La Vida Es Un Carnival

I am so dumb! I've been missing all my music since my old computer crashed - forgetting that most of it is on my ipod! D'oh! I got a little speaker for it for Christmas.

I am listening to Celia Cruz. Her music has been in my head since last night. My aunt got us tickets to see Celia, an off Broadway show about Celia Cruz. It was a pretty good show - once I understood what was going on. They had two actresses playing Celia. One was the singer - and even though she was the understudy, she was still pretty amazing. They had her dressed up in all the crazy outfits and wigs, and she would do the singing parts. Then there was a woman - just called woman in the program - who was Celia off stage, interacting with her husband Pedro Knight, who was also telling the story through flashbacks.

On Saturday, I went down to Rutgers to talk to some of the staff at my old college paper. And I got to see some of my old friends who I haven't seen in ages. Some of us went out after and spent the whole afternoon catching up. I still can't get over how some of my friends are all married with kids now.

And of course, I've been rocking out with Guitar Hero all weekend . I've now beaten all three games on Easy and I'm trying to learn the Medium mode. It's hard so I keep quitting and going back to the easy songs!

I need my ipod to charge a little now so I can put some of my Celia Cruz songs on this computer.
Here's a video of Celia singing La Vida Es Un Carnival - Life is a carnival - one of my favorite songs. (I think it's hilarious to see her singing on the beach with all these kids in bikinis.) I've been feeling down lately, so this song really makes me think it's not so bad. You can see the lyrics and translation here.

Movies

**Originally posted Thursday, January 24, on my Ten Things blog by mistake LOL!

I am so upset that the writers strike could put off the Oscars. I love Oscar night. Last year I had a bunch of friends over and it was so much fun!

This time of year makes me crazy with all the movies that come out! There were a bunch of things I wanted to see that I'll have to wait for the DVD. But I have been to the movies twice this week! Randi was of for MLK Day, so we went to see Charlie Wilson's War. I usually think political movies are kind of booooooring, but this one was written by Aaron Sorkin, so the chatter was fun, witty and fast paced. It was fun to see Tom Hanks playing a sleaze, but a charming one. And Philip Seymour Hoffman was fantastic as the CIA agent. The movie left me a little disturbed. It's about a congressman's efforts to covertly fund the Afghanis in their war against Russia. There are some scenes from a refugee camp that are very sad. And it's also sad to think of how we've gone from those days to the war now.

Last night, I saw a much funnier movie, 27 dresses. As someone who's been a bridesmaid twice, I really loved it, even though the critics were tough on it. I though Katherine Heigl and James Marsden were adorable. Loved the part where they were messing up the lyrics to Benny and the Jets - that totally reminds me of me and my friend Lisa who are obsessed with figuring out what lyrics are. (I also enjoyed small parts by Melora Hardin of the Office and some ABC soap stars.)
It may have had all the typical cheesy/sappy romantic comedy bits, but I like that in a movie.

I also saw trailers for two more chick flicks I want to see! Patrick Dempsy's going to be in Made of Honor, which looks like a reverse version of My Best Friend's Wedding and Jeffery Dean Morgan is going to be in The Accidental Husband. Those will help me get over my Grey's Anatomy withdrawal if this strike keeps up.

Getting stuff done

I thought this weekend was going to be another bust after yesterday. I slept late and then my nieces came over - Taylor was going to stay over night - so I didn't do a thing all day. I was supposed to go out with some friends but I was so tired that I stayed in.

But I am happy that I did manage to get a few things done since yesterday! Small steps. Focusing. That's what I have to keep telling myself!

- Digital Craft Studio: Finally got it out so the girls could play with it. Taylor was better at figuring it out than I was!

- Magazines: I did some reading. I'm down to just 4 magazines in my pile. Not bad! They are all current issues. LOL!
* Edited: Now I'm down to 2 magazines - the most recent CK and SS.

- Netflix: I just popped in 3:10 to Yuma. Last night I watched Waitress and Once - both really great stories! Once has such great songs - it's a musical, but not he standard kind. When people break out into song it actually makes sense. LOL! And it's heartbreaking too, but very sweet.
So I will have watched all 3 of my movies in a weekend and won't have them sitting around for ages like I usually do.

- Bills: I remembered to pay the bills today!

- Scrapping: I did three pages today!!! But I can't show them off yet because they are all CT pages.

- Video games: I beat Guitar Hero game on easy level!!! I finally beat Tom Morello, as well as the final boss. I still never beat Raining Blood. Need more practice. I also started the Simpsons Game.

So it feels good to have done something in a weekend where it feels like I'm just sitting around in sweats. I made some hot chocolate - it is COLD today - and I'm going to watch this movie before the Giants are on.
**3:10 to Yuma was really good. Russel Crowe and Christian Bale make a great team.
***I'm to afraid to turn on the Giants game but they are winning 20-17! Watching Northanger Abbey on Masterpiece Theater instead.

Oh, and we've got night owls tonight - 12:30 am EST early Monday - at RAKScraps! Come by and say hi if you're going to be up!

Layout roundup

I haven't posted any of my pages in ages! Here are my latest...
One of my 4x6 pages for my Christmas album. Kylie going to town on the wrapping paper. Credits.

