One more week...

I'm kind of in love with this cutting machine. The Cricut and the other ones all have cartridges and a gazillion accessories that cost more than the machine...but the Silhouette is pretty much a plug'n'cut machine -with great software to allow you to get even more creative with shapes and designs. It'll cut everything, too - except fondant. But why would I want to cut fondant? I want to have cool shapes of paper and vinyl and iron-on transfers that look professional.

Clever...

So - often it happens that you'll finish a book - or pile of books - and need suggestions on what to read next. Sometimes I'll just browse Amazon or check out Good Reads for ideas - but no more. I'll be using The Book Seer . You just enter what you finished reading and it'll make suggestions for you. Now - obviously if you didn't like the book you just read - you should choose a book you liked and go from there. But it's fun. And I like the old timey guy.

Perhaps?

I spend a lot of time on the interwebs looking at pictures and collecting ideas. All kinds of ideas - for parties, for food, for games to play, for crafts to make. I saw this one and for sure want to make some. These are handkerchiefs, cut up and gathered to make it super cute. I just wonder if my mom would send me handkerchiefs from the collection she has. Because, for reals - she's got a gazillion - and these would be so cute in hair and pinned to stuff. Just sayin'.

Rejection...

Sometimes it's hard to tell people that you don't want them around anymore. And sometimes it's not. But - either way - a fun way to tell people that you'd be better off without them. And here's a handy way to send your message: Reject-o-Matic

Go and enjoy...but if I get one from you - so help me....

Not throwing stones...

Now - I happily admit that I will go to the Googles with any question for which I don't already have the answer...this includes researching The Head of the Class episode listings. But whoever did this has WAY too much time on their hands.

They made My Little Ponies into movie characters . For reals, yo. For your viewing pleasure...



Be sure to click the link to enjoy more...

Punches...

So - you know how you'll say, "Oh - I want one of those..." and pine over something for a really long time? Could be anything from clothes to technology to a trip. But usually it's just frivolous enough that you realize that you could probably better spend your money on something a little more practical. But then - one day that item crosses the line between want and need - and you finally justify the purchase. This happened to me yesterday. And in all my nerdy glory I present what I've been waiting to buy:Yes - I bought a paper punch. Actually, I bought three. A 2" circle, a 2.5" circle, and a 2.5" scalloped edge circle. Labels and tags are going to be so easy. Not that they were particularly hard before - but I'm just saying - these will be much more polished. And fancy. Okay...and yes I can't wait until they arrive in the mail. I am also fully aware of what a nerd I am.

Happy Sunday!

It's a trend...

Do you have any tattoos?

No - I don't. I haven't found an image or message that I've liked SO MUCH that I wanted it on my body - forever.

Are you sarcastic?

No.

What movie has had the most profound effect on you?

Since I'm drawing a blank - the movie that makes me cry every time is the first Harry Potter film. At the end, when Neville is given 10 points for standing up to his friends...it still gets me!

Have you ever walked into a wall or a sliding glass door?

I walk into walls a lot. I RAN into a screen door. You never live that kind of thing down...

Favorite number?

Five.

Is your hair curly?

My hair is curly. Very curly lately as I've been using some new products. I'm trying not to fight the curls - but people - you always want what you can't have. I would love to have thick, straight hair. I've had people hate me because of my hair...within the last 6 weeks.

What was the last CD you bought?

Who buys CDs anymore? My last download was Michael Bublee.

Do looks matter?

Yes, they do. Even if they are deceiving, they still matter. Even if you know that you've done your best with what you've got - you show the world that you will do your best no matter what.

Who was the last hand-written letter you received from & have you written back?

The last letter I got was from Elder Garrett serving in the Belgium, Brussels/The Netherlands mission. I have sent mail to him since then - but I don't think I replied to that letter specifically, yet.

Do you sleep with the TV on?

No - I don't have a TV in my room and that noise would just bug me after a while. My sounds/music fades out after an hour.

Do you have good vision?

I have very poor vision. I've worn glasses since the 1st grade and one day hope to have vision correction surgery.

Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?

In this room? There are well more than three people that I actively cannot stand to be around. Odds are if you're reading this post - you aren't one of them.

How often do you talk on the phone?

At least hourly, if not more.

