Update...

I am so mad, I can't even post pics because I left my damn camera at school... Oh well, not much to update except for my next art journal page "blissful". I am a few (ahem 4) days behind due to the emergency room drama of the weekend and it looks like this weekend is about as gloomy since I am working Sat and Sun!!! Lame! Anyway I was looking forward to Robbie and me going to the Ren Faire but not anymore! Maybe we can go the 20th before we go to Johanna's bday. Also I wanted to post pics of my recent CVS makeup haul...I scored a ton of makeup for like 7.00!!! I was actually impressed with myself. It was all due to coupons/ their weird promotions for xtra bucks and I left feeling like I really ripped them off, lmao. I always feel that way when I leave there. I also bought the new issue of Nylon and I forgot how much I really love the imagery/photography in that magazine!! I have to start buying it again! I found an awesome pic for one of my students that had a kitten skateboarding! Wow was she excited! I love doing that for my advanced students, they are so into their art journals that I really want them to love collecting images! I know I do! anyway I am still so tired from this weekend so I need to catch up on some things around the house but I will post some pics tomorrow! :)

xoxo,

g

Still feeling bad but some awesome mail arrived to cheer me up!

I stayed home almost all of today except to refill a prescription, I am so mad that this headache has ruined my weekend I am vegging out on the couch and feeling horrible, I still feel like things don't look right to me. I guess I will have to try to get a dr appt on Monday but I really hate missing school because it gets the kids so far behind and it's not fair to them. So anyway the mail arrived and unexpectedly, my packages arrived! I got my HappyTape shipment of two (very small) but totally sweet Japanese masking tapes in two green colors, my navy blue rain boots with little whales!!! OMG and it's supposed to rain tomorrow, they match my blue ruffled umbrella! and some cutie gold ballet flats!! I heart Target! Anyway now that I have my HappyTape I really want to order some more! It is so amazing and you can't find it anywhere in Tucson!! Off to rest my eyes some more.

xoxo,

g

OH ER How I loathe thee...

So yesterday was quite possibly the scariest and weirdest day of my life... I was feeling fine (except for my cough leftover from a cold) and we were out taking pictures in class when all of a sudden, my neck/shoulder muscles seized up and I got a migraine headache at my temples which was not the usual place I get a migraine. I was irritated by it and it hurt but I figured it was ok and I would just change up the lessons for the rest of the afternoon classes and make it though the day. When we got back into the room I was collecting the cameras and cleaning up and I looked at a kids face and told him to hurry up with turning off his camera and then his face morphed big to small right in front of me and as I started looking around the room everything looked like I was in a fun house, all distorted and weird. The closest way to describe it would be fear and loathing in las vegas acid trip. I got scared and asked another teacher to cover my class and started walking up to the office to see if I could go home. I happened to look down at the grass in the field and the ground zoomed up at me like the opposite of vertigo, like looking through a camera lens. This is when I started panicking because I have never experienced this sort of thing. At the office everyone was very nice and helpful and I was told by my doctor to go to the ER so my mom picked me up and we went and waited forever. The final prognosis was a migraine but it was so different from my usual ones that I am still slightly unconvinced. I am resting all weekend and I still have a headache, this is the longest I have ever gone with a migraine and I can't understand what caused it. More on fun stuff later if I feel I can keep typing at a computer.

xoxo,

g

Wow...it's been a few days!

So I have been fighting off a cold for the third time in two months!!! I can't believe it! Yesterday I did get the chance to start my art journal for the class I am taking from Vivianna from Polka Dot Robot. So far the class is amazing!! I made my journal a little late and was really busy on Monday night so I just got started yesterday so I have only done one entry: Monday's theme was "Escape", I think I did a good job on it. Yesterday's was "Blissful" and today's was "Be still my heart". I have to catch up this weekend when I have time, maybe Friday night! I really like the class though, definitely worth the $20 bucks I paid! I have also discovered some really awesome blogs from other people who are either friends of Vivianna or people in the class, they are really inspiring! I also have been busy embroidering! I made a fun tote bag with a camera I drew and I finished the bluebird shirt! Ok well I am tired so I am going to leave you with a few pics from the art journal and I should be back tomorrow to update a little better!

xoxo,

g

New Things for the art journal class and some bad news...

