Ordered Chaos

I've been so busy lately, that I've been a little sporadic in my blogging. I've been trying to keep up with work, which has been insane.

I've also been busy with school. Since we're a few weeks into the semester now, exam season has begun. I'm also rushing a fraternity (it's co-ed, so it's called a fraternity), Phi Chi Theta. I had my rush interview on Monday, so now I'm just waiting for my phone call. If they want me, our pledge ceremony will be this Monday.

We've been ramping up for the holiday season in our candle shoppe, too. We've already started to get busy, and we're branching out to new products. Don't forget to check us out at SJ Candle Shoppe. We'll be adding new fragrances from now until Christmas. We've also changed the containers to something a little nicer, so the candles have a new look. Also, we're going to be adding tarts to the lineup soon. I hope to have some up by the beginning of next week.

So that's what's going on with us right now. Enough to keep me busy, but not enough to make me crazy - yet!

*S*

Test #1

Tonight I had my first exam in my Statistics class. It wasn't really that hard, and I was happy that I knew all of the formulas.

When I got home tonight, Jay and I made some more candles. I am still working on getting them all listed. It is just so tedious to type out the description! I mean, I want people to want to buy our stuff, and I know it takes effort on our part. I am just so tired by the time everything gets made that there's no energy left to post!

Fortunately, I will have some "quiet time" tomorrow. Jay is closing, and I don't have any homework that needs immediate attention. I will have at least a few items up in each shop by the end of the day tomorrow. That's my goal.

It's going to be a lot of work, so I should get some rest. Good night!

*S*

Good Day

Today was a busy day. I met with my Stampin Up! demo today. She is really great, and SUPER talented! I spent over two hours at her house, playing with her stuff and checking out the new catalog.

Tonight, my sister and I took the kids to the Rangers baseball game. Jay came along with us, and got a little taste of what we do every Saturday. He was exhausted by the end of the night!! I made sure he understood why I come home tired every Saturday night. We're pretty high maintenance, and it's always an ordeal to take two young kids anywhere.

So that was my day today. Tomorrow, Jay and I are working on a few Christmas projects and trying to finish up the guest bath. I can't wait to post pics when it's finished!

*S*

More Progress

Well, we made several more batches of candles tonight. I got a couple of orders from work, so we were working on those. Then, we made more to list in our Etsy shops.

Tomorrow we are going to a baseball game with my sister and the kids, then Sunday we will start on the Christmas craft projects. I am going to meet with my Stampin Up! demo tomorrow, hopefully, so I should have some new goodies in the next several days.

Keep checking our Etsy shops for more updates!

Cupcake Toujours

SJ Candle Shoppe

*S*

We're Up and Running!

I have officially listed my first item on Etsy. Technically, it's my husband's first listing. He insisted on opening his own shop, because he didn't like the name I chose for mine. So I decided we would list the items on both sites and see who gets the most sales!

Here's a link to Jay's shop: http://www.sjcandleshoppe.etsy.com/

Mine is here: http://www.cupcaketoujours.etsy.com/, although I haven't listed my items yet. I was so busy helping him, that I didn't get a chance to do my own! I will have my site up and running by tomorrow night, though. Be sure to check back for more exciting items!

*S*

Another Chaotic Day

Today was another crazy day at work. The market closed down another 449 points, so we've been really busy.

On a high note, I got to see my babies tonight! My sister asked me to come over tonight, and I got to spend time with her and the kids. My niece is such a good helper. She is really growing up and loved her little brother very much. My nephew is growing by leaps and bounds, too! He's just a little more than three months old, but already so big.

My sister and I like to do crafty things together, when we get a chance. I plan to post a couple of projects we're working on, but I'll have to do that over the weekend. I have homework to catch up on, and I'm getting sleepy.

*S*

Happy Birthday to Me!!

So today is my last birthday in my twenties. I turned 29 today. It was a really good day. Jay and I went to the candle supply store and bought a bunch of supplies. Then we came home and made several batches of candles for our etsy shop.

Tonight, we went out to dinner at Texas de Brazil. We shared a great bottle of wine, but I drank most of it! As a result, I am really tired and am ready for bed. I promise to update more tomorrow. For now, suffice it to say it was a really good birthday.

*S*

Bear Market

Today was a crazy day. The stock market closed down 504 points, so work was insane.

Some days I really like being a financial adviser. Today was not one of those days. Everything was chaos, the phones were ringing off the hook, clients were panicking. No one really knew what was going on, or where the market would end up.

After work I had a workshop to attend, then class. My first Statistics exam is next Monday. I think I am getting the hang of it, just have a few more things to work through. Other than that, not a lot interesting happened today.

Jay and I both have off tomorrow. We are going to do a few things around the house together, and work on a couple of projects. I've been dying to get started on the Christmas projects, so we're going to do that tomorrow.

I'll be sure to post pics f our progress tomorrow!

*S*

Casual Sunday

I love Sundays. Most Sundays lately Jay has had to work, but he got his schedule back to normal and was off today.

