Tackling my Chaos

At least that sounds like I'm doing more than just spinning my wheels up in my pigsty (I mean, craft room). I came up with a "brilliant" idea today. I have an old paper sorter/printer stand from several printers ago that was just taking up space on a chest since my new printer doesn't fit on it. It's the perfect size to put my Cricut Expression on and I filled the paper slots with my 8.5 x 11 cardstock collection. The paper stand and Cricut fit to the right of my scrapping table, between my serger and embroidery machine.

I just finished a scrapbook page that I started in an online class Tuesday night. I'm finally working on pages from our trip to Montana. The online lesson was on distressing using Ranger Distress Inks. I didn't particularly like the way my efforts were coming out so I sort of did my own thing.  It was very "design as you go" but I'm pleased with the results. I don't usually use postcards in my layouts but the cards I got in Montana were so beautiful. I also found just the right spot for some of the embellishments that I bought on the trip. The final part of the layout was made with a 2" square cut out of one of the pictures that I actually did take, of the first bear that we sighted in Glacier National Park.

Rocky got into the neighbors compost pile again yesterday and suffered the consequences with an upset stomach. I don't know what they throw in there that's so tantalizing to him, but I wish they could cover it so he can't help himself to the "buffet".

We are counting down to our next vacation: April 18-25 we will be cruising from NYC to Bermuda on the Norwegian Dawn. It'll just be the two of us as the rest of the family has sworn not to travel with John again. Going to Bermuda was actually his idea. The last time we were there was 25 years ago on our first vacation together. We wound up doing a cruise this time because the price was so reasonable. It actually cost less than flying down for a long weekend, and all our meals and entertainment is included. Of course, taking John on a cruise has its downside...I know he will fuss over the mandatory lifeboat drill and waiting in line for dinner. At least there will be no formal nights on this ship so I don't have to make him get dressed up. I'm just looking forward to a week of R&R. There's no pressure to do a lot of sightseeing. If the weather is warm I'd like to do some snorkling. What do you think my chances are of losing 12 pounds in 12 weeks? I hate the thought of "dieting" because that just means that I'll automatically gain 5 pounds, but I sure wouldn't mind losing some weight before we go.

Keep your fingers crossed that my daughter gets called back to work. She just had an interview at her old company and it would be great if she could get the job. Also, think good thoughts for my brother who is planning on buying a lodge in New Zealand. He just needs to see if NZ wants him as a resident.