So yesterday I promised I would post the pictures of the new pretty papers I got for my art journal class. I also got a really awesome organizer for my pens and markers. I went to Joann's today with my mom and we bought a bunch of cute stuff and I was having a great day until I realized that I can't find my embroidery effects book (the one I just bought!). I had brought it inside to pick out the thread colors for my bluebird shirt and I must have left it in the cart after we checked out!!! I am so bummed! I will call tomorrow and see if someone turned it in! I really hope they did because it was so awesome and i don't want to have to buy another one! I also hope that Making Memories has a seat left for the 3 things book class that takes place tomorrow night, I wanted to register today but I thought Robbie would get mad because it's his night off and we usually hang out but when I asked him about it later he was like "You should do it!" Damn I hate not being able to predict his reaction! I really hope there is one seat left! I can't wait for Rodeo break I have so much crafting to do! Well my movie is almost over and i should be going to bed so until tomorrow!

xoxo,

g

(images from weheartit.com.
A few of my favorite things from today...

I bought some really beautiful papers and die-cuts for the art journal class, they were really amazing, I obviously haven't shopped for scrapbook supplies in awhile. It rained like crazy today and I almost bought my rain boots from Target but they didn't have the ones with the whales anymore and they were the best ones. I would probably feel like an idiot with them on, lol. Tomorrow I have so much work to do on my lesson plan so I am ready to get observed on Tuesday, I can't wait for Rodeo Break!!! So close! I have been waiting for this so I can get my office ready and get back to crafting, I have so much to do! I can't even think straight about what to write for this! I am going to keep watching my movies and then get some sleep!

xoxo,

g

This movie makes me happy and today, I really need that. I need an outlet and my friend circle back, otherwise I think I may lose my mind. Today at school it was really crazy, I blame the false fire alarm in 3rd period. I had a great dinner with the parents and then made delicious brownies but when I discovered the dreaded bank account statement, I called my husband, albeit a bit angry to discuss it and we got in a tif over it. I really can't deal with this bs and financial crap anymore, it's so stressful! I also need to do my meet and greet for the art journal class and finish my embroidery and start my bluebird shirt! Well that's all for tonight, short and not so sweet I guess...

xoxo

g

(image from flickr)
Wow, So it's been a few days, I have been so busy trying to write lesson plans and come up with ideas for my photo club students. I have been gathering materials for my online art journal class which starts soon, I have been going into Michael's like 4 times a day with coupons in disguises...lol. Today at school the kids were working on their David Hockney inspired montages and were really good at it! Unfortunately next week I get observed by the assistant principal, I always feel like I don't do a good job and I worry my class is going to choose that day to be crazy. But...next week also brings a well deserved rest with Rodeo Break, that's the best reason to live in AZ. I haven't had time to continue with my embroidery this week but this weekend I plan to complete my bluebird shirt from start to finish. I really want to learn how to crochet too but I will stick with this for now. Well my laptop battery is about to die and I forgot the cord at school so I will post a hopefully more interesting post tomorrow!

xoxo,

g

I feel like the girl in this picture sometimes, like as if I'm walking along, enjoying my life and then suddenly STOP! Something always comes up. Today at work it was so lame, people are so irritating around holidays. On a better note, kind of still irritating but better...I tried to make some yoyo's today they didn't come out very well but I know I will get better soon, I'm just not used to sewing yet. My embroidery is coming along well and as I have been saying everyday since I signed up for Vivianna's Quiet Night's Art Journal Class, I am SO EXCITED for March 1st! You can sign up here if you are interested in joining! It's really affordable and so far looks like it's going to be amazing!!! I wish I could get Kayla to join with me. Valentine's Day is going to be as lame as usual since we really don't celebrate and Robbie works all day/night. I will be going to the Loft to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's alone most likely... Today's post is kinda a downer...sorry but it happens! Now I'm going to bed since I have to work at 6am!

xoxo,

g

I got the most amazing book on embroidery (see picture to the left) It really is awesome because it explains things so I can understand because I have not really ever sewed before. My cold is hitting it's high point and I hope I can make it through work tomorrow.

