GOOD EVENING fellow blog stalkers!!! I'm at the crop, croppin' with my friends and have been gettin' some grief from the croppers (and some other emails!!) - so thought i'd take a minute out to get caught up!!! The above photo was taken tonight with Heathers "MAC" computer!! I WANT ONE SO BAD, so she's letting me play!!! Here is part of our group tonight!! You can see my hand on the left hand side!! HI!!!

okay - so what's been going on around here!?!?! On a personal note, and in my defense, we (rocky and I) have had a sudden death in his family - so we've been pretty much devoting most of our time to his mother this week. So, that is why there was no photo tip!! So, hopefully, i'm BACK!!!

We've been getting TONS of new stuff in!! Both new releases from CHA and NEW items to US!!! So much that I can't think of it all right now as I type (since I've been trying to post this for the last hour!).....so you'll just have to come in and see it all!! I know we just got the new Flair EASTER line in - and finally got the rest of the new Rusty Pickle St. Patricks day line.....FINALLY!!! I'm remembering seeing the new DCWC stacks in!!

Kristy finalized the Bazzill order today!! YEAH!! Bazzill is coming out with some AWESOME new stuff!! I can't WAIT to see all of it!!!

Okay - so, I sent out a newsletter today - if you didn't get it - go to our website and click on newsletter and you can read our latest newsletter....YES, i know that the first one was NOT legible........that's cuz I used "}" this symbol......it doesn't read it!! STRANGE!! So, thank you so much to the 15 people that emailed me and let me know!! I really appreciate you lookin' out for me!!! In the newsletter, i mentioned the new Photography class that we're going to start in April.....there WILL be more information coming on that - I've been in contact with Kate (who is teaching the class!) and I'll have more information for you very soon!!!!!! Promise - you will NOT be disappointed!!!! Here's another photo tip to ENTICE you for the PHOTOGRAPHY 101 class!!! (make sure you read our newsletter to understand that this photography class is not JUST for those of you with an SLR camera.........)

One of the easiest way to improve your photography is to use a tripod. If you don’t have one, and you really wanted to get serious about your photo skills, get one. You will be amazed at the improvement in clarity and focus ESPECIALLY in those low light situations – (Can you say Christmas Tree Lights? Or Beautiful sunset?”.) You don’t have to spend a ton of money on one but the models that have the quick connect feature on the tripod head are great. You will find it less frustrating and easier to use. Just like anything else, the easier it is to use, the more you will use it.

Registration opens up TOMORROW morning for Ganza - don't know WHAT to expect!!! We have 180 seats available......so I'm anxious to see how it goes!?!? We have Jana coming in with BuX to man our phones - that's gonna be FUN!!!!

Speaking of Ganza........we have THREE open spots for Vendors this time!!! IF anyone is interested in vendoring - we'd love to have you!! Email me at scrapfunattic@cox.net and I can get some information to you........I'm also looking for a someone to give pedicures at ganza....anyone know of a GOOD pedicure-ist!?!?!?! Contact me!!!!

okay - before you read on.....make sure you read Sarah's post after this one regarding Ganza!!

Here is your PHOTOGRAPHY tip!!!!

"The number one way to improve your photos - get closer. Think you are close enough? Take a step in towards your subject. Closer, one more step. Yep, now you have it. The more you simplify your photo, the more attention you draw to your subject and the more successful you will be at communicating your message to the viewer. Just like you want to communicate a theme or message in your scrapbook page, you also want to do that with your photographs."

We're working on a lil' somethin' somethin' for ya'll, here at the attic!!!
How about an SLR Photography class!?!? For those of you with an SLR camera......be watching for more information coming VERY QUICKLY on that!!!


ALSO - LOTM comes out on Saturday!! Kelli is working on something GREEN and FUN for ya as we speak!! I'll post pictures of that very soon!!!

We've got a crop coming up on Friday too - still have spots open for that one!! I'm planning on getting caught up on some major croppin that i didn't get done at ganza!!!

okay - tah tah for now - don't forget to read Sarah's post next - got some ganza news in there for ya!!!

Crop-A-Ganza

Nooooooooooooooo............................It cannot be almost March 1st ALREADY!?!?!?! A few things on the June event! We have had some request for the Smaller Banquet Room.....That Banquet Room is not available for June! There for, there are 60 LESS spots available!! So, you know what that means.........Be Sure To Get In on Saturday To Register!!!! Also......Unfortianetly, we are not able to "cook" in the Hospitality room, so, meals are going to be a little different this time! More like they were the first time. I am doing some "meal" research now!! BUT......NO FEAR - We are hopefully working up something with Keri to bring you some of her Sweet Goodies!!!!!!

Get That Registration Printed Off and ready for Saturday morning!!!! We will be here bright and early for you! For those of you who have talked about "Camping Out in the Parking Lot", PLEASE be carefull and stay WARM!!!!!!!!

We are working on having a Mock Shirt available for you to see when you register! Please be sure to consider a shirt this time, as we are donating a portion of the proceeds to a "Special Cause"......More to be announced on that!

