Musings, Memories and Mayhem

Movin' on Up!

2011-10-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe how much time has passed since I last posted! 3 years later and we finally finished all the projects in our house. I wish I had before pictures to show how far we've come, and I can honestly say that despite it's cramped size for a family of 6, I love our home.
Of course in 2 1/2 weeks it will no longer be our home- We're moving!! When we found this house I told Dave the minute we walked in the front door "I want this house". We had seen a few others but I knew this was the one, I was in love! I guess it's easy to love, we sold in only 4 days on the market, WOW!

It will be sad to say goodbye to so many memories. Our family grew up here, little Davey was BORN here, I will miss it.
That said, I can't even begin to explain how excited I am to be moving. We bought a newer (this house was built in 1930, most of the city is newer than it!) and bigger house and I just can't wait to start the process all over again. But that's another post. For now- Farewell Little House. We'll miss you.

She's baaaaaaack!!

2008-06-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

I'm checking in her to let you know that no, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I just needed to step back and get some major stuff done at home and you know how it is with renovations- one thing leads to another until you've spent twice as much time and 3 times as much money as you intended.

Rather than writing a novel, I'll just give you an overview of my crazy spring:

~Decided the dilapitated porch really had to come off our house once and for all, and it's gone- Yaaaay!!!

~Despite zero experience, DH & I decided to put a new roof on the house ourselves. We start with the garage roof for practise, and for some insane reason, decided to go ahead with the house even though I discovered a fear of heights even on the 1 storey garage.

~Spent the first 2 days of DH's vacation at Great Wolf Lodge. It was Awesome! The water park was amazing and we all had a fabulous time.

~Spent the next week cursing our decision to do the house ourselves, cursing the rain, cursing the ladders, the 4 layers of shingles, the splinters, the dirt, dust and mess... a whole lot of cursing (disclaimer: for those who know me; you're right, I don't swear, but I sure wanted to. If ever in my life I had anything curse~worthy, this was it!) IT IS SO WORTH PAYING SOMEONE TO DO YOUR ROOF!!!

~Spent the next week doing nothing to recover from the roofing ordeal.

~Ordered a new wall oven and started painting the cabinets. Were told the oven would be in 2 days later. 3 weeks and much hassle later we finally got the oven.

~Put new siding on the garage. THIS is something you can do yourself. So easy it's laughable. Of course I didn't have to get up on a ladder to do it.

After 2 months of renovations I was afraid I'd never get my scrapping mojo back, but decided to enter Paper Crafts' Gallery Idol, and it sucked me right back into the magical world of paper and glue.

One last thing, as a proud momma I must brag a bit about Evan. He graduated from Elementary school today, and recieved the award for Highest Overall Academics. It feels good to see that all my mommy~nagging over the years has done some good.

Have a Fabulous Day!

Happy Birthday to me!!

2008-04-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

So yeah, it's my Birthday today. It's crazy how when you're a kid your Birthday is a huge and momentous event, counted down for the full 12 months (remember telling people you were 9 & 1/2, or 11 & 3/4?? LOL!) And as you get older you cling to each year like a lifeline, or even subtract a few. I'm 33 today, and I'm okay with it. I bought myself a mini caramel praline cheesecake (we'll have a real cake tomorrow when DH isn't working, and I'm spending the day tomorrow at Scrapfest in Kitchener. And as a pleasant surprise, I got a card picked up by Paper Crafts Magazine today!! Off to bed, tomorrow will be a long and busy day, can't wait!!

Spring is in the air!

2008-04-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

It seems here in southern Ontario that winter just won't go away, sort of like an annoying houseguest that has taken up residence on your couch, but it looks like the sunshine is finally kicking winter to the curb. If I wasn't so thrilled to see my front lawn *almost* snow free I might complain about the water seeping into my basement from all the rain and snow-melt, but I won't (much). I've been making lots of cards lately, and spending to much on all the luscious neww goodies starting to come in from CHA. Here are a few of my most recent creations.
Happy spring and have a fabulous day!

Back to the grind.

