CraftyHope: November 2007

Look on the Bright Side

Something about "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from Monty Python makes me feel good. On this "Feel Good Friday" I thought I would share the lyrics with you. If you know the song, hum along!! If not, learn the song by watching it on YouTube. If you've never seen the movie (The Life of Brian) or this clip, please do not take the clip out of context and be offended by the video. I think the movie is quite funny.

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
words and music by Eric Idle

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin - give the audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.

So always look on the bright side of death
Just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true.
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.

And always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the right side of life...
(Come on guys, cheer up!)
Always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the bright side of life...
(Worse things happen at sea, you know.)
Always look on the bright side of life...
(I mean - what have you got to lose?)
(You know, you come from nothing - you're going back to nothing.
What have you lost? Nothing!)
Always look on the right side of life...

What Do You Think About That?

Since I didn't post so much last week, I thought I had more for you on this "Wild, Wild Web Wednesday."

Don't be disappointed just yet. I think you'll like what I do have for you:

Heartily, I wish you a Merry Christmas Ho, Ho...wait - Santa can't even say that anymore.
With that in mind, are you sure you know what you are saying? The words you choose may not mean what you think.
And hey, don't get caught with you pants down, especially around your bicycle. You may be accused of having sex with your bike.
If you think that's pretty outrageous, you'll never believe that Britney is giving out parenting advice - and to Heidi Klum of all people.
For those who are Harry Potter fans, check out these sneak peeks for the Half Blood Prince. I'm so excited to know that it's already in production.
Need something ridiculous and ridiculously expensive, check out some of Sky Mall's odder merchandise.
Lastly, and on a serious note - I have had a hard time figuring out which candidate I support the most in the upcoming presidential election. Minnesota Public Radio has a short quiz that helps you select your candidate based on your political views. It cleared things up for me a bit. But, I'm not going to tell you who it paired me with, try it for yourself.

Well, I told you it would be a short list.

Win-Lose-Win

So a-poker-playing I went last night. No, I didn’t win. I was pretty good for a while, but our gracious, beautiful host began to get drowsy. So, I went "all in" and lost it all (with a really good hand.) I'll spare you the technicals.

Overall, I had a fabulous time seeing my TLT friends. It was a REALLY laid back evening. Well, laid back in that there was no wrestling, shots, shouting, or overall drunken debauchery. Sometimes, things can get wild with that crazy bunch. We had some drinks, played some poker, and ended the evening with some Guitar Hero 3. Much fun!

If any of you from last night read this – I really enjoyed hanging with you!! We need to do it more often.

Poker Night

I am so very excited!
Last night, I received a call from one of my friends at my old job at TLT. She informed me that Poker is planned for tonight!

I last got to see this group of friends on Halloween and am really looking forward to seeing them in a few hours. It has been hard staying in touch with them like I promised when I left TLT. However, I don't know anyone else who has left and still hangs as much as I have. I really enjoy this group of people and can really sympathize with how stressful their work is, as I did it myself for over 8 years. Plus, there will be Poker involved! Yes, I can play poker. I haven't really left with any money the last couple of times I've gotten to play. Yet, that's just luck.
I'll try to remember to let y'all know how I did.
Wish me luck!

BTW - isn't that "Poker Card Guard" b-utiful? Click the picture to check out more of the artist's work on Flickr

Top 10 Geeky Gifts (Wishlist)

The gift giving season is officially upon us (as if you haven't noticed). 'Black Friday' has come and passed, as has 'Cyber Monday.' If you're like me and haven't started your holiday shopping, get your butt in gear. There is plenty to choose from this season.

Since it is "Techie Tuesday," I present you with the gadgets and geek toys that I think are the coolest so far. This is my own personal geek 'wishlist' if you will. Those of you who know me, know that the typical gift I receive from my husband (LOML*) is a gadget of some sort, to my mother's dismay. Some of my favorite and most well-worn possessions (TiVo, MP3 player, PSP, Dell handheld computer, Gameboy, etc.) have been my geeky gifts. However, this year, I've asked for something more traditional (he knows what it is.) This is repeat request, but this year, we may have the money so I can actually get it. Yet, if he must resort to gadgets again, here are my Christmas Top 10 Geeky Gifts. Use this list to shop for the geeks and aspiring geeks in your life.

