bysandra

Birthdays, Flamingos and I'm Back . . .

2008-08-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I haven't blogged since February 2008. I think younger people catch on to this blogging thing much easier than we "old timers". I shouldn't use that expression since those who are my age don't think of themselves that way. I don't really either.

A friend had pointed out her daughter in law's blog, and just being back in blogging country, I decided to get back into it. I have fun with it. And I love showing off my new designs. Yes that was a shameless plug.

I celebrated my birthday last week in Las Vegas. Great place to party. One of the nights there, I went up to the room at what I thought was about 11pm and decided to just go to bed. I was tired. After I took a shower, put on my jammies and climbed into bed, I noticed the clock said "9pm". I couldn't believe it. It's hard to figure out the time when you're in the casinos since there are no clocks. I was going to get up again but decided to just stay there. I fell asleep immediately.

We had gone to Terrible Herbst at Stateline for breakfast on the way in. They have the best toast. Yes, that's what I said - toast. It's a thick sourdough with lots of butter. Terribly unhealthy but for a once in a while treat - it's okay. So, we all decided to leave the Rio early and go have more toast and play the slots at Stateline and then go home.

And if you think the toast was unhealthy - what till you read what we had at Peggy Sue's Diner on historic Rt. 66 in Yermo. Chiquita Banana Splits. They were huge and we wished we would have shared instead of having one each. If you're ever over that way - be sure to stop at Peggy Sue's. It's a fun, crazy 50's style restaurant with lots of memorable which would take weeks to see it all.

And now home, I'm back to designing and having fun. I haven't designed anything new in a while so I was really pleased to get busy again. I'll go back through and update some of my links too. It's sort of like I've let the yard go but it's my websites, etc . that I've let get messy. I wanted to design a gift for a friend and 'got in the mood' again. I also created this Flamingo design for myself. I wanted a new coffee mug so came up with this one (pictured). I also made a matching ceramic tile for it. It is available if you like it too - just click here.

Wickes Furniture - acting like thieves!

2008-02-05T17:42:00.000-08:00

I've surely had a fun experience with Wickes. I bought furniture - total - $2,083.40. Then I found out the salesman gave me the wrong information on the fabric so I cancelled it one week later (1-11-08). Wickes states that up until 3 days before delivery, they'll refund your money - totally. My delivery date wasn't until 2/12/08.

I kept waiting for my refund check but it never came. My local Wickes couldn't be bothered checking on it for me. Finally I phoned the corporate office in Chicago on 2/4/08. They said they'd just filed bankruptcy and to forget any refund. When I asked if I could just go pick up the furniture (better than losing the total amount), I was told the check was frozen and NO REFUND.

I feel so cheated and basically as though someone had stolen $2083.40 from me. I have no recourse - paid with an electronic check.

Wickes still has their doors open and you can go in and buy furniture - but do pray you won't lose your money. I can't get my furniture - I'm out $2083.40 but you can still go in and buy furniture. Does this make sense?

I can't tell you how sick I am over this and how helpless I feel. I'm not a wealthy person and had to save a long time for this. Can you imagine buying something and never getting your money back or your merchandise? It's basically robbery. If I stole that much money from someone, you can bet it'd be considered a criminal offense.

We are so thankful LuLu is 8 today!

2007-10-16T06:57:00.001-07:00

LuLu is 8 yrs. old today. Yesterday my grandson Grant was also eight. Grant's parents don't talk to me, so I don't know him. So I'll talk about LuLu instead.

LuLu is my best friend. She came to live with us when she was six months old. I had recently lost my Rottweiler Cinder to cancer, and I felt badly that her brother Roquee (Rocky) would be alone (dog-wise). So, I took him to a friend's house who had pups and let him choose the one he wanted. He chose LuLu.

Rottweilers are very smart. We all say that about our kids, grandkids, dogs, cats, whatever - but she is. After so many years, our pets pick up on our signals even when we don't realize we've given any.
LuLu was spunkier than the two dogs before her. These were my first real dogs as pets. But we got through the puppy stage and LuLu settled in beautifully.

In June of this year, my dad died. Going to his Memorial service was difficult. Difficult that I was saying goodbye to my dad and difficult because LuLu had awakened that morning and could barely walk. I hated to leave her but I had to. I left the after luncheon a little early so I could get home to take LuLu to the vet to see what was wrong. I got her into the car and off to the vet's we went. The vet just looked at her and recommended a neurologist in L.A. I'm not a wealthy person and that was a bit out of my league. That in no way determines the love I have for my dog. I asked the vet if this were his dog, would he put her down. He sort of mumbled and looked at me as though treatment were not an option for her. I had already had a highly emotional day, and I felt that if I stood there one more second I was going to do that heavy sobbing thing that feels like you've been kicked in the chest and will never be able to stop. So I got out of there and brought LuLu home.

From what they did to her at the vet's, she could walk even less by the time we got home. I put a towel under her tummy and would pull her up and guide her outside so she could do her business. I made sure her bed was really comfortable and brought her - her food and water. If I had thought LuLu was suffering, I would have made other decisions, but the front of her was okay. She was happy, she'd lay on her bed and would play with her toys and roll back and forth. So, I thought we'd just hang in there and see what the next day would bring.