We slept in a little, then got up and went to breakfast. Sunday morning breakfast is somewhat of a ritual in our house, so it was nice for things to feel "normal." We sat, drank coffee, and talked. During the week, we just cross paths a lot due to different work and school schedules. We need this time to just relax and catch up with one another.

After breakfast, we headed out for birthday shopping. I surprised Jay by telling him I wanted to wait to get my new camera. Crazy, I know. But I actually really do like the one I have, and don't mind waiting.

Instead, we headed to Williams-Sonoma, my favorite kitchen store. I got a bunch of really cool stuff, including The Great Cupcake Pan:

I also got a new cake decorating kit and some other goodies. We're going to one of my favorite restaurants on Tuesday (my actual birthday). It's a Brazilian steakhouse, and it is *so* good! It's been a while since we've been, so I'm really excited to go.

*S*

Not So Bad After All

Well, the worst of Ike has past. The storm hit Houston pretty hard, and there is a lot of damage. They say some people will be without power for up to 3 weeks. Fortunately for us, the storm changed its course before it got to us. It was really windy this afternoon, but we didn't get a direct hit.

That was the good part of my day. The not so great part was the 8 hours I spent at the dining room table doing Statistics homework. Although it took me a long time, I got most of it done.

Tomorrow Jay and I are going shopping for my birthday. I think I am going to get a new DSLR, so I'm really excited. My mom sent me a new cookbook, so I'm going to try out a few new recipes for dinner, too. I'll be sure to update with my results.

*S*

Only 12 more weeks to go!

So here I am, my second Friday night in a row, sitting in front of my computer. Nothing new, but right now I am exhausted! I just spent the last six hours working on homework.

There I was, sitting at my dining room table (I really do need to buy another desk), both laptops out in front of me. I had two film reviews due for my Cultural Anthropology class, "World Cultures Through Film." On one laptop, I was watching the films, on the other, typing my film reviews. Each film was one hour and fifteen minutes, documentary-style. Not exactly my idea of a good time on a Friday night.

The good news is, though, that there are only 12 more weeks left in the semester. So only 12 more Friday nights like this one. YAY!!

Other than that, not much exciting happened today. I didn't have to go in to the office today, as I had some training to do. Since I have my stockbroker's license, I am required to take continuing ed classes every few years. Well, today was my day, so I had to go sit and watch a bunch of different scenarios and take a bunch of quizzes. I passed with flying colors (I should!) and I won't have to do it again for three more years.

Since I got to take the whole day off, Jay and I went to lunch, then I went and got a pedicure. Of course, after that, he had to go to work,which is when I got down to business with my homework.

It's getting pretty late here now, and Hurricane Ike is expected to hit Houston in the next hour or so. We're far enough away that we won't get a direct hit, but we will see some impact. They have even predicted winds of 45-100 MPH here tomorrow! I expect that this weekend and early next week we will see a lot of rain. That is usually all we get, but the warnings on Ike are making me a little nervous.

I'll try to keep my blog updated throughout the day tomorrow. I expect that is when we will see the worst of it. Keep Texas in your thoughts!!

*S*

We Will Never Forget

So today, obviously, marks the seven year "anniversary" of the September 11 attacks. This is such a sad day for me every year.

I was raised in a military household, and never knew when my dad or my brother would be called up to serve somewhere. Waiting to find out if my dad would be shipped out during Operation Desert Storm was one of the worst days of my life.

I think it is beautiful that the memorial at the Pentagon was dedicated today. There is also a steel cross at the crash site in Shanksville, PA. It is made out of steel that was recovered from ground zero.

I don't have any eloquent words to say today. Nothing witty or smart to make you laugh. I only ask that you hold the events of that day in your hearts. I know that I will.

I will never forget.

*S*

Just Some Things I've Noticed

~I love it when someone greets me with an unusual greeting or says goodbye in an unusual way. Today, when signing off a call with a client, he said, "Be well." Love it!

~Security tip on the company calendar: 'Do not bring weapons (including handguns or other firearms, dangerous instruments or material) onto company premises.' Rats - foiled again!

~I have no idea why I am so hungry. I've been taking vitamins with weight loss support in them that speed up my metabolism, but now it's *too* fast and I want to eat all the time!

~I saw this quote from Tim Russert in one of the other pea's signature lines: "Study hard. Laugh often. Keep your honor." These are great words to live by. Tim Russert was a very honorable man, and he will be missed for a very long time.

So until the next time our paths cross, my friends...be well. : )

*S*

Craving something sweet? Bring your appetite and head over to my baking blog, Cupcake Toujours

Lost...

I "found" this video on YouTube today. It is a new Michael Buble' song called "Lost." I am such a huge fan of his. I bought his first CD and have been hooked ever since. I keep hoping he will come out with a Christmas album, but haven't seen one yet.

So who is your current favorite? Who else should I check out?

*S*

: (

If you are ever in a position to take an Elementary Statistics class, I encourage you to do it. After all, everyone should know real pain. It builds character.

So I just got back from class. My head is swimming with all of the "to do" items for this class. There are three different online programs, not to mention the in-class exams and, of course, lectures. Yikes!

