Longing To Return

I have blogged on and off for a long time – years and years. I’m hoping to get my old blog up and running here soon. It’s kind of a mess at the moment – unloved, unappreciated, left out in the weather, lonely, longing to be used again. No, honestly the truth is, it is ugly at the moment. I started to redo it – and somewhere during that time my stomach was grumbling and needed a pick me up. So, I walked off to grab a snack and here it is years later – my tummy is happy, but my blog isn’t so much. I did keep my original domain. I’ve owned it for a long time and it still fits my “belongs at the beach” personality. So, hopefully I’ll “ahem” you’ll have access soon. It’s not that I don’t appreciate blogger, I do, however, I kind of feel like I’m missing something here. I’m missing years and years of blogging and photos of my kids, my decorating, the before and after transformations and tons of other stories. Soon grasshopper – Soon, the beachhouseview will continue…

Addiction or Obsession?

My very new obsession, ok sure, I have many obsessions, like decorating, and of course emptying liquor bottles and "decorating" them using mod podge and scrapbook paper. Which reminds me, I really need to finish the two I’m working on? Look, my oldest child is graduating from high school, he’s a senior and had prom and last minute, very last minute unfinished home/class work to turn in. Don’t ask, I don’t judge! LOL So, I’ve been sorta, kinda, really busy. Anyway, back to my new, very new obsession – I’m collecting anything and everything from Paris, France. No, I’ve never been to Paris, France, or Texas. I have no idea where this crazy obsession came from, but I love it, I’ve decided to accept it and run with it. I have one plate from Paris, ok so it’s really from Hobby Lobby. Today at TJMaxx, I found several pieces I could add to my newly found, no idea where it came from Paris, France obsession. I’m making a list, checking it twice and voicing my newly found obsession to everyone that will listen to me. (hint hint)

One More Prayer

Since I blogged asking for prayers, I have received several interviews (Thank you Cathe). Before that day, I’d only received two interviews since last September. That’s right, just two interviews out of about 50 applications/resumes that I sent out. I’m going to put myself out there again and this time I’m going to be more specific in my asking. Please lift me up in your thoughts and your prayers for more than just interviews, I need a job. These last few weeks I’ve had at least two interviews a week. It’s awesome! But, I want someone to give me a chance; don’t worry about the low pay. If I didn’t agree with the pay I would not have applied. I know I’m probably over qualified for a lot of the positions that I have applied for. Again, I wouldn’t apply for the position if I didn’t need the income.

I received an email from a real estate company for a part time-work at home employee. That would be perfect for me. Well, actually, I applied for the position and then I received the email. The email asked for me to come by for a quick no right/wrong profile test. I hope the computer enjoyed my humor. If they like me, I'll be called in for an interview.

I, also, just applied for another HVAC company. I think I have applied for this position before. But, who knows, like I said, I’ve applied for over 50 jobs since September. I have the experience, please scroll down my resume. I know, it was a long time ago, but seriously, I do remember how to schedule appointments.

Thank you again :)

Stand Off - Kitty Style

I guess I could blog about stuff other than gluing paper on bottles, but that’s boring – trust me, watch this.

Early this morning when Raye was getting ready for school, we noticed Whiskers, our rental neighbor’s kitty. He’s a sweet kitty; we really do enjoy having him hang out with us. We opted not to pay a pet deposit. So, it’s nice to have a pet without all the responsibilities, like changing the very smelly cat dropped a bomb litter. Now, I love my animals and I will have more, once we buy a house. But, anyway back to this morning – so Whiskers was just sitting on the sidewalk, so I called his name, but he didn’t come running like he usually does, he just sorta “well if I have to visit you, I will “ type of walk. But, he stopped half way…well ok; I guess he’s just not in the mood to really visit. Then I heard a growl and I walked further out of the garage and there he was the black cat. I’m not sure of his name; he looks like the cat on Sabrina. Oh, wait, wait – it was Salem. Yeah, so Salem was growling and Whiskers is just so laid back…not wanting to cause any issues, he stayed near the bottom of our driveway and allowed Salem to growl. We left for school and when I got back, Salem was standing on one of the rocks in our yard, while poor Whiskers sat in the driveway. I guess they handled their business, by the time I left and came back from dropping the boys, the cats were both gone. I wonder who won the stand off?

Absolutely - One More

So, I liked the way the torn red paper turned out on the vodka bottle – so much that I did it again, but this time I used a very light blue material feeling paper. When I tore the paper it seemed to tear with a much worn edge. Lots of texture – again, it’s not completed so I’m here just to tease you all!

xoxo

 

 

PS. This one is for my bedroom.

The Finale

The bottle turned out better than I expected.

 

Actually - I'm not finished with it...I know I'm a tease ;)

2nd Craft Idea - Sneak Peak

I couldn’t wait to post a photo of my (not so) brilliant idea. LOL!! It’s not quite finished, but this gives you the idea. It didn’t start off the way I intended. I wanted it to be covered in red, white and blue scrapbook paper. I did that – but it didn’t have the look I wanted, but the texture of the red paper was really cool. In person it looks and feels like leather. I tore/cut all sizes of the red scrapbook paper – you can see the sewn in pattern. That pattern helps give the leather look and feel. I used the mod podge glue to glue the paper to the bottle and then each piece of paper (the top side of the paper - side you actually see). Once it was all dry – I had this really cool leather looking bottle. I’m not sure I’ll stuff a tapered candle in the top or not.