Each day it seemed that LuLu would try one more thing. And each time she did added something to her routine, I was surprised and pleased. You get used to your pets doing their regular things. All of a sudden for them to stop and have to a new way of living - it's tough. I have tile floors so I bought a bunch of runners and put them to make paths for her. It seemed to help that she had that stability rather than slipping on the floor. She's always slept with me, so I didn't want to leave her alone in the family room while I headed into the bedroom - so I bought one of those inflatable beds and slept beside her each night. I put it next to her bed and could pet her as we both dozed off to sleep. A non-dog person would read that and figure I was over the top - a dog love would immediately understand and would do the same thing.

LuLu is now about 85% back to normal. She had gotten up to 99% but she's slipping a little. She got too spunky and while bouncing around the room she slipped. She's back to just laying down all day and getting up only when she has to. And while petting her last night, I found a huge tumor on her chest. It's higher than when I rub her tummy and more fleshy than hard. I'll take her for a check up this week - to a new vet I've discovered - after Baby the Bullmastiff ate the junk out of the fly trap that the wind blew off the hook. She spent last weekend at a sleep over at the vets. The fly trap wasn't poisonous - the flies weren't a good thing to eat.

So, today we celebrate that LuLu is eight years old today. We celebrate her determination that allowed her to be here to celebrate. And we'll be thankful for each new day that has LuLu in it.

Happy Birthday LiL LuLu!!!

Time goes by fast when you're having fun!

2007-08-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Time does go by fast when you're having fun, but this blog is about making time last by designing fun clocks!
Often when I'm creating designs for my cafepress shop, I use the "one size fits all" design so that all items offered are coordinated. But now I'm on a clock kick and am really enjoying creating a new line of clocks using many of the graphics I've used on other items.
Most of my designs and graphics are original art which I've created on the computer or that I've done on paper and then scanned to use on the computer. Sometimes I do see a piece of clipart that I really like but most of the time, I change 95% of it to reflect my style.
Often times items you find are strictly clipart or images you can purchase from others who have created them. My fun is the creating. I could probably design a lot more images if I just threw them on, but anything that is done by Sandra usually has involved many hours, sometimes days. I take pride in my creations, and I hope that those who purchase items with my work get a glimpse of the child within as I have as I create them.

Who wants to run the country realty show . . .

2007-08-16T16:27:00.001-07:00

Realty shows. That seems to be all that’s on TV these days. Every time I think I’ve seen the last new idea for one, another is advertised - some sillier than the last.

I’m not saying I haven’t gotten hooked on a couple. I missed the first season of Dancing with the Stars, but got so hooked when I came in - in the middle of the second season that I was calling in to cast my votes for my favorites and then was almost jumping out of my chair when my choice won. By the 3rd and 4th, I was even worse.

I watched The Surreal Life, Big Brother for a couple of episodes each, but I tried to not land on any channel featuring a realty show - even for a second - knowing how addictive they can be. Okay, I have a confession, I did watch Torie and Dean Inn Love last night. Corny, and I surely wouldn’t want cameras following me around constantly, but I was entertained. I’m sure these people don’t really act like they do on the show -- in real life?
I started thinking about what could be left in the reality world. I came up with a few.

Kid Nation has been taken. I haven’t seen it, and without facts, I have to say that one sounds very scary. Perhaps it’s been built up much more than it should be.

I came up with another one that might be fun.

The way it works:
there are two sides. We’ll call one the Blues and we’ll call the other the Reds. On the Blue side we start off with a huge number of contestants. To make it more entertaining, we have a female contestant and we have a black contestant and we have a richer than most contestant who comes in getting points against him because of his $400 haircut. The contestants line up and ... well, we could have them debate and just watch them pick each other apart while they boast for themselves. And in between the debating and boasting and picking we send them out to various states to meet the ... let’s call them ‘citizens’ who will decide which contestant they’d like to vote for.

To begin with, the Blue's all try to get each other eliminated so they can win the Blue side. And - the Reds do the same thing. Similar strength trials, debates, and touring the states are also happening with the Red team. Perhaps a Mormon, a former POW and a divorced guy could be interesting contestants. It would make it more colorful. In the rules it also says that contestants would be allowed to join in even after the game has begun. Perhaps having an actor join the Red team would make it more fun and tilt the boards a bit.

Everyone gets in on this - the networks and cable news programs could have discussion groups trying to pick apart each contestant to get them eliminated. They could have contestants create ads that they pay for and that would make the networks and cables some big money to keep them interested.

Contestants could be lied about, everything from their pasts brought out to seem as though it were important, and mudslinging could earn points or it could eliminate the contestant from the show. After the citizens have declared a winner for the Red side and one for the Blues, then each of the victors would be able to choose a contestant either from those who they ripped apart in the first part of the game or a new contestant. Then there would be another season of pulling out all punches for the citizens to find a winner from the two final contestants and their buddies. The theme for this part would be “anything goes” - it could be as dirty as possible, the contestants can use their own money and get donations to try to convince the citizens that they should be the final choice.

Drugs, having gay children, jail terms, religion, employees, racist remarks, criminal activity, childhood activities, ex-lovers, fraudulent business schemes, family and friends - no subject is off limit.

This show could run for several seasons. And if one side seems to be falling behind or some horrible fact is found about a contestant - no mater what - the other side could be blamed for all of it and lost some points.

