Oh I think they like me

**I have pictures I want to share but they won't upload to blogger, I am really thinking about switching to typepad**I scored big "Mom" points this weekend. I took my daughters to their first concert to see Chris Brown and Ne-Yo. I have to admit at first I had reservations. I used to attend a lot of rap concerts when I was (uh-um) younger and I remember the fights that would break out. When my BF and I went to the Battle (NY vs. Philly) with KRS-one, Schoolly-D, Whoudini, Cool C and Steady B just to name a few, the concert had to be stopped until the fights stopped. So needless to say I didn't want to have my girls attend their first concert without me there to keep them safe, especially after I found out Lil' Wayne, Julez Santana and Dem Franchize Boyz were going to be there. But I was pleasantly surprised. It was a very clean, fun, hyped, party-like atmosphere. We had a real good time. I bought them souvenir t-shirts (there's a story behind that- there were guys selling unlicensed tee shirts in the parking lot. Since this activity is illegal they have a real fast hustle. So one guy walked up to me and flashed a t-shirt the girls wanted. I told him what sizes I wanted and he lifted up his shirt to dig in his oversized jeans and pull the shirts out. Needless to say I passed on those particular shirts, but he definitely gets an "A" for creativity and resourcefulness). The best part is my girls didn't even know they were going to the concert until two hours before it started and they were pleasantly surprised. I especially knew I did a good job when my oldest daughter placed her ticket in her photo album to treasure. And by the way, yes I did keep up with the kids at times doing the shoulder lean, lean with it rock with it, and the dance from "oh, I think they like me", but I drew the line at the "chicken noodle soup with a soda on the side".

In grown-up news, have you ever wondered why you stopped doing things you use to like to do? I took a walk at lunch last week (about six blocks) to go to the book store. While there I purchased the latest issue of Essence with Beyonce on the cover. I use to subscribe to Essence years ago and stopped renewing my subscription for some reason, but WOW, this issue is so good. They have changed the layout of the magazine and it contains a little bit of everything. Some fashion tips, financial tips, entertainment news, hot topic articles and features showing everyday women doing extraordinary things. I am really enjoying this issue. I am definitely going to subscribe again, but as a Girl Scout leader I am going to wait until we kick off our "Be a Reader" campaign to make my dollar more powerful.

Thank you everyone for keeping an eye out for me. I plan on fixing my links and changing my banner soon. After I finally got my computer working I got sick, real sick, I mean 104 temperature sick. Since I can't comment on blogs at work and I am sharing my home computer with my "pre-teen, internet surfing, I-pod downloading" daughter, my computer time is very limited. I am definitely going to have to get another computer in the house..soon!

P.S. I love my cricut. I got it just in time, because now AC Moore is not allowing you to use the coupon to purchase it anymore. It can cut any type of paper, including Bazzill, you just have to know how to adjust the pressure and speed. A lot of people complain about having to change the cutting pads but if you catch them on sale they are only about $7 for two. You don't have to change them too often so I think it is reasonable. I am up to three font cartridges and have been having fun. I can't wait to show my Girl Scout troop in the fall, I think the girls will love it. Also it has a USB port which is rumored to be for adaptation to your computer in the future. My only complaint is that when the cutting pad is brand new it is super sticky and your paper curls as you take it off of the cutting pad.

It’s so good to be home.

I have been M.I.A. for quite some time, why you ask – a major computer virus. I lost everything on my hard drive. I had to reinstall all of my programs. I am still trying to make up for the lost documents. It was a little traumatic for me because I invested a lot of time on some of the things and – poof - in a blink of an eye they are gone. Luckily I did create a backup disk for some of my pictures, but others are lost. I’ve invested several dollars in anti-virus software and have gotten into a backup routine, so I am on the way to recovery but just not 100% yet. In other news so many thing have happened since my last post. My best friend gave birth to twins – Ashley and Sonny – July 20, 2006. Everyone is doing well. She just emailed me pictures (we live in different states) and the babies are beautiful. My youngest grand-nephew turned one. My sister had a big party for him at the Camden Children’s garden, we had a good time. I think he enjoyed every moment. Other little summer things happened but mostly we’ve just been dealing with the heat like the rest of the country.

In scrapping news I have had two major events. First and foremost I purchased the Cricut!!!!! Here’s the story. I do not have any other die cut system, technically. I do have the sidekick and a few dies and I have a few Coluzzle templates but nothing major like the Sixxix or Quickutz. So I have been debating making this kind of financial investment for a while, yet I have gotten increasingly frustrated with hand cutting letters. So once the Cricut premiered I had to have one. Now thanks to the power of the internet, I have been able to monitor the reviews and at first there were some kinks. First rumor had it that it would not cut bazzill paper, which was definitely not good. Next was the price. How could I justify that to myself? Then Stephanie told me major Craft stores would be carrying the Cricut and allowing the use of the coupon. Glory!!!!!!!!!!!! Next obstacle – it has been sold out for months. So since May I have been going back and forth to AC Moore to catch it in stock and this past Wednesday, right after the shipment came in I struck gold, got a Cricut and used a 50% off coupon. Total purchase price $150.00. So worth it. This machine is so awesome. The options are great, and as long as I can use my coupons the price is reasonable, considering a complete sixxix alphabet set retails for $149.00 and I can get a Cricut Cartridge for $56 (after coupon) with more cutting options. Lisa and steph I am bringing it to the next crop!

My second scrapping update is that I fell in love with the new American Crafts papers. Believe it or not I purchased the entire collection and I am determined to use it. I love the colors and patterns and can’t wait to dive in.

I am slowly recovering from my slump. Losing my computer really got me down but I like Gloria Gaynor “I Will Survive”
P.S.
Can you believe it is the middle of August? I have started shopping for school supplies and uniforms. What’s next - Christmas!!!!!! Uggh, where does the time go?