Aside from being overwhelmed, though, I really do like school. In other news, I have signed up for another swap on 2 Peas. I was doing a bunch of swaps, always had a couple going on at a time, and I just got overwhelmed. I've since taken a break, and since I've been feeling so crafty lately, decided to join one. This one is for a Christmas tag swap; I'll be sure to post when they're completed.

Not much else to blog about today. I'll be testing another recipe tomorrow night. Here's a hint: apples + cinnamon + ice cream = YUM!

*S*

Christmas Progress Report

The blog challenge on 2 Peas today is "Have you started making Christmas presents yet?"

Of course, if you've read my blog in the past month, you're probably laughing right now. I happen to be keeping track, and there only 109 more days til Christmas!! I've been preparing for the last several weeks.

In fact, as I am writing this now, I am testing out one of the recipes I will use as gifts. My girlfriend, Tracey, and I were talking about those candied nuts you get at Christmastime. They are on my top 10 list of favorite things, and I was dying to find a good recipe! I did find one, which I am posting on my baking blog, Cupcake Toujours. They smell wonderful, are pretty easy to make, and are sure to make a big impression!

The second thing I have done is bought the materials for my main gifts. I plan to post pics when I'm done, but I'm still developing the idea, so don't want to give too much away.

The thing I am having trouble with the most is the cards. Even though I love cardmaking, I know there are others who are so much better at it than I. Most of the time, I cave and just end up buying something. In an effort to keep my handmade pledge, I will be making all of my cards this year.

What about you? What gifts/projects are you working on? Any idea how in the world I can make 20+ handmade cards without losing my sanity? Let's hear what you have to say!

*S*

Craving something sweet? Bring your appetite and head over to my baking blog, Cupcake Toujours

So excited

I got a great email tonight. It was from my best friend whom I haven't seen for almost 5 years. She moved back to our hometown with her husband, and just joined Myspace. The email I got was her friend request. YAY! : )

I haven't been back to our hometown in a few years, since all of my family has moved away. I have been found by several of our old friends, though. I know I should go back - I just missed our 10 year reunion last winter. I'm really excited to hear from her; Sarah and I were inseparable in high school. I may have to plan a trip home next spring.

I also got to visit my husband at work tonight. He called me and asked me to pick something up for the restaurant, and I stuck around to have dinner. Every time I see him at work, I am amazed at how good he is at his job. I know running a restaurant is hard work, but he does it with such ease. It was great to see him in his element and get to spend a few minutes with him.

Overall, it was a very good night tonight.

*S*

Loooooong Day

Whew! I am finally done with homework! I came straight home from work today to work on a film review for my anthropology class. I just submitted my review, and am feeling very relieved.

I had both laptops out in front of me, the syllabus, my notes, and the text. Meantime, I am trying to come up with something that makes sense and will dazzle my prof. I'm actually pretty pleased with myself, but glad I'm done. The first one is always the toughest, since you don't really know what to expect.

So that's all the big news I have to report. I just have a few things to finish up before I call it a night. First I need to email my siblings about our Christmas arrangements. I also want to check out the new Stampin Up! catalog one more time. I finally found a demo in my area, and I am going to call her tomorrow. After that I'll probably go to bed.

Good night!

*S*

A Less-Than-Stellar Day at Work

I will admit, I like for people to think of me as a happy person. Most of the time, I am really happy; sometimes, however, there are things I just have to get off my chest. Today is one of those days.

As probably anyone in a sales or service job knows, there are certain metrics and goals you must meet. In my position, those goals are used to (partially) determine our annual bonus.

I have been working my tail off since I got this promotion on December 15. We got a new CEO in April, and ever since then there has been increasing pressure put on my department to perform. Well, I found out today that, although I thought I was doing fine, a lot of my sales won't count!

I have yet to get a really good explanation as to why. Between my manager and his assistant, all I keep hearing is, "We'll get it figured out. Don't worry about it." Umm, sorry...I'm worried! If I miss out on this bonus, we won't have another one for a year. I'm trying not to get upset, but that's easier said than done.

So I'm sorry to be a Debbie Downer today. I just needed to vent for a minute and get that off my chest. I'm sure it will all work out. At least I hope so!

*S*

Some things that make me happy

1) Spending time with my niece and nephew
2) New tires on my SUV
3) Feelin' crafty!
4) Talking to my mom
5) Baking
6) Food Network
7) College football!
8) Bon Jovi (*sigh*)
9) Vanilla Coke from Sonic (with the good ice!)
10) Hangin' out with my husband

This list is in no particular order, of course. I would never put college football before my husband - would ?!?

*S*

114 Days from now...

It will be Christmas!!!

I can hardly wait. (Obviously, since I've been talking about it for over a week now!)

*S*

Taking the Plunge

Well, I did it. I have finally signed up for Etsy. I plan to sell many of my crafts (of course), and hope to do well. We have always done well with online selling, but that was before I tried handcrafting. We bought wholesale items and sold them on ebay.

Yes, I'm a little nervous; I know Etsy is becoming a lot more popular. While that is a good thing for exposure, it's also intimidating bc I don't want to get lost in the crowd.

Be sure to check me out: http://www.cupcaketoujours.etsy.com/ Check back often, as I hope to have my store up and running very soon!

*S*