This is great. I’ll have to figure out some catchy name for it and also a great catch phrase - something that will resonate as well as Trump’s “You’re Fired” or Paris’ “That’s Hot”. And then I'll have to figure out how all the points can be counted without any problems ... That might be the hard part.

Wow, we could take anything in our daily lives and have it sound like a possibility for a show. This was written for fun by one of the citizens mentioned above - just a jab at realty and in no way was it written with the intent to offend anyone.

Color me GREEN!

2007-08-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

I've decided to share my whole small attempt to go green. I haven't been swayed by the celebs - this is being done by me to do my part in saving the planet. The fun thing is that the more you do, the more money you save for yourself. My dad used to nag about turning the lights off when you leave a room. He was from the depression era. I wasn't. I decided that when I grew up and was on my own, I'd leave every darn light on if I wanted. Well wouldn't that just show my dad something as I paid my "over what it should be" electric bill. Ouch.

Basically I've been green since before Al Gore said a word about it. Yea me! But I started trying to save money. I try each month to save a little more. It's working, and I'm doing fantastically. Of course what I pay each month for utilities is probably less than the celebs pay for one lunch at a posh restaurant.

I've stopped using central air. I live on the Mojave Desert so a swamp cooler works great. Takes a little water, but not very much.

I've cut back on the water time for my lawn. I notice my lawn isn't as plush or green as the neighbors' yards. I don't care.

I did switch to the energy efficient lightbulbs. They can really make a difference.

I don't use the dry cycle on my dishwasher. The dishes come out clean - no problem with water spots, and I never run it without a full load.

I have a clothesline in my garage. During the summer everything dries within a few minutes. I wash all clothes in cold water, except for towels, and I do try towels and sheets in the dryer. My gas bill is next to nothing.

I've washed my car twice since I got it October 2006. Is it dirty? Nope. I bought one of those $7 California Cardusters at Walmart. I keep the car in the garage and dust it off before I go someplace. It looks like it was just washed yesterday. I also waxed it on the first wash.

I carry a large thermal bag with me into the market. All of my cold items go in it. I can then run errands without worrying about everything going bad and I tote bags for the rest. The big thermal bags are only about $8 at Sam's Club. They're huge, easy to carry and also work for hot foods.

I did read that in exerpts from The Green Book, a how-to guide filled with celebrities' advice for would-be environmentalists by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas Kostigen that Jennifer Aniston takes a 3 minute shower to conserver water. She brushes her teeth with brush wash technique. Okay - that's saving water and she's doing her part, but I also wonder what other ways she saves in her new 9,000 sq. ft. home.

I am always slightly amused when celebrities give advice. Years ago Cindy Crawford had her first baby and wrote a book. In an interview she was asked why she wrote the book. She answered that she wanted to let mothers everywhere know that it was okay to play with their babies. And she explained how they could go about doing it. Whoa! If Cindy Crawford wants to give out some makeup tips, that's great. But c'mon - please don't tell me that mothers didn't play with their babies until she came along. I think too many of these people forget they're just that - people. I think so many think they're the characters they play on screen.

There are some who truly do practice what they preach - Leo DiCaprio and Ed Begley Jr. come to mind. I still have a lot I could be doing. If you have any good ideas of things you're doing, please share them with us.

New Club Rehab Items!

2007-08-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

There surely is a lot in the news lately about luxurious rehab centers for wealthy celebrities. Much criticism has been heard since several come out of the rehabs and head straight to the bar. My latest design looks at this with a sense of humor - Club Rehab! Bright colors with a beach-look design and available on a wide selection of tees and other items.

Friday's Here

2007-08-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

We surely hear that a lot. Friday's here - TGIF - from those who work all week and who are excited for weekend to be here. I work at home. I work most of the time. I don't get a thrill that it's weekend. I can have weekend during the week and for as long as I'd like to have it. Before you say, "lucky you" - I do have to let you know, there are drawbacks. I don't get a paycheck. If I goof around, it just means I have to work harder the next time.

And the office Christmas party is so boring, and I already know what my gift is because I drew my own name.

Okay, blog finished, it's time for me to take my morning break . . . with a swim.

Dancing with the Stars - Week 4

2007-04-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

I’ve never been hooked on any of these reality shows, but Dancing with the Stars caught my attention last year and now I’m hooked.

Last night was the results night which meant one couple would be eliminated (that sounds scary). My favorites for the week were Apolo and Julianne, Heather and Jonathon, Billy Ray and Karina. I enjoyed the others a lot – these were just the faves, not always for their dancing ability. Clyde was my very least favorite.

I don’t enjoy watching his dancing at all. I had never seen him before he was on DWTS so I have no idea how great a player of whatever he plays - he was, with who or why. But he’s the one contestant who doesn’t seem to be as involved as the others. I see no charisma and he seems to whine about everything.

His attitude is awful. So why in the world did Leeza Gibbons get bumped last night? She was trying so hard and cared. Clyde could care less. Everyone else talks about the hard work and while Clyde says it’s not that hard. Only because he’s not giving it 100% and there isn’t the same commitment.

Anyway – I moaned out loud when they read his name that he’s staying. I was so disappointed as I kept telling myself – “it’s only a TV show”.

I’m thankful for dv-r so at least I can fast forward Clyde – hopefully for the last time.

