Spring Cleaning

I've got the Spring Cleaning bug, only problem is that we've outgrown our current place. Granted we do have clutter and things to get rid of, but we also just don't have room for the things we want to keep. The house just doesn't have the layout or storage that we need. So I ask you, what do I do?

I really would like to put the place up for sale this year and move on up in the world. But here we are at the same problem again, we need to downsize to help in making the house more attractive. We could move stuff to a storage unit, but when we use it on a regular basis that doesn't really work.

I am feeling overwhelmed.

Hobbies and side businesses take up a lot of space...

Phase 2

Yesterday I started the next step in my weight loss adventure. Yes, adventure. I didn't plan ahead enough to get a before picture. I'll try and get Jon to take one tonight, so that it's not Myspace style in front of a mirror.

I'll post my weight loss progress next week.

***UPDATE***
I kind of slacked on the whole getting a before shot, so here is a picture that Jon took before I started the diet, but was mid cleanse. It's kinda embarrassing to see myself this way. Check out the other hot ladies in the pic though.

Dilemma

For the past 20 days I have been minding my p's and q's when it comes to this cleanse I have been doing. I am feeling good and even have noticed a change in how my clothes fit. This has been awesome because I wasn't really expecting to see a change in my weight with this cleanse. As I mentioned in a prior post even others noticed a change without me mentioning to them I was doing this.

Well, that high came crashing down last night when I watched the dvr'd segment of my on the news yesterday morning.

I've always had a pretty good self esteem about myself, but the last couple of years that has all been put to the test with this unexplained weight gain. The gain has worn me down and frustrated me. I don't feel as though I have control over my own body and at some points don't even recognize the person that stares back at me in the mirror.

I have even noticed that I shy away from having my picture taken because the person that shows up in the picture as me, is not the person that lives in my head. I once again came face to face with this reality as I saw myself on tv. The person, "me", that was standing there talking was not me. I was even embarrassed and almost didn't want to finish watching myself.

Don't get me wrong... I know I am a great person and I know things will change. I am just really frustrated with my current state. But, I feel like I am in the right path in getting help to jump start some weight change. Here's to hoping it all works. After the 8th I will be down with the cleanse and will post my weight progress.

For those of you who missed the tv segment. Here are some pics Jon took with his phone. Please keep in mind I am being brave in posting these, since I am obviously not happy with who I am in them.

Random Thoughts

I've been kinda MIA again... I have been busy and haven't exactly been inspired to write on my blog. I used to think that I wanted a blog that people would flock to and read everyday. Then I realized my blog really isn't that interesting. It's just random tidbits of my thoughts, ramblings and other stuff I throw up here on the good 'ol internet. Anyway... I still don't have much to say. This weekend I will try and post pictures from a recent mini adventure.

Side note: I started my medical cleanse as recommended by the Integrative Medicine Center that I have been going to. I didn't exactly love that every doctor I previously went to wanted to give me some prescription to "fix" my problem - so I decided to try a more Eastern approach. It's a 28 day cleanse and I am on day 10. I already notice a difference and others have noticed too. Only downside, I get an occasional craving for a food I can't have. We'll see what a difference has been made at the end of day 28.

Pizza with a side of life

Some of you may have heard that I have this talent. We like to call it "Old Man Knack". Basically it's the ability to make otherwise cranky, old men to become nice and pretty much fall in love with. In the endearing kind of way. Unfortunately, this ability sometimes presents itself in the oddest places and with people I wouldn't have imagined would be affected. This is a story about one of those times.

Last night I decided to order a pizza. I wasn't really feeling like cooking much. It had been a long afternoon in the sun, at the Draper Temple, for a friend's wedding, a late afternoon nap, and then making and packaging several orders for Spell It Out. I just wanted something easy - aka something I didn't have to make. Everything went as normal. I placed the order online and waited for the delivery person to show up.

