02 july 2011

So happy I remembered to try MobileMe and found Andy's iPod. No one was excited as I am. Well maybe Andy. I love that I used technology to locate it. It make it worth all the years I paid for MobileMe. AFter I gave Andy his iPod Touch, he was back to his normal self.

Ryan came out excited that the Tour de France was on. He turned on the big TV. He watched for about an hour and got bored. I don't blame him. I remember being in Hawaii in 1986. I learned about the Giro d'Italie and watched a lot of it. But there really wasn't much else to watch.

Did my POTD. Had to open some glitter I have had for years. Yuck! I like building the vignettes but realize I do not have many building pieces. Most of my Lego are sets.

I was going to go to the Fresh Market. I worked on my POTD instead. But I still got out.

Went to Target. Oreo Cakesters sample. So dry and so sweet. Curiosity abated. Blech.

Meds not ready so walking slowly and sampling. S'mores! Jet-puff is now making Jet Puffed Stacker Mallows, 8-Ounce (Pack of8)
just for s'mores. But sample made with cinnamon Grahams. Too much sugar.

Getting Pizza Hut for lunch. Personal pan pizza at Target. They now have sausage and egg or veggie and egg breakfast pizza.

The pizza hit the spot. The spot that constantly craves cards and cheese. Dad had already fixed lunch for Andy. He had one quarter of his grilled cheese then ate 1 1/2 pizzas.

My printed layouts came today. I started to put them away. Something was wrong. Then I realized that I didn't have all of them. Somehow I missed some pages. They will get done the next time. I need more album refills. And I need to label the albums. I don't feel the need to have them all match. It would be nice but then what happens when American Crafts stops making these albums? The digital layouts look so much bigger in real life. When I am working on the layouts, I worry that the photos or the journaling will be too small. It is not. Maybe I need a bigger monitor?

I changed up the way I present POTD. I decided to do it by month I stead of year. I did June 2011 since our blog hop is coming up.

Card of the day.

01 july 2011

At the pool.

This morning I made new headers for the blogs. Then I took photos of hot. Very subtle on the theme. I think we had hot last week. I do not like these esoteric themes. I had trouble importing into Lightroom. It kept saying the files could not be read. I restarted the computer and all was well.

It is humid. It is going to rain. Hopefully it will stay away until Andy is done with swimming.

I am such a dork. Katrina makes up the prompts at the beginning of the month. She puts them on a PDF. I have been downloading the PDF but not looking at it. They are the same prompts that are emailed out. So I no longer need to wait. Tomorrow's prompt is sparkly. Do I pull out my glitter?

It started to rain. Andy got out. I told him he could swim and he went back in!

Andy can't find his iPod. We went home but couldn't find it there. Grabbed his iPod Nano but it doesn't seem to be working.

Andy is sad. His nano does work but he doesn't want to listen to it. He is just lying down on a bench.

We went home and Andy stayed in his bedroom for a few hours. I did my POTD and a layout for Designing Your Life.

Andy finally came out after Savi arrived. He hadn't had anything to drink. He came out and had a snack and juice. He even started using his nano. I really hope we can find his iPod.

I helped Savi download podcasts and audiobooks and get them on her iPad and her iPod shuffle. She is going to Germany for six weeks.

Card of the Day

30 june 2011

No swimming today. There was light rain and I was concerned it would get heavier. I would rather reschedule than have to leave early. Andy was OK with that.

It gave me the excuse to get some work done. Though I spent time playing with a new app, Tab Launcher. I like the look of it better than the dock. I tried another app, LiteSwitch. I did not realize it was an old app that was no longer supported. There is a web site and I downloaded the app. But later a dialogue box popped up saying I needed to pay the shareware fee. But the link is a dead end. I deleted the app and started using the built in app switcher.

POTD prompt: the letter s.

http://www.linnecards.com/2011/06/30/sweet-summertime/.

I did finish the photos from the party. That feels good.

I placed my order at Persnickety Prints and they are already on their way.

