Yes, You Make Me Proud...

What started as an absolutely horrible and rotten day has ended beautifully. Tonight, my beautiful little pre-schooler sang as part of her class at an end-of-the-year potluck, and I got the chance to see my amazing little one shine in public. She's always been my shining star, but tonight, her little star shone for the whole world to see. She brings me so much joy and so much pride, and there are absolutely not the words to tell you how much I love her and how much she has changed and impacted my heart and my life...for the better. For the much better.

It's no secret to those of you who read my blog and who know me personally that music is a huge, huge part of my heart. I've been a singer, however informally and unprofessionally, ever since I could breathe. I can't ever remember a time where music didn't impact me...define me...surround me...comfort me. That love of music has seen me through incredibly difficult times and the songs that have served as the soundtrack of my memories forever resonate inside me, reminding me of those times and whatever emotions I was experiencing at those particular moments of long ago. Maybe it's because I love music so much (and curse myself for never having given myself a chance to explore it professionally) that has led me to love "American Idol" so much. In all honesty, several seasons of the show went by before I even cared. But I fell head over heels for Bo Bice last year and, well, the bug had bitten. I followed this season's auditions, performances, and contestants from the start until tonight's amazing finish, and from the start, the Soul Patrolman Taylor Hicks held my heart. And tonight, he won. He won. He won! A new friend (and fellow Kansas Soul Patrolwoman) and I were talking last night in between frantic phone votes and I had a thought. Today, we are a public so incredibly thirsty for joy. For laughter. For happiness. For a departure, however momentary, from the sadness and hurt that so plague our world. There's not a day that goes by when the news isn't filled with the anger and violence of the world...where warring factions and cruel people harm the innocent and rob the world of joy and hope. Along from seemingly nowhere came a gray-haired spirit full of love and joy whose sole hope was to make people happy...to spread a little love and joy through his God-given gift of music. And that's exactly what he has done. Taylor Hicks, you have made me so proud. Proud to be your fan. Proud to be a fellow music lover and singer. Proud to believe in hope and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing the gifts of your love, joy, and soul with us.

I'm off to chat with my fellow Soul Patrollers at MySpace. Have a great night, everyone.

"Georgia On My Mind..."

Hi everyone. Greetings from the land of sinus infections (Curtis), gimpy-ness (me), and cold, un-May weather. I stayed home today, partly to take care of my poor husband, and partially (moreso-ly, if that's a word) to take care of myself. I fell over the weekend (and yes, I know I failed to mention it to you) and I limped all day yesterday. All around that H-U-G-E building where I work. Plus, I had to be on it for most of the morning, as I was in-processing our new folks (a job another HR Specialist handles, but she is serving jury duty this week). This morning, both my foot and my calf were swollen and I could hardly walk. My calf is SO stiff, probably because I favored my foot all day yesterday and didn't walk properly. I figured it was probably better to stay home today and stay off my foot. I have three certs on my desk to handle when I get back. I so wish they'd let us have access to Resumix from home....(oh well).

So anyway, something's on my mind and I'd like to bloviate about it. My faithful readers know that I'm a huge sorority geek. I've never mentioned here what organization I belong to, but I'll simply tell you that it's one of the older organizations in the National Panhellenic Conference. As a collegian, I was involved in my chapter, but it was truly not the experience I'd hoped it'd be. That's a boring bloviation for another rainy day. But once I moved here to the KC area, I got VERY involved in sorority alumnae life. I spent a year as our KC alumnae chapter's Secretary, and three as its President (I just inducted our new President a few weeks back). I've been to Leadership Conference and to a National Convention. I love our organization and have loved every (well, almost every) second of the leadership roles I've played. I've also always wanted to serve as a National or Area Officer within my organization. I've given a lot to our chapter and, although I was sad to pass the baton on to our new alumnae President, I was somewhat excited as well...excited to come to meetings, pay dues, help out with the local collegians, make baked goods and work to benefit our local philanthropy, etc. ad nauseum. Well, it appears that my absence from Greekery might just be short lived. Within a very short period of time, some significant buzz surrounded me and the possibility of my becoming the new chapter adviser for a local collegiate chapter. I've been mulling it over and giving it a lot of thought, and then last night, I had a long talk with one of our Area Officers. She was wonderful, and made me feel both smarter and confident about this adviser-ship. To say that I am honored to even be considered is a huge, huge understatement. I love our organization and love that chapter. They aren't my chapter of initiation (that's back in Indy), but they have been over-the-top welcoming and amazing and our alumnae chapter has truly, truly enjoyed being with and sharing sisterhood with them. So why, then, am I so conflicted? Do I want to do this? Absolutely. You bet. Without a doubt. But I think I just feel like I'm not the best person for the job. It's been ages (aaaaaaages) since I was a collegian. I don't even remember what all my adviser did, and I'm sure the rules and requirements have changed significantly since 1995 (when I graduated). The Area Officer that I spoke with last night really educated me on what the job entails, and truthfully, she believes that being an alumnae chapter President is more time consuming and difficult. I handled that just well and had a fantastic time doing so (and hell, we even got the "Honorable Mention" for "Outstanding Alumnae Chapter," so I can't be all bad). But I am so afraid that I won't give those young women what they need. Hell, what do they need? What does it take today to lead a houseful of women (and yes, they have a house) and support them and give them the leadership and guidance they need? Adult alumnae chapters, I can handle. Collegians, I'm not so sure. I want to do this so badly. I guess I just need someone to tell me that I can do it...that I can lead and set a good example and be a strong support for them. I want to do this so, so badly. And I'm scared to say "yes" and fowl it up. And scared to say "no" and lose out on this opportunity to continue to lead and be involved in my organization.