When the pizza arrived I was greeted, by name, by the delivery guy. He asked how my evening was and I politely responded and returned the question. Little did I know that he was having a bad day... bad week... bad month... bad couple of years - and I was about to learn all about it. Situations such as this make me unsure. Obviously the guy needed someone to talk to, but was I really the right person? Also, I am standing at my front door holding a piping hot pizza, in my lounge clothes just wanting to plop on the couch and chill for the rest of the night. But, I stood in the doorway and listened to the delivery guy tell his story about his life, his marriage and his kids. He even showed me pictures of the kids he so dearly loves and was concerned about. I offered my candid opinion, when he asked for it. He seemed very confused about life and not quite sure what he should be doing. Granted I did feel odd about the situation.

1- I don't know this guy or his life. Who am I to offer up advice?
2 - He is about 1.5 times my age.
3 - Jon was not home at the time and could not rescue me.

For roughly 45 minutes I stood in the doorway listening and giving my opinion. The delivery guy talked about his frustrations with his marriage, potential divorce, his recent run ins with the law and possible physical abuse of his kids at the hands of a loved one. All of these things I don't necessarily feel a stranger should be privy to, unless they are some sort of professional in a related field. Basically all I could tell the guy is that he needs to do what will make him happy and what is in his heart. I am not sure how many times I rephrased that sentiment. Obviously, he needed someone to speak to. I even encouraged contacting a Dr. He told me he was already seeing someone. Either there was something about me that made him feel comfortable in talking, or just likes to tell all of his customers about his personal life.

Jon later arrived home to find me still in the doorway talking with the delivery guy. It seemed to be perfect timing. I felt the conversation wasn't going to end. I also felt guilty in just shooing the guy away after he poured out his story, but it was very awkward to be the person who chose to spill it all to. I was uncomfortable about it all. Jon saved me.

Once Jon arrived the stream of stories stopped. The delivery guy focused on Jon and told him how wonderful of a person I was to listen to him. During the conversation I had kept mentioning that my boyfriend was on his way home, hoping that would wrap things up. I did finally wrap things up but not until Jon got there.

I worry about the delivery guy and hope he finds what he needs in his life. I am also concerned that there might be a knock on my door one day and it's him randomly stopping by to talk. I don't want to be short/rude to people... but, honestly, I was a little bothered that all of that was dumped on me by a stranger.

Am I wrong?

Really?

The last week has been pretty stressful with a lot of business related items and shipping issues to deal with. By Friday most of that had all been resolved. It was beautiful weather, payday and I was looking forward to the weekend. I received a coupon in my email from Barnes & Noble and decided to treat myself to a new book. All seemed well until I received another email from Barnes & Noble telling me my card had been denied. Thinking maybe I had just entered the card number in wrong. You know things like that happen, I called them up and gave my card info to them again. Tad! Resolved. Or so I thought.

Later last night I dropped by the store to pick up a few things, once again using this same card for the purchase. Then the cashiers says, I am sorry ma'am your card has been denied. What the.. Having paid my bills earlier in the day and knowing my personal budget, I am fully aware there is more than enough in my account to cover this purchase. Whatever - I am holding up the line and slightly embarrassed my card was denied. I pay with another card and go on my way.

Highly concerned about the matter I phone the banking establishment today. While on the phone with someone from customer support, who's name I can't pronounce and an accent I barely understand, I am advised due to possible theft of my card info they turned my card off on Thursday. Working in the internet biz I am more than aware of identity theft issues and appreciate any action taken by a company to protect my information as well as my money. However, I never received any sort of notification that they were shutting down my card. At this point I am more than mildly annoyed with the situation. This being because the financial institution I am dealing with does not have a physical branch, in Utah, that I can walk into and withdraw money from my account. I know, my fault, but when your account is linked to your investments and gets a better interest rate you are willing to accept some things. Plus I have never run into this problem before. The customer support representative tells me it will take 7-10 business days to get a new card. Not awesome! Now I am even more inconvenienced.