2008-03-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day back after spring break, and I have to say I wasn't any more thrilled than the kids. I really enjoyed our week together (okay, I really enjoyed sleeping in every.single.day.) but I suppose it's nice to get back on a schedule. I went shopping for DS's birthday present, he turns 5 tomorrow. I'd be excited if I wasn't so sad that my last baby is all grown up. I just have to remember that growing up brings good things too.
Here's my latest card, I love the flowers, they're so cheerful and happy. Amazing what you can find at the Dollar store! (the flowers and brads are both from Dollarama)

How Sweet It Is.

2008-03-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

You'd think it would get old, or at least less thrilling over time, but nope, seeing my work in print, or online pubs still gives me a thrill. The March Basic Grey newsletter came out yesterday, and It was so cool to see my layout as the Eye Spy feature layout.
So cool.

(If you haven't seen the newsletter yet you can check it out here)

This is what life is all about.

2008-03-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a perfect day? One of those days when you look back and say "now that's what life is supposed to be like". Today was one of those days-or as close as it gets without a million bucks anyways.
We took the kids to Niagara Falls for the day and had a really great time. This is the first time that I can remember EVER not having at least one of the kids asking if we could go home yet. In fact, they all kept asking if we could stay a little longer! We went tho Frankenstein's Haunted House, looked around at a bunch of the sights, stopped for hot chocolate and donuts, went to the Midway, went on a cool ghost ride, went for a walk to the falls, checked out the Hershey's factory, Hard Rock Cafe, and a bunch of gift shops etc (there is so much cool stuff there to see), and those who weren't chicken went on the sky wheel- an incredibly huge ferris wheel. We went out for dinner (Pizza Hut) and stoped to climb a 2 storey snowbank just for the heck of it before heading home. Now they're downstairs watching a movie while I do a few things on the computer.
And the best part? The first day in months (okay, maybe years) that there was NO bickering and name calling between them. And that just makes me happy.

More Cards!

2008-03-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

I'm on a roll this week! (Maybe it's because of my need to escape the insanity of having all th kids home for spring break) I finished 2 more cards and have another started. Love the little dresses on hangers!
I took the kids tobogganing today too and we all had a blast. And of course they're much more mellow after some exercise and fresh air, I just hope it lasts! Well, off to throw some supper in the oven- Chicken and scalloped potatoes, YUM!

I've found my mojo!!

2008-03-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

I have taken a bit of a break from scrapbooking over the past couple of months, and was having a really hard time getting my creative "mojo" back. But after a couple sheets of new paper, some gorgeous paper lace from Doodlebug and Around The Block, (I couldn't decide which I liked better so I bought both!) and a trip through some online galleries, I'm back in the game! I have a bunch of ideas I'm working on but here is a card I finished today. I love the scalloped frame stamp, I can't believe it has sat on my shelf unused for a couple of years before I re-discovered it!
I got a call from my Mom today too. She told me they're building a house in Nova Scotia (I won't even open that can of worms except to say I think they now legally qualify as nomads).She wants me to come and visit at the end of the month and bring Brianna with me!! (and she's buying the tickets so I'm pretty sure I can swing it as long as DH can sort out things at work!) Yeeehaaaw! And boy do I need a vacation, with 3 almost teens and a 5 year old who has been sick all week and seems to burst into tears at least twice an hour I am soooo looking forward to some time to just hang out with my sisters. In fact I may actually go pick up the pink "bad*** girls poker" game I saw today, 'cause it's tradition now ya'know.

Happy Valentines Day!!

2008-02-14T11:06:00.001-08:00

So this year I actually got around to doing something fun for my kids for Valentines day. Not that we got anything besides what we scored at our school Valentines exchange when we were kids, but I always have these Martha inspired aspirations for every possible holiday, then don't get around to doing them. But I stopped at the bulk barn yesterday and picked up some valentines candy (my fave is the Valentine candy corn-SO cute!!) Lucky me they had already marked it all down to half price, so I guess sometimes it does pay to wait until the last minute! I filled these cute tin buckets with candy and fun stuff for them to find at breakfast. Here is DH's card too, it was in the January '08 Issue of Cards magazine. We're going out on Saturday since he has to work tonight.