2007-04-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

Earth Day 2007 is April 22, 2007. I think it's special to have a special day for it, but also think that every day should be earth day.
I've been watching the Discovery channel's "Planet Earth". It consists of eleven segments dedicated to our planet Earth. I have to admit, I'm more of a "Desperate Housewives" tv viewer than the Discovery channel. But I'm fascinated with this entire series and it made me want to learn more and more our planet (finally).
I've even sent emails to friends telling them to watch. The first run is on Sunday nights. I watch in HD - and it's so beautiful.
You can get more information and the schedule at http://discovery.com. And, you can get a glimpse of what's been shown in a photo album.
You can also buy all eleven segments on dvd. That information is also at the Discovery site. I sound like a Discovery channel salesperson. No. Just bowled over at the whole series. This Sunday, the 22nd (Earth Day), is the segment on "Caves". Really a good one. Also at the end of each segment, they show how they filmed some of the incredible things shown - animals, mountains, things that have never been filmed before.
I did get inspired and thus the two new designs that I have in my cafepress shop bySandra. Items available on tees, totes, hats, calendars, tiles, LOTS of stuff.

Dancing with the Stars - Week 5

2007-04-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

Clyde left last night. I was so glad. Not so much that he had to leave, but that those I liked better got to stay. I loved how John hugged Edyta while being totally surprised that they weren’t in the bottom two and that they would be staying. It’s moments like those that keep me hooked to this show.

Apolo and Julianne are totally amazing. They deserved their 30 points – they’d worked hard to get them. I was surprised that Heather and Jonathon were in the bottom two couples. I enjoy watching Heather, she’s truly an amazing person. Her ability to laugh at the situations she has to endure is refreshing.

Billy Ray is at least trying. He’s not very good – he struggles, but he’s cute. I wanted him off of there the first week but he’s redeemed himself with me, and evidently a whole lot of others since he’s still there. Karina basically had it so easy last season with Mario – that this is a whole different thing.

I’m surprised Ian isn’t doing better. His dancing seems quite good to me. I think he and Cheryl are also surprised that their scores aren’t higher.

Joey and Kym are really cute. One thing Joey isn’t lacking is personality. He laughed off Len’s “feminine” comment while some homophobic guys may not have.

I’ll see everyone next week.

Sadness for Virginia Tech

2007-04-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

I had lots to blog about today – but it’s hard to write a silly blog when I feel so sad for everyone … I was going to say that I felt sad for everyone who was involved in the Virginia Tech shootings. But we’re all involved. We were hoping that this country had – had the worst rampage shooting in history already. That it had occurred and that nothing as bad would ever happen again. That our students and teachers were safer than ever before. We have tears and sadness for those who experienced this tragedy - and for those who have lost their lives and have had loved ones die.

It’s all so totally senseless.

Last week an armed robbery occurred at the office of a dear friend of mine in Florida. Two black men wearing ski masks held guns on the two women who were in the office at the time and demanded the women turn over all the money in the office – business and personal. Each man cocked this gun while pointing it at each woman.

All turned out okay. The crooks left with the money and left the woman with a cold fear that will probably pop its ugly head up for the rest of their lives.

This Virginia Tech massacre won’t be over … ever. It’s left a nation in mourning. Time will heal. It won’t be something we think of every second, but it will never completely go away. The scar is for always.

My thoughts and prayers are with the students and teachers at Virginia Tech and the family and friends of those who were killed and injured.

Twelve Things that Make Me Grumpy!

2007-04-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

This began as ten things that make me grumpy, but I kept adding to it. I thougt if I wrote them down, it'd make me feel better.

When I forget to put the coffee into the coffeemaker.
This is my fault, totally. I make my coffee before I go to bed so I can just turn it on in the morning. Then I let my dogs out and the coffee is ready by the time they’re all done with tinkle-time. Unless … I’ve forgotten to put the coffee into the filter. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s truly irritating and there is only one person I can be irritated with myself. I really prefer being irritated with someone else. :o)

People who honk their car horn early in the morning.
Have a little consideration for your neighbors. I get up early so they’re not going to wake me up but it’s such a lack of consideration for others. Nowadays everyone has a cell phone so call the person you’re going to pick up and let them know you’re in front of their house. Or, get your lazy ass out of the car and go up and knock on the door.

And, for those who are expecting someone to pick them up, be ready on-time so you can run out the door and there’s no honking needed.

People who do yard work with noisy equipment too early in the morning.
I do understand that it gets very hot later in the mornings and in the afternoons. But, you can mow and edge your lawn later than 6 a.m.

Again, I’m up early, they don’t wake me up but I do groan thinking about how thoughtless and inconsiderate they are.

Litterbugs.
Is that expression still used? The other day I was driving along a beautiful stretch of desert road. Messing up the view and the beauty was someone’s old sofa and love seat tossed out on the shoulder of the road.

What are they thinking?

It’s required that everyone in my area have trash service. There isn’t a way to cheat it. You can call them a day or so ahead of your regularly scheduled trash day to request a pick-up on your trash day. I wish there were a way to find these people and make them have to live with the trash they’ve thrown out forever. Harsh - yes. Impossible - yes.

People who drive too fast.
Why does everyone have to drive 90 mph? It seems that way.

What’s really pathetic is that these are the same people who scream that they have to pay too much for gas. Yes, gas prices are high - but take your lead foot off the gas and you’ll save a bundle. Plus you’ll be safer and so will others.