Are you a "touchy-feely" type person, or do you only hug or touch those closest to you?

I don't think I'm overly "touchy-feely" but I have hugged people that I didn't really know.

Is there something you always wanted to tell someone, but didn't/couldn't?

Most of the things I haven't/couldn't tell people are things that would not help the situation or help them. Mostly, I'm full of candor.

Have you ever fired a gun?

No - I'm not a big fan of guns.

Where was your last picture taken?

At a birthday party at the house.

Day Two...seriously

More questions - always more questions. You think you know someone...and then ...well...you know them a little better...

Do you rent movies often?

I've been a proud member of the Netflix community since 2002. I love, love, love Netflix. I even had Netflix when I lived NEXT DOOR to a Blockbuster. I go through phases of watching a movie every night to having a movie for weeks at a time. I am in love with the Watch Instantly feature - which has the ghetto Super Mario Bros. show!

Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?

Currently there isn't anything sparkly - but my "Fabulous" accessory is very shiny. If that counts. See:

And yes - that is a "Grandma" mug from Disney World. Of all the mugs on the wall at the biggest Disney store - I pick up the one that says "Grandma" on the handle. It was fate.

How many countries have you visited?

Just England...and the Charles De Gaulle airport - which doesn't count as "visiting" France.

Have you made a prank phone call?

Oh man, I lika to maka de pranka phone call. In junior high I was the queen of the prank phone calls. I would never break character and giggle.

Have you ever been on a train? If so, what's the longest or farthest train ride you've taken?

Despite what my brother says, I do enjoy a train ride. The longest one was from Portland to Boise. And I played cards in the club car with senior citizens while my Mom had a near two year old to wrangle all while having a killer headache.

How many different ways have you had eggs?

8: Deviled, hard boiled, egg salad, scrambled, fried, over easy, poached, basted, omletted.

Do you have a cell phone AND a house phone? Which do you use more?

There is a phone at the house but I use my cell primarily.

Do you use lip balm?

I use Soft Cheeks. And will take this bully pulpit to say how much I HATE Burt's Bees. I really cannot stand the flavor or feeling or smug packaging. Such a smug brand...

Can you use chop sticks?

Not with much success. I have a cute "training guide" that will keep the chop sticks together for me - but are really for like 3 year old Japanese children to learn how to use utensils. But I have very little dignity, so I use it.

What is the last thing you'll see before going to bed tonight?

The app on my iPod/alarm clock that plays falling rain.

Which do you prefer - phone, e-mail or letter?

I prefer an e-mail. But I do love getting phone calls and letters. But - at work it's hard for some folks to remember to send an e-mail.

Have you ever eaten Nutella crepes?

HAVE I EVER!?! Oh, Judy, I have and they are divine. Although - I can't think of too many things that aren't enhanced by Nutella.

When was the last time you cried?

May 18, 2010

What was the last question you asked, and did you get the answer you wanted?

Most questions are posed the Oracle - and usually I do get the answers for which I am looking. But that's more for trivia. Answers from people...I get plenty of answers I don't like or that are unexpected.

Favorite time of the year?

I love autumn. Cooler weather, more rainy days - better food options.

Not much new...

Friends - summer has arrived and this is the first summer in a while that I've had a normal job - where you work during the summer. I will be headed to Girls Camp at the end of July (for which I am buying myself a bullhorn/megaphone) and hope to not get a sunburn this summer. I also have a goal to post more. Finding things to post about is proving a little more challenging as not too many of you care about calling sub-contractors or how certain co-workers are STILL confused by the computer machine. So - it'll be what it is.

And here's what it is today: some random questions and their answers.

What's the last thing you do to get ready to go somewhere?

I check my purse for the essential items (phone, gum, Soft Cheeks) and then find my keys.

Are there any famous (living) people in your family?

So - I'm not related to anyone famous - or infamous - which I guess is good.

What’s the closest thing to you that's red?

My pencil cup - see:

What is the last dream you remember having? Any reality to it?

I dreamed the other night that I was at Disney World with the Malleys and we were spending our last afternoon there and then packing up and heading home. In the dream we were having a hard time determining who had the tickets, etc. The reality comes in that we really were at Disney World in February. But lost tickets?! Don't let's be silly!

Did you meet anybody new today?