Christ, self-doubt is SUCH a mother-fucker.

It's Tuesday, and that means it's "American Idol" night here Chez Mintlipgloss. Last week, I downloaded an old version of Taylor Hicks performing "Georgia On My Mind" in his pre-"Idol" days. It's one of my all-time favorite songs, and given that and (a) that it's Tuesday and (b) that my sorority and Georgia have a special history, I thought it a fitting title for today's blog entry. Please remember to watch "Idol" tonight and to vote for our wonderful Soul Patrolman.



(Oh, and please send prayers for Curt's recovery and my abandonment of my insecurities. Merci tres beaucoup.)

W-i-i-i-i-i-r-e-d!

OK, so it's 11:31 in the p.m. on a Sunday night before a VERY early day at the office tomorrow (I have to in-process new employees tomorrow because the person usually responsible for doing that has jury duty), but I canNOT sleep. Maybe it's the excitement of the day (or all the caffeine I enjoyed during the Mothers' Day festivities). Anyway, I thought I'd go ahead and punch out a card for my new Secret Pal. Yep, it's SP time again. I am so excited to be meeting a new Pal and spoiling her rotten. It's really been fun being involved in the past SPs and meeting new people (and spoiling them and being spoiled BY them!) Anyway, here's the introductory card I'll be sending her tomorrow....just to say "hi" and "can't wait to get to know you." I hope she likes it!





Stampin' Up products used include the following: stamp sets ("Birthday Best" and "Sincere Salutations" on the outside and "Paris In The Spring" on the inside) and cardstock (Pixie Pink and Pretty In Pink) and pink gingham ribbon (outside) and buttons (Mellow Moss and Pretty In Pink, also outside) and The Tearing Edge (both in- and outside). The glue dots, markers, brads, and white cardstock aren't from SU. I used my Sizzix machine to cut out the tag die.

I hope she will like it! Now, what shall I get for her as a first gift...?

Happy Moms' Day!

Hello everyone, and a very special HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY to all of you who are moms (and grandmoms!) I just wanted to pop by real quick-like to say hello and to wish all of our mommas well today. It's been a long day (story to follow) and I've got to be in way early tomorrow, so I'm a-gonna post and a-gonna sleep. :)

We spent the day in Easton, Missouri at the home of Curt's grandmother and grandfather. She has been ill and frail (I've blogged about her before) and it was wonderful to see her. Their beautiful home was filled with family (SIXTEEN of us! Curt, me, Erin, his parents, his grandparents, his aunt and uncle, a cousin, her husband, and their two kids...oh, and Curt's brother, Jeff and of course, Grandma and Grandpa). It was wonderful being together, and I am so honored to be a part of their family. When, as a single gal, I'd dream of "my future husband," I'd always dream that his family would adopt me as "their daughter" and that I'd be close and have loving relationships with my "in-laws." I am blessed in that my wish has come true. It was just a wonderful day. I was well pampered (a new craft desk, a gift certificate to Mario Tricoci, and gorgeous earthenware candleholders from Yankee Candle and a beautiful homemade card from Erin and beautiful flowers from my parents-in-law....gift from my parents is still forthcoming). It was just a nice day.