I just feel so blah and I want to nap all afternoon! Oh well I can't I have a job to do, lol. I am currently really excited about March 1st coming! I am officially signed up for the online art journal class hosted by Polka Dot Robot and just from seeing the samples and hearing about Vivianna's story with art journaling, I am so ready for this! I went shopping for some supplies today, I got: pretty ribbon tape, extra embroidery thread, pretty scrapbook papers, Zig ink pens, stickers, felt, fabric scraps and a bunch of other stuff that I gathered up from around my office from past attempts at projects! I have found a journal to use but it needs sprucing! I got a lot farther on my embroidery dresser scarf, I am 1/4 of the way finished with the stem stitching, I will post a picture soon! Other than that I am just really tired so I am going to be going to bed now...

xoxo,

g

Short post tonight, feeling like crap probably not helped by the rainy weather... I have some pics I want to post tomorrow. Today I made a lot of progress on my lesson/unit plan, found out I will most likely have a job teaching photography next year (yay!), bought an awesome book on Embroidery, and I signed up for the art journal class. I am finally starting to feel happy and excited about things again, for awhile I was just too focused on work and cleaning. I promise to have some pics tomorrow, not that I think anyone reads this or cares, lol. It's more for me to do something creative daily so I can keep writing! I look forward to the art journal class!

xoxo,

g

Currently my tiny dog is begging for some attention and I feel like I am developing a cold so this will be a short post. I have been reading several blogs and one of my new favorites Polka Dot Robot is going to be offering a really cheap class on making art journals, this is exactly what I have been wanting to do! I am so excited to sign up tomorrow! My embroidery is coming along well but I am really hating that fact that all my friends are making fun of it and calling me an old lady. These are things that are really timeless and as I am not rolling in cash currently I felt like I could embroider on some of my clothes and make them "new" again. Ginnie would understand! I also have a new weekend project, making picture frames that are covered with buttons and are hung up on the wall with large strands of grosgrain ribbon, another favorite thing! I hope to get one finished this weekend for my office! Well I have parent-teacher conferences tomorrow so I better get to bed so I can be coherent.

xoxo

g

Update for Feb. 6th: So I slacked off yesterday but not because I wanted to, I didn't feel well. Lately I have had a really hard time coping with stress mostly brought on by a lack of money situation. It all goes to my stomach and then I get nauseous and feel icky! I hate it so much. I did some planning on my unit for advanced photo and then put it away after a couple hours because I was getting stuck, I need to work on it but I want some advice on how it's coming along so I don't do it wrong. Other than feeling bad yesterday there were some high points like for instance I went to the library book sale and scored a bunch of "Rough Guides" and "Lonely Planet" travel guides so me and my mom can start planning our 5th annual mother daughter vacation. I'm excited. I also found out that my BFF is getting married this summer so I will be going to ye olde West Virginia!

Today was sadly, uneventful. Me and Robbie went to lunch before he had to go to work, I coupon clipped a ton of great deals and then I went shopping at Michaels for some embroidery supplies. I actually started on a beautiful dresser scarf with my mom's help and I think it will turn out nicely if I can just keep working on it diligently. I really need more time! It's sad that there are only two weekend days and I have to work one of them. I would love to learn how to do all these neat things!!! Oh well I need to work on achieving them slowly, doing something new every month or so, for now it's this embroidery. I already saw one that I want to make for Kinzi and Kali, they are matching pillowcases that say Sweet Dreams with butterflies and bows, so pretty! For now I am off to read a couple chapters of "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and then it's back to the grind tomorrow, luckily we are starting our Types of Photography collage so it will be a semi easy week except for advanced.... TTYtomorrow!

xoxo

g

So today started off a little rough...I got electrocuted at the bright and early hour of 7:45 am. I was super excited to try out the new connection cable and hot shoe adapter for the studio lights (so they actually flash instead of just using the modeling light) so I plugged everything in and set up a shot. I snapped a few frames and then decided to turn on the lightswitch, with camera in my left hand I flipped the switch with my right and felt the strangest sensation. But did I let go of the lightswitch? No, of course not, it took me like 5-7 seconds of shuddering to realize what had happened. I think I thought it was an earthquake, lol. It was strange, it didn't really hurt but felt akin to a rumble pak on a video game (strange that I know this considering I hate them). The one thing it did do was cross a wire in my brain because I instantly became pissed off and really irritated! I mean I kicked kids out of my room at lunch! That never happens! I usually have my "besties" kids who love to hang out and either work on photos or play on the computers and they are ALWAYS there! I just felt odd, everything seemed weird like I was watching myself conduct class and was out of my body. After that I finally took off for my mom's house (she promised me dinner and to dye my hair, can't beat that). I went over there and actually felt very productive and started writing a Unit plan for my advanced class. I can work so much better when I know there is nothing around me to clean or worry about and it's so peaceful over there. My hair turned out great and I saved $50 bucks by having her do it! I have to work tomorrow which I am NOT looking forward to, I really hate the BS of working at Albertson's but I heart my boss so I keep it up because she is really great and lets me work one day a week! Ta for now but I will be back tomorrow! I am really getting in the habit of updating this! Now if only I could exercise this much! HA, never!