So far, I have not. I thought I had - but turns out I'd met that guy before. Good thing I didn't say anything to give away the fact that I didn't remember him.

What's the strangest craving you've ever had? Did you fulfill it?

I don't usually crave "strange" things - or things I've never eaten. My strongest craving was for steak fries. And I don't think I fulfilled it that day. But I've had steak fries since, so I guess I'll say yes. And now I just want steak fries.

What does watermelon make you think of?

Watermelon makes me think of several things. First, it makes me think of my luau birthday parties - where my folks made fruit bowls out of them. Second, is that it is NOT a dessert item, no matter what the folks at Camp Namanu try to tell us. It's a great summer treat anytime - but please don't try and tell me that THAT'S dessert.

Are you emotional?

Oh yes - highly.

What is your preferred mode of transportation?

I prefer to be a driver of a car. I do love to fly. If I just need to get to a place that's a long distance away - I'll fly. But if the road trip is just as much about the stops along the way - then I do enjoy a good road trip. I have this fantasy of owning a Vespa, though.

Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?

I bite the ice cream. Usually it's melting so licking is also required, but I'm for sure EATING that ice cream.

Do you have any gray hairs?

Oh, yes. Some lucky people get to play "Pluck Miss Five's gray hairs!" and they know who they are. I dyed my hair once this year and it lasted for several months. I'm due.

Do you like the person you are today?

I don't think I do. I'm on edge today - and my brain seems disconnected from my body and location. I'm certainly not the kindest version of myself - which is not good.

Would you go out to eat with someone who committed a violent crime? (murder, for example)

I'd need to know the history and what happened but, generally, no. Also - did a murderer invite me to dinner or are we just having to share a table? This question reminds me of Ken Craig's story about the lady who said, "Let's say I stabbed a guy..."

What's the last song you heard that you knew all the lyrics to?

Don't Stop Belivin' - Journey. On the drive into work.

Were your parents strict?

No, they really weren't. There were rules and expectations and you knew that Mom would smack the ever-living-Hell out of you if you were a smart mouth (which I was) but the rules were not crazy or weird or unfair in any way. Except the rules about laundry - which I will never understand. We never had a curfew - you just had to be on time and ready for whatever you needed to be doing the next day.

Would you go sky diving?

No way, Jose! I just want to say that I have adrenalin rushes regularly enough - I don't need to fall out of a plane to have that.

What is your favorite word and why?

Today, I have to go with turd. It's funny to say, it's funny to read. It doesn't come up often so - it's also great because it's no overused. Turd burger? FUNNY.

Sew LO Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I know I keep saying I'm on my way back...but I'm pondering what would happen if I won the Sew LO Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I might just make you one. Might. YOU.

Coming back...

It's been far too long since real thoughts and ideas have been on this blog. I have pictures and stories to share - but really - it'll take a bit to get back in the swing of things. For today - I have a list of things I'm thinking about...and what I could really use:

A bowl of...Fruity Pebbles
A plate of...finger sandwiches
A stack of...new pretty papers
A room full of...good books and comfy chairs
A box of...Ding Dongs (Hostess style)
Tickets to...a funny show
A copy of...Ponyo
A set of...paper punches
A book of...inspiring ideas
A day to...watch movies to prepare for the Oscars

Feel free to recreate this list on your blog/facebook page/journal. I'd love to read what you're needing today...

It's not too late...

So - 2009 has not been the best year for my blog...and currently I have so many other details to finalize for Christmas...BUT:
I just wanted you to know about Paperless Post . It's the coolest e-card/e-vite site. They have great templates and lots of personalizing options. You can also track who's opened their card or invitation and the recipients can reply to you! Beautiful and classy and easy. These computer things sure are awesome.

So - go check out their site and sign-up and send out those Christmas cards!

Simple Saturday

Today was the ward Simple Saturday. Since it was my first one - I went with Simple instead of Super...just to figure it all out and see if people were really interested or if they were just making a big fuss because a tradition might go by the wayside. We hosted the event here at the house, and had about 15 people here. It was just the right size group for the house and meant that we didn't have to haul everything to the church. Here's a few pictures from the day!