People who ride on the tail of the car in front of them.
This probably doesn’t make a Hummer or huge SUV driver grumpy. But it surely does when you drive a very small car. Seeing your bumper practically over my back window - does have a tendency to really rile me. Back off. Again … does the word “considerate” mean anything?

T.V. shows that have someone’s “statement” written into the script.
I watch TV. programs primarily for entertainment purposes.

If I want to know the news of the day or listen to “experts” discuss the world, then I turn on a news program. I do NOT want to watch a show like Boston Legal only to have someone’s ideas and views thrown in as a speech given by one of the show’s lawyers. James Spader has had several scripts that have done this. One program had him telling everyone in a jury summation that if the word “mart” is in a place where you shop, then you need to stop going there. Huh?

Kids screaming in stores and restaurants.
Just walk outside with them until they’ve calmed down. That’s a pretty easy solution.

Buying food that isn’t good.
Yes, this is my responsibility also. But it surely annoys me when I’m ready to prepare a meal and realize I’ve purchased something that has an expired date on it. With some items, it doesn’t really matter, but with meat, milk - dairy products - it does. I think the markets should try a little harder to be sure they’re not stocking the shelves with bad foods. I was going to fix something the other night and discovered that the potatoes I bought were rotten inside, the cheese was turning green and the onions and pineapple were also rotten. This all happened in one day. I had been in a hurry going through the market.

I decided to take the foods back - and was told Ineeded a receipt. I hadn’t bothered saving receipts from the market before.

I did come to the conclusion that too many items being bad from one shopping trip was an inconvenience and also a way of telling me that I needed to change markets.

Playing music too loud and car stereos
That word “inconsiderate” pops up again on this one. If your music is making my walls vibrate and it’s almost hurting my chest with the ‘thumping’, then I’d say it’s too loud. I live in a single, unattached dwelling - no connecting walls, and I don’t hear anything but the bass.

One example - the neighbors are getting ready to take their boat out for the day - and have wrongly assumed that everyone else in the neighborhood has gotten up at 5am on a Sunday morning.

These people with humongous speaker systems in their cars must have an idea that perhaps they’re annoying all around them with their loud music? It’s as irritating at a traffic signal as it is when they’re stopped in front of a residence. Can they hear emergency vehicle sirens over the loud music? I’m curious. And will this mean that many in this generation will be deaf later in life?

Anyone who lives in the United States but doesn’t try to learn English
I’ve lived in the U.S. most of my life. I speak English. I was always under the impression that English was the primary language here.

I think that if someone wants to stay in the U.S., they learn English. If they think it’s a real struggle to learn the language, I go through a similar struggle trying to communicate with someone who can’t speak English. Why should I be the responsible one?

I really admire those who do try to learn to speak English. I was in the bank the other day and noticed that two guys behind me were speaking Spanish, the guy in front of me was speaking Spanish, the teller and a customer were speaking Spanish, and a little boy was speaking to his mother --- in Spanish. Here I was in a foreign land without leaving the country. I was 3 miles from home, and I couldn't understand one person around me. Scary.

Pant crotches down below the knees
I know it's the style, but I like my men to walk like a man, not a penguin. I think this is a young person thing. I know when I was a teenager with ratted hair that took a can of hair spray to give it that "cotton candy" look, darkly-lined eyes and white lipstick, my parents and their friends would criticize me and tell me how ridiculous I looked. I knew I looked just like everyone else I knew so they were the ones with the problem, not I. At least I could walk without it looking like my pants were full of something.

Relax your tongue . . .

2007-03-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

I had to go to the dentist today. I hate going to the dentist. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone on that one. I truly admire people who go on a regular basis. I have a tendency to go only when I’m in pain and then – and only then – getting everything I need at that time.

Today’s visit was no different. Toothache – abscess – misery. Call the dentist. I was having a root canal done. I thought it would be a simple root canal, but it turned out that some of the tooth or whatever had calcified so there was a real struggle going on between dentist and tooth. I wasn’t afraid. I was fine. – for about 5 minutes. I think my behavior today was the worst I’ve ever had. I was the dentist’s nightmare.

I actually had tears streaming down my face during the work. I actually cried. The assistant was wiping my eyes – my chin was shaking – and I was making primal animal noises with every push, pull and noise. And, WHAT is with this “relax your tongue”? Who knows how to relax their tongue when half of their face is totally numb? I thought it was relaxed. Guess not. The assistant had to plop a tool on it to keep it out of the way. Later I asked if there were any exercises I could take that would help me understand what a relaxed tongue was. I even asked if they knew anything about tongue yoga? Evidently tongues are not a subject for amusement for a dentist who has to push them out of the way all day – everyday.

You know you must have been a real problem patient when your dentist comes back into the room when it’s all over and asks you if you hate him. Me, who hates to ever make anyone unhappy said, “no, of course not”. I may have been lying. I have to go again next week to have the job finished. I won’t be seeing that dentist again. He’s turned me over to someone else he calls “the specialist”. Doesn’t sound good to me.

Dog Comedians?

2007-03-21T11:13:00.001-07:00

baby2.jpg
Originally uploaded by bysandra.

