Card 5 - Chocolate Cupcake

These are stamps from My Favorite Things. I covered the cherry with chocolate!

Card 4 - Flopsey

I have decided that every Friday I will be updating this and finishing up my deck of cards! I just got this Floppy and think he's alot of fun! This is the resurrection of cupcakes for me!

Card 3 - Ice Cream Penguin

Okay, okay...I know, he's not eating a cupcake. But it is a sweet treat! I got him to make a super cool thank you card for Catherine, as she love penguins. Isn't he just adorable though?!? Enough to forgive that he chose icecream over the cupcake?!? lol...I'm know...I'm a goof.

Card 2- Coffee Riley

I wish this could be me everyday! I do love coffee though...and you don't want to start a day with me if I haven't had any, lol. The cupcake is just a bonus. I found my date stamp I bought for the challenge way back when, so I was excited to stamp my cards again.

Anyhoo- I hope you all have a great Memorial Day!

Deck #3 - Card 1- Partygirlabella

To kick off my new deck of cards, I started with one of my most favorite cupcake images. I know the world knows I love Bellas!

I just stamped her on white cardstock and colored with my copic markers. No rhyme or reason, just how I was feeling at the moment. And I needed some bling and glitter! Super cute, eh?!?

Card 11- Sovy

Sovy was my first friend in high school. I went to private school all through elementary and middle school. So when I chose to go public high school, I didn't know anyone except my cousin Chris. I went from an 8th grade class of 60 to a Freshman class of over 500! Can you say culture shock?!?

There's only 1 middle school in my school district...so everyone's known each other since 6th grade.

I had 3 periods with Sovy, Spanish- Lunch- and Study Hall (required for all Freshman). She took me under her wing and I became a part of her group. She was the greatest for that. We stayed after school every Friday and decorate for the Sock Hop. We also did International Club together.

I loved being friends with her...but her parents were really strict. And everytime I wanted to do something with her, her mom made sure my mom was going to be there with us. And they wouldn't let Sovy do anything...like movies, the mall...it was really special for her to get to do anything like that. And Sovy was a perfect straight A student.

Once our Senior year hit, things changed...I had my own car...I went out...and I did other stuff. Sovy wanted the same thing, so she'd lie to her mom and say she was with me. And one day her mom called me asking if she could talk to Sovy...and totally caught me off guard. Then Sovy started skipping school...and her mom would call me crying- asking me why Sovy was doing that. How do I tell a parent because you were too strict? And you don't reward her for the good, so why should she listen to you? I got to go out if I got good grades. Sovy didn't.

I stopped being friends with Sovy after that, because while she would of been on track to get a full scholarship to college, she was throwing it away. I didn't want to get in trouble for her lying to her parents.

I think she had a few rough years...I know she ran away from home for awhile...but then she chose to go back to school. And I'm really proud of her, since she just graduated this last June with her bachelors...and she's married now.

She just sent me a message about finding a note I wrote to her back in high school...and how she misses those times. I do as well...

Card 10- Nicole

Nicole was my best friend from my Senior year in high school until my Junior year in college. She's still a great person...but sometimes people just grow apart. Especially when different things became important to one and not the other.

Nicole was never a good student...and I was the only one out of our high school group who went on to do all the things we dreamed about. I was the only one to go to college and actually finish...join a sorority...and have the whole college experience.

Now, I know school isn't for everyone. I don't judge people based on that...please don't think that. I have many friends who don't have higher education, even though I value it very much myself. And my friends who don't have higher education are still great people, with great lives, and great jobs. A degree doesn't define who you are.

It was just hard for me to stay close to Nicole when I was concentrating on school and Nicole didn't understand why I wouldn't go out and do stuff with her.

In all of that time, she's had various jobs at restuarants, Hallmark, LA Fitness, OHSU and she's moved quite a bit back and forth between Portland and Florence. Today Nicole lives in Gresham/Portland...and she went back to her old job, doing office work for an attorney.

Nicole was the one who thought "Brent" was "Scott" so in the end, she did have part in bringing the love of my life into my arms.

Card 9- Jessica

Sorry that I haven't made one in forever. This has been a neglected part of cyberspace for me. But with the holidays being over and done...I promise to get back on track, as soon as I get settled in Seattle. See you all in the new year!

This is my friend Jessica...we went to high school together. We actually worked at the mall together for almost 2 1/2 years. She was a grade older then me, so we didn't really hang out at school. But we goofed off alot at work. We worked in the Domestic department, which I always thought she would be a great interior designer (we always did the bed and towel displays).