Of course, the house was decorated for Christmas!
The ribbon tree project.
Each kit was individually packaged and labeled. Thanks to Trixie Lamour for the small baggies - they were perfect!
In the family room was the embroidered napkins project
In the dining room we had a Christmas star project and in the living room was the gift tags table.
Christmas star - with label! You can't really see it - but it looked good.
With people actually working on their projects - it was a lot of fun to sit and visit.
We also had wassail and a soup fest: creamy broccoli cheddar, southwest chicken, and a homemade turkey and wild rice that Reyna made. We bake'n'served rolls and bread sticks and it was such a fun time. I'm very pleased with the outcome. And now - very ready for a nap.

The Roadshow...

Below is the roadshow that I helped the youth produce. The theme was "superheros." The quality isn't that great as it was recorded on someone's phone - because the official recording didn't get started until after our performance. Turn up your speakers...and really - it's the dance number at the end that sells it.

Things to know: 1. The stick says "Kindness"
2. The dark part was a battle scene in slow motion/strobe light awesomeness
3. Reyna choreographed the finale
4. Everyone did their own costumes - and we won BEST COSTUMES.

Getting ready for the holidays...

A buck an ear...

I should be sleeping...but I saw this and had to share.

I want a print so bad - but where do you hang such a piece? Is it bedroom art? Bathroom? Where does one hang such an inspired work of art? Apparently in the Austin Art Garage . Also, he is not wearing a hairnet. And look at that forlorn little eye...LOVE IT!

Sharing honestly...

So - this note floated past on the Facebooks today - but I'm not really into "tagging" people - so here are my answers...just a random glimpse into Miss Five's world...

1.What was the last thing you put in your mouth
A mint from Sonic that was in my purse

2.Where was your Facebook profile picture taken?
In the orchard at the Elegant Farmer in Wisconsin

3.Can you play Guitar Hero?
Yes...on MEDIUM even!

4.Name someone who made you laugh today?
Reyna and Seth made me laugh today. Independent of each other...

5.What time did you go to bed and why?
I shoot for 10pm because I like lots of sleep. Often it's later though due to reading and hanging out watching shows.

6.If you could move somewhere else, would you?
I don't think I would. I like where I am and what life is doing right now.

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
No

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
My friends Reyna and Seth live closest to me...roughly 5 yards away.

9. Do you believe ex's can be friends?
It completely depends on why they are an ex. If it's because you both realized it wasn't going anywhere but no one was hurt, then sure. Otherwise...no.

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
I like Dr. Pepper. It makes me think of my Grandpa Siple - back in the day that was his beverage of choice.

11. When was the last time you cried really hard?
Really hard? Mid-May. Just hard? End of September.

12. Who took your Facebook profile picture?
Reyna

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
The Malleys and Coldwaters in the apple orchard.

14. Was yesterday better than today?
No. Not that yesterday was bad - but today is more mellow and involves a massage.

15. Can you live a day without TV?
Yes. I can. There are shows I love but can totally live if I'm behind in watching them.

16. Are you upset about anything?
Oddly - no. Which I do think is weird for me.

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
This is a dumb question - if I'm being honest here.

18. Are you a bad influence?
Oh yes, and one day I DO hope to use my forces for good - but what can you do!?

19. Night out or night in?
Night in.

20. What items could you not go without during the day?
My computer/iPhone. Soft Cheeks. My glasses/contacts. My watch. My sleep mask. Woobus.

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Reyna - who was having a baby.

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
"Hard to sum up in a text." So I called...

23. How do you feel about your life right now?
I feel good...pretty, pretty...pretty good.

24. Do you hate anyone?
Hate? I think there are people I would happily cross a busy intersection to punch - but hate?! Hmmm...yes?

25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
Some notes that I just haven't deleted.

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Yes. I would. You would find prescription meds...but they're legit...so it's cool.

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Not the actual word, no...I get a lot of "Is there anything you can't do?!" And in my head the long list of what I can't do begins...

28. What song is stuck in your head?
Oh man, it changes all the time. At this very moment, "I Know You By Heart" from Beaches. WHAT?!

29. Someone knocks on your door at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
A handsome and clever snuggle bunny who just "had to see" me.

30.Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
No...because that would be quite tricky with the math...

31. Name something you have to do tomorrow?
Get ready for the first Roadshow rehearsal.

32. Do you think too much or too little?
Too much - and often about very unrelated things...

Was this a REAL thing?