Just some stuff

This past weekend I headed to Ohio to go to IKEA to shop for some furniture for a classroom in our school. We applied for a grant through Lowe's the beginning of this school year and we won! It had been years since I had written a grant, so I was thoroughly surprised. But we won and now we get to stock the room. It was a fun trip because a. I could decorate a space and b. it wasn't my space or my money. I was accompanied by my partner in crime Mandy who has been working on this grant and program and space as hard as anyone. It was a fun trip, especially since Mandy was an IKEA virgin. She fared better than I ever did my first time. As I explained to her I was in tears by the second floor and I think Ryan was seriously questioning our future together. Fortunately we made it through and now I believe, without question, I am an IKEA expert. I could docent the store really - I know what they carry, generally where it is and where your biggest bang for your buck is. I have always recommended the buddy system - bring someone who's been before to lessen the stress of your first visit. It was actually pretty funny to watch someone for the first time - it was kind of like taking a kid to Toys r' us. I'm thinking of doing field trips for friends that have never been - it was only a two hour drive and when you fold down the seats in the van you can fit a crap load of stuff in there. It was a fun, long day - but I was proud because all I bought was a cup for my bathroom and a lazy susan for my kitchen table. I believe I may have zoomed to 60 years old because I've never seen anyone under 60 have one -but the kids had a blast with the salad dressing last night at dinner. Ranch, nah, (spin) Italian, nah, (spin) Vidalia Onion, nah (spin) you get the point. I don't care as long as they ate their salad and they did. I think it was my cheapest trip to IKEA yet.

I appear to be hot on the list of people to call when you are picking out paint colors - personally I love it and I am flattered to no end. I've had two requests this week and frankly I couldn't think of anything better than picking out colors and flooring and things like that for other peoples spaces. I mean eventually you run out of your own space (and money for that matter) so it's an awesome honor for someone to trust my opinion at all. I am really geeked and can't wait to see what comes of our little paint choosing escapades.

So what is on my agenda this week? Well I got out my sewing projects and will finish one up today - the little black and cherry number for Penny. I'm also thinking about doing something fun for her birthday - a t-shirt or something - we'll see. I have a bit more to do on my painting, but should be done by the end of the week. I also have a few crafts for the kids to do for Valentine's Day, so hopefully the week doesn't get away from us.

Some Random Bits:

Can I tell you the solace I get from this blog - the people on the Indy Star can be so hateful - not necessarily directed to me, but in general. Didn't their mother's teach them if you have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all? I mean, I don't mind a healthy debate, but these people clearly are hateful, negative individuals and frankly I can't handle the negativity. It makes me all sad and sick inside. Ugh - so I appreciate all of you and your interest and your not-hateful-at-all words. I suppose the more public you are, the more people feel they have some entitlement to comment on you and your words. Ah - I feel a thicker skin growing as we speak. I just wanted to pass along a thank you and tell you appreciate all of you!

Okay -I'm off to school to assemble furniture. I hope everyone has a marvelous day and hopefully I'll have some accomplishments to show off this week.

Thanks!