After her freshman year at community college, she transfered to Concordia down in California and I graduated from high school. We're both from Gresham, so we'd run into each other at Safeway or Old Chicago when we'd be home for Christmas or Summer breaks...

Today she is working on her 3rd degree...fashion design. She has her Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Education. Yet, she's in design school right now and wants to work for Nike. I told her she could design a pair and call them Sparks, lol. How cool would that be? Funny how we both have come full circle...back to creative jobs! She even said that herself...

And 1 last thought...this did make me think of Pammie, as I used Elise's paper kit and embellishments for this card.

Card 8- Ashley

Ashley was one of my good friends in high school. We went bowling every weekend our whole Junior year of high school. We even worked together at the mall at Emporium. She's the whole reason why I started scrapbooking. Her mom use to be really into it and when we'd come over after school, we'd help out and do a couple pages. I got hooked instantly!

We always use to say, you can never go wrong with stars. If we were doing a layout and couldn't find things to go with it, we'd use stars! And its funny now that stars are popular again!

Since high school, Ash has done many different things...school, work, the Navy, got married, divorced, had a baby, and loves being a mom now. She's back in Oregon, our home state and you all know I'm moving to Seattle! Wahoo!

Card 7- Cheryl

Cheryl is my new hero! In my department, we use to have 2 Cheryls and they each had the same job. Confused already?!? Anyhoo- one of them quit in August and we've been trying to fill her spot since then. The position is Instructional Designer and I was really interested in it, but I'm not qualified for the position, as I don't have a Graphic Design Degree. I have a degree in Business and Sociology.

So we're in Seattle...and Cheryl is complaining about how she needs help since its only her now. And I told her, I would love to do that job, except I don't have the computer skills.

Didn't think anything about it...and she told our boss. Denise calls and talks to me about it. And I got offered the position on Friday afternoon! We're moving to Seattle! I don't really know yet, but I'm so excited about it.

So I owe everything to Cheryl!

Card 6- Shannon

Sorry I haven't posted lately. Ever since I got back from Las Vegas, I've been running on extra fast mode. Went and came back from Seattle. Then I got sick. :(

But I'm starting to get better and with it being Thanksgiving this week, I have an easy week ahead of me.

So for those who don't know Shannon...she was one of my roomates at OSU. And she and I are still really good friends. She's always been the Angel in all of us and keeps Catherine and I out of trouble! I'm happy to be moving back closer to her!

Card 3- Dorinda, Card 4- Kay, Card 5- Mike

Card 1- Dorinda
Dorinda has been training up in Seattle for years. She will be hitting her 14th year with MT. She is who we call the Mecca of Training. As being a mom, she has never chosen to take a higher position...as we all think she should be our boss. Not that Denise isn't a great one, just that Dorinda is more deserving in a sense. I was to be more and more like her everyday. Maybe someday I'll ask her how she ever managed to raise 4 kids and still work full time?!?

Card 2- Kay
I was so sad when Kay had to leave. She was so excited to hit her 5 years at this gala celebration and I'm sad she won't be there. It's weird that Kay is actually gone. For the longest time it was just Dorinda, Kay, and Frank as the trainers. I really hope she gets better though! I just want her to be well.

Card 3- Mike
I haven't really talked to Mike in a long time. I met him when I was 16 at a bowling alley. I guess you could say we dated a little bit in high school...but you know how some of those relationships are. And we remained pretty good friends until I went to OSU. He even came to visit me once when I first moved to Corvallis. At that point in time of Mike's life, I didn't really like the direction he was going. And didn't really talk to him again until my mom past. Yesterday was his birthday and I'm very glad to hear that he's doing well, going back to college, and is an Engineer now.

One crazy thing I'll share about Mike and I...hes the one I promised to married if we were still single at age 28. Which is weird, as thats only 2 1/2 years away...except I'm getting married to Brent. We made this deal before I ever even met Brent. I guess focusing on my wedding, it made me think of it.

Card 2- Scot

Scot and I have known each other since we were 14. He's such an amazing guy and I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything. Through the years he's taught me how to love humbly and to embrace who I really am. He's always believed in me and supported me. His family truly is my family and I couldn't imagine my life without them. The thing I love about Scot is that I can be who I am and tell him anything without ever having to worry about him judging me.

He's really the only true friend I have left from high school, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Deck 2- Card 1- Liz

So...back from Vegas and its time to start Deck 2. Pam came up with this great idea to do my 2nd deck on people who have inspired me. So I decided to start with who inspired me to start working for CTMH. And that person happens to be Liz. She use to work with me at the Milwaukie Moneytree in Oregon.