 

 

PS. Stay tuned for the finale ;)

New Bed Stuff

See - I told you my bedding and bed was so pretty! I love it!

 

 

Rainy Day Fun

Just so ya’ll know things have not been boring or dual here at my house – we bought a bed over the weekend from IKEA. We also bought our bedding from there and I just love it. I love my new bed!! We rearranged the bedroom just a little bit and even though the oversized Ethan Allen chair doesn’t match, I still love it. I’m sitting in it right now. I’m looking for a white slipcover for it – if you know where to find one or make one – please let me know. I’ll snap a photo in the morning, after I crawl out of bed and have at least one cup of coffee – and of course I’ll need to make it up…it is so pretty! I’m just so excited my bedroom is finally coming around.

2nd Craft Idea

Oh, I just had a brilliant idea using a very large Belvedere vodka bottle. I just need some supplies from the scrapbooking section at Michael’s. Other than the cost of the bottle of vodka “ahem” – the craft idea is rather cheap. And hey, the vodka ain’t (yep, I said ain’t – Mrs. McCutchen would die – Hey Ellen did you have her?) bad either – it’s so worth the cost of the fantastic dirty martini!! Look at what I go through for ya’ll? Look someone has to empty out the bottles, and I was the first to volunteer. I also have an empty Patron bottle – I love the shape of that bottle. My first instinct was to slap a tapered candle and let it dribble down the sides, but now I have a little extra work to do before I squish the candle in it. So, hang on and I promise a cool idea – hope it works.

PS. Yeah, I know - I still owe ya'll a photo from the last craft idea. It'll happen - keep your shorts on. :)

Senior Prom

Justin at Anna's door

 

Justin and Anna ready for Prom 2009

 

Need Your Prayers

I don’t normally ask for prayers, actually I’ve never come out and asked for prayers specifically, however, I am asking you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers, yes I said prayers. Tonight, I applied for four more jobs, yes four MORE – yes, ya know, from the site I stalk so much every day. I don’t normally spill my personal stuff here – I originally wanted this blog to be about my decorating ideas and yours that I adopt for the rental that I now live in. I wanted it to be fun – not filled with crazy drama that seems to fulfill my life lately and the future. Yeah, I’m so excited for years of fun filled drama! Unfortunately, my life has taken another turn and it looks like I need an outlet, and I’m sorry, that you have to be it, for me. I’m not going to lie to you, as soon as I get a J O B I’ll be in a much better place in my heart and mind – especially my mind.

Happy Birthday!!

Eleven years ago today, my baby girl was born. I never thought in a million years, I’d have another baby and never thought after having two boys, that I’d have a girl.

Happy 11th Birthday, Raye!

Love you forever, mommy

Still Stuck

I’ve been job hunting since last September and most recently hunting every day. I search one site every day – all day. Go ahead, it’s ok to say it, I know you’re thinking it – I stalk this one site every day! I open every link and study what they are asking for before I jump and email them my resume (with all my personal information planted right on it), cover letter – pleading for them to hiring me. I’ve got a really business like cover letter and one that just says – look – I’m going to be honest with you, hire me, and teach this old dog. I kid you not! And you know what? I’ve got exactly 2 replies from that site and one was – thanks but no thanks. I started just applying for positions near me, but this last week I threw in my towel and started applying for positions near and far within reason. I still don’t want to be employed for $10 an hour and have to drive an hour to work. I think that kinda defeats my purpose. However, I am willing to accept that $10 plus full benefits as long as it is up north near me. Look, I’m separated and have a family to feed. I need something that works around my kids and their schools and their extracurricular activities. I do have to be somewhat picky, I’m sorry, but I do need weekends off.

I’m not completely unemployed, I am a substitute. I’ve subbed for the last five years for our district. Subbing is a job that has no guarantee. I’ve gone from subbing every day all day to hitting the search button all day every day just to find ONE half day job available.

So, that’s where I’ve sorta been this week. I’d much rather be immersed in my craft projects and decorating our rental – but to continue on that path, I need some sort of income. I do feel a bit of depression sneaking around my corner – like millions of other Americans. I’m trying to stay strong and positive. It is hard.

Trying to move on

I'm having a hard week - lots of things going on and it never ends. It never ends because certain people don't want to move on and they think my intentions are misguided and against another person. I'm sorry I have to be so vague. I've had to block them from parts of my facebook, too. I really do not like the notifications option on facebook. It might as well be called stalker option. I’ve tried to not make this blog personal, but I have no where – to go and let it out. Not to mention - job hunting...going NO WHERE.

I owe you photos of my new craft idea...but I need to run to the store for dinner stuff.

Birthday Party

Tonight we celebrated Raye's 11th Birthday with a party at Main Event - bowling party! They had a blast. She also wanted to have a spend the night party - Raye is upstairs in my bed and her friends - are downstairs. She loves her friends, but needs loves her sleep more. So she's up here with me. I'm not complaining. Ok - yeah I am - a few of her friends are L O U D...it's actually almost 1am here and they are still being goofy. I don't mind - really - as long as they sleep in a little in the morning.

PS - They go home tomorrow around 11am.