Latest Project

I have been reading a following the MODGE PODGE ROCKS!blog all summer and have been inspired. Last week, I made a remote caddy for our basement from an old sticky note holder that I found and a world map.

This is only my second modge podge project but, I think it looks pretty good. It took me awhile to get the air bubbles out but, after I did, it turned out like I wanted it to. I used a two sided map on a clear container so, the map show through with a different design on the inside of the container. I liked that effect. 

Evernote

I tried Evernote this week and have decided it is the best new app out there. If you haven't seen it...it's worth a look.

This app is free and can be downloaded onto your computer and your droid phone. Then, you can sync up notes and/or pictures. I am sure this app does other things as well, but, so far, these two features are the ones I have used the most. The best part? If you don't have access to your computer, you can access your Evernote online! Wow, a to do list that I can have at home, school, or where ever!

I have been playing around with using Evernote to take pictures in my phone. This is great because they are already on my computer when I get there. Then, I just opened them up in paint to save the image as the file type I needed.

In the meantime, the notes feature has allowed me to make to do lists for my vacation. I can open up the app on my phone and see those lists anywhere. I can edit the list as I complete the tasks. The notes feature is similar to any basic word processing program so, I am sure that you would find many other uses not, just to do lists. For me? I can't get things done without a list - so this is a life saver for me.

If you don't try anything else this summer, try Evernote. You won't be sorry! 

If it's Wednesday it must be Grand Caymen!

We go on our first cruise in two days! I am so excited! I can hardly stand it!

I have been checking things off the to do list all week. I took my daughter to WV to stay with family while we are gone, finished the laundry, called the banks and credit card companies, printed all the documents, stopped the mail, and made packing list. I just need to pick up some sea bands for my husband, pick up newspapers and pack my suitcase!

Twenty-five years ago we went to Nashville for our honeymoon. We couldn't afford much. We did do a dinner cruise on the General Jackson, visited Opryland, and the Grand Old Opry. To me, a vacation just isn't a vacation unless there is an ocean involved. But, over the years, I guess I have learned to appreciate visiting lots of different places. Back then though, I would have rather been some place a little more romantic. So, we promised ourselves a cruise on our twenty fifth anniversary.

Here we are...our twenty fifth is next week and we are keeping our promise. I paid on this trip for an entire year and have been saving my pennies so that we can splurge a little while we are gone. Way more romantic don't you think?

If you have any tips or tricks you would like to share with us - the cruising novices, please share!

Week 3.

Finally! I found some lithium batteries for my camera! Any other batteries just don't last long enough. I end up spending way more in the long run. I won't get back to working on my kitchen again until Thursday but, that's quite alright. I did get the curtains up and the shade back up. Rachael repaired the shade so that it works better now than it ever did!

                                                   As you can see, I am not done yet!

                                              New curtains over the planter window.

                  Cooking area. After I finish all the walls, the cabinets are going to get painted!

Also this week, we finally were able to get over to the college and pick up a copy of the LRYC spring concert CD. They are fabulous! I am so thrilled that my daughter is a part of this group. Check them out on YouTube!

I hope to work more on my kitchen tonight and this weekend! I'll keep you updated on the progress!

Cool Cat Teacher

One of the people in my PLN, Cool Cat Teacher posted this on her blog. I think she hit the nail on the head here.

One of the most important jobs of a teacher during any break is to heal. Working with people is a struggle any day. But to consistently work with people every day with the single minded purpose to help them grow and improve is a calling of great proportions that withdraws energy of great proportion.

When I am blessed with a “break,” I know that I must take “a break” lest I break under the strain. Truly, a tree without water will die and a flower without water parched by the sun will also wilt and die. So to, if I neglect the nourishment of my heart and soul, I will wilt under the pressure of being a teacher.

Teaching is a great calling, a noble calling, and towards this aim I shall ever give my life and soul so that when the last drop of my life is poured out, I shall know it was a life well spent.

Vicki Davis, Cool Cat Teacher

2nd week of summer - kitchen obsessed?

So, what's going on this week?

My daughter was still in school this week so, I got another week to myself. Monday, I started on the back wall of the main floor of our house. It goes across the entire width of the house which includes the living room and kitchen. I got it primed and cut in before going to get Rachael from school. After dinner, I thought that I would finish the first coat but, alas, my carpal tunnel kicked in so, I didn't get it finished. I just couldn't hold the roller any longer!

On Tuesday,  I got the first coat finished after I took my daughter to school. Then that afternoon, I was able to do some touch up painting. The kitchen walls are going to be rather dark when it is all finished but, the cabinets will be light so, it should balance out quite nicely.

Wednesday, was errand running day. I left early in the morning and didn't return until around 4. The best part of that day was "pub night" with my husband. However, I did get lots of things accomplished and I am sure I helped the North Carolina economy!

Thursday, I put the kitchen back together as best I could and decoupaged my switch plates. Nothing exciting on that day I can assure you. Except, I am pretty excited about how the switch plates turned out! Not bad for a first try. I will probably Modge Podge a bunch of other stuff this summer! That stuff is cool to work with!

Friday, I put up my new curtains and cleaned up the little messes I had made in the kitchen over the past week. Rachael and I found the curtains at Anna's Linens on sale for $4.99 each. I needed three valances so, they were a total of just under $15! what a steal! I am out of batteries or I would post a picture of them as well.

So, this weekend? We are supposed to start cleaning out the garage. I need work space so that I can finish the kitchen. I want to set up tables and drop cloths etc so that I can paint some smaller things that will go in the kitchen as well as the kitchen doors.

Wow, I sound like I am kitchen obsessed don't I?

See ya next week!
J

Beginning of Summer

Ahhh...the summer. A teacher's favorite time of year. Time to rest, relax, and recharge. Really??? Are you kidding me?!?!

In this first week alone I have suffered from a severe sinus infection which landed me at the doctor's office, been to my daughters confirmation ceremony, hosted a tiki bar grand opening party, and finally, been to the speedway to watch the races and hear Rachael sing the national anthem.

Wow! 

Today, I prepped the longest wall in my kitchen that runs along the back end of the house. I hope to get it primed and painted tomorrow. There is kitchen stuff strewn all over the house.  After I had finished taping off the windows and baseboards, I decided to take a break. I sat on my bed and began to flip channels with the remote. I found myself totally immersed in UNC tv's broadcast of "Anne of Green Gables." I didn't get to finish taping off the ceiling until after supper. Oh well, I guess that is the good part of summer....there is always tomorrow!