She also had her own version of Jingle Bells. Credits.
Here's a two pager from Thanksgiving. It was so warm we were out in the yard playing. I didn't notice this until I went to scrap these photos but you can see Kylie drawing on Rocky in the big photo - or at least it looks that way! Credits
Here's one of my goddaughter after her baptism party. Credits
And here's my year in review. Credits.

Bawling my eyes out!

I am a regular sponsor at North Shore Animal League (that's where we got Rocky) and I get emails from them all the time about the pets they rescue. This just came in my mailbox. Warning, you may need a box of tissues...
It just breaks my heart that people would treat an animal like this. I see those sweet eyes and I think of Rocky and how loving he is and how much having him in my life has made me a better person.

I know a lot of people don't like pit bulls, but they don't derserve to be treated so horribly! We had this story at work recently about a dog - along with two dead ones - just thrown in the trash.

There are days when I like dogs better than people, and I wish I could do more to help these pups. So I figure at least posting here to help spread the word is at least one little step.

If you have a dog, a cat or even a hamster, I hope you'll give them an extra pat or treat. They are so lucky to have you!

Here's a much happier story if you need some cheering up like I do now!

January at RAKScraps!

RAKScraps has just released our January newsletter! There's a great ACDSee tutorial by Christine Smith, news about our events, and some freebies too! You can find it here.

We're also getting ready to release our latest mega kit and our Mega Kit Add On, new Quick Page Book and CD options are now available at Scrapdish!


We've got some great news about the Mega Kit Add On too! Kristy Valshan - aka Jeanine and Jen - will be contributing to the kits! I'm also going to be doing more templates and quick pages instead of designing elements. So this month's add on has 2 quick pages that are not included in the album as well as templates in 12x12 and 8 x 10 sizes as well as png shapes!

You can find them all here at Scrapdish!

Shuffled...

I saw this one on Krista's blog. Some of the answers are funny, some weird and some just huh?
I did this using a computer with only a small selection of my music on itunes.

The rules:
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY?" YOU SAY?
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite (The Beatles)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Stay Away (Nirvana)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY?
Stand By Me (John Lennon)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Happy XMas (War Is Over) John Lennon

- Don't we all wish!

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Psycho (Sytsem of a Down)


WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen)

- Awesome! LOL!

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Free Fallin' (Tom Petty)


WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (The Beatles)

- They must think there's no hope for me! LOL!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
For You (Bruce Springsteen)

- That must be all that stuff I'm doing for everyone.

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
What Goes On (The Beatles)

- That's usually what I think of math

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
I Came To Believe (Johnny Cash)

- My friends have taught me many things.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE/LOVE?
Golden Slumbers (The Beatles)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Jacob's Ladder (Bruce Springsteen)


WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Vaccination Scar (Tragically Hip)

- Maybe Krista would know what that means?

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE/LOVE?
You've got to hide your love away (The Beatles)

- Um, guess that's why I'm single

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
La Vie Boheme (Rent)

- That would be fun!

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
God's Gonna Cut You Down (Johnny Cash)

- Yikes!

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Midnight Rambler (The Rolling Stones)

- LOL! I am a night owl!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Watching The Wheels (John Lennon)


WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Power to The People (John Lennon)


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Tell Me What You See (The Beatles)

What's in my name

I picked this quiz as my Question of the Week at RAKs...

What Robin Means

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are full of energy. You are spirited and boisterous. You are bold and daring. You are willing to do some pretty outrageous things. Your high energy sometimes gets you in trouble. You can have a pretty bad temper at times. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

So let's see...
Wild, crazy: true
Lots of energy: um, no way
Trouble: yes, ask Mish
Serious, well rounded, too much pressure on myself: exactly
Spirited and boisterous: well, maybe if I've been drinking
Bad temper: of course - I am Cuban/Irish
Enthusiasm that fades quickly: so many projects, hobbies, books that I've started and never finished.
Wise: absolutely
Imaginative: yes
Paranoid/jealous: sadly, yes

Words about me...

One of my goals this year is to do more pages about myself. I did so many great ones (I think) for the Chick's life challenge, but I really let it slide after that. So Holly had a great idea on her blog - come up with 30 words about yourself. I picked 31 since that's my age.

1 short
2 smart
3 wanna be rock star
4 creative
5 know it all
6 talkative
7 sister
8 daughter
9 aunt
10 movies
11 books
12 liberal
13 funny
14 scrapbook
15 rolling rocks
16 journalist
17 procrastinator
18 hypochondriac
19 gossip
20 classic rock
21 night
22 computer
23 tivo
24 girl
25 multitasking
26 family
27 messy
28 pack rat
29 collector
30 lefty
31 friend

The blahs

I hope it's the weather that's making me feel blah. I'm having one of those I want to stay in bed days. I have a bunch of things I need to do, but I don't really want to do any of them.

I had gotten a notice about my student loan payment amount going up more than double my regular amount because I forgot to send in some paperwork. I was able to get a better plan, but the woman on the phone couldn't assure me that I wouldn't have to pay the bigger amount this month. Fun.

