Since I originally started this blog to chronicle my quest to stop chewing my fingernails, I figured that I should update.
My goal was to get my nails to the point where I could get my first ever manicure and I think during my last update I was down to 8 good fingernails with 2 on their way.
*hanging head down* I've regressed.
If I were forced to get a manicure now, I'd have 1 fingernail that is not embarrassing, 5 that are borderline and 4 that are awful. Sigh.
One good thing to report about this is that I've made one of my triggers disappear. My triggers are watching movies, surfing the web and riding in the car (passenger). I've just about crushed the riding the car one. I've replaced it with another manically obsessive habit instead. Isn't that better? Now I madly press my Blackberry's buttons on drives - reading Facebook updates, reading Twitter, reading emails and Google news. My husband prefers this too because I read all of these to him and he gets entertainment while he is driving.
Now if I could just fix the chewing....
Maybe I could replace that with something else...like...hair chewing? Nose picking? Making lip razzberries? Hmm...it requires more analysis....
Thursday
Monday
A Reading Machine
Ok...I'm getting a great head start to the reading part of my bucket list. With the snow that's been coming down, we had no reason to leave the house this weekend and I was able to finish my current book.
Here is what I've read so far in 2011:
I grabbed this one off the shelf at the Public Library. I don't know why the book has the rating that it does. I didn't like it. I would give it a 2/5. It started out ok. It had a quirky idea and had the potential to go somewhere. Somewhere part way through though it seemed to lose itself and become more disjointed. Then the end came - and I hated it. It made me wish I hadn't started the book in the first place.
Whenever I see my Aunt from out of province, she gives me a bag of books for my Mom and I to read before sending them to Goodwill. This book was one of them. It was a quick, light beachy kind of read. I'd rate it a 3/5.
This is the one that I finished this weekend. I had actually seen the movie one night during random channel surfing. It was the Hallmark movie of the week which is one of my guilty pleasures. When I see a movie based on a book, I get the urge to read the book too. I liked this book. It is a slow moving, simple book that takes the reader back into WW2 times. I give this one a 3.5 or 4 / 5.
Here is what I've read so far in 2011:
I grabbed this one off the shelf at the Public Library. I don't know why the book has the rating that it does. I didn't like it. I would give it a 2/5. It started out ok. It had a quirky idea and had the potential to go somewhere. Somewhere part way through though it seemed to lose itself and become more disjointed. Then the end came - and I hated it. It made me wish I hadn't started the book in the first place.
Whenever I see my Aunt from out of province, she gives me a bag of books for my Mom and I to read before sending them to Goodwill. This book was one of them. It was a quick, light beachy kind of read. I'd rate it a 3/5.
This is the one that I finished this weekend. I had actually seen the movie one night during random channel surfing. It was the Hallmark movie of the week which is one of my guilty pleasures. When I see a movie based on a book, I get the urge to read the book too. I liked this book. It is a slow moving, simple book that takes the reader back into WW2 times. I give this one a 3.5 or 4 / 5.
Friday
The Bucket List
This is not an original idea of course but I liked it so I am stealing it.
I made myself a bucket list for 2011. Not like a life bucket list which feels to me like it should be UBER and not a New Year's resolution list which is doomed to fail from the start....but a list of things that I'd like to do this year. I've posted it here in hopes that this will prod me to accomplish some of these things.
I made myself a bucket list for 2011. Not like a life bucket list which feels to me like it should be UBER and not a New Year's resolution list which is doomed to fail from the start....but a list of things that I'd like to do this year. I've posted it here in hopes that this will prod me to accomplish some of these things.
Holiday Cookies
Welcome back! Did you miss me?
Every Christmas our family makes gingerbread cookies. This year's dough turned out a little dry but overall I think it added to the effect we were trying to achieve. This year we used my new cookie cutters that I found at Tin Box: Ninjas and Injury Men.I love the stuff that Fred and friends comes up with.