Wow! What a crazy couple of weeks we've had....seems like this big ol' drama/sadness cloud is just following us around ya know?? I'm ready for it to go away!!! I've wanted to add something to the blog everyday this past week, but didn't feel that it was the "RIGHT" time - wanted to give some peace and time for Mike......we attended his service yesterday - and I have to say - it was a very NICE and UPBEAT service. He was a VERY talented man, did you know he could paint, knit, crochet, decorate cakes - all in ADDITION to stamping and cardmaking and scrapbooking!!?? We knew how talented he was in the scrapbooking/stamping world - but WOW that man was FULL of talent!! He will be GREATLY and DEARLY missed. But, not forgotten - we are working on a little something for Mike - so be watching for that!

Now - as you probably noticed in the ticker above - ONE week from TODAY - our Crop*A*Ganza June 2008 event registration opens up!! I must say - I'm excited to see how it goes "over"!! With it being in the summer, I'm not sure WHAT to expect - with vacations and family time and all that - but we knew that when we picked the date....so, we'll see!! Hopefully by the time you're reading this you are able to upload the registration form for yourself!!! Print that puppy out and fill it out and have it READY when you come in next week!! Registration opens at 9:00AM - (no exceptions, STEFFANIE!!) :)........I feel so bad when there are people waiting to get in and there I am inside - all warm and cozy - :) We'll be there, ready for you!!! You can fax it to us as well - or mail it in!!.......316-733-4922 fax....po box 757 Andover, KS 67002.......316-733-0029 (BUT, please note that we will be short staffed this weekend, so the phone MAY not be answered as QUICKLY as we'd like!)

We're working with Christie to get SOME SORT of a mock up of a shirt for you to see - we'd like to encourage you to purchase a Shirt this time.......I'll explain more on that in a post later on this week - so be watching for that.

Sarah or I plan to post some more information regarding Summer Ganza BEFORE the registration opens......changes that we'll be making this time and other info - so be watching for that soon as well!!!

I spent ALL night last night (almost 8 hours!) working on orders from CHA!!! Since we were unable to attend b/c of Ganza, there's been LOTS MORE leg work to do to find EXACTLY what we're wanting to order from this show! So, once I make the FINAL decisions - be watching for updates on those sneeks as well!!! Some if it has been ordered and has already shipped - so i'm excited to see it!!! (the girls did a LOT of the work helping me to NARROW down the BEST and GREATEST items for YOU!)

Some new stuff we've received over the last two weeks..........

MORE Ribbon Pull Purses, in FUN colors....more arriving THIS WEEK!!

Restocked the PENGUINS!!

Making Memories 5th Avenue! (this stuff is FLYING off the shelves!! - we haven't had much MM products in the store - so I'm SO excited!! We'll definitely be re-ordering this as it starts to slowly dwindle!)

MAMBI BLING strips!!!

Amy Butler Bags are BACK IN DA HOUSE! (the first one is a NEW one that's coming soon!)

Tag-A-Longs....the BUCKETS that fit inside - we have THEM in stock!!!

I have pre-ordered THESE!! I LOVE mine (all though the new ones are CLEAR!! LOVE that, might have to be getting one of these!) Love to just throw all my necessities in there while I'm cropping - scissors adhesive, etc. - i know JUST where to look instead of picking up all my stuff and search for it!

We are going to be CARRYING PAZZLES VERY SOON!!!

pre-ordered these cute little bags....they come in some FUN colors!! AND some other bags as well!! (as well as the NEW AMM totes!)

Did you know they're coming out with THIS purse in BROWN!! YEAH!

OF COURSE, we'll have ALL THE NEW HEIDI STUFF ~ DUH!!!!

And, I just couldn't resist sharing THESE new DCWV products we have coming!! (some of these stacks, we also have coming OPEN STOCK so you can buy them BY THE SHEET!)

This line - was a MUST for me!! LOVE IT!

Okay - that's all for now - I don't wanna give away ALL of our surprises!!! I was only planning on being on here for 15 minutes - well, it's been TWO HOURS!!! Gotta run!! Be looking for more later!!! I have a HUGE surprise for those of you with SLR cameras too!!! You DO NOT WANNA MISS IT!! Come back tomorrow morning for the PHOTOGRAPHY TIP you're gonna love!! and more information on that too!!

Here is the information for Mike's Memorial Service.

If you would like to send a card to Jackie - we are going to be getting a "care package" together for her....if you'd like to send it to the store - we would be happy to include it in our package for her. PO Box 757...Andover, KS 67002

The Memorial Service for Mike will be on Friday, 2/22 at 2:00 pm.
Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church
3700 E. Mt. Vernon

It is with the heaviest heart that I tell you our good friend Mike Ehrstein has passed away.


I know that you can only imagine how hard this is going to be on their family. Please, please continue to keep them in your prayers and in your thoughts. I will keep you updated, as I hear, on the funeral arrangements.

My fellow scrapbookers, I am SO SAD today.

God, please watch over Jackie. Give her strength, peace and comfort in the coming days, weeks and months. Please surround her with friends and family that are strong, supportive and positive. Please help to comfort their grandchildren and children at this time.