She and her husband transfered from Moneytree stores in San Diego to go to stores in Portland and Vancouver. Liz was really into card making more, but also liked to scrapbook. Since I ordered CTMH stuff every month (I was in a club with my Upline) and always had my catalog, she really got into it. Pretty soon she really wanted me to sign up and be a consultant.

I finally did and it was great. I had my clubs, workshops, and parties. It was alot of fun.

Then I got promoted...and then eventually moved to Denver. Liz had also applied for my position, and I think she got mad when I got it over her. Once I got promoted, I wasn't really in the store that much. I went to train in Las Vegas for 2 weeks, Seattle for 3 weeks, and 2 weeks after that, found out I was moving to Denver.

In all of that time, Liz was stirring up trouble at the store. Which I didn't even know about until later. Once I was in Denver, she and another girl that got hired after I moved to Denver made some harassment aligations against another co-worker. HR called me to talk to me about it, since I use to work with Liz and the person in question. I think Liz thought that I would go along with them and back them up...but I knew they were lying and stuck up for the other person.

When I took my trainer position, I had to change my demeanor alot. I had to act a certain way, talk a certain way, and be a certain way. I am Corporate staff now, not a teller in a store, like I use to be. I had to be above that...and stop my trainees from doing that in their stores. And I'll admit I'm guilty of gossipping at work when I still worked in the store.

Our HR lady told me it was in my best interest not to be friends with Liz anymore. To take her off my myspace page, don't talk to her, etc. And eventually, Liz did get fired. As well as the other girl and Liz's husband.

It's really unfortunate, as I thought we could of been great friends for the distance. But she was put into my life for a reason...and it was to bring me to CTMH.

Card 50- Rock Star, Card 51- Eye, Card 52- The End

These are my last 3 cards for my first deck! I'm so happy to be done and complete with my first set!

Rock Star

I made this paper for Denise's "boss day" card. I love it so much. Rebecca made this awesome thank you card, and I just had to use the color combo! Denise really is a cool boss.

Eye

So...I've been trying to make my layout for the Inspiration contest at the Album Retreat and I haven't been doing so well. I've changed my inspiration object 3 times now...but I found the perfect colors and item...so I hope to at least place in the contest.

I think Brent is a little jealous as I'm using pictures of me and Catherine, but oh, well. I really hope I do well! Wish me luck!

The End

This will the end for a little while. Erica gave me another set of cards a couple months ago and I think I will start eventually. I want a theme for my next one!

Card 49- Lee Denim

This is the only time we get to wear jeans to work! You support the fight against breast cancer and we get to wear jeans all weekend! Yeah for a good cause!

Card 48- Bliss

Aren't you ever just glad its Friday?!? I am!

Card 47- Inspire

I made this B&T for the contest at the Album Retreat. Then I decided it didn't go right with my layout. So back to the drawing board!

Card 46- 60!

Today is my dad's 60th birthday! Crazy, eh? It's weird to say that my dad is 60...

Card 45- Ponder

Pam's word...I think of the future all the time. I have to patiently wait for the shuffle and hopefully jump on the train. To be in Vegas or not? Big picture...Seattle is a MUST!

Card 44- Strive

Another one of Pam's words...she's so good at chosing these out! I'm trying so hard to get us to Seattle! I keep hoping for a training position to open up out there. Then we'd be close to home and I could hang out with Christine, Jenn, and Nona alot more!

Card 43- Center

So Pam's word was center. My life is about to get crazy after next week...and you know how you know its going to be crazy, so you're trying to prepare yourself for that? Thats what I've been doing. But I'm so excited for the Album Retreat and just some time away from everything else. It'll be nice to give 100% to scrapbooking!

Card 42- Seattle

This is us at the gala last year. I went and bought my new dress...which is breeze. I wanted something fun and tropically to match the theme. Last years theme was Mission Possible...so I got a red dress. Like those people dancing in the Bond movies, lol. I'm sooooooo excited for Seattle!

Card 41- Fourteen

I trained my class...then I went to close at Uvalda. I also had to be vault, which I haven't closed a store is over a year! But I closed with Renessa and it went very well! Yeah for the overtime!

Card 40- Hint

This is what I got in the mail...so I made this...

I think the theme for the gala this year will either be Hawaiian or tropical themed! Yeah for that. I'm so excited to go to Seattle!