Every Christmas our family makes gingerbread cookies. This year's dough turned out a little dry but overall I think it added to the effect we were trying to achieve. This year we used my new cookie cutters that I found at Tin Box: Ninjas and Injury Men.I love the stuff that Fred and friends comes up with.
Wednesday
This and That....
Just came back from a whole weekend of scrapbooking and had a lot of fun as usual.
Here is a picture from above of the table that I was sitting at. Since I am taking the picture, you can't see me but you can see the rubble (AKA mounds of scrap stuff) where I was.
This was my third weekend coming here and the only time of year that I see my old University roommate so its a great time to catch up and have fun. Did I mention that cooking and cleaning are not allowed on this weekend? Ahhh yes.
This was my third weekend coming here and the only time of year that I see my old University roommate so its a great time to catch up and have fun. Did I mention that cooking and cleaning are not allowed on this weekend? Ahhh yes.
Thursday
Books of the Day
I am off to the library again today so I thought I'd share what I just finished...
This book was hilarious and a quick read. Both DH and I read it and laughed like crazy. I'm sure we've all seen notes like this around the office or thought about writing them at home.
I have had a few people ask me why I am a happy person most of the time. I've never had an answer for them. I took out this book figuring it might give me some insight into that. I take it as the greatest compliment in the world when someone says that I brighten their day by just being me. :) This book was both insightful and irritating. She interviews 100 truly happy people and investigates what makes them happy people. This book is insightful in that a lot of the reasons she gives for happiness are indeed things that I do automatically. I also like the beginning underlying theory of what constitutes happiness levels. Irritating - in that the book seemed like a shopping channel of excercises and techniques. Once I began to ignore these and just read around them, I enjoyed the book. :) I also know a couple of truly happy people and they ARE a joy to be around. I also know a couple of people who have such potential for happiness and yet they are stalled - THEY need this book.
This book was recommended by my parenting group so I had to request it. My daughter goes to bed at 7 and my son goes to bed at 730pm already but again, I wanted to know the reasons that they say that it's a good idea. They quote a book that I used for both kids bedtime/sleep routines. I found that I couldn't relate to this book except for the bedtimes. :) This book is written assuming that a parent stays home with their children and can follow the daily routine posted here.
Finally - one book that I own.
This one was a fast, fun, great read. It's one of those "beach books" as I call them. Not a lot of substance but addictive, light and fun. :) Highly recommended.
This book was hilarious and a quick read. Both DH and I read it and laughed like crazy. I'm sure we've all seen notes like this around the office or thought about writing them at home.
I have had a few people ask me why I am a happy person most of the time. I've never had an answer for them. I took out this book figuring it might give me some insight into that. I take it as the greatest compliment in the world when someone says that I brighten their day by just being me. :) This book was both insightful and irritating. She interviews 100 truly happy people and investigates what makes them happy people. This book is insightful in that a lot of the reasons she gives for happiness are indeed things that I do automatically. I also like the beginning underlying theory of what constitutes happiness levels. Irritating - in that the book seemed like a shopping channel of excercises and techniques. Once I began to ignore these and just read around them, I enjoyed the book. :) I also know a couple of truly happy people and they ARE a joy to be around. I also know a couple of people who have such potential for happiness and yet they are stalled - THEY need this book.
This book was recommended by my parenting group so I had to request it. My daughter goes to bed at 7 and my son goes to bed at 730pm already but again, I wanted to know the reasons that they say that it's a good idea. They quote a book that I used for both kids bedtime/sleep routines. I found that I couldn't relate to this book except for the bedtimes. :) This book is written assuming that a parent stays home with their children and can follow the daily routine posted here.
Finally - one book that I own.
This one was a fast, fun, great read. It's one of those "beach books" as I call them. Not a lot of substance but addictive, light and fun. :) Highly recommended.
Tuesday
See Cards Now
None of these are my ideas but they are all made by me! All of these are scraplifted from the talented ladies at Splitcoaststampers although in some cases, modifications have been made.
Saturday
Lint Can!