I ask the representative if there is anyway for them to expedite this card, since I was not informed of the situation on Thursday or else I would have called then, and I would really appreciate access to my money. Granted, I could transfer the money out of that account to my other bank account but that is still going to take 3-5 (usually 5) business days to get, due to banking regulations. The representative says, yes they can send the card Fedex but it will cost me $20. Umm, excuse me? I asked if this can be waived, because once again NO ONE TOLD ME THIS WAS HAPPENING! I am placed on hold so a manager can be asked.

Since people make mistakes, as I mentioned above with my card #, I decided to log into my account while I am on hold and just make sure that I wasn't a flake and missed this "alert" that was sent to me about them shutting down my card. I sign in, check my alerts... and no alert about the card. The representative comes back on the line, lets me know the fee has been waived and I will get another card in a few days. Great! I let the representative know I just double checked my account and there was no alert sent to me. At this point I would have appreciated being told something such as "I am sorry about that, I will be sure to pass that along to my management so it can be looked into". Being realistic I know those statements are made to people who are upset as a way to calm them down and that info is not always passed along. But, I still would have appreciated hearing it and do think an error was made here. I am not destitute until this replacement card arrives, but don't appreciate that I have to use money intended for another purposes because of someone's lack of attention to detail. I can always look on the bright side, that none of my money was fraudulently taken from my account.

Maybe modern conveniences, aren't so convenient after all.

The Dentist Part 2

Well today was the day to get my cavities filled. I took everyone's advice to heed, but still was slightly anxious. Having never been through this experience before and everyone always says how they hate to go to the dentist. All through my life I have never really hated going to the dentist. Granted having your teeth cleaned can be annoying sometimes. Like the time your mouth gets a little too full with water and the suction isn't getting it and you drool all over yourself. That happens to other people too, right? Not just me.

Anyway.. back to my story. I wasn't really looking forward to this. I've had a little bit of bad luck the last two days and this might be my #3 in the series. I walked into the office ready to face what was coming. First they took some more x-rays. These were with the awesome machine that rotates around your head. Whee. Then they took me back to the chair. I reminded the assistant these were my first cavities fillings and to not mind my ignorance about what was going to happen. She was impressed they were my first, and began to explain the process of what would happen. She asked if I wanted laughing gas. My advice from others was to "get the gas". So, I said yes. She then offered up headphones so I could watch one of the movies they were playing on the tv in the ceiling. I once again said yes. Why not go for all distractions possible.

I double checked with the assistant on how many cavities I had to fill. Four. Wow. I could have sworn he said less the last time I was there. Oh well. Then the dentist comes in. I am busy listening to the movie and don't catch what he says other than open your mouth. The assistant asks if I can feel the gas and am I tingling yet. No tingling. The dentist puts a tool in my mouth, I feel a slight chill in my tooth, then some weird taste. I have turned the volume on the movie down to almost nothing now. I don't want to miss when he tells me he's going to stick me with a needle. Instead he says, alright that one's done and I the others aren't looking as much like cavities as I thought. We'll just keep an eye on them and see what they look like next time you come in. What? What? I am done? Wow!

I then walk up to the front to ask what the damage is for the filling. The receptionist advises me my insurance paid more than they thought for another procedure I had done, which I had to cover some of the cost of so I have a credit balance. Nothing owed for today's visit.

I was in and out of the dentist in less than 15 minutes. Not only was it fast, but I can still say I don't mind going to the dentist. Quick and painless - perfect!

Unfortunately, I am still dealing with the other two instances of bad luck. 1 - minor fender bender at the fault of another. A girl backed into me during lunch yesterday. She was driving someone else's car. Two repair estimates down. One more to go tomorrow. Hopefully this gets worked out soon.

I know it's not big, but it's annoying. Also, it's Gherti's first accident. Boo.

2 - Might have broken my fairly new washer. Turned it on to do a load of laundry today and I couldn't select anything. Can't turn it off either. I am also not talented enough to move the washer out of the closet/room to unplug it. Jon said he would take care of it tonight. Hopefully, unplugging it will fix the issue.