I am also posting some peeks of my scraproom renovation in progress. I LOVE this black and white fabric! The armoire will be painted black (it is a very dark blue stain right now), and the dresser that the black drawers are sitting on will get a fresh coat of white paint. Now I just need to print and frame some of our family photos, and sort through the rest of my embellishments and stuff.

But first, I'm going to take a nap. This sinus infection/ flu virus is just draining me, I just can't seem to get rid of it. It's a great excuse to lay around all day, and at least I have Survivor to look forward to tonight!

Where does the time go??

2008-02-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has been a while! I've been concentrating my creative efforts on a scrap room move and makeover. I was leaning towards a shabby chic/french candy shop feel inspired by some cute vintage stuff on one of my fave inspiration blogs, then I found a piece of black and white fabric that I fell in love with, and that took things in a bit of a new direction though it works perfectly.
I'll post some peeks tomorrow, but it's not done yet.

I've been working on planning DS's 11th Birthday party (tomorrow). He asked for an electric guitar for his bithday, (which DH was more than happy to get him, since HE has been wanting a new one)) so the rock star theme was fitting. Here are the invitations. I'm off to find stuff to fill the treat bags, then I have to make a guitar cake tonight. Then it's a matter of entertaining 6 11 year old boys for 3 hours.

It's all about pink Baby!!

2008-01-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

Good Saturday afternoon!! I thoroughly enjoyed sleeping in this morning, and I finally feel well rested for the first time in weeks. The holidays really took a toll on me- I vow that this year I will start preparing way earlier (and I won't take on so many big events either!)

I went shopping yesterday afternoon with DD, and stopped at Home Sense (my favorite place to shop!) I found these adorable cupcake molds (they are flexible silicone) and had to buy them. They are the cutest thing ever, functional and cute too!! I also found this pretty pink candy dish, which I will fill with red cinnamon hearts (DD's favorite candy) closer to valentines.

I also finally pulled out this sweet pink chipboard file set my sister gave me for Christmas (she made the felt case and painted the handles pink herself) and used it to do a few finishing touches on this Valentines goodie box. I'm going to fill it with frosted heart cookies for DH for Valentines Day. Love that Basic Grey cupid paper!

My Sweet Evan

2008-01-18T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite photos from the box that my Brother-in law found last week. My sweet Evan (who is now 10!!). A very simple layout but it all just "worked". It seems that having a clean desk is helping me find my "groove".

Who knew that not spending 10 minutes looking for my scissors/glue/embellishments every time I turn around would make me so much more productive??

Getting Organized

2008-01-18T06:34:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it myself, but I finally got my desk cleaned off, WooHooo!!(Yep, it took me all week, it was that bad!!) I can hardly wait to mess it up again. In my efforts to organize I found these cute containers at Dollarama and I totally love them! If they get dumped or dropped all my efforts in sorting all my little schtuff will not be destroyed because they are filled with little individual containers inside. (I speak from experience here, sorting eyelets and brads by color is tedious once, irritating the second time, and after that everything gets dumped back in mixed together.)

So I am adding a new resoulution for the year- I will try and have my desk totally cleaned off at least once a week, and keep all my stuff organized, and I will take all the stuff I don't use to the spring scrapbook garage sale (so I can buy all the sweet new stuff from CHA!)

Love is in the air!

2008-01-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

Apparently the first Monday in January is National Clean off your Desk Day- who knew?? So I'm justifying my scrap room disaster by telling people I was saving it up for a special occasion- Today!!! But of course I had to do something with the Valentines papers at the top of the pile before I put it all away again, so here's a couple valentine cards- 1 month today 'till Valentines Day!

Toot!

2008-01-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

I've been really trying to scrap some stuff to post rather than saving it all to submit so I would have something to share on my blog. So I posted my last layout here and for the Basic Grey gallery (for the first time ever) and not only did they take it for the gallery, but I just got another email requesting to publish it in their next newsletter instead!! So sorry there's not much to look at here, but it's actually a good thing!

I'll be sharing some new layouts soon now that I have a pile of photos to scrap, and in the meantime- Wooohoo!

Extreme Makeover!!

2008-01-11T18:02:00.000-08:00

So I finally got around to taking down the cheesy temporary banner I had up and making a new one that's a little more my style. And I started filling in some of the blank space with some things that inspire me- there's more to come, but I'm still learning so I'm a little slow.

