Happy Halloween

Today is one of my favorite holiday's
The goblins should be trick or treating in about 10 minutes. After curfew Todd and I will be going to Raelynn & Gary's to play cards.
And it isn't Halloween without this:

Work is Getting Crazy

Almost a month ago my supervisor and her boss took me into the conference room and asked me if I would still be interested in learning Imports. They explained to me that I would be trained for about 4 weeks and then used if the Imports department were to get overwhelmed with work or help out during vacations taken.
On Wednesday I asked if this was my last week of training, I was told no with no explanation. Yesterday my supervisor took me off to the side and discussed what may possibly be happening in the near future. I will be trained in Imports for 2 more weeks by another person in the department; then when those 2 weeks are over I will work the Import orders on my own for 1 month. The 2 Import operators will at this point work domestic orders. I then asked if they were planning on swapping us and was told that would all depend on how well I do in Imports.
My theory is that if I am able to do Imports on my own, they will take the 2 current Import operators and move them to domestics where they are short handed. This way domestics will not have to hire anyone.
I feel slightly honored that I was asked to cross train, but I also feel that if I am going to take the job that 2 people did that I should expect to be compensated. If this happens; I am planning on asking for this to be considered a promotion and will expect an increase in pay.

Card 42 of 52

Here's a card I made for the Weekend Card Challenge I participate in

Winterize

This weekend Todd and I decided we were going to do some winterizing around the house.
Today we took out all our sweatshirts and jeans from the Space Bags and loaded them back up with our shorts and other summer type clothing.
Then we went outside and I dumped all my potted plants and put the pots in storage while Todd drained all the garden hoses coiled them up and put them in storage.
Tomorrow we plan on putting all the lawn furniture away, putting the grill away, making sure all the storm windows are closed and pulling out the Christmas lights to test to see if they will be ready for hanging in a few weeks. Yes you read that correctly Christmas Lights. We always put our lights up the weekend after Halloween while it's still a little warm out. Then all we have to do is connect an extention cord when we are ready to light them closer to the holiday of course.
Todd isn't ready to winterize his Harley yet. He said he went riding around Thanksgiving last year and he is hoping that he will be able to get a few more rides in before he gets it ready for storage.

Nightmare Before Christmas 3D & Monster House

This afternoon Ethan and his friend Jerry went to go see Nightmare Before Christmas
3D at the cheap theatre. He hasn't had time with school and work to hang out much with Jerry. Ethan had seen the movie before and said it was pretty good in 3D.


Then awhile back we purchased Monster House on dvd but never really took the time to watch it. So with Halloween coming up this week; Jordan, Todd and I watched the movie tonight. I didn't think it was going to be that good but was surprised; it was a pretty good movie.

Another getting to know you survey

I received another one of those getting to know you type of e-mails so I decided to post my answers on my blog

What time did you get up this morning? 4:45 am
Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Fireproof
What is your favorite TV shows? Boston Legal, Kath and Kim, Samantha Who?, Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sex Money, Talk Soup
What do you usually have for breakfast? Dry Cereal, Coffee and Water
What is your middle name? Ann Louise
What food do you dislike? Bananas
What is your favorite CD at the moment? Josh Grobin Noel (I know it’s not Christmas yet but it’s still my favorite CD)
What kind of vehicle(s) do you drive? Ford Escape
Favorite sandwich? Any type of Wrap.
What characteristic do you despise? Arrogance
Favorite item of clothing? Zip up Hoodies &/or Lounge pants
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be? Hawaii, Italy, Caribbean
Where would you retire to? Somewhere warm with an Ocean nearby
What was your most recent memorable birthday? When I turned 40 and went to go see Tony and Tina’s Wedding
When is your birthday? April 12th
Morning person or a night person? Morning
What is your shoe size? 8
Pets? Dog, Turtle and Fish (the fish are Todd’s and the turtle is Jordans)
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? I won check pool at work.
What did you want to be when you were little? As a child: A semi-truck driver, a Horse Breeder, an English Sheep Dog Breeder. When I was in high school and college: an illustrator for an advertising company
How are you today? I am happy & feeling good!
What is your favorite flower? Roses and color
What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? The day both my sons graduate from college.
What are you listening to right now? Little People Big Worl
What was the last thing you ate? A Piece of Pound Cake that Jordan made at Culinary school.
Do you wish on stars? Not really
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Fall colors, Brown, Rust, Orange
How is the weather right now? Cool and Drizzling
Last person you spoke to on the phone? Todd
Favorite softdrink? Diet Pepsi
Hair color? Brown with maybe 10 strands of Gray
What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbie’s and my Bike
Summer or winter? Summer (But I prefer fall but that’s not on the question)
Chocolate or Vanilla? Both
Coffee or tea? Coffee
When was the last time you cried? Back in August listening to Eric and Kathy’s Children’s Miracle Radioathon
What is under your bed? Space bags filled with clothes
What did you do last night? Watched Survivor, Kath and Kim and Celebrity rehab with Dr. Drew.
What are you most afraid of? Suffercation
Salty or sweet? Both
How many keys on your key ring? 9
How many years at your current job? 5 years
Favorite day of the week? Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Do you make friends easily? Depends

Dogs and Squirrels

This comic discribes our dog.
Click on the comic to read larger.