If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all

Just as I was feeling like I was getting my busy life under control I got a small cough last saturday morning. I didn't think much of it, until Saturday night it started to get worse. Then Sunday I didn't feel well enough to do anything. Monday I called in sick to work and went to the Dr. By the time I made it there I was beyond a little cough and was full blown sick including a fever.

At the Dr. they told me my temp was either 105 or 101.5. I was so out of it I am not sure which was the true. I also got the joy of my first ever nose swab for the flu test. Here's where my not so lucky luck comes into play. Yes, I test positive for influenza. But, as you all may know there is this pesky type of flu called H1N1 (aka Swine flu). They also tested me for this and told me I would get the results in a few days.

I left the Dr. office and called Jon at work to ask him to pick up my prescription so I wouldn't have to go into the store with a mask on and scare all that might be there. I also called my boss to inform her that the Dr. told me I would be out of work until Monday. Although it had not been confirmed, and H1N1 is just another strain of the flu, you would have thought I was a leper. Everyone thought I might die.

Wednesday the Dr. called and confirmed that yes I had the dreaded "swine flu". Although I don't recall the last time I have had the flu I don't recommend any strain of it to anyone. My whole week is a blur. I had weird and crazy fever dreams and might have possibly lost a few pounds, which is a plus.

All in all, despite what you might have heard, I am not dead. I am actually doing quite well now, but really don't want to be sick again anytime soon.

Thanks to everyone for all of your thoughts!

There comes a time..

..in life when people get cavities. I know most people have already experienced this event. I, however, had not until yesterday. Yesterday, I had a routine trip to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. I wasn't too concerned about it. Although I did think I could have done better in the flossing department. I get there and am informed that it's time for new x-rays - no big deal. We get through the teeth cleaning - not a problem. Then the dentist comes in. He takes one look at my x-rays and says - "Oh, it looks like you have a couple of cavities". What?! This is the first time I have ever heard those words regarding *MY* teeth. He informed me that they were just small, but it would be best to take care of them asap. He also informed me that they are due to not flossing well enough after drinking soda - Doh!

So on June 10th I get to go get my cavities fixed. I am mildly nervous, only because I haven't had this done before and lots of people have fears of the Dentist, which I imagine are due to having their cavities filled or other procedures along those lines. I know everything will be fine and having this done is not a big deal, I am just the type of person that gets nervous before any procedure.

What is that smell?

Wednesday I went into the master bedroom and was confronted with a smell. Not a good smell either. It was slightly musky and unfamiliar for the bedroom. However, it had a slight familiarity to it. At that time I couldn't pin point it and frankly wasn't in the mood to deal with it. I closed the door and went back to re-organizing my office/craft room.

I didn't really notice the smell again until last night. Around 9:30pm I went upstairs walked into the bedroom and this time was hit by a wall of smell. Then I suddenly remembered how I knew the smell. It reminded me of the smell we lived with a couple days after we found that the water heater had been leaking water which was absorbed by the wall it shared with the coat closet. The carpet in the coat closet was also soaked.

I made Jon come in the room and give a 2nd opinion about the smell. I hoped I was going crazy and just imagining this. But... I was wrong. He could smell it too. Then began the investigation as to where the smell could be coming from. We looked behind furniture, in the bathroom, and then the closet. The smell was coming from the closet. Not awesome! No sign of water damage, just that horrible smell. I then noticed a small wet spot on the carpet where the humidifier had been sitting. Oh man.

During our search we had begun to clean up random things we came upon. Then we both take a break to take our minds off what is happening.

Before hopping into bed I decide I shout spotbot the spot on the carpet to see if I can wash the smell out. I am at my end at this point. I then spend the whole night unable to sleep due to fears of the smell and thoughts of replacing the bedroom carpet with zebra wood flooring. Is wood flooring in only one room of the house, a bedroom, too crazy?

(zebra wood)

Zebra wood wouldn't be what I would use for the flooring. It's uber pricey and exotic. I love the look of it though.

Do you want these in a bag?

