it was incredible. A full community event. The perfect storm converged on the field like nothing the likes of Culver has ever seen before.

80+ teachers/staff
540+ kids
dozens of volunteers
massive donations from local businesses
help from the park district, teen center and even a news reporter.
85 degree weather
blue skies
the jazz band playing The final countdown and I can fly
The pledge was recited, the anthem sang and Bam, off they were in full fanfare.

1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 1 mile, 2 mile and 5K walks and runs. There were medals, music, and tons of sun! A warm spring day filled with spirit, energy and determiation.
It was heartwarming to see such teamwork, commaraderie and inspiration. I was overwhelmed. really.

Great job by all.



Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Been a Long Time

It seems I have neglected blogging this month. Why is it that the times you need to blog the most, you don't. Time, I guess. The school year is coming to an end and though it is always busy and hectic, I must say, having a graduate makes it all the more intense. Add party planning, end of year activities, out of town guests and prepping for the High School into the daily routine and things just seem to spill over everywhere.
The excitement and the exhaustion go hand in hand. I must say all the project type work assigned to the kids full of spring fever and 8th grade-itis is no help either. I really do think the theory of keeping them focused and engaged with such things s a misnomer. The end result is just stress, stress and more stress.

I ave taken to long walks every morning with Gonzo. This has been a healthy task on so many levels. Cardio, stress reduction, decrease apetite, more conscious food choices and the chance to enjoy the spring blooms and sunny mornings. I'm still working on the clearing my head part. There's just nowhere to move all that stuff.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Feeling a little Poetic

or maybe more limmerick (ish)

The Ode to Bitchwork

Here I sit on the etsy forum
Trying to maintain my decorum
Bitchwork calls from every room
I really should pick up a broom

Site help, business and etcetera
I stop to read of all the frettia
I hear of others getting the ban
And really should wash pots and pans

The laundry calls, the bills need paying
A maid would be nice, I’m jes sayin’
Thoughts of dinner and its not even lunch
Promos on etsy, I need a bunch

Closets need cleaning, the dog needs a bath
Only so many hours, you do the math
Scrubbing toilets, shampooing the rugs
Oh, look there’s a new thread in bugs

Vacuum the carpet, make the bed
But I’d much rather start a new forum thread
Spring is here, the windows need washin’
But there’s “Dildo in the road”, proceed with caution

The dust is so thick, you can write your name
Doing bitch work all day really is lame
The truth of the matter is it’ll never get done
As long as the dang computer is on

But if I don’t do it, no one will
Can’t someone on etsy, invent a pill?
Afterall, it’s no secret, I’m better at craftin’
Than I’ll ever be at pillow battin’

So this is my fate on a Friday morn
Bitchwork it is so I avoid scorn
Cooking, cleaning, laundry and more
But beware cause someday I will even the score