Jackie, I don't know if you read this or not - but if there is ANYTHING that you need.....groceriers, laundry, lawn mowing, house cleaning, a shoulder, ANYTHING.....please look across the street and call on US. We are SO terribly sorry.

CAG

REALLY?! SERIOUSLY?! Does that ticker say ELEVEN days until Crop-A-Ganza Registration opens?!?!?! AAAAHHHHHhh!!!!!!!!!!!! I am working on updating the Registration Form As We Speak, so be looking for updates on that SOON!!!!!!!

Sarah B.

Good evening fellow blog stalkers......it is with a heavy heart that I post tonight.........our good friend Mike Ehrnstein is not doing well. I cannot shake his face from my mind. Please pray for the doctors and for Jackie, his wife. I can only imagine how hard this is on her. I know that THEY know that God is in control, and has Mike's BEST interest at heart - but please just pray for comfort in her time of need.

I have other "great" and "exciting" things that I'd planned to post on here that we received at the store this week - but somehow, they don't seem so important right now. So, I'm just going to leave this post alone for now and PRAY and HOPE for comfort and peace in the lives of the Ehrnsteins.

Happy VALENTINES day!!

We hope you're all enjoying this WONDERFUL weather and eating chocolates, or bon bon's - and sniffing your BEAUTIFUL $1million dollar roses!!!! :) - in a PERFECT world, right?!?!

Just a short post - needing prayers and support for a wonderful friend and customer.......some of you might know Jackie Ehrstein....her husband, Mike was just at Crop*A*Ganza this weekend, and fell "under the weather".....not to get too personal - but he is now in the hospital... please pray for him, for the doctors and for Jackie

Thanks so much!

Have a great day!!!

I almost forgot!! (make sure you read below if you haven't already).....Jill Chittum made a mini video of our RECHARGE Saturday night at Ganza!!!! You know it's SURE to happen at Crop*A*Ganza, the late nighters get a little CRAZY!!! Tip - if you don't like the noise you PROBABLY should request a room AWAY from the Atrium!!! :)

http://thechittumfiles.blogspot.com/2008/02/cropaganza-crazies.html

Check it out!

Then, next time you're in the store - ask to see the DVD movie that Janine's Scrubby made of us this weekend as well!!! WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!

Keep those comments coming - I'm LOVING reading them all!!!

Here is the reality of it all!!!! It's OVER!!! All the anxiety, stress, panic, LOVE, energy, energy, energy and oh yeah - ENERGY!! And here's what we're left with!! Sad huh!?! NOPE!!!!!

Cuz, we're DOIN it AGAIN IN FOUR SHORT MONTHS!! (see ticker above!)

Now - registration will open up for the June Crop*A*Ganza on MARCH 1st!!!! That's a SATURDAY for those of you with FULL TIME DAY JOBS!! We're thinkin of YOU this time!!! Sarah will have a new registration form on here in a week or so, and you can get it filled out and ready to go!!!!

So, for those of you that went - did you have a good time!??!! We sure did!! Sure, there's ALWAYS drama - if there were 250 women and NO drama - I think that would be ODD!!! But, nothing that wasn't able to be tamed!!!! We always enjoy seeing everyone have a great time!! It's YOUR weekend, YOUR getaway and we hope that you were able to enjoy it as such!!!!

We have a few things we'd like to "bounce" off of ya!!! Kind of get your feedback for the next one!!!

***How did you like the Mugs?!?! Was it a good replacement for the goodie bags!?!?! (i'm thinkin yeah - cuz this was the first time we cleaned up and found NO remnants of mugs!)

***FOOD!!??! We have been getting some feedback about the food.......would you rather have it be "on your own" for your meals?!? Or would you rather have us continue to provide meals for you!?!?!

***Seating........hmmmmm, how would you like to have CHOOSE YOUR OWN SEATS?!?!?! Would that be totally crazy or WHAT?!?!?! I know that Diva Designs does that, and wasn't sure how you all felt about doing that? Or are you fine with having Sarah continuing the seating chart!??!

Remember, this is just US, sitting down havin a chat - shooting some ideas back and forth together - we want YOUR opinion on how we can make this weekend EVEN better and beneficial for ALL of us!!!

If you don't wanna comment here - email me at scrapfunattic@cox.net - I'm READY to hear from you!!!!

So,,,,,,,,have you been able to get some rest!?! Was all your laundry and housework completed for you while you were away this weekend, by your house"fairy"?!?!! HA!! :) ALL of us here at the attic are SICK,SICK,SICK!!!

I did manage to get our photo posted at the bottom of this page - LOOK how WE'VE GROWN!!! Thanks to Kate for singing the song that never ends, getting everyone out for the photo!!! If you aren't able to copy and paste this photo - email me and I can send it to you via email in a jpeg!!!

I'm off for now - but will be back soon!!! have a good week!

Good evening!!! Well, it's 10:30 and we're FINALLY calling it a night!! Been working NON STOP since about 2ish.....the WHOLE family!!!

We had a few set backs today.....a sick employee, so THANK GOD for my IN-LAWS to the rescue