xoxo,

g

Today I was inspired by a nautical theme: I wore a blue and white striped sweater with my silver anchor necklace, skinny jeans and a pair of deck sneakers. It was fun, I wish I cared more and had the time to worry about clothing. I am so exhausted everyday and I really would like to have more time to coordinate outfits like I used to. It's gonna be a short one tonight because I am tired and I have a lot of lesson planning to do but all I can say is that at least I'm writing daily!!! Currently I am watching the most BS episode of Bear Grylls fighting his way through an "urban jungle" LMAO he is sliding down an elevator shaft in an abandoned building on some island in the Baltic Sea. Please tell me when in the hell I am going to be in THAT fucking situation.

xoxo

g

So This needs to be remembered: Yesterday on craigslist I saw this post under the free section and it said: FREE BAG OF UNWANTED GIRLS AND PIECES OF INFANT BOYS as the title OMG i almost died! I was like see how uneducated our society is? But still so damn funny!

Today was fairly uneventful but I feel as though I must divulge every pathetic detail in an attempt to continue writing in this blog. I feel as though I spent way too much money today...I needed a tripod for the advanced class lighting studio and I bought one, finally albeit it's not particularly sturdy but it should work for awhile. The thing is I wish I could teach all my photo classes like I teach the advanced class but then my whole head would be grey and I would want to commit suicide. My 5th period and I have a love/hate relationship: they are an amazing bunch of kids and very creative and smart BUT at the same time they are a little crazy, in particular they never be quiet! It's hard to get kids attention, sometimes I just want to scream! I love it though it's like a mini high school class without all the BS. Ok enough about school. I feel like this weekend might be a good time to start my art journal, I want to be super creative and artistic but it always falls short of my expectations. Probably because I am a photographer, not a painter/drawing goddess. I want to hire an organizer to help me with my house, it is a complete disaster! My office is a mess and I can't even begin to figure out where to put anything! I used to be more organized but then I became a teacher!

Today I will make an I love list:

I LOVE:

• colorful eyeshadows
• colored post it's (my mom just bought me a multipak of 2400!)
• my new Jetta
• moccasins
• rain boots (Target has some super cute ones with whales!)
• Bows (any kind, anywhere!)
• The Gem Show (even though I am poor)
• Mini chocolate donuts
• long, thin boyfriend cardigans
• my Sony e-reader (but I need a light cuz I hate getting out of bed)
• Nautical prints like anchors and blue/white stripes
• embroidery on anything!
• self portraits (although I hate the way I look usually!)
• tote bags ( I own like 75, it's sick)

Ok so now I need to go to bed because I am an old lady... gnight!

xoxo

g

I really need to learn how to acquire new "good" habits. For example: I need to actually update my blog more than three times a year, need to exercise even though I HATE it, need to eat better foods and lay off the cake, lmao. I know I've said this a million times but there are not enough hours in the day but it's so true! I can't understand how the other teachers at school don't put in hours outside of school grading and planning, maybe it's because I have no curriculum but it takes so much work. I have an ever-expanding list of things I want to do (see below for some of my newest favorites). I feel like these things will never get done and I am so desperate to accomplish them.

Want to Do List:

Learn Japanese embroidery

Have a decent blog that people actually read

Read the 23 books that are laying next to my bed

Paint my house

Decorate my office and actually use it

Write my Euro trip manuscript (before I am too old to remember it)

Create and maintain a fabulous art journal

Learn to crochet

Take some new pictures

Get another gallery show

Travel to Jamaica, Costa Rica and about 1,000 other places

About a million other things I can't remember right now....