We took all the kiddos swimming tonight for the first time in ages. I'm trying to spend more time making memories, not just scrapping them. We'll finish the night off with pizza and a movie- good times.

The BEST news today though was that DH was given a box FULL of photos of us before we had kids that I didn't know existed!! His brother found it in the safe at FIL's store- it has probably been there for 10 years. I haven't had a chance to check them out yet but looking forward to the walk down memory lane.

Pizza is here, Bye!!

*****Update*****

I'm so happy I could cry, I feel like I've found buried treasure!! I went through the box of photos and found DS #1 & #2's newborn photos, DD's 1st Birthday, my High school Graduation, lots of photos from our teenage years (we met when I was 14, DH was 16) and so much more. There are hundreds of photos, and all from the days before I scrapbooked.
Even better- I was at Staples last week and in a moment of insanity bought a new scanner, which also scans negatives- so I can scan and edit these photos too!!! I can hardly wait to start scrapbooking!

Inspiration Strikes!!

2008-01-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

I was feeling inspired last night and sat down to scrap once the kids and DH were in bed, (I am such a night owl) and proceeded with the usual late-night scrapping ritual: turn on the computer, call my sister Nicole (she's on the west coast so it's 3 hours earlier) and scrap and chat to my heart's content.

Of course that turned out to be waaaay longer than I planned- I went to bed at 4am!!! Let me tell you after 2 weeks of Christmas vacation and sleeping in it was not easy to get the kids up for school this morning. But I got a bunch of scrapping done, including finishing off this layout that I LOVE! The papers are Basic Grey's new Two Scoops line, it should be coming out very soon. I also have a valentines box I was working on with the same line but it needs a few finishing touches so check back in a day or two. The cupid paper is the cutest ever!

I decided to put off going to the gym and went back to sleep after the kids went to school, so I should be heading there now..... but there's still some residual inspiration swimming around in my brain and my scrap desk beckons, so we'll see. DH is working a double shift at the hospital today so maybe after supper.....

Happy New Year!!!!

2008-01-01T21:13:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a very busy Holiday season (I hosted 3 events in the past week, and attended 2 others!!) and I'm happy and excited to be moving into a new year. I always love New Year's day- there's something about a fresh calendar and a whole year of possibilities ahead that just makes me extra happy.

2007 has been a really incredible year for our family- probably the best yet- and I have great hopes for 2008. We saw the movie Stardust over the weekend, and it is definitely in my list of top 10 all time favorites, I loved it. DH has been playing the theme song on his guitar ever since, and it's such a great song I'm going to link it here and make it my unofficial 2008 theme song. Seriously- go rent the movie, or better yet buy it, it's a classic.

And a Happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year to all!!

Scrapping at last!

2007-12-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

It feels good to have nothing important to do after such a hectic month. I even got a bit of scrapping done, just playing with some awesome new product from KI Memories and Basic Grey's new Two Scoops line, it's definitely better in real life. Here are a couple of cards I made, trying to get back n the swing of doing something creative every day- I've really missed that lately and find it's a huge stress preventer taking that bit of time for me every day!

Working hard

2007-12-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

I've been slacking with my blog posts, but haven't been doing much scrappy related stuff anyways. I was really sick for about a week, and I'm just getting over it now, which means I'm a week behind with my Christmas preparations!! I'm working like crazy to get the house "Company clean", since I'm hosting this year's Christmas Eve party for the whole family (30+ people!) I got all the groceries I'll need for the party and the next week- except milk, I bought 5 boxes of cereal, how could I forget milk?

I've been sewing the last couple days, making PJ's for the kids for the first time in 4 years, and I'm over half done, now I just have a batch of cookies to make, a disastrously messy bedroom (DD's) to clean, dishes to wash, supper to cook, 2 pairs of PJ pants to sew, and about 6 loads of laundry to fold and put away before I sleep tonight. Tomorrow's list- painting trim and cleaning bathrooms. I'll post photos of my handiwork as soon as I make some progress.

On the sixth Day of Christmas....

