What a night!

Last night was just horrible! Let me give you some back story so that last night makes sense. We practice softball every Sunday. And, we practice hard. Not because we have to. Because we want to. It just feels good. Sometimes, though, I think we practice too hard. This past Sunday definately no exception.

Mike came home from work yesterday and said he was hurting. I thought he just had a crick in his neck/shoulder. You know, kinda like when you sleep on it the wrong way. But, as the night went on it just got worse. And worse. And worse. Turns out he had a HUGE knot next to his shoulder blade that was hurting all the way up his neck, across his shoulder, and down his right arm. He was nearly writhing in pain. And, there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. When he would lay down he could do nothing but toss and turn. When he was up all he could do was pace the house.

He felt horrible and I couldn't fix it. (That is an awful feeling.)

I even asked several times if he wanted me to take him to the emergency room. He wouldn't go. I think he probably would have gone if I had insisted. But, that didn't happen. I couldn't go to sleep with him feeling bad last night either. I was worried about him. I had NEVER seen him in so much pain like this. When he moved, I moved. We spent most of the night in the living room on the couches. Finally between 4:00 & 5:00 am I think we both dozed off for a while. I heard the alarm going off at 6:15, got up turned it off and came back into the living room. He said he was still hurting.

By 8:00 he was calling into work. He NEVER misses work. That says a lot there. I called the dr.'s office and they got him in right away. He had been in pain for so long that his blood pressure had risen pretty high. So, his doctor gave him a prescription for blood pressure pills (which he needed), anti-inflammatory pills, pain pills, and muscle relaxant pills. And, come to find out, the doc said he probably pulled the muscle in his back when he was throwing a softball at practice.

I guess between my hurt knee and his hurt back we need to remember that even though we are not "old", we are not as "spritely" as we once were. But, it sure feels good rockin' the hell outta some softball! Most of the time....

Funny Pic of the day...

Okay gang... This pic totally cracks me up! I totally ganked it from an e-mail my dad sent to me. Can you just imagine seeing this go down the road? You definately wouldn't forget this company if you ever needed a plumber!

It has been hot as heck here. Actually, it has been humid. Now that I have somewhat recovered from my marathon running on Thursday night I have to get out to the ball park and sore myself back up since we have softball practice tonight @ 6:00. I hope the wind is blowing even if it is just a little. I don't mind being hot and sweaty as long as I can find a way to cool off a bit.

Guess I better get off here so I can rest up for about 30 minutes or so before practice! Later peeps!

P.S. Got my Harry Potter book and started reading today. Not too far into it yet but it already looks like a good one!

A Bite in the Buttocks

I had a softball game on Thursday and it was quite a game. We played a team that we had beat before but they made it quite clear that they had it out for us. We were trailing by 8 in the last inning, but as luck would have it we were home team and got to bat last. And, they switched pitchers on us. Too bad for them he wasn't a great pitcher. :D He walked several of us and a few of us hit so we did get some runs. Just enough to tie them. When we finally made our 3rd out we had to start another inning since we were tied. We were so pumped! 3 up 3 down! Back up to bat! I was up to bat first and walked. Yay me! Then, my brother-in-law came up behind me. I was a little scared about that! He can hit and RUN! I had to run all the way from 1st to 3rd and as some of you may know I am not, I repeat NOT, a runner. Poor Mason was running behind me yelling, "Run, Brandy, run!". All I could do was holler back, "I'm trying! I'm trying!" So I round 2nd and the ball is coming in just as I am a few feet from 3rd and then (to quote Forest Gump) "something jumped up and bit me in the buttocks." Actually, I got pegged right square in the left side of my arse! I have one heck of a bruise too! To end this neverending story, the next ball that was hit was overthrown at 1st so I snuck home to win the game! Yay me! :D I love games like this! But, I think I may be crippled for a few days from running so dang much!

Design Team Call!!!

We are having a design team call at AC Bailey Designs. If you have ever wanted to join a fun team with an awesome owner (Erica), then this is the team for you! Here are the details, and we would love to see you apply! And please note that this Design Team position is for the online community and store. You are not required to become a consultant with our Direct Sales company to apply or participate. Good luck everyone!