Over the weekend Jon and I went to Target. I needed to pick up a few things and Jon wasn't planning on me dragging him along. He had mentioned he was craving a twix so I jokingly told him if he was good I would buy him one at the store.

The Target we went to wasn't the usual Target we shop at so we wandering around a little because the setup of the store was different. Also, I was getting a gift and wasn't quite sure what it was that I wanted. When with Jon, no trip to the Target or any other store that sells toys is complete without a trip to the toy car aisle. Jon like to collect hotwheel type vintage cars.

Since I am good girlfriend I feed this collection by finding cars worth purchasing. Which is what happened that night. I found a 19451 Ford, which is one year off from the car that Jon is currently restoring. Keeping with my early joke of Jon being good at the store I told him I would buy it for him. He found another car he liked too and put it in the basket.

As we were checking out the cashier rings up both of the cars and then looks at Jon and asks him if he would like his cars in a bag or not. Both of totally caught off guard, and Jon a little embarrassed he answers yes. I giggle a little and the lady puts them in a bag and hands the bag to Jon. She then tells us she has a husband who collects cars too and she knows how it goes.

I am sure it would have been much more funny if you had been there, but I thought it was funny enough to share with all of you.

ps. I am not happy about this snow.

Busy Busy Busy

As you can probably tell I didn't get my post up this weekend about my birthday adventure. It will have to wait. I got bombarded with projects that need to be done *now*. Unfortunately, things don't always work out how you plan, and because of this I have a couple of really busy days ahead.

However, don't let me spoil all of your fun!

Layers clothing is having a sale for today only, where all of their clearance items are $5 or $10. For that price you can afford to pick up a few things for yourself!

I have a confession..

I love listening to the 90's channel on xm. It's a guilty pleasure of mine. There is just something about the songs that make me giggle and put me in a good mood. Sometimes, I can't believe that these songs were actually chart toppers.

Spell It Out craziness

Business at Spell It Out has been crazy this month. At the beginning of the month I launched my line of vinyl chalkboards. I hoped they would do well but wasn't expecting the amount of coverage I got regarding them. I have been featured on two major design blogs and have sent chalkboards as far as Australia - all in a month!

I want to thank all of you that have been supportive in this venture. But most of all I want to express my thanks to Jon. Although I have personally told him on many occasions that I appreciate all of his help, designing and support in this business - all of you should know as well.

I hope the success of SIO continues and that Needle and Pin Productions is just as successful.

All updates, media highlights and product releases for Spell It Out can be found at the SIO blog.

Studio 5

I was on the Studio 5 show this morning, and it was a blast. Everyone there was super nice and although I was a little nervous I think I did a good job. As I am writing this the video from today is not up on the Studio 5 site yet, but it should be by tomorrow and you can find it here.

MIA

I've been MIA trying to prepare for tomorrow and getting my chalkboard orders mailed. I will have new posts tomorrow.

Spring

I am pretty sure I am ready for the snow to be gone and spring to come. Anyone else?

Aerosmith

Last night I thought I would stop by the Panda Express and pick up some food for dinner. When I got there the line was extremely long. They must have run out of Orange Chicken or something. But anyway, as I am patiently waiting in line, trying to ignore my grumbling stomach, I notice that the guy/kid behind me starts singing along to the music being played in the restaurant. The song playing is Aerosmith I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing. (I actually had to google some of the lyrics to figure that out) However, the guy/kid knew every single word to the song and had no qualms about belting them out, while he was waiting in line, for the rest of us to endure. It must be American Idol spirit in the air.

Days

Ever had one of those days where you just want to run away? Yeah? Well that was my day today. Here's to hoping tomorrow is better.

(image from here)

Rainy Day

Have a great weekend everyone!

I am glad it's finally the weekend. The weather says there is a change of rain all weekend, despite the late arriving sunshine outside. Be sure to go outside and dance in the rain.

I have the goal of finishing and starting some projects this weekend. Hopefully, I will get this done and have some updates for next week.