2007-12-06T22:58:00.000-08:00

I decorated 10 dozen snowflake cookies, assembled a cardboard ice castle, and put finishing touches on a truly magical winter wonderland. I have been working like crazy with a few dedicated individuals to plan the Annual Stake Youth Crystal Ball for tomorrow night. 150 youth expected, and I hope they all show up, it is going to be amazing. But an incredible amount of work to put it all together. I'll post photos later this weekend, for now I'm about to head off to bed.

But first, I'm finally posting my Advent calendar. It is made from a 24 cup mini muffin pan and sheets of self adhesive magnet cut into squares. It was inspired by one in the Dec '06 issue of Paper Trends. The idea is to put candy in the spot behind each magnet each day. I somehow deluded myself into thinking I could fit candy for 4 kids in each. I need some smaller candy!

December Eve

2007-11-30T11:19:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe tomorrow is December 1st, this month has flown by! And of course tomorrow is the first day for our advent calendar, which isn't finished. I have something to keep me busy tonight. Then I have to go buy candy for the advent calendar, because I ate it all. Okay , I shared some with the family, but I did eat almost a whole bag of Hershey's new Mint Truffle kisses all by myself because they're SO good. Almost at the same level of deliciousness as the Candy Cane kisses they brought out last year, but not quite, those are truly fabulous. And now I'm craving chocolate. Again.
So to change the subject before I gain another pound, I just finished a layout with some photos of Brianna that are amazing. I just fell in love with my camera all over again, and it's not even a DSLR. Of course the fact that she's gorgeous helps a lot (I was gawky and awkward at her age) I'd keep it to myself to submit, but I'm trying out for Magistical Memories' Design team call, and I used their chipboard on it (Do you just love that frame or what?!), so I want to post it in their Gallery. Wish me luck, with my chipboard obsession they are my dream company. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have photos of my finished advent calendar to post. Have a fabulous day!

From Doggie doo to Woohoo!

2007-11-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

So my day didn't start so great, it went like this:

Switch vehicles with BIL who is the cleanest guy I know (he needed to borrow our van)

Realize after he leaves that I left the van an embarrassing disaster of a mess

Agonize over how much of a slob he'll think I am as I driving his sporty little immaculate car to the gym for my workout.

Think to myself "man, for a clean freak (I mean that in the nicest of ways by the way, I truly wish I was one myself) this car really stinks! Like barf or something. And why is the brake pedal so freakin' slippery??"

Look down at the next light and see mud all over the gas pedal

Come to the realization that it's not mud. Gross. Darn dog next door. And it's a full grown Lab, not a poodle. Enough said.

Spend the next 1/2 hour scraping, scrubbing, rinsing floor mats, brake pedal, my shoe, UGH!!! Thank goodness he had 2 packs of baby wipes and deodorizing spray in his car for clean ups.

But I got my workout in. And finished a layout that I LOVE. And got a card picked up by Paper Crafts for the June issue (WooHoo!). And got some even more Fabulous news from my incredibly talented sister Nicole. But I can't share it, so it's more like just Woooo without the Hooo!! Yet. But you'll be the first to know. ;D

I also finally took some photos of my Christmas decor. The ornament is made from some Maya Road Chipboard swirls and a chandelier crystal. My theme this year is "A Partridge in a Pear Tree", and done in copper and cream and clear glass with swags of chandelier crystals and silk poinsettias. Very glam. 'Night all.

ETA: Updating here now that I can share Nicole's news- she has been added as one of the fabulous new members of the Inque Boutique design team!!! I love this manufacturer, they make the cutest stamps and they have some cool new stuff in store for the new year- check them out!! Check Nicole Lund out while you're at it too (link is at the side), her work is incredible and so creative!

Fa-La-La-La-La-La-La-La-La

2007-11-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm finally in the full swing of Christmas preparations and loving every (almost) minute of it. (With the family party at our house this year there is SO much to do!!!) The halls are decked (except for my banister, which I'll finish today), the tree is trimmed, and I've been listening to live stream radio Christmas stations online since I can't find a decent local one.

I also finished this cute project I've been working on for a while- LOVE this K&Company Christmas line!!! Sparkles, reindeer, and pink, how could you go wrong?