Of course, I made cards for mom and mom-in-law, but this time, I had a little help from an apprentice card-a-teer, Erin! Here are photos of the cards she made for her grandmoms:





I was so, so proud of Erin. She made these cards all by herself! (Well, I helped juuust slightly!) She chose to use Mommy's Stampin' Up cardstock (in Pretty In Pink) and stamp sets ("Birthday Best" and "Happy Hearts") and inks (Eggplant Envy and Pink Passion) and the heating gun. Non-SU products used include the clear Versamark pad and what was quite possibly the world's most messy and difficult glitter! Both grandmoms loved their cards, and I was so proud of how well Erin had done. (She was, too!)

And here are the cards from Curtis and I:





SU products used include stamp sets ("Mini Messages" and "Sincere Salutations") and cardstock (Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, and Pretty In Pink), ink (Pink Passion), square punches (1 1/4" and 1 3/8"), Stampin' Dimensionals, buttons (Pretty In Pink), The Tearing Edge, and the heating gun. Non-SU products used include green and pink Versamark pads, brads, glitter, glue dots, and the amber-colored cardstock.

(and yes, that is my handwriting!)

And on the topic of moms, I told you the other day that a sorority sister of mine and her husband recently adopted a beautiful baby girl. Here is the congratulatory card I made for her:





SU products used include: cardstock (Pixie Pink and Pretty In Pink), stamp set ("Baby Talk"), Stampin' Dimensionals, pink gingham ribbon, and The Tearing Edge. The markers, flower brads, cream cardstock, curvy scissors, and mini-glue-dots aren't from SU.

And with that, I bid you a fond farewell as I head off to dreamyland. Have a great night and a wonderful Monday, folks!

(Oh! OnemorethingbeforeIgo....the "Idol" rumor mill tells me that my beautiful Taylor will be singing "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker this week! He'll also do a song selected for him by the amazing Clive Davis, and also one of his own choosing as well. I would sure love to hear him belt out Amos Lee's "Arms Of A Woman." Hmmm. Oh, and by the way....my heart breaks for Chris Daughtry, and I am still in absolute shock about what happened last week.

OK, goodnight. :)

SP8, Panhellenic, And Craftery...

Hi everyone. Hope you're having a great weekend! All's well Chez Smith. Hope you and yours are doing well also.

Each year, the Alumnae Panhellenic Association Of Greater Kansas City holds a brunch and recognizes the most outstanding sorority alumna in the Kansas City area. Each of the alumnae chapters submits a nominee, and one woman is selected as the "Kansas City Greek Woman Of The Year." This year, that event was held today and it was wonderful. The Panhellenic this year decided to make a small change. Instead of only one woman being chosen as the "Kansas City Greek Woman Of The Year," they honored individual women, one from each sorority, as "Women Of The Year." It was very nice. Our winner is just amazing. I've blogged about her before. She was initiated into our organization four years after my father was born. She's served as a local and a national officer in our organization, and she's been a tremendous support and cheerleader to me in these last several years as I've led our chapter as President. The Panhellenic also uses this event to honor local collegiate women (both Greek and non-Greek) who are awarded Panhellenic grants and loans to continue their educational pursuits. It's just a wonderful event, and I've been honored to represent my organization and to attend this event for the last several years. Panhellenic is so different at the alumnae level. No more is the focus "competition" (for the best potential members, best fraternities to pair/party with, etc.). Rather, the focus now is on mutual support. If you are a sorority alumna, I really encourage you to both join your particular organization's local alumnae chapter (if there's one close by) as well as your local alumnae Panhellenic. See the National Panhellenic Conference website to learn more about alumna Panhellenic opportunities in your area.

On the sorority thread, one of my sisters recently adopted a beautiful baby girl. I've spent the last two hours making a congratulatory card for her. If I could get my digital camera to cooperate, I'd post a photo for you. I'll work on that tonight. More to come, hopefully.

Speaking of more to come (I am ALL about the segue tonight!), it's time for another round of the Secret Pal game. I am so excited! I've really had a good time making new friends (and being spoiled rotten!) throughout the last two SP events. I am sure this time around will be no different. They ask that all the SPs post responses to questions to help our Pals shop for us. So here we go...Jen's SP8 questionnaire....