This leather solar powered bag (while a bit manly) is awfully cool. It would be great for for all my other gadgets. However, I don't have any sunlight at work so I'm not sure how I would manage it. I'll have to ponder that one.
Ah, the ultimate - an iPhone. LOML* and I have been dreaming of one since they were revealed. Yet, changing services and the initial price has made it difficult. However, this would be a godsend for my poor purse and my back. An iPhone would eliminate many of the gadgets already in my purse and make it weigh considerably less.
Because I love to read AND I love gadgets, Amazon's Kindle would be ideal. However, it would not affect my almost weekly trips to the bookstore (for the coffee). Seriously, check out this link and watch the video - you've never seen anything like it.
A USB drive bracelet (wristband). If mine was actually attached to me, I would be so much less likely to lose it. Look at all the beautiful colors you can get. I'm sorry I don't have a link to these. My search found this beautiful image to go with an article saying these would be available at Target. Yet, Target only has 'Hannah Montana' or 'High School Musical' bracelets. I'm NOT interested in those.
Alright, so I don't really want these as Christmas GIFTS, but I want one of each. It's the Roomba and Scooba. These are robots that clean your carpet or hard floors. I HATE cleaning, and these would make my life so much more pleasing. The link to the Scooba shows that you can get a free Roomba if you order that Scooba now.
I have wanted a 20 Q for a while now. It's just a small, electronic, handheld 20 questions game. I have friends that have one, and I swear, the dang game can read your mind - it's kinda freaky. It would be an excellent stocking stuffer.
A GPS Navigation System would be so very neat. I don't really have a great need for one as of yet, but do have an irrational fear of getting lost. This one from Tom Tom is pretty affordable, as far as GPS's go.
I would really love a new camera. One that takes still pictures and video would be AWESOME. Again, I do not have links for this. I have not done any extensive research to locate the exact one I want. But a camera is definitely on the list.
Sirius Satellite radios are pretty sweet. I think a portable one would be great so it can be used anywhere. Again, I do not have all the details of what's included in the satellite deals, but it's all on their site. Think about it, radio without the commercials. I'm addicted to talk radio and this would have more than I could imagine. Cool, cool, cool!
Lastly - GAMES for my Wii, PS2 (PlayStation 2), and PSP (PlayStation Portable)

For the Wii: Guitar Hero 3 (with the Guitar), Mario Party 8, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Lego Star Wars, My Sims, Carnival Games, Smarty Pants, Cranium Kabookii, Pool Party, My Word Coach, Luxor.
For the PS2: Buzz! The Mega Quiz with 4 Buzzers, Wheel of Fortune, World Series of Poker, Family Feud, and Super Bust-a-Move 2.
For the PSP (my favorite way to play): Sims 2: Castaway, Atari Classics: Evolve d, World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets, The Sims 2: Pets, Super Collapse! 3, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of WarLords, World Championship Cards, Crush, and Pocket Pool.

Now you see how big of a geek I am. I hope this list helped you locate a gift for a geek you love or helped you find what you want for the Holidays. Happy Shopping!

*LOML = Love of My Life

Much Ado About Monday

I actually got to hear "Manic Monday" by the Bangles today and that made me smile. Yes, I know I'm old school and all, but it is "Made Me Smile Monday." And, boy do I have list for you. Here are just a few of the things that made me smile this past week:

Getting to sit around the Thanksgiving table with the people who mean the most to me.
Even though the medical field is no laughing matter, there are still some funny moments for doctors.
Getting compliments on one of my necklaces (NOT the one in my previous post.)
A pizza shaped like Yoda.
The way some things just don't translate like these products from Taiwan (click through the pages to see all the products.)
They must have excellent curbside service on Easter Island.
With the messes that kids make, how it's no wonder some animals eat their own young.
The simple luxuries of a leftover turkey sandwich on fresh bread and lots of mayo (YUM) and Christmas music finally on the airways.
These Mark Twain and Elvis Lego figurines. How funny is it that MarkTwain looks like a pissed off Colonel Sanders and Elvis looks like a prison escapee who just had a stroke? There are even more of these celebrity legos that you can check out and pick your own favorites.
If you're not keen on seeing your favorite public figures in plastic, how do you feel about them being photshopped as Star Wars characters?
Celebrities are just like us and even have their own, interesting, philosophies on sex.
Getting to hang out with old friends and make some new ones at the annual Tiki Party!!
Checking out the fun and funky novelties at Stupid.com
The sunset over Weeks Bay on my drive home this evening.