Do you think dogs know when they're being funny? Baby was on her couch nappy this morning with her head resting on the arm - and her tongue hanging out. It made me life. The picture is exactly the face I looked up to see. She didn't move - just stayed there, as if to let me enjoy the laugh. I went into another room to get my camera, thinking she'd move by the time I got back. She hadn't. I realized I had the wrong lens on the camera so Ihad to go back to get another lens, take off the first lens, cap it and then attach the second lens.
I walked back to the room and there she was - still in the same position. It was as though she were waiting for more laughs.
But then I thought perhaps the real reason she was still there - she's lazy. Cute dog. Funny dog. Hungry dog. And terribly lethargic dog. Nothing to worry about - it's just Baby.

MS Walk 2007

2007-03-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

On April 14th, I'll be participating in my local MS Walk. I started doing this about four years ago.

My sister in law died from MS after 10 years of living in a nursing home - for many of the years, unable to walk or talk. Heidi was young. She had two little girls when she was first diagnosed. It hit her fast and it hit her hard. Her death was almost a blessing - that this young woman would be free of the prison that MS had put her in.

It's scary how many people I know who have MS.

My friend from high school, Donna, just lost her daughter Missy from it. Missy was 38 years old and had been bedridden for the past fifteen years. She left two children who were quite young when their mother could still walk and talk. Missy would have been a new grandmother this year.

Then there was David who I had graduated from high school with. Dave was only twenty-one when he was diagnosed with MS. I first learned he had it when he came to one of our class reunions in a wheelchair. He was such a good person, and a very, special dear friend. David died last year. I miss him so often. We used to phone each other regularly. He had such a great sense of humor and a positive way of looking at life.

David used to do the Walks with me. He'd show up early in the morning - whether the weather was cold or hot. I usually took David's caregiver about 3 and a half hours to get him up and dressed. Then he'd take the Medi-ride over to the Walk site. He never complained and love raising money to help eradicate this disease for future generations. Dave's sister Judy and twin brother Dennis also have MS - as does Missy's aunt Nickie. My friend Claudi has it, Anna Jo from my school days participates in the Walk in her area because her husband John has MS - Patti Lewis and Jolene Owens also from my high school have it. Another former classmate Mike Ludeman lost his father from it. Laura Glickman's uncle has it. Deena's Aunt Jane - Gene Wilk's wife was just diagnosed, as was Jackie Well's daughter-in-law Samantha. I'd love it if I had no names to include in this.

I suppose this is okay to blog about. It doesn't matter - if it's not. It's what's on my mind today. And, perhaps someone will read it and will want to help too. You can sponsor me at: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/bysandra - or you can just make a donation to the MS site. No set amount is required. Lots of small donations can go far.

I would love to see the day that there is no need to do a Walk for this disease. And when no one dies so young or spends a lifetime unable to move a leg or arm or to speak.

A good day!

2007-03-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the day at the Book Faire at my grandkids' elementary school. My daughter-in-law is PTA President and can use the extra help. I was sort of dragging my feet - not really wanting to go do this - I had a lot of my own work to do.

I was listening to the radio on the way over - the topic was about teachers. I think teaching is one of the most important careers there is. I got to thinking that since I was going out to the school, I'd try to be as positive and "nice" as I can so that my day would be a meaningful one.

As soon as I got to the Book Faire, I forgot all about my quest to change the world and just started helping kids find the books they wanted.

I went home when it slowed down and was asked if I would come back in the evening to "tattoo" the kids at the evening's family night at the Book Faire. They had a few games there, snow cones, popcorn, the tattoos - and time for the parent's to be able to purchase books.

I didn't feel well but headed back anyway. I really wanted to stay home.

I still felt tired but didn't want to let anyone down so headed back. After being there awhile - I was totally enjoying myself and forgot that I wasn't feeling very well. I noticed the other "tattoo artist" was just doing the tattoos and didn't really talk to the kids.

My last "customer" of the night was Amelia. She's in my grandson's class, has two sister and was waiting for her mom to finish talking to another mom. The kids were only supposed to get one tattoo but Amelia was last so I put several on her. We had a nice chat, and then her mom came over to get her and off they went.

I was taking a few minute break before putting everything away and leaving when about five minutes later Amelia's mom came back into the building and came over to me. She said I'd just made a friend for life because Amelia had told her she had such a fun time with Tanner's grandma (that's me).

I felt so special and couldn't help but smile to myself.

What I thought was so neat was that I had planned to make someone feel special - and in doing so - someone thought I was special.

The smallest of things - all free - can bring a smile - saying "hello" as you pass someone, letting someone cut in front of you in busy traffic, opening the door for someone, hugging your loved ones, spending time listening to someone else - baking something for a neighbor or family member - and the list goes on.

It's amazing how a smile and a kind word can sometimes do a better job than two Aleve!

Candy is dandy . . .

2007-03-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

I can definitely tell when Spring is approaching, and I'm basically wanting to close the door on winter. I start using brighter colors in my work, and I try to think of lighter subject matter. For the past couple of months, when sitting down to design something - I've been steering myself toward foods. Not healthy foods - just colorful, full of sugar, fattening, glazed, gummy, jellied, chewy, crunchy, delicious candies. The good thing is that the only adjective listed in the prior sentence that applies is "colorful". They are non fattening, fun designs - truly capable of bringing some springtime cheer into an otherwise drab existence. Check 'em out they're guaranteed not to contain even one calorie. And, many designs don't even have food - lots of stuff.