I did a layout, Happy Birthday.

Dropbox sync error. First it happened on my iPhone. But then I realized my iPhone wasn't connected to the interwebs. Why does it keep disconnecting from the wi-fi? Then it happened on my iPad but my iPad is connected to the internets. I checked online and found that dropbox is doing maintenance at 5 pm PST on a Thursday. WTH? So many people rely on dropbox. Why would they not do maintenance in the middle of the night like most other web companies?

29 june 2011

Bonnie's dad has a broken back. He fell off a building.

We went to Pinchasers for bowling. Ryan said he wanted to play three games. And he didn't want me to play. I remembered to switch every camera setting except for the timer. Wondered why it was taking extra long for the shutter to release. Andy won the first game 78-70. Ryan did manage one gutter ball even with the bumpers.

Second game was better. Ryan got a couple of spares. Ryan won 82-79. Ryan wanted to quit after the second game.

The boys played video games. I gave each one $5 in tokens. Ryan's were spent quickly. Andy takes longer. Ryan didn't win many tickets so he he got a cheap plastic ring. Andy had tokens left and wanted to play air hockey. It was broken last time we were there. Ryan beat Andy easier. I wonder if his eyes do not see the puck well. The boys played two games. Andy had 3 tokens left so we each took one and played the lights game. Ryan does best at this one.

We left and went to McDonald's in Zephyrhills then to CFA in New Tampa. We need more CFAs.

Came home to find my new camera! I post more about it tomorrow.

I took my POTD. The prompt was invisible. Huh? I came up with Emperor's New Clothes. I have a king and some knights. But I have no castle. I spent too much time setting it.

I assisted Doyle at a model shoot. We went to Howard Park in Tarpon Springs. I drove through the town of Tarpon Springs. I never knew it was there! It is a nice little town, from the few things I saw. I will have to plan a photo walk there.

Howard Park is nice. Another good place for a photo walk. The shoot was on the beach. It took a wile to get organized. It was supposed to run for 2 hours. I was there for 2 1/2 hours and there was still a lot of photographer who had not shot all the models. Doyle had only gotten through 2 models. Mostly because he lets others go first.

I told Doyle that I felt like an alcoholic at a bar. So much to shoot and I couldn't. I did have my gear but I was there to assist. Something that Doyle kept forgetting. Instead of asking me, he would do things himself. I would like do some portrait sessions out there.

I realized that shooting models is OK but not something I want to pursue. I would rather shoot portraits for everyday people.

I left at 7 so I could make it home for bedtime. I went to Arby's because Taco Bell drive thru was down. Arby's tea was gross. Mozarella sticks burned my mouth.

I did make it home it time. Then I talked to Savi instead of working on anything. Now at 10:30, I am going to make a card.

28 june 2011

Ugh. Another lazy day. I had highs hopes to get stuff done but my brain just didn't engage.

POTD. Prompt was simple enough, the number eight. But I spent an hour with my Lego trying to come up with something. And in the end, I was not enthused.

Card of the day. This one is better than the first one I made for Bonnie.

Lunch.

Worked on photos while listening the 5 by 5 live.

Junk food. Ate a roll of thin mints. One roll left. Had leftover popcorn for dinner.

Did the pre class layout for Design You Life. Then I listened and watch the slideshow and video. The slideshow was almost 40 minutes. So I flattened the remaining layouts from 2011 left to print. It turns out there are only 18 which is less than the $50 required for free shipping. Maybe I will upload some more tomorrow.

Just found out that dad has a dentist appointment on Thursday so Ryan has to come to the pool.

Bonnie called. Her dad feel off a building/ladder. She had to hang up before she could tell me much.

Andy wants to go bowling tomorrow. I have to see if anyone had open bowl in the morning.

Ryan wants to me move computers around. He has stopped using his older eMac and uses my old iBook instead. He wants to move the iBook to his room.