I hope this is enough to keep you entertained tonight. Let me know if you have enjoyed these.

Crafty Thanksgiving Weekend

I guess I just took what they call a "blogging break" for Thanksgiving. It was not intended. I had planned posts and everything. Yet, somehow, the time just slipped away from me. I did stay somewhat busy, besides eating turkey and pie. I also went to work on Friday, so there. I know you've all been sitting on pins and needles waiting for my next post. To prove that I've been busy, see the crafting I accomplished:

I replaced the cord on the o-ring necklace with a chain

I made some Christmas cards that are going to be gifts (early ones). These are mostly done. I just want to add some embellishments. I'm also going to write a tutorial for these in the next day or so. It has been added to my constant TO DO list.

I also cleaned my craft room. However, I did not take any pictures of it as it's still not organized, cleaned, or decorated in the exact manner I want. I may take some pictures later if I get brave, since there are some aspects to the room that I really do like.

So, it was a fairly crafty holiday weekend. I hope you had a happy turkey day and got to be with the ones you love.

Stay Alert

It's geek day...uh "Techie Tuesday" again. I have a simple but useful online tool for y'all today. It comes from everyone's favorite search engine, Google.

I'm talking about Google Alerts.
This great tool will send (to your e-mail) posts about any subject you request. Google even states some of its handy uses as:

monitor a developing news story
keep current on a competitor or industry
get the latest news on a celebrity or event
keep tabs on your favorite sports team

I use Google Alerts for both work and leisure. I have alerts set up for "copywriting" (for work) and "frugal" and "thrifting" (for leisure.) It's a great way to keep up on your favorite topics without having to perform a search every day.

Best of all, it's so easy to set up:
1. Go to www.google.com/alerts
2. Enter the search term(s) which interest you
3. Select the type of source from which you want to receive information (comprehensive, news, blogs, web, video, or groups). I usually select comprehensive so all my bases are covered.
4. Select the frequency at which you want to receive the e-mails (daily, as-it-happens), or weekly). My preference is daily.
5. Enter your e-mail address
6. Click 'create alert'

That's it. You should start receiving alerts the following day. It is really handy for work or any research you are doing. Just like searching in search engine, try to be selective about the terms you enter or you never know what you may be sent.

Giggles and Grins

There's a holiday towards the middle-end of this week. That, in itself, should make you smile on this Monday. However, if you need just a little more incentive - here's another edition of Crafty Hope's "Made Me Smile Monday"

Here's a great example of how the times have changed and what would have gotten you laid in 1977 would get your butt kicked in 2007.
Your wedding is a day you will always remember but here are some wedding photos you won't forget.
One photographer is able to help kids better envision their dreams of flying.
I am an addict of the Sci-Fi Channel show "Ghost Hunters" (wait, that's not the funny part). One of the investigators, Steve, is a tattoo covered guy. On a recent interview he admitted that in his spare time, he hangs out with his cats, Home Depot and Sassy Lashes. Isn't that funny? It made me smile anyway.
I don't even know how to explain this one. Here are Pop Song Correspondences, letters to or about singers' songs. I definitely laughed out loud at a few of them.
If you enjoy "The Office" on NBC, you will enjoy watching The Office's Top 10 Pranks.
This post from Soule Mama shows that art is always up for interpretation.
A quote: “Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.” – Dave Barry
Cookie cutters for those with a slightly twisted mind.
What made me smile the most this week? LOML* came home!!

I hope you now have as much to smile about as I did.

*LOML=Love of My Life

Floss and O-Ring Necklace

While I didn't post all weekend, I wasn't completely non-productive. I had a fairly busy weekend. LOML* flew into P'cola at 11pm Friday night, we went to our friends' house for dinner and drinks on Sat night, and I crafted almost all day Sunday. See...productive.
You're still in disbelief? Check out this necklace I made from embroidery thread and plumbing o-rings.

These are the materials I used

I made a sketch of the design

And, here's my finished necklace.
(I'm still not happy with the cord so I'll probably work on it tonight to come up with a better solution. ) Sorry, it's not the best picture!

*LOML=Love of My Life

Holiday Cookies

"Somethin' Yummy Sunday" has come and gone. However, with the holidays bearing down on us like a weight - I do have something to share for this weight-gaining season. I received this in an e-mail from a friend and thought it was pretty cool. If you ever need cookie recipe, it's bound to be here. ENJOY!