My New Mug Design

2007-03-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

Just having fun and came up with this new mug design. I've taken many of the new pieces of artwork that I've done lately featuring candy and treats and combined them into one. Actually I made this for myself - but thought it'd be sort of selfish not to make it available to others - so I've added it to mybysandra shop.

I originally made the artwork to be the header for another blog I have at: http://bysandra.wordpress.com

Drumroll please:

Maui Me - Just Maui'd

2007-02-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

Several years ago when my niece Kari got married in Maui, I did a few designs to put on items for her to give her at her bridal shower. When looking through saved designs, I added it to items in my Cafepress shop.

A couple of days ago, someone emailed me and asked if I could do some tweaking so it said, "Maui Me". I did, and loved it. I thought it would be a fun way for someone to propose. Perhaps a gift containing a "Maui Me" item with tickets to ... where else . . . Maui.

So romantic. The "Maui Me" design has two Anthuriums which look like two entwined hearts with the words "Maui Me".

I love finding new products

2007-02-17T07:30:00.000-08:00

It definitely doesn't take a lot to make me happy. Yesterday I was looking for fresh Parmesan cheese in the deli section at my local market. I found this little thing. It's Parmesan cheese that comes with its own grater. I tried it last night and it works. I'm not the new Kraft spokesman, and I don't earn a commission, I just love finding new, handy things and passing the information along. This one scores high on my list. It's easy to use, the grated cheese comes out in even, long, fine strands and it doesn't need any special treatment. There's a little cap that fits on the end to help keep it fresh when it's stored.
The sad thing is that if I were some big Hollywood celeb, whether I wore underwear or not, Kraft would probably send me cases of the cheese grater for endorsing their product. Sigh. That's an entirely different blog for another time.
You can get more information for this nifty gadget at the Kraft website.
Another good 'feature' of this product is that I found out that I've been spelling "parmesan" incorrectly. So, I've learned something new today - and thank goodness for spellcheck.
I guess since you're here, you could go check out my store, bysandra, full of merchandise with designs by me - Sandra. Okay - had to shamelessly promote myself too.

Cook up a Chinese New Year Dinner!

2007-02-15T12:45:00.000-08:00

Gung Hay Fat Choy! (Cantonese - may prosperity be with you) Perfect for Chinese New Year, Year of the Pig, which begins on February 18, 2007.
My ancestors were Chinese, but my mother never fixed Chinese food. It was a once a week treat to go to our favorite Chinese Restaurant and have it there. I never thought about just preparing my own. Years ago a cousin came over from Australia to stay a couple of weeks. He bought a wok and would go into Chinatown in L. A. for vegetables to prepare. If he wasn't cooking, we went out to eat - and I believe I earned a big, fat zero as a hostess. He earned a 10 from me though and isn't that what matters? Yes, I'm smiling at that one. Before he went back home, he prepared an entire cassette tape of dishes that are a breeze to prepare.
You can even turn an American dish into Chinese in seconds. Grab your wok ... (I am sooo hoping you know what a wok is and that you haven't grabbed anything else). Put a tad of oil in it. Perhaps peanut oil, but any kind really. Throw in a little soy sauce, green onions, snow peas - whatever vegetables you have and then stir fry lightly. Break an egg or two and stir quickly. Voila - serve with rice and it appears that you have a quick Chinese dish. When we were kids, my mother used to break an egg, add a teaspoon of soy sauce into our Chicken noodle soup so we could have a Chinese/American variation of egg flower soup with noodles.
The other night I whipped up a small Chinese dinner and was so impressed with what I did, that I thought I'd pass along the information. This is just a starter and as you get more comfortable cooking this way, you can add all sorts of dishes. I started with two courses. Chicken Chow Mein and Kung Pao Chicken. Both are chicken dishes, but as I improve, I'll probably do different meats. The Chow Mein would even be a good dish for a Vegan to fix.
Remember my recipes are those that a culinary expert would sniff at - but they work if you want fast, easy and good. I prepared my chicken early in the day. I cut it into chunks and 'steam' it in the microwave. I use a Tupperware microwave pot which has a strainer. I did it all at once and then put it into the refrigerator. It probably would taste a little better if you prepared it in a wok - but this is healthier because you're not using the oil and the fats are draining off of the meat while it cooks.
When I was ready to begin the process, I cooked the rice in my new Aroma rice maker that my daughter in law gave me for Christmas. I had a smaller one but really like the new one. It's a 10 cup with a non-stick inner pan and it actually keeps the rice warm until you're ready to serve it. That's a feature that now that I've used it - couldn't be without and wonder how I did without it in the first place.
Chop up your vegetables and have them ready. You will also need unsalted peanuts. I always buy the party peanuts and then I rinse the salt off of them
Put your wok on the stove with a little oil. I use a Circulon Wok and have never had a problem with anything sticking. If you don't have a non-stick pan, you may have to use a little more oil - but keep it a small amount. Toss in half of the chicken. If you cooked it in the morning then you have very little heating to do with it. Remember that you can add ingredients I don't have or you don't have to use the ones I've suggested. You make this the way you would like it. And don't worry if everything isn't measured exactly. If you overdo or mess up something - it's easy to correct.
Chicken Chow Mein: In addition to the chicken, you'll need a lb. or two of fresh bean sprouts. You can buy them canned, but I think the fresh are so much better. You can buy a bag of them for about $.80 or less per bag. One can of water chestnuts - I buy the sliced, one cup water, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbl. cornstarch and another 1/4 cup water.
Your chicken is heated so now you can stir in the bean sprouts, water chestnuts, water, soy sauce and the bouillon. I don't stir and heat too long because I like the bean sprouts and water chestnuts to remain crispy. Combine the cornstarch with the water and stir till smooth. Pour into the mixture and stir constantly, until the sauce is thickened and clear.
Remove from heat and keep warm in a bowl or microwaveable container. I quickly wash the wok and then start over (I need another wok to do them both together).
Kung Pao Chicken: This one I cheat a tad. I use the Sun-Bird seasoning mix for the Kung Pao. This is available at your local supermarket or you can order them on-line at Grandma Sandi's if you can't find them locally. Again - add a little oil and the chicken. Stir to heat and brown. Then toss in about a cup of peanuts and stir fry until browned. Toss in your green onions - stir and fry again. Then take your mixture from the packet's directions (packet seasoning, sugar, water and soy sauce) and stir and heat until thickened. That's it.
For little extras - you can buy Chow Mein Noodles in a can or you can cut won ton wrappers into strips and fry them until crunchy. A great topping for the Chow Mein. This is all there is to it. Amazing.
Chinese Chicken Salad: I always buy the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to cut up. If it's an extra large package - I just use a third for each of the dishes and then another night, I make up a Chinese Chicken Salad using the remainder. Again, another easy dish but so good. Tear up your lettuce (whichever kind you prefer) and dry it after rinsing. I use a salad spinner which I swear by. I made my salad differently each time I make it. It depends on the ingredients I happen to have on hand. Usually when I've fried some won ton wrappers, I freeze the fried ones I don't use so I'll have them for my salads at a later time.
Some suggestions for your salad are: the chicken (again, good dish for vegans without the meat), sesame seeds, slivered almonds, green onions, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, Chinese snow peas, mandarin oranges and whatever you'd like to try - there are no firm rules.
The dressing:
1/8 cup sesame oil
1/8 cup salad oil
2 tbs. sugar (I've used Splenda and it works)
3 tbs. rice vinegar (I personally think this is the key ingredient)
1/2 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper
Mix well and then pour on your salad. Don't do it ahead of time - do it right before serving.

