As you all know, I have been preparing all week for my friend's bridal shower, which is Saturday. The other day, I took a trip to Staples for printer ink, as my color cartridge light on the printer has been blinking red for the past two weeks. Easy to ignore, when not printing much, but I wanted to make up some sticker labels for the favors and a sign to explain the honeymoon tree. So, I figured to snazz it up a bit, I'd do some schmancy color printing. And even though my printer is one of my parents' old cast-offs, it still prints amazingly well.

Unfortunately, I don't think they make that model anymore, so while flipping through the "find your correct ink cartridge" pamphlets in Staples, my printer is nowhere to be found. I remembered this also being the case a few years ago, which was the last time I had to buy ink. I chose what seemed like the closest model match, made my purchase (why is ink so expensive?) and also picked up a PrintMaster program that was on clearance for $8. (It's an old version of PrintMaster, but it was only $8, and the computer is old anyway…and I've been meaning to get a new print shop program for a while.)

Fast forward to last night, when I installed the print shop program and was messing around with the fun stuff contained therein. First off, I was quite impressed with how well the program ran on my computer, since it's so old and slow, and full of programs I should probably uninstall. I was ready to print the test project I'd made up for the honeymoon tree, and opened up the printer to change the color ink cartridge… First thing I notice is that the model number of the cartridges don't match. So, being the apparent moron that I am, I unseal and unwrap the cartridge, ensuring that I cannot return it if it is the wrong type - which makes no sense, as I had just confirmed that it was not the same as the old cartridge…but it was late, I was tired, and oh yeah, did I mention the moron thing? So, I pull out the old cartridge and notice that the new one has these plastic tabs on the sides, that the old one does not possess… Like I needed more evidence that it was the wrong type. No, I don't give up that easily, do I? I attempt to fit the new cartridge into the printer, and it almost fits. Now, you and I know full well that almost is not going to work. So, what do I do? I remove the yellow sticker tab and attempt to close the cartridge into the slot (or whatever you'd call it…cell?). Duh moron, it's not going to work!! Don't worry though, even my stupidity has limits. I didn't press hard enough on the top to break either the cartridge or the printer.

By now it's 11pm, which I know because Will & Grace has already started on the TV behind me and I know I really should have already been in bed for a half hour. And I still have to scoop out Gracie's litter box (this really can't wait). There's a reason I am always late to work. Well, to anything really. Anyway, I figure I'm already out $25 for the color cartridge, but I can still take back the black ink I had also purchased, and not go through this again. So, I find the receipt and the unopened black cartridge and throw it in my bag to take to work. --What is wrong with me people? Will I never learn? Why did I open the first cartridge to start with??? I think in the back of my head I thought it possible that they'd changed the cartridges and it might still work - quite a long shot.

And today is the 4th day I have to look at the same freakin' crocheted filet fairy on my crochet-a-day calendar…this is getting out of hand. (And yes, I know it has nothing to do with ink. Or my stupidity.)

But in happy news, I figured out what dessert to make for the shower - Lemonade Angel Cupcakes with Lemonade Frosting, from Cupcakes! From the Cake Mix Doctor. (I love her cookbooks. I have 3.)

busy, busy

Aside from my last minute shower plans (which are coming along nicely...I've delegated food to a few unsuspecting victims...um, I mean generous guests. It's their fault, they volunteered!), I am rather swamped at work! So, today's will be a short post. And you all (you know, all 5 of my loyal readers) can blame or thank Christyn for this one...

In my profession, I see a lot of "interesting" names cross my desk. Christyn found this site that lists quite a few odd ones...none of which have crossed my desk...but I've seen similar ones. I haven't had much time to peruse all of the pages yet, (hit the home button to get more links), but this was a good one.

Oh, and my Crochet Pattern-a-Day calendar has been on the same pattern for 3 whole days. I feel cheated... Do I expect too much?

Now, back to work.

Wedding Season

Yep, it's that time of year again...kicked it off with my cousin's wedding last month. Now, it's prep time for another one...local this time. I'm throwing 2 showers for the bride (I was planning on throwing one, but no one else volunteered to do it for her family aside from her aunt - who she absolutely did NOT want to plan it, so she was going to host it herself. That just wasn't acceptable, so I stepped up. I'm too nice sometimes.)

Anyway, the first shower, which is mostly the younger crowd, is this weekend at the bride's house. I'm trying to go a bit more non-traditional, so I thought it would be fun to have a pinata. I found a cute little turtle today at the party store, on sale (bonus for me, since I was going to buy it anyway!). So, I found some candy and little gifties to put inside - gotta love the dollar section at Michael's! - and borrowed a rope from a co-worker. I think it'll be fun. (Besides, why should kids get all the fun?) And yes, I made sure the idea worked for the bride before buying everything.


So this week I'm tying up loose ends for this weekend's shower. That would pretty much be all the ends, aside from having invited people. Why am I such a procrastinator? I finally decided (TODAY) what to do for favors. I found these cute little multi-colored take-out containers at one craft store, and plastic multi-colored shot glasses at another, and here's what I came up with. I think they're cute, but naked. I need to buy a new ink cartridge for my computer, and then I think I'll print up some kind of label. I don't know, any ideas?


Now...I have to organize some good games (aside from the pinata). I have a few ideas. And I need to delegate some more of the food prep (very unlike me not to have the food planned out by now).

