Chele's Scrappin Blog

A much needed update

2006-12-28T16:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I know it's been forever since I updated on how life has been. Hectic is a good word for it. I've been working almost non-stop the last month or so. The management at my job cut 2 employees, at the same time a 2nd shifter quit because she didn't feel it was right to work on Thanksgiving when it fell on her normal day off. It fell on mine too, I ended up getting it off as well. That pissed off alot of people.. but oh well. With the shortened staff we all got tons of hours. I went from 20-24 hours a week to 38 or so. I enjoyed the money.. but not at the expense of my kids never seeing me.

We then got a new manager, and he was a fuckup. (Pardon my language) He was sceduling 3 people first shift, but only 1 for second (me). That made no sense at all. Well a sunday went by and the store was held up. I thankfully wasnt working, it wasn't my shift anyway. I told them prior in the week it wasn't safe for anyone, let alone a woman, to be alone for the entire shift.. and I guess I was right. I quit on them because they refused to schedule me with someone else. So.. unemployed I was.

Only 4 days later I got a phone call from the old "substitute" manager. They wanted me to come back. I told them I'd get back to them. If am I to go back I have some demands first. I will never work alone an entire shift, I was hired part time and I'd like to stay that way, and I need Thursdays and Sundays off. If they can PROMISE those 3 things I will go back. I'm going to meet with them sometime this weekend and if it's promised I'll start back next week.

Lots of drama.. for a menial $7 an hour job too! Crazy shit!!! But thats it in a nutshell. Justin no longer works there, he's got a new job at a clothing store. They put him on for holiday work, and now he's been promoted to full time perm. status as a stock supervisor. Pretty cool!

Thats about it for now, off to take the boys to their grandparents for their holiday sleepover.

Baby Nathan

2006-12-28T15:57:00.000-05:00

This layout was done in the mass making last week. It features my oldest son, who is now 10, when he was born. It's his newborn pic from the hospital. I like how it turned out. It almost looks like a cover to a photo album.

Alex's first day layout.

2006-12-28T15:52:00.000-05:00

Alex's first day of Kindergarten. I was kinda in a rush to complete a few scrapbook pages. It seems I feel behind working so much, and wanted to "catch up". I ended up making a video slideshow set to music on all the layouts I've completed so far. I'm not very happy with the quality, but it's a start. By Christmas of next year I want to get a nice one put together to give to the grandparents as gifts. Lets see if I can actually achieve that one! Anyway... this layout was fun to do. It was a plopper or pre-done layout I just had to add the pictures. Unfortunatly I lost the artist info.. but I did not make it myself. If ya know who did it, please comment so I can give props to the right person.

Work Update

2006-08-30T09:23:00.000-05:00

I first want to say, thank you to my readers for their support. Late or not, it's good to hear that others feel the same way as me toward the way I was treated at my last job.

I am no longer unemployed as of last Monday! I got a cashier job at a local convenience store/gas station. It's less pay that my housekeeping job, but the possibility of more hours. Right now, it's part time, since Justin is working, I'm not going to bust my butt if it's not necesary. He's on full time at his job.. so I'll let him be the "breadwinner" for awhile. It's a load of my mind that way anyway.

It's a decent job though. Most of the other staff there are pretty nice, some are downright awesome. I finished training this past Monday and I'm still a bit slow on the register and my paperwork REALLY needs extra math practice. I'm not thrilled about it being 2nd shift.. but what can you do. Other then that, no complaints here.

Justin is still working, as I mentioned above. We had a situation yesterday regarding his position. Not pleasant news.. but he's still employed. A part of his past bit him in the ass, and he lost his promotion he JUST got and was bumped back down to where he started. Like I said.. at least he's still working. Thank God for that!

I have to work tonight, so I best get my quiet house in order before someone comes home. We now have 2 roomates, temporarily, so it gets cluttered rather quickly now. With all three boys in school I have plenty of time to bask the day away in soaps and bon bons.. hahaha, that's mom code for LOTS OF HOUSEWORK.

TTFN!!

Silly Man!