I'm just finishing up some cool ornaments and I'll post photos tomorrow, have a fabulous, festive day!

Gotta love that truck!

2007-11-19T12:45:00.000-08:00

I was on my way outside to take a photo of the card I just finished and opened the door just in time to see a FedEx truck drive off down the street. My first thought was "I wish he was leaving something for me", because who doesn't love getting packages? Then I saw the delivery slip in the mailbox and yep, he left me a package at the side door! (man, I really need to get that doorbell fixed!) My complimentary issues of Dec 2007/Jan 2008 Paper Crafts- they gave me 3 because my stockings were also featured in the newsletter, how cool is that?!!!check them out here:

http://www.papercraftsmag.com/projects/project.ihtml?content_id=1757&cat_idx=91

Have a fabulous day!

They Love me for my buns!

2007-11-19T11:31:00.000-08:00

I joined a gym a couple weeks ago for the first time in my life, and I'm loving it! I've been working really hard, and am just starting to see results, which is very nice.

So when we went to our church potluck dinner last night I was determined to eat at least a little healthy, until I saw Ken Stevens' lasagna. It is by far the best I have ever had, and I make gooood lasagna, but it doesn't come close- this stuff is pure heaven.

And as I dug into my second piece even the steady stream of compliments- "Great buns Nancy!", "I love your buns!" "You've got the best buns",- wasn't enough to discourage me from devouring every last morsel.

Because of course they weren't taking notice of my new firmer physique, it was the fresh-out-of-the-oven-so-rich-they-melt-in-your-mouth dinner rolls I brought to the potluck they were raving about. And when a friend commented on how perplexed she was for a moment when her husband asked her to "go get him some Nancy buns" I just had to laugh, because yeah, they're that good.

So I'm sharing the secret recipe with you here in honor (see that- the American spelling just for you guys too) of American Thanksgiving this week. Pure comfort food. (The quick rise method can be done in a Kitchenaid mixer too- super easy!)
And the dough makes the best cinnamon buns you could possibly imagine.

Best ever Dinner rolls (Quick Rise method)

-1 1/2 cups milk
-1/2 cup water
-1/4 cup butter
heat until butter is melted and liquid is very warm (120-130
degrees-this method is only for use with quick rise yeast)

meanwhile, combine
-4 cups flour
-1/2 cup sugar
-2 tsp. salt
-1 TbspQuick Rise yeast

Add liquids to dry ingredients, along with
-1 well beaten egg
mix well, then work in another
- 1 to 1 1/2 cup of flour, a little at a time until dough is no longer
sticky. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Shape into a
smooth ball, and place in a lightly oiled bowl, oil top of dough lightly
and cover. Let rise about 30 min in a warm place.
Punch down dough and divide into 4 balls, cover again and let rest 10
min. Form into rolls and place on greased pan, lightly oiling tops.
Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 min. Bake in
a preheated oven at 375 until lightly golden, about 14-16 min. Brush
tops with butter after removing from oven to keep them soft.

Traditional method.

-scald 1 1/2 cups milk. Pour into a large bowl and add
-1/4 cup butter
-1/2 cup sugar
-2 tsp salt
stir until shortening melts, and cool to lukewarm ( 80-90 degrees)

Meanwhile, dissolve
-1 tsp sugar in
-1/2 cup lukewarm warm water.
over this sprinkle
-1 Tbsp ( or 1 pkg, =to 2 1/4 tsp, I just add that little bit more so
they're extra light)
let stand for 10 min in a warm place (keep at about 80 degrees) Then
stir with a fork and add softened yeast to lukewarm milk mixture with
-1 well beaten egg. Stir well and beat in
-3 cups flour.
then work in another
-2 to 2 1/2 cups flour until dough is no longer sticky. Knead and let
rise as with Quick rise version, except first rising should take 1 1/2
hours. Bake at 375 for 14-16 min. Brush tops with butter after baking.

It's about time!

2007-11-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

So I've finally done it, I've got my own blog. A little late to the party, but i'm staking my claim to my own little piece of cyberspace real estate. Now I feel the urge to decorate and spruce things up to make it feel like "home". So please excuse the barren-ness for now until I decide on a design, I'll have everything up and running soon. Check back soon!