Fun with Photos

I take a lot of pictures. Some of them don't totally suck. And I have an affinity for taking extreme close ups... So, enjoy or don't, but I had fun taking these! :)

Flowers from my cousin's wedding last month.

More flowers from the wedding... A close up of the vintage handbag that my aunt took to the wedding. This was my Grandmothers. Possibly from the 60's, but we thought it might be earlier.
And this one is out in front of my apartment (pest control, anyone?)...I liked how the sun played across the web. Now...I wish I had a better quality camera, but I thought it wasn't too bad for a digital.

New Addiction

Okay, so I broke down the other day and bought the Weezer CD, Make Believe. I usually don't buy a CD unless there are 3 or more songs on it that I know I like (I'm cheap and like to get my money's worth). But, I was so into the song "Perfect Situation," which they hardly ever play on the radio (I think I only heard it two or three times), that I decided I had to buy it.

And I am now addicted. It has been playing almost non-stop in my car since I got it. I did not expect to enjoy it this much - more upbeat than I had expected. Happy surprise! And after visiting their website, I see that one of the current members is from Buffalo (extra points!) and one of the past members is from Syracuse (more extra points!).

I feel like I'm jumping on the bandwagon rather late here...as they've been around over 10 years, and I've always liked the songs of theirs that got air play. So, what took me so long? Oh well, I always was a late bloomer.

(And isn't that Scott Bell cute?)

Funny thing though...as I'm on my way home from work yesterday, I'm singing along to We Are All on Drugs (doesn't sound like a song I'd be that into, does it? But it's really catchy!) while driving along the local notorious speedtrap. I see a cop car ahead that's pulled over 2 drivers, and think wouldn't it just be my luck to be pulled over while rocking out to a song about everyone doing drugs? My head was filled with visions of me in a police station being made to take all kinds of tox screens...(which I would agree to, knowing I am 100% clean). No worries though - I was not speeding and didn't get stopped.

Speaking of addictions...I am so addicted to online quizzes. It is not funny. Stop laughing! It's making me wonder if I've got an addictive personality or something (man, good thing I don't drink). And, since I'm on the music theme right now, here's the latest little quizzie that relates:

Your Taste in Music:

80's Pop: Highest Influence

90's Rock: Highest Influence

90's Pop: High Influence

80's Alternative: Medium Influence

80's R&B: Medium Influence

80's Rock: Medium Influence

90's R&B: Medium Influence

Adult Alternative: Medium Influence

Alternative Rock: Medium Influence

Classic Rock: Medium Influence

Hair Bands: Medium Influence

90's Alternative: Low Influence

Old School Hip Hop: Low Influence

How's Your Taste in Music?

Goodies!

Ahh....I just love getting packages in the mail. See the goodies I got from my secret pal this weekend? It's recycled silk, and the colors are great. Lots of jewel tones for me. I've been eyeing this stuff for a while, but haven't been able to justify the cost (believe it or not!). So, now I get to play!

And gum is always fun...speaking of gum...makes me think of chewing things...(sorry for the bizarre train of thought here, but that's just how my mind works). Tonight, for the first time in almost a full month, I bit into a piece of toast. Yes! Bit into - with my front teeth! I'm so excited! (Wow, how boring my life has become...) I finally (FINALLY) got the permanent veneers on my front teeth today, and I cannot tell you how much I have missed being able to eat normally. And they look pretty good too (though the bite isn't like it used to be, not that it was perfect before...). I go in yet again next week, to check on them. And so far, my only peeve is that the top two don't come in contact at all with the bottom two (makes my habit of chewing the inside of my lips difficult...yeah, I know, TMI). So, we'll see how much that annoys me, and if need be, the dentist will fix it next week.

And just for fun, I'm blaming Dagny for bringing this quiz to my attention...

What Classic Pin-Up Are You?

You're Brigitte Bardot!
Take this quiz!

It would appear that I'm an undiscovered sultry French beauty... oh the things you learn about yourself on the internet...Now, I've got to figure out how to "make 'em cry!" Tips are encouraged...

Plants & Progress

Plants

A few days ago, I attempted the impossible (for me). I actually replanted the morning glories that I started from seed. Okay, the impossible part of it really is the part in which this plant has not yet died. I have the blackest thumb ever, and am amazed that I have not yet managed to kill this plant (or the lemon tree out on my balcony, for that matter). I guess it helps that morning glories grow like very pretty weeds... Even so, I'm still impressed that it's still alive. So, here's a picture of the plant before the re-potting.

And here it is after. I was afraid that I tore too much of the root structure when I pried it out of the tiny pot, so I threw a few more of the seeds in the pot after I piled the new dirt over the stumpy roots. And they've already sprouted. So, I am predicting good things for this plant...which might be my downfall. I should have learned by now not to be so optimistic, right? Oh...and the greatest part? This was from a $1 grow kit from Target!

Progress

I've been on a roll since the knitting class. I finished the scarf that I started while in class, and need to block it to give it a normal shape. While I haven't gotten to that yet, I did manage to hit the craft store and get some new yarn and chunky needles. And with a little inspiration from crazy aunt purl (on whose site I spend WAY too much time...), I started this scarf -------------------------->>> The pattern is a takeoff on the pattern halfway down this post, and so far is coming out great!

Ah.....I'm so easily amused...and impressed by myself.