2006-08-30T01:26:00.000-05:00

Alex, you are so silly! What does this face mean? Was it silliness? Was it in response to me asking if you were ok for me to leave? I'll never know for certain.. you are such a ham!

Back to school pic

2006-08-30T01:25:00.000-05:00

Back to school time is here!! My boys returned last week and my "baby" has become a kindergardner! I cannot beleive he's grown so fast! Today was his orientation day, and tomorrow is his first full day. Look at that smile. Not a tear nor tantrum was around as I left him for his practice day. He did good too! *giggles*

School Days Freebie

2006-08-30T01:22:00.000-05:00

In honor of kids going back to school all over the world.. I'm re-releasing the "School Days" freebie kit for you all. Download the full kit HERE.

You know.... Sometimes....

2006-06-26T12:10:00.000-05:00

...I could just scream at life and how it can go awry almost overnight. Recently, Justin got a job after being unemployed for nearly 9 months. It was a very stressful and tight budgeted time and when he got his job offer I was ecstatic! With dual incomes we could finally get ahead, buy the boys' school supplies and uniforms early instead of waiting until last minute, pay a few past dues, and maybe.. Just MAYBE go on our first "family vacation". Well that all changed on Wednesday.

I went to work like I always do, when my dad, my immediate supervisor; came to the car as I pulled in. It's not normal for him to do that, unless he's leaving the property for an errand or something and needs to let me know something before he leaves. He told me his boss, and my 2nd of 3 bosses inspected my buildings and said I didn't clean 3 of the 10 on Monday. I KNOW I cleaned them on Monday, I also had fliers to pass out for the management and I put them on each doorstep, so I had to enter each building. Why would I waste my time in there passing them out if I wasn't entering them to clean? Then he said that 2 of the full timer ladies had to enter and clean them since I didn't. INSTANTLY I knew something was fishy. These ladies wont even enter my buildings to help out if I'm out sick, but they're going to go in and do them because I didn't clean them. No.. doesn't sound right at all. He continues with "I'm going to have to call Barb (my actual boss) and tell her that this isn't working out... You can finish the day and turn in your keys and supplies."

I'm telling you.. When people say they saw red because they were so angry. I now know that this is like. I was FUMING! I just stood there in shock for a moment and proceeded to pick up my keys and begin my last day's work. WHY did I? Wouldn't any normal person say screw this, why should I help today when you just canned me? I thought about it, and figured I'm not going to stoop with petty anger. I will do the job I'm supposed to do, correctly like always and show them I'm better then that. I left the buildings spic and span, sparkling like I am supposed to. I put my headphones on and cleaned, fueled by the anger I had. I was a freaking machine! After I put in my full 5 hours, I actually cleaned up my supplies, organized my buckets , folded my rags, and turned everything in neatly. Part of me did this for my own personal gain. I hoped, in vain, that my boss would see I still worked hard and would give me a new assignment since this one didn't work out. After all, I put a year in to this place. If I was sick, I made it up the next day. I didn't take any vacation time, didn't screw around, didn't break anything.. and according to her, did the job better then she has seen in all the time she's had this contract. Apparently, it wasn't enough. I got no call from Barb, or my dad. They didn't even call for the rest of the supplies I hold at home for backup.

I am still a bit in shock over all this. How can you put in a whole year of great work, and after 1 skewed inspection get treated like I was yesterday's trash? There has been times as of late that things were going down. Some of the other employees were trying to get me and my father in trouble for things that were petty. (ex: Chele borrowed scissors and returned them dull) How can no-one stick up for me and the work I have done? Doesn't anyone have a backbone anymore?!

So after a year of dedication to a job that I hated, but did because it was a perfect job with my kids schedules, I am once again searching for work. People don't hire housekeepers as much anymore apparently. Either that, or reserve most of the positions for hard working immigrant workers. I put in my resume at a few businesses online. I will be sitting here praying something comes up soon... I don't know how long we can run solo incomed again. Please keep us in your prayers...