27 june 2011

Ryan comes out of my bedroom where he is watching cartoons. He looks in the little fridge and goes, "Huh?" There are no open cookies. I tell him to open some. He does and finds that they are all stuck together. It is a problem with fudge grahams in the summer. He won't eat them but Poppa will. He goes back into the bedroom afraid to miss anything. I open up another package of cookies. Yes, we have several. These are not stuck together. I take the package to him so he can grab one or two. He grabs the whole tray. It is 7:10 am.

Did my photo. Kind of lame tie in to the theme which is miracle.

Wasted time on Bag Check today. Life today is all about me and what I have.

Spent $10 on tweetie for Mac. Probably a mistake. As in I shouldn't start tweeting again.

I wish I knew how to make that sort of grid on any sized layout.

I read through Digital Designs for Scrapbooking
. Most of it I knew. I will grab the templates on the CD.

So crowded at CFA. We had to wait for a table. And squealing girls in the play area made Andy stay out.

Just talked to Doyle. He has a shoot Wednesday and I am going to assist.

Came home and finished my POTD. Also worked on photos for the party.

Bought Sing Yourself Sillier for Andy. He has been watching it on YouTube and then recorded it on his iPod. I thought the purchased version might be nicer. Now he wants another video. I told him he could get one next week if he was good. "I am being good now." Andy is good about taking out the trash and recycling. But I want him to keep his room cleaner. He throws his blankets on the floor along with everything else. So he has to keep his room neat if he wants another video. He has already picked out which one he wants.

Dinner.

I goofed and didn't know about one of my grand-niece's birthday. It is coming up this week and I had no card made. I did one after dinner. Card of the Day. I love those number templates from Scrapping with Liz. She also make letter templates which I think I will use tomorrow. Bonnie's card came today and it seems too pale.

26 june 2011

I started looking at some of the photos from last night. The gym shots are poor. I should have kept the speed up because the kids were moving. There is blur.

POTD. Today's prompt is heart. I had the idea to make a heart of flowers using my Lego flowers. I don't have enough stems to make it look good. I pulled out the Lego heads and used those. Kind of odd, but I like it.

Backed up my devices and momento. Did some laundry. Made grilled cheese for lunch. I normally go to McDonalds on Sundays when dad is home. But since I went to church early, I didn't get lunch. Andy was OK with the change though he kept commenting on it.

Worked some on the party photos. I am down to 300 photos. I have processed 50. Hopefully I will get it down even further.

Layout: meet the teacher. I came across these photos yesterday so decided to scrap them today. (Poor photos. I used my point & shoot without the flash.)

Card of the day.

Checked out the app store. I found Day One which is a journaling app. They also have apps that run on iOS devices. I am trying it out. I like that momento culls my feeds but it does not sync. I have been using notesy for my journaling. It syncs well using dropbox. Day One also uses dropbox. But notesy is very plain. Day One has a few more options and also a date stamp.

Dinner: tuna, tomatoes & lemon sorbet.

Ryan wants to continue our outings on Wednesday, which we have now labeled Wednesday Adventure Club. He does not want to even come to the pool when Andy goes swimming. But he does want us to bring him back lunch. And by lunch I mean fries from McDonalds.

Still not sure about 500pixels. I am seeing more lackluster photos so I should not be afraid to post more of my work. Still. I will save only the best for it.

I started tweeting again. Since I got rid of most the Brits I used to follow, there is little to read. It's OK. There are some more I need to purge. I followed them back to be nice and now I see they post a lot and stuff I have no interest in.

Even though I am doing Finding Photo Freedom, I wanted to take another class. FPF just feels like busy work. It is probably something I could have done myself. But paying the fee is motivating me to get it done. Anyway, I just purchased Design Your Life by Cathy Zielske.

25 june 2011

POTD.

Spent my morning buying digi kits and organizing some. Also worked on August 2008 photos. I got about half done with that month.

Card of the day.

I stopped at Five Guys on my way out. Oh man it tasted good.