AC Bailey Designs (http://www.acbaileydesigns.com/) is adding to its Design Team again! We want 1, maybe 2, talented, motivated, enthusiastic designers. We are looking for scrapbookers who are not afraid to use the latest products and techniques and are willing to share their expertise and knowledge in the craft.

What are we looking for?

Talented, motivated, enthusiastic scrapbookers, stampers and paper craft designers. Those individuals who are willing to share new ideas and techniques with our customers and subscribers. Positive and outgoing personalities. Those who are willing to help promote and grow our online community and store and direct sales business.

What will you do?
You will be asked for a 6 month commitment and agree to submit projects by the 1st of every month following the shipment date.

You will be required to create two layouts no smaller than 8"x8" and one other small project of your choice per month using supplies we provide and upload it to our online gallery (additional projects encouraged!)

For each project you create you will be required to submit basic instructions and a complete supply list that can be used in the project section of our monthly newsletter and on the project page of our site at our discretion. (You will always be credited for all projects and designs)
You will be required to promote AC Bailey Designs and include our DT membership and link information in your signature line of all the online communities and galleries you are active in where allowed.

You will be required to be visible and active on our message board and be willing to post a daily assignment on the board in rotation with the other DT members.
If selected you will be required to provide a picture and short bio for our DT member page on our website.

You agree that AC Bailey Designs will have exclusive rights to all projects for one month.
All projects submitted for contests and publication will credit AC Bailey Designs as the supply sponsor.

What you get! (The good stuff!)
You will be provided with a $30 gift certificate to the store to purchase whatever supplies you want to create the required layout and projects each month during your DT term. Anything you don't use is yours to keep!

You will get a 25% store discount that can be used anytime and as often as you like!
You will get credit for all your designs, projects and work submitted to us!
Your work will be publicized in our newsletter, on our site, and in advertising for our company and community.

Your photo and bio will be featured on our DT page of our site and you will have your own gallery in our online community.

How to Apply

Please upload 4-5 projects into our online Gallery at http://www.scrapbookforum.net./ These must include 1 layout about yourself showcasing your personality and scrap style, 2 other layouts and at least 1 other project of your choice.You must also be a registered member of our forum with an average of 25 posts a week started with the date you apply.

Also submit the following to erica@acbaileyltd.com:

*name and full contact information

*list of current DT memberships

*links to any online galleries that you submit to

* message boards or communities that you are active in (please include your board name)

*if you have an online gallery, please provide the link.

List of any or all publications (when and where) and answers to the following questions:

How long have you been scrapping?

What product can you not live without?

How would you describe your scrap style?

Are you afraid to step out of your box?

What would you like to get out of this experience?

How is your scrap space? Messy or organized?

What can you bring to our store, community and customers?

Call will run from July 16th thru August 10th. Decisions will be made by August 13th, with your first shipment of supplies being sent Aug. 25th. You first assignments will then be due Oct. 1st. (All dates are tentative based on response.) Thank you! Good Luck! And we look forward to hearing from you!

TGIF!

School's out and it is summer for me and I shouldn't say TGIF! but I can't help it. I love Fridays. Even summertime Fridays. That means that Mike is off for the weekend and we get to do whatever we feel like doing. Kinda nice. :D The girls are going to spend the night at their Nana's house tonight so we are going to have to figure out what to do. Maybe a date night? Maybe not. We had a LATE softball game last night, didn't get to bed until about 1:00 am and Mike is currently knocked out on the couch. Has been since he got home from work at 5:30. I don't blame him though. I was really tired today as well.

Well, the girls and I spent a little over a week at my parents' house. My sister and her kids got there about halfway through our visit. The girls got along marvelously this time too! Whit and Megan, my 4 year old niece, paired up and played while Ally and Devin, my 11 year old niece, acted cool together. It worked out really well..... While we were there we got some school shopping done. Bought a few clothes and school supplies including back packs. Ally is really excited about some of her stuff. She got some High School Musical school supplies. Her back pack says, "I love Troy!". She thinks that is funny because "Daddy is the only boy I like!" She even teased him about it. Pretty funny. I hope it stays that way for quite a while! But, she's a 3rd grader now so you never know.....