<3
Chele

Lookin' for help

2006-06-06T16:07:00.000-05:00

Hello to my readers.. I can use some help. If anyone knows CSS or HTML and likes coding, anyone interested in spicing up my blog? You can use your designs, if your a designer.. or if ya need some, I can supply them. Between my son's baseball, my job, and the kids I have so little time to fine tune anything that looks nice lately. I doesn't have to be fancy.. just a title box prettied up on top, room on the side for a link bar and enough space in the middle for pictures and my entries. Just comment me down below or PM me on SBB and let me know if your interested. This blog is so drab.. it needs so flavor! Thanks so much!
Chele

Look Who's One!

2006-05-27T15:51:00.000-05:00

My youngest neice, Elizabeth just turned one on March 28th. These photos were finally sent to me a couple weeks ago and I just got around to working with them. Kit is Birthday Rules; Created by Lauren Bavin

My birthday gift to you!

2006-05-24T23:40:00.000-05:00

Here we go.. I promised it slightly after midnight and here it is, 35 after and I'm getting it up. First, I'd like to thank everyone for waiting, visiting and commenting on my other free kits. It helps me alot to know that things I make are liked by others. Hopefully all this experience will lead me to be a talented artist! Here's the link. Once again.. please comment me if you pick it up. I love to know when people like it.

*Link Deadline Achieved, Thanks for Looking*

New Page - Zoo trip

2006-05-23T21:30:00.000-05:00

My attempt at a funny page! Alex received a gift package of zoo tickets from school and we decided to enjoy ourselves for the day. It was so bitter cold the kids were whiney and avoided most of the outdoor exhibits. We spent the day running from one animal to the other... making sure everyone saw their choice animal. It ended up being a really great day and the kids have so many animal pictures we could make our own book!

Birthday Surprise kit inspiration

2006-05-23T00:42:00.000-05:00

I don't want to ruin the element of surprise for the Birthday Surprise kit, but I'd like to share what inspired it. This is my now 4.5 year old son's crib set. These are the colors that inspired the kit that will be avail here on Thursday. I absolutly loved the color scheme when I picked it out for my Alex. I've named the kit "Alexander". I have the kit all zipped and ready so keep your eyes out for it. Once again it will be available one day only. Thursday, May 25th.

New Linkage and a note

2006-05-20T21:03:00.000-05:00

I have been alerted that my country home link has expired. So I uploaded it once again for anyone who missed it. (Once again, the preview is in an earlier post down below.
Country Home Freebie Kit:
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=553C3CE150E25B3E

And another friendly reminder for my Birthday suprise kit coming Thursday May 25th. I'm going to try uploading it around midnight est. I more then likely will not be online much that day due to family time and alot of errands. I also have some very good friends coming in to visit and I'm not sure what time and how long they will be here. I've had a couple of people ask for reminder emails or PM's and I'd love to let everyone know ahead of time.. but I cannot promise I'll be online too much. Also, someone has asked for a differant sneak peek, perhaps a preview. Sorry, no can do. I want it to be a total surprise. I only gave the color swatch for the people that like to think about the creations with it ahead of time for color coordination. Not like I get alot of high demand or anything LOL!

Thanks for visiting!! I'm off for now. Grandma has the kiddos this evening and I'm about to enjoy some serious cuddle time with a movie and my boyfriend. HUGS!!

Television depression

2006-05-19T18:43:00.000-05:00

{aka: My first REAL verbal entry}

I think I can honestly say I'm suffering from TV depression. I have gotten seriously bummed out from the last two weeks programing. I don't watch much on tv ever since I started being the breadwinner in the house. My time at home after everything calms for the night usually consited of making it to a couple chat events, maybe a hot cup of tea and a bubble bath. Sometimes I'd slip a game in the computer and play for an hour. I decided to watch a few of my favorite shows during the last month or so. What a sad choice this was.

First off. I'm mourning the loss of my 2nd longest running favorite on tv. 7th Heaven. 10 years snuck up on me like nothing, I swear. I understand that it's a show with the idea of a family with adolecent children, and children grow up. I really do. What I don't understand is why they couldn't continue it with the newly arriving generation. Lucy, Mary, and Matt were all expecting and I would have really enjoyed seeing that generation grow like I've watched the Camden kids grow from children to teens to adults. I cried my eyes out that last episode and I really honestly begged for them to continue the longest running family series. No luck though.