I found this at Winners last week and I'm in love...
(Canadian Tire money in there for sizing) Since we have moved into this house I've had my eye out for a tiny garbage can to put on top of my washing machine for lint. Yes, I could walk the 20 feet to the bathroom garbage...but I don't. I put the pile of lint on top of the dryer fully intending to throw it away when I am done transferring the load. Then I forget and walk away because my memory is THAT bad. But now...Mwa - ha -ha!!
Thursday
No more Chewing?
Still haven't gotten that manicure...still have the gift certificate on my desk staring at me. I currently have 7 fingernails that would be ok to get a manicure, 1 that is...so-so and 2 that have issues. I chew more than I did a couple of months ago but less than I did before I started this "quest" of mine. The worst culprit is me watching any movie or TV. Sigh. I'll keep at it...
Friday
Books of the Day
I am an avid reader. I have stacks of upcoming books sitting by my bed at any given time. I am heading to the library today to drop off my latest ones...
I had the opportunity to hear Hellen give a Keynote speech when I attended an APC Canada Conference a couple of years ago. I really enjoyed her speech and she gave me a great idea on how to organize my monthly bills. I then adopted it and have been using it ever since. For this book I really enjoyed the quiz that determines your learning style - it had my style bang on. That being said, as it turns out I already do most of the things she was suggesting for my organzing style. :)
Another book that I am returning to the library is
This one I flipped through quite quickly. There were a few recipes that looked good but I couldn't imagine my kids actually eating some of this. There are a lot of ingrediants here that currently aren't part of our everyday meals like couscous, eggplant, lamb etc. I think I need to work up to this one. On the other hand, my office mate Mrs. Smith who eats much healthier than we do got a gleam in her eye and jotted down the title of this one so she can check it out next. :)
The 3rd of the 5 that I am dropping off today is
Mrs. Smith said this one was ok and enjoyed the case studies. I also thought it was ok but I'm not at the point to take this one too seriously. This book is for the person who is ready to take action and change the space they live in. That's not me.
The 4th book I am returning is
I am always on the lookout for ideas to improve my own space. I didn't find that I got a lot of ideas from this book. The style of most of the rooms here was way off my own style. I can see how people with different tastes then me could really get into this book. Which reminds me...I should tell my Mom about this one...
Finally, I am returning
Loved this book. Earlier this week I made Frosted Banana bars and they were delicious!! I have jotted down 3 other recipes from here to try soon (next will be mock apple squares). I will be looking into getting this one again!!
I had the opportunity to hear Hellen give a Keynote speech when I attended an APC Canada Conference a couple of years ago. I really enjoyed her speech and she gave me a great idea on how to organize my monthly bills. I then adopted it and have been using it ever since. For this book I really enjoyed the quiz that determines your learning style - it had my style bang on. That being said, as it turns out I already do most of the things she was suggesting for my organzing style. :)
Another book that I am returning to the library is
This one I flipped through quite quickly. There were a few recipes that looked good but I couldn't imagine my kids actually eating some of this. There are a lot of ingrediants here that currently aren't part of our everyday meals like couscous, eggplant, lamb etc. I think I need to work up to this one. On the other hand, my office mate Mrs. Smith who eats much healthier than we do got a gleam in her eye and jotted down the title of this one so she can check it out next. :)
The 3rd of the 5 that I am dropping off today is
Mrs. Smith said this one was ok and enjoyed the case studies. I also thought it was ok but I'm not at the point to take this one too seriously. This book is for the person who is ready to take action and change the space they live in. That's not me.
The 4th book I am returning is
I am always on the lookout for ideas to improve my own space. I didn't find that I got a lot of ideas from this book. The style of most of the rooms here was way off my own style. I can see how people with different tastes then me could really get into this book. Which reminds me...I should tell my Mom about this one...
Finally, I am returning
Loved this book. Earlier this week I made Frosted Banana bars and they were delicious!! I have jotted down 3 other recipes from here to try soon (next will be mock apple squares). I will be looking into getting this one again!!