I photographed a birthday party tonight. It was for a two year old. It was a pirate pool party. Too bad it got rained out. Mostly. We went indoors to the gym. The kids still had fun. After pizza and cupcakes and presents, the rain had stopped and the pools were reopened.

I felt awkward taking photos of people just at the party. It was easier to focus on the kids but I tried to get the adults too.

The party was from 5:30-7:30 but they had use of the place until 9:00. I left after 7:30 so I could get home for bedtime. I got home at 8:03. Ryan was out of the bath and Andy was going in.

I ate half a melon. I know I am going to wake up with a tummy ache.

24 june 2011

The boys got haircuts today. It was a morning appointment which was different for them. We usually go near the end if the day when there are fewer people.

Dad left Atlanta at 6 am. Andy is very happy. "I cannot wait until Poppa comes home."

POTD

I just realized I should get Jack a birthday gift. He is turning two and I am going to be shooting the pirate themed party. I wonder what I can find at Barnes & Noble or can I talk the boys into going to Toys R Us.

I ate lunch at Barnes & Noble. I love the roasted tomato caprese sandwich. I think they overheated this one. I found a Melissa & Doug toy, Melissa & Doug Beginner Pattern Blocks
">Beginner Pattern Blocks, for Jack. B&N has a kids nook area. There are two tethered nooks on a short table with cushions. It reminds me of the Apple Store. Andy picked out Percy's Chocolate Crunch. He must have a half dozen copies of this book. Ryan found another Warriors book to add to his collection. Andy is walking around the store. He is easy to spot in his yellow shirt & hat.

Ryan was concerned about the darks clouds. He hates the rain and storms. I told him we would be OK. He asked how. I said I would keep him safe. He said OK.

We ran into some rain but Ryan stayed quiet. If he was upset, he didn't show it.

Dad called after 1 to say he would be here before 2. Andy was really excited. In the past, the boys hide when poppa comes. They wait until he is settled and things are quiet again before they come out. Today, Andy kept checking the time and looking out the window. When poppa finally arrived, Andy told me he was here. I told Andy to open the door and say hi. He did and was practically bouncing up and down. He let poppa hug him and helped us carry some of the numerous bags.

I finished purging July 2008 photos.

August 2008 POTD.

Card of the day.

Ryan was concerned about the storms that have been threatening. We'd get a lot of thunder and little rain then it would stop for a while. It had stopped for his bath then started again. Andy thought he could skip his bath. I said no. There is only rain and not thunder. It is not that safe to bathe while there are sever thunderstorms. Ryan has taken that to me any rain or thunder. And Andy will skip his bath if Ryan skips his. But with them getting haircuts, they both needed to wash their hair.

23 june 2011

Itchy. Now I know Off! Does work. But I have about a dozen bites where I did get the Spray to go like the backs of my arms and thighs.

POTD.

Hips are out of whack.

We went to the pool. It is getting too hot. I think I will have to go swimming soon.

As we were leaving, we saw smoke. I was surprised that burning was allowed. Our county just issued a fireworks ban through the holiday.

Lunch and the post office. The boys came in even though it took about 3 minutes to get my package.

Groceries at Publix. I spent $115 today. This is getting out of hand.

On the way home, we saw a fire truck pulled over near the burning we had seen earlier. It is not a controlled burned and had gotten bigger and spread. Hopefully they will be able to get it under control before it gets too close to the homes. Ryan is concerned that it will get to us but I told him it is pretty small and they can build fire breaks to control it. He actually hoped for rain.

My package is the CF card reader I ordered from china. It works well. I am not sure how much I will use it but it is nice to know I can.

Layout; Upper Tampa Bay Park

I used a template from Scrapping with Liz. I like that templates make it quick and easy to make a layout. But I am also finding that many, OK most, templates, have too much stuff going on. These days, I am happier with a cleaner designer and prefer grids and color block designs.

http://www.linnecards.com/2011/06/23/sunkissed/.

My dad is planning on driving down tomorrow. Andy asked and I told him. His smile was very big.