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I am starting to get away from the Lion Brand yarns. I am evolving in to a "yarn snob," I guess you could say. :) My favorite yarns are Lorna's Laces Shepherd Bulky (which I can't find ANYWHERE in this area) Plymouth's Baby Alpaca Grande. I'd like to try other yarns that are thick and bulky and warm. I also like cotton and sock yarns.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a beautiful crochet hook pouch that a previous Pal gave me. When I travel, I use a lipgloss holder from Mary Kay. :)

3. How long have you been knitting crocheting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I am not a knitter, but I'd love to become one. I just can't quite seem to get the hang of it. I've been crocheting for, oh, 3 or 4 years, give or take. I'd consider myself an advanced beginner.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes. I have both an Amazon list and a general list. They're linked here on my blog. Look to the right.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Spearmint is probably my biggest favorite when it comes to candles and bath products/lotions. I also love vanilla and Earth-y scents (rain, rainforest, beach, etc.) My favorite scents from Yankee Candle include Berry Bramble, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Home Sweet Home, Mandarin Cranberry, and the Sampler/votives in Spearmint and Saratoga. I also love Colonial Candles (Merlot, Vanilla Mintleaf and their White Zinfandel and Winter Woods fragrances...oh, and I am DYING to try the new Orchid Sake!)

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes, unfortunately! :) And my waist shows it!! :) I love milk chocolate and caramel (or milk chocolate and mint together). I also am a huge fan of white chocolate. I am addicted to the Lindor White Chocolate Truffles and I also love those little Biscoff cookies (the plain ones) that they serve on airplanes. The only thing I can't eat is honey. This makes it hard because lots of chocolate has honey in it. :(

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I am very "in" to homemade card making, and I am a Stampin' Up junkie. I would like to learm how to sew and also about scrapbooking. I don't spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
This is such a hard question to answer. I like all kinds of music. I'm addicted to XM Radio, and I love their smooth jazz stations. I also love Celtic music. I am a Taylor Hicks fan (SOUL PATROL!) and I love, gosh, so many artists (Sade, Secret Garden, Kenny G., Josh Groban, Joshua Kadison...the list goes on and on. Check out my MySpace page for a better listing of the musicians I love.) Yes, my car stereo can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I really love all colors. Although I can't see myself in orange or yellow. My hair and eyes are brown, so I am trying to wear more browns.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Husband (married for 4 years, together for 6) and daughter (4 years old) and killer Boston Terrier (will be 2 this fall)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes to all. Well, technically not all. I'd wear ponchos if I had them. But yes to the others!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit crochet?
Gifty-things...scarves, mittens, blankets, etc. I'd like to branch out and try some new items.

13. What are you knitting crocheting right now?Astonishingly enough, nothing! I've got a few project ideas in mind, though...

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Absolutely.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
When I was trying to learn to knit, I loved the bamboo needles I had. For crochet hooks, I like the aluminum ones.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, but I think they are wicked cool and I'd love to have one someday.

17. How did you learn to knit?
I took two classes and did some self-teaching (a la "Knitting For Dummies"). I have a l-o-n-g way to go in the knitting game before I'm even close to needle competent. My passion is crocheting, and I learned from some of my lady colleagues. One had made me a baby blanket when Erin was born and that sparked the interest. Then she and another colleague sat me down and helped me learn.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
About 3 years. :(

19. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mothers' Day

20. Is there anything that you collect?
Not really. For a long time, I collected Longaberger baskets. No longer. I still am buying their pottery (in the Heritage Green pattern), but that's about it. I also used to collect crystal figurines. But no, I don't collect anything currently.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting crocheting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I've got a ton of books listed over on my wishlists. I get "Crochet" magazine in the mail.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Sock crocheting (I have a book, but need to sit down and really work on it) and knitting

23. Are you a sock knitter crocheter? What are your foot measurements?
See above. 9 1/2. Big feet, yes I know. :)

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
February 22, 1972

OK, I'm off for dinner. Have a great rest-of-the-weekend, folks.

"Idol" Chatter

Hi everyone. We're at t-minus-twenty before "Idol," so this'll be a quickie. A little birdie reports that my beautiful Taylor will be performing "Something" by The Beatles and "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry. I don't know how I feel about those choices. At this point in the game, we're left with five AMAZINGLY talented performers. Every song choice HAS to be perfect. I am worried, but I am backing my Soul Patrolman 950%. VOTE FOR TAYLOR, everyone!



Today, I was asked to consider taking over as Chapter Adviser at our Baker chapter. Wow. I'm over-the-top excited and am so thrilled and honored that they even thought of me. So much to consider...(*sigh*) If you've ever served as a chapter adviser to a Greek organization, I'd love to pick your brain and get your insights. What kind of time commitment are we talking about here? What specific duties and roles do these folks fill? My "little sis" (who was also my beautiful Maid-Of-Honor at my wedding) was an adviser back in Indianapolis for a few years. I'll get her insight too. In the meantime, sooo much to consider...

Gonna grab a quick bite to eat and then it's off to Idol! SOUL PATROL!