Thursday
Teeny Tiny Paint Can
I bought this about a week ago to store my ribbon scraps in. It's just so cute!!
Friday
Are you a Gardener?
Does anyone know what kind of flower this is? I have a basket of them hanging in the backyard. I love them - they bloom all summer long. But I haven't the slightest idea what they are!!
Love This Desk
I am totally hooked on a new-to-me blog called
http://creativeorganizing.typepad.com/
I read the first few entries and am now ignoring all new entries as I have gone back to read it all from the beginning! I think I am caught up to some time in 2008 right now. :)
One of the books she recommended for getting inspiration for your workspace was Pottery Barn's Workspaces. I put it on hold at the library and was able to pick it up yesterday. Although I am a fan of some Pottery Barn things from a distance - it's not a place that typically inspires me. It probably helps that there is not one in my city.
Typical for me - I've been jotting down the ideas that inspire me on a post-it....which I have since lost in my house. LOL I *think* it's trapped beside the fridge in that clutter hotspot but I haven't ventured over there to check yet.
Blah blah blah. Anyway - when I saw this page - I got all revved up about it. Excuse the crappy photo but it's from my Blackberry:
http://creativeorganizing.typepad.com/
I read the first few entries and am now ignoring all new entries as I have gone back to read it all from the beginning! I think I am caught up to some time in 2008 right now. :)
One of the books she recommended for getting inspiration for your workspace was Pottery Barn's Workspaces. I put it on hold at the library and was able to pick it up yesterday. Although I am a fan of some Pottery Barn things from a distance - it's not a place that typically inspires me. It probably helps that there is not one in my city.
Typical for me - I've been jotting down the ideas that inspire me on a post-it....which I have since lost in my house. LOL I *think* it's trapped beside the fridge in that clutter hotspot but I haven't ventured over there to check yet.
Blah blah blah. Anyway - when I saw this page - I got all revved up about it. Excuse the crappy photo but it's from my Blackberry:
Isn't it great? It is a raised glass top on a desk so you can tuck your most used supplies underneath or a scrapbook layout that you don't want disturbed. I was so excited about it that I left the book open on my co-worker Mrs. Smith's desk so she could see it too. Mrs Smith is a fellow office supply lover and thus, is totally understanding of my desk organizing worship. She was acceptably excited as well.
You'd think that my organizational worship would mean that I have a neat desk. No - then there would be no point in coveting the just out-of-reach perfectness of these desks. Take a look at my desk right now:
Speaking of which - it's time to attack it....
Monday
A New Stamp Set and a Card
When I saw the post on Scrapbookers Paradise Ponderings advertising their Flouishes stamps back in February of 2010 I fell in love with the strawberries and the card that they made. In May I had the opportunity to go to their store and bought the set for myself. Finally in July I took the time to make a card with them. I used a border punch to make the white border and yes, I screwed up on the corners but I don't think it is a big deal to the overall look.
Fingernail Chewing Update
It's been....how long?...since the last chewing update? I don't remember either.
I have been off the fingernail painting wagon for some time. Some of the good habits have stayed while others have been sliding.
If I had to walk into a spa now to get a manicure (something that I STILL haven't done before) I could hand over 6 fingernails with full confidence, 3 with some blushing/head ducking and 1 that would be covered in bandages so the staff couldn't see it.
New to this blog? Click on the Label "Fingernails" to get caught up on my quest to someday stop chewing my nails and someday get my very first manicure. :)
I have been off the fingernail painting wagon for some time. Some of the good habits have stayed while others have been sliding.
If I had to walk into a spa now to get a manicure (something that I STILL haven't done before) I could hand over 6 fingernails with full confidence, 3 with some blushing/head ducking and 1 that would be covered in bandages so the staff couldn't see it.
New to this blog? Click on the Label "Fingernails" to get caught up on my quest to someday stop chewing my nails and someday get my very first manicure. :)
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