While at my parents my precious 6 year old decided to do something that I never expected her to do. Let alone know about at 6 years old. One night after everyone had gone to bed she decided to get up and roll (toilet paper) part of the dining room and part of the living room. Next morning we woke up to quite a surprise.....and mess. I have to admit, though, it was pretty funny! That kid is something else. I think she is the female Dennis the Menace. Always on the go, funny as can be, and you just never know what she will say or do next! A couple of years ago I took her to an open casting call for kids. It was a thing for models, acting, etc. I think mostly for print and televised commercials. She got a call back and I went to the meeting for it. It was actually an invitation to a huge open audition in Los Angeles. At the time she was just 4 years old and I didn't think I wanted to go that far with her. (I didn't realize it was a national casting call. I thought it was more of a local thing.) So, we didn't go. Looking back now I really wish we had gone. I think it would have been a great experience for her. She is such a little performer and always seems to be putting on a show for somebody. Maybe when she is a little older I'll see if she wants to do that. It has to be her decision though.

I have done a lot of scrapping lately. I will try to get some of it posted here in the next few days. Be sure to check back and see my new creations!

Totally Tagged!

Well, my friend Kim tagged everyone who read her last blog post so now I have to come up with 7 random facts about *ME*! Well, here goes...

#1 -- I have one tattoo, but I wish I had more. I am lovin' the ink and I am in love with tattoo art. I wish I had a Kat von D tattoo. Maybe someday.....

#2 -- I love the singer Pink. If I could be anybody else I think I'd be her. I love her bad%ssness (I know that is so NOT a word!). She totally rocks!

#3 -- I love to read blogs! (Keep updatin' them peeps! :D)

#4 -- I played varsity softball and swam on the swim team in high school. I loved it too. I just recently started playing coed softball with my husband and our family/friends. It is tough to just jump back into something like that after NOT doing it for 15 years! But, a TON of fun!

#5 -- I went to a Kid Rock concert about 6 years ago. It was a blast even though some guy peed right behind me and it splashed up on my leg! Totally disgusting!

#6 -- I have always wanted a Jeep Wrangler.

#7 -- I like old vintage stuff for my house. Junking is a hobby of mine. The older the better. That kind of stuff has great character!

Okay, it's your turn now peeps! If you read it, consider yourself tagged! Post a comment so I know to go read your blog!

Happy Birthday Mandy!

Happy 30th b-day sis! How does it feel to be 30? I know that when I turned 30 Mike said I was 1/3 dead so I want to know how you feel about that! Ally and Whit can now officially say that you are older than dirt! Either way, 1/3 dead or older than dirt, I hope you can have a great day! Love you!

Stars and Stripes Forever!

Okay. As some of you know I love to have my toes done. Can't stand to have me some funky feet! Anyway, I have always loved having them painted and in the last year I really liked a flower or two and maybe a crystal on my big toe. Well, recently I discovered nail art. And not just the simple flowers I had grown to love. Now, I want works of art on my feet! A little shop in our town does the toe art and I am completely hooked! I started off with a Burberry plaid painted on my toenails a few weeks ago. After a while my nails grew out and it just didn't look as fresh so off came the paint. (I hated that too! It was so stinkin' cute!) My toenails had been naked for about 2 weeks when I decided that I needed to get something on them today. So, off to Sally Beauty Supply this morning and here we go! I hadn't painted my own toenails in years so I had to really take my time. It is a lot harder to bend over your own feet as opposed to somebody else's feet! Anyway, it took a while but I got them done. And in the spirit of the 4th! I really do like how they turned out and I do think I will be doing it again!

The Lazy Days of Summer...

So what did you do on this wonderful Sunday? I can honestly say that I did not really do a thing. And, it felt pretty good. I even took a nap for a bit. (You can do that when you are visiting your parents and your mom has your kids occupied. :D)

Mike went back home today since he has to work this week so it is just me and the girls at Mom & Dad's house. I will definately enjoy the down time here. Don't get me wrong though. I will help Mom around the house and keep it picked up. It is just different when it is NOT your house. The girls have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and so far have made mud pies and helped Grandma in the yard. Especially Ally. She raked and picked up leaves and branches that my mom trimmed off the bushes and loaded them up in the wagon to be thrown away. Whit on the other hand had to have several breaks. Apparently it was just making her "so tired". Yea, right!

I have my scrap stuff out and ready to work on. If I don't get to it tonight I will definately work on it manana. I have several ideas that I want to bring to fruition. But for tonight I am feeling like being lazy. And that just feels good!