Then, my Will and Grace. Why do they take the only GOOD show that depicts homosexuality in a positive light? I haven't watched this as long as it's been in existance, but with the coming out of my 2 closest friends.. it's really been wonderful. It was so sweet to see Grace and Will as parents.. and now in-laws. Jack is always so fun to watch and Karen is hillarious!

I know television evolves.. I found myself attached to these fictational characters like they were members of my own family. I cried when they cried. I laughed when they laughed. I talked about them among my friends like they were regular people in my life.

Between the canceling of my 2 favorite shows, and the season finales of some of my others.. it's just been emotional. What am I going to do with my quiet evenings? I suppose I'll get over it and be forever doomed to catching re-runs on their networks. Along with the other favs I've had along the years. I swear to you though. The day I see Nick @ night featuring reruns of Will and Grace or 7th Heaven I will cry! I promise!

Oh, and another thing. WHY oh why in God's wonderful earth does NBC think it's fair to leave me hanging with ER's pregnant Abby bleeding from her womb, or Luka tied up and left for dead with a breathing tube down his throat. How can I wait until next season to see what happened? It's not bad enough they took my adorable John Carter away (besides the boring "in the bush" episodes) but now they want me to constantly worry about these 2?

Yes, my faithful readers. I think my mind has finally gone. I really need a hobby outside of the television. I get so wrapped up in these fictional characters. But isn't that really what it's about? These shows are created so that you can loose yourself in them. To feel for another human. To reach out to us through the box window and show us all we still have a heart for our fellow man. Who cares that they aren't real people. We grow to love these weekly 30-60 minute visits from our television friends. I guess that really is the point.

Birthday Gift: Sneak Peak

2006-05-18T16:31:00.000-05:00

Working on a free gift kit to unviel next week. The above picture is the color swatch from it. I never thought that this would happen.. but on May 25th I'll be treating you all to a gift. Why is that so strange? Well because it's my birthday! Did ya ever think you'd get a birthday gift from the birthday girl? I know.. it's just another living proof that I'm crazy and love to stray away from "The normal". Keep the link handy because it's going to be a 1 day only download exactly one week from today!

Country Home Freebie

2006-05-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

Here ya are. Unfortunatly, my normal favorite hosting site has gone down. For the time being I'll be using an alternative site. This one has a few restrictions so here's how it will work. This freebie will only be available after either 7 days or 25 downloads. If you attemt to download it, and cannot please let me know and I will resubmit it so that everyone gets it that wants it.

Here's the link...
http://download.yousendit.com/B01EE6C947203E95
(preview this kit in the previous entry)

And as always, please leave me a note if ya picked up the freebie. I love to know how much it gets downloaded and if I'm making things people like. Thanks for visiting!!

Freebie.. coming soon...

2006-05-12T23:48:00.000-05:00

Coming Soon....... Country Home Freebie!! Look for the link here soon!!!

Amusement Park Layout

2006-05-11T19:03:00.000-05:00

Amusement Park Trip layout. I haven't done much scrapping since spring hit. Life has been hectic.. but I had time to squeeze this one in the other day. Only 2 of my 3 bozo's are in the layout.. but Alex was attached to my Uncle most of the trip.. it's ok.. I have some pictures.. guess he'll get his own LO! This kit is called "Carnival" by the SBB elements team.

Doh!

2006-05-11T18:07:00.000-05:00

Yes ... I've totally outdone myself. Not paying attention while tweaking my blog settings and hit delete. I was intending on deleting an old blog of mine that I no longer use. I was smart when I created my first Scrapbooking blog and titled the old one "Trash" because I couldn't delete it at that time. So I went to delete it today and work a bit on my blog I DO use and OOPS I deleted the wrong one. I lost everything. So.. please bear with me.. I'll be working on this one to get it back up and running. If you were linking me before, please correct your links. Also... if you want your link here... please send me a comment. My crazy butt has some work to do.