So I mostly hung around with my sister this weekend. Caught up on my Netflix movies and watched Talked to Me and Zodiac, both pretty good. We also saw Sweeney Todd this weekend - and I loved it. Johnny Depp is so creepy and I thought his singing was good. I didn't like all the blood, but it was still fun! Speaking of movies, I also saw Juno, which is so hilarious. Just about every line is funny.

I also played a lot of Guitar Hero, bought a shelf for my bathroom cabinet that is too big, worked on some RAKScraps stuff and watched the Giants win against Dallas (yay!).

It's cold up here in the office so maybe that's also why I don't feel like getting much done. Need to go get some lunch now downstairs where it's much warmer!

Random stuff

- I have Guitar Hero songs stuck in my head pretty much all day long. I have been timing my morning routine around how much GH I can get in.
- Loved watching all the extra and commentary on The Simpsons DVD. But one of my favorite things is just the menu - Spider-Pig is dressed like Spider-Man and swings across the top.
- I haven't scrapped all week.
- Got my car fixed and walked all over Englewood yesterday while I was waiting for it. I google mapped the distance from the auto shop to my doctors - 1.6 miles. So the round trip explains why my feet are a bit sore today.
- I have been trying to eat more fruit again this week, but I've had this same apple sitting here for two days.
- I cleared out bloglines. Went from about 200 subscriptions to 98. I kept only blogs by friends, a few designers I still want to stalk and a few others I really enjoy reading, along with entertainment, news and celeb gossip stuff. See I'm focusing! I usually just read my friends' blogs, some news and then clear the rest because I don't have time or don't care. I also unsubscribed from all the store blogs so that I won't spend money on digi stuff!
- I am so bad about keeping up on Facebook lately. I need to go do some poking. A bunch of my college friends are on there now and we have a group about planning our 10 year reunion. I'm getting old!

I wanna be a rock star

I have been strumming my heart out since last night. Guitar Hero is awesome! I finally got it out of the box last night. It takes awhile to get a hang of it - especially since I'm so uncoordinated, but it is awesome!!!!

Six degrees of Amy Adams

I have been watching the Office Season 2 on DVD and I didn't remember that Amy Adams played Katy, aka purse girl/hot girl/Jim's girlfriend.
And I heart Jim and all these goofy faces he makes. My sister has a friend that does a great impression of it. I even liked John Krasinki in License to Wed.

Well Amy Adams also made this movie, which I loved, Enchanted....
... in which she got to smooch my other imaginary boyfriend, Patrick Dempsey.
Sigh!!!!!

$0.00

That's what the next round of credit card statements I get should read! I am done! I have been in a debt consolidation program for the last four years, and I just made my last payment today. I am so happy I want to cry!

I let my credit card debt snowball, starting in college. I would pay my bills with my credit cards. While I lived in Connecticut, I shopped all the time because I was so bored and lonely up there. And then a few years ago, my ex-boyfriend decided to max a few cards out before he fell off the face of the earth. Then I would start the whole balance transfer game or just skip payments because I couldn't afford it anymore.

It's been really hard living like this. I have to pay for mostly everything in cash. I haven't had a real vacation in years. I went from being a shopaholic to someone who hates malls because I hate seeing all the stuff I can't afford. I was barely making it paycheck to paycheck until I moved in with my mom a few years ago. But now I can pay off a few bills from the holidays (I still have my Macy's card!) and I can start saving up so I can afford a new car and a place of my own. I've been waiting for this day for so long! It feels like I lost 200 pounds!

My word

I've been thinking a lot this week about resolutions, all the things I want to do this year, and how I am ever going to get it all done. And that's when I came up with my word. You may have heard about Ali Edward's word. I had one for 2006. I never came up with one for 2007. Even as I'm writing this, I'm thinking about all the hundreds of things I need to work on and getting distracted.

So my word for 2008 is focus. One of my biggest problems is I get so overwhelmed by my to-do list that I end up ignoring it and nothing gets done. Then what happens is I forget to pay a bill, my room goes uncleaned, I work on things last minute.

I don't want to list all of the things I want to focus on. But I'm starting out by setting small goals for myself each day. Instead of looking at the whole list, I think of two or three things to work on, and I'm trying to make sure some of those things are things for me!

And it seems to work! Yesterday, I made a short list and got more than everything done. I printed out photos for all the frames I've had piling up. Now I have new photos of Taylor, Kylie, Rocky and Lucia on my desk at work. And I also did two layouts and some templates for RAKScraps. I also cooked myself some lunch - not just something in the microwave! Today's been more laid back. The only think I put on my list was "scrap a layout." I scrapped a little, had lunch, caught up on some Entertainment Weekly and still did some admin stuff. It feels really great to do things for myself first.

(LO Credits: Everything by Jessica Bolton at Scrapbook Graphics - word strip from Delight in Photographs; frame, paper from Homegirl Frill, Teen Tiny Alphas)

Just stopping in quickly...

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Hope you have a great 2008!
I'm a bit tired today after hanging out my friends way too late after I got out of work, but it's all good. :) Think one of my new goals for this year will be staying home more!