If any of this looks too difficult - I'm sure it's because of the way I wrote it. Writing this was much harder than doing it.
Have a Happy Chinese New Year!
Mandarin: Xin Nian Kuai Le!

Year of the Pig design is available on a huge selection of products at my cafepress bysandra shop.

Designed with love ...

2007-02-11T09:02:00.001-08:00

When my sons were young, my mother made the two youngest each a bunny suit for Halloween. One bunny was pink and the other was blue. They loved wearing their suits to create plays starring bunnies and even wanted to wear them as their jammies. Since they'd grow out of them fairly fast, I let them wear them anytime they wanted to, as long as they'd been thrown in the washer (the bunny suits, not the boys) often.

A few years ago I was sitting doodling my little bunnies in a sketch book. I loved the way they were turning out because they really looked like the boys did. As I was drawing, the phrase, "I love some bunnies" kept going through my head. I had no plans for the sketch, it was just for me. A few years ago when I began to create designs for t-shirts and other items, I came across the sketch again. I re-did it on the computer and changed the line to "Some bunny loves you". It's an all year around design but especially nice at Valentine's Day and also at Easter.

The design isn't "just" a design to me, but a bit of nostalgia. I lost one of my bunnies so it became a very special design to me. I ordered it for myself on a large mug and it definitely brings a smile when it's the mug I reach for.

You just never know where that next idea will come from ... or why. "Some Bunny" is available on a large selection of items.

Ladybug - Ladybug ...

2007-02-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

Keep your daughters out of the garden if you think they're too young to marry! In central Europe, when a ladybird (ladybug in the U.S.) walks across the hand of a young maiden, it's believed that she'll marry within the year. Considered to stand for good luck, if a ladybug touches you, it means you may have a wish. But, if you kill a ladybug, it's said that you'll have bad luck. The lady beetle (as scientists prefer to call them) is one of the friends of your garden. It's favorite food is aphids. The ladybug hybernates all winter and then mates in the spring. They lay their eggs near an aphid colony - which to the ladybug is like moving across the street from McDonalds.
Coccinellidae is the scientific name for this family of beetles. I prefer "ladybugs". Easier to spell and to say.

If your garden is lacking in ladybugs, they can be purchased at most nurseries.

This design as well as other ladybug designs is available on t-shirts as well as items for the home and great as gifts at my shop

J'aimerais avoir un chat

2007-02-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

"I wish I had a cat". I just like the way the lettering looked and figure there are a lot of people who do wish they had a cat. Or another cat. It's not that I don't like cats - it's that I have two huge dogs who like things just the way they are. Baby the Bullmastiff would get along very well with a kitty around the house. LuLu the Rottweiler isn't crazy about them.

I had my last cat Tigger for about 17 years. He weighed 26 lbs. and really had the characteristics of a dog, rather than a cat. We didn't begin as friends. He was my son's cat, and I had a cockatiel that I worried he'd get. We surely became best friends though.

I have a lot of dog designs in my shop so I thought it was about time to include something with a cat on it.