Happy Anniversary GARY & RAELYNN

Happy Anniversary GARY & RAELYNN

Card 41 of 52

Before and after the Bears game today I am working on trying to get all the cards ready for my Christmas card camp that is taking place in 3 weeks. I am making sure that I have all the materials needed so I can place an order tomorrow to get the materials in time.
Anyway here is a card that we will be making at the Christmas Card Camp.

Blood Donations part 2

Ethan has to do a persuasive speech for his oral expressions class.
He told me yesterday that his speech is going to be why everyone who can should donate blood.
I think that will be a very good persuasive speech.

Blood Donation

Almost a year ago Ethan gave blood at school and he came home asking if I have ever given blood and I told him yes but not as often as I should. Soon after he donated blood at his school, the blood donor organization called him at home to set up another appointment; and at that time I signed up to give too. So now almost a year later Ethan and I have been giving blood as soon as we are able to give.
On Ethan's last appointment Todd went along with him as a walk in donor. Todd was under the assumption that he was not able to give blood because he was exposed to hepatitis as a child. Well I asked and found out that was false, as long as he did not ever have hepatitis, isn't currently living with someone with hepatitis or has been exposed to someone with hepatitis, he can donate. Plus they test all blood donated to make sure you are safe to donate.
Anyway my scheduled appointment was today so I took Todd along as a walk-in to donate too.
At the beginning of the year Ethan and I signed up for the frequent donor club; when you reach a certain number of donations you get gifts. Usually we would get a free pie from Bakers Square or a free pint of ice cream from Oberwise. Over the summer we both received a nice apron with grill tools. Today when I donated I receive a real nice zip up jacket with the organization's named stitched on it. Ethan received his jacket a few weeks ago and now that the weather is getting cooler has worn it quite often.
It's kind of nice to be able to give blood to help out those who need it and on top of it get little thank you gifts too.

Fireproof

A co-worker and I went to go see the movie Fireproof after work today.
We discussed seeing the previews for the movie and we both mentioned how we wanted to see it. Actually for me this was the 2nd time this movie was brought to my attention so I took that as a tap on the shoulder to go see it.

The Plot: In an attempt to save his marriage, A firefighter uses a 40-day experiment known as "The Love Dare". (plot taken from IMDB)

The story follows a couple on the brink of divorce and with help and guidance from family, friends and eventually the acceptance of GOD, the couple find their way back to each other. The movie tugs at your heart and opens up your eyes and mind. I would recommend this to all couples whether your marriage is fulfilled or struggling with even the smallest hurdle.

The credits said this movie was based on a novel and that in spring of 2009 there will be a book based on "The Love Dare" book used in the movie, both of which I wouldn't mind reading.

IGOR

Today we sacrificed watching the BEARS almost win (we say the last 5 exciting minutes of the game when we got home.) to go see the matinee of IGOR. Todd, Jordan, Raelynn and I went to the cheap theatre to view the movie. Todd used his b-day free pass, Raelynn had a punch card that was almost full so the 4 of us got to see the movie for $8.00 plus snacks; not bad.
IGOR is animated fable about a cliché hunchbacked evil scientist's assistant who aspires to become a scientist himself, much to the displeasure of the rest of the evil science community.(paragraph copied off of IMDB)



It was a cute movie, not as funny as I thought it might be. The funny lines come from the character Brain and Scamper. The animation had a Tim Burton Nightmare Before Christmas/Corpse Bride feel to it. It is a cute family movie.

Mercury Mystique Pics

Todd downloaded the pics of Ethans new/used car.
Not bad looking once we got it cleaned up. With a little wax it will probably shine nicely. It does have a few scratched and minor small dents, but what used car doesn't?




Todd also blogged about this car experience, to read his take, go to Devry Nerd Hick and read all about it.

Village Vehicle and Equipment Auction

Today Todd and I attended in our Village the Vehicle and Equipment Auction. Municipalities from different areas had Vehicle and Equipment they were auctioning off. We got there early to view the vehicles thinking maybe we would be able to get a used police car for Ethan. This is the 1st time I have ever been to a vehicle auction; I attended an estate auction with my mother-in-law once. This was an interesting experience; every time we tried to bid on a used police car that was a Crown Victoria, we were outbid by the same guy. I swear this person must have purchase 6-8 Crown Victoria's.
They were down to the last 3 cars. We ended up bidding on and winning a black 1998 Mercury Mystique. The car was filthy! When we got it home we got the vacuum and a hose and started cleaning it. We are thinking that this was a seized car in a police bust, just a feeling we have. We were almost done cleaning the car when Ethan can home from work. He took it for a ride with Todd and according to Todd it runs nice.
The only thing it is missing is the face plate from the stereo. So I guess if he wants music Todd will have to install a stereo in the car. Oh I forgot to mention that when we opened the trunk we found a sub woofer and amp. So, when we get a stereo installed this car is going to ROCK.
I will post pictures once I get them downloaded.

All My Children Eileen Herlie Dies at age 90

I have been watching All My Children since around 1975 so this news comes with sadness.

NEW YORK (AP) — Eileen Herlie, a stage and TV actress who appeared on "All My Children" for more than three decades as the motherly Myrtle Fargate, has died at 90. Herlie died Wednesday of pneumonia, said Julie Hanan Carruthers, the ABC soap opera's executive producer.

The actress joined the long-running show in 1976 to play Myrtle, who became the surrogate mother to many of the soap's major characters, including Erica Kane, portrayed by Susan Lucci.

"I'm sure Eileen is lighting up the sky's in heaven with her flaming red hair and lovely Scottish accent," Lucci said. "The earth's loss is heaven's gain!"

Herlie's last appearance on the program was in June.



Before joining "All My Children," Herlie was a regular on Broadway. She made her debut in Thornton Wilder's "The Matchmaker" in 1955, playing milliner Irene Molloy in the comedy, which starred Ruth Gordon as Dolly Gallagher Levi.

Musical theater buffs knew Herlie from her appearances in two shows: "Take Me Along" (1959), an adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's "Ah, Wilderness!," in which she played Jackie Gleason's love interest, and "All American" (1962), in which Herlie co-starred with Ray Bolger. In "All American," she and Bolger sang the musical's best-known song, "Once Upon a Time," a Charles Strouse-Lee Adams tune later popularized by Tony Bennett.

Herlie was nominated for a Tony for her performance in "Take Me Along."

Among Herlie's other Broadway appearances were the Richard Burton production of "Hamlet" (1964), in which she played Queen Gertrude; two plays written by Peter Ustinov, "Photo Finish" (1963) and "Halfway Up the Tree" (1967); and "Crown Matrimonial" (1973), a drama about the events leading up to the abdication of King Edward VIII, in which she played Queen Mary and George Grizzard the love-stricken monarch.

Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, Herlie worked for several years in the Scottish National Theater and in the English theater with Tyrone Guthrie. Among the hit London plays she appeared in: Jean Cocteau's "The Eagle Has Two Heads."

Her movie credits include two filmings of "Hamlet," the Burton version and the 1948 Laurence Olivier production, in which she also played Gertrude. Her other movies include "Freud" (1962) with Montgomery Clift and Sidney Lumet's "The Sea Gull" (1968) with Simone Signoret, James Mason and Vanessa Redgrave.

Skull-A-Day

I love watching holiday specials so I saw in the TV listings that Martha Stewart was having a Halloween theme show today so I DVR'ed it.
Anyway she had Nolan Scalin on today the author of the book SKULLS.
He developed a blog where he made a Skull a day out of various this. If you are interested in checking out what kind of materials he made skulls from, click the link in this post.

Card 40 of 52

I made this card as a request for a women named Judy at work. The finished card also had 20 years cut out in cardstock and glued to the bottom of the card. Judy intends on giving it to someone at work who was celebrating their 20th anniversary. While this women was being trained 20 years ago, Judy went into labor and ditched the training. To remember this event; Judy is going to give the women this card.

Out of Layouts

I am basically out of new layouts to post and I don't see me really going scrapbooking for the remainder of the year. So I guess I won't be making my 52 layouts in 52 weeks.
I have a new idea but I think I will hold off until the 1st of the New Year to start my idea.

I DID IT!!!

I figured it out. After my frustration yesterday trying to change the background on my blog, I went back today and tried again. The difference yesterday from today is that I wasn't getting the proper code to change the background. Could be because they were updating their website. I knew that I was following the direction, it just that I don't have the proper code.
I was determined to get this done. HURRAH!!!

Frustrated

I went to change my background of my blog to a halloween background and it's not working. I think what I am having problems with is the html. But when I click on the background I want, it isn't giving me a code.
I am following the instructions and getting no where.
UGH

The Apartment

One of the items that was sitting in our DVR was the movie The Apartment starring Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon. I sat on the couch last night and told Todd to pick a movie that we recorded on the DVR and he chose The Apartment.
Here is the storyline:
Bud Baxter is a struggling clerk in a huge New York insurance company. He's discovered a quick way to climb the corporate ladder - by lending out his apartment to the executives as a place to take their mistresses. He often has to deal with the aftermath of their visits and one night he's left with a major problem to solve.

This movie is circa 1960 and though the picture below is in color the movie is in black and white. Other stars that appear in the movie are: Fred MacMurray, Ray Walson (from My Favorite Martian) & Hal Smith (Otis from the Andy Griffith Show).

Card 39 of 52

Here is a card I made for the weekend challenge that I participate in; plus it will be one that is made at the Christmas Card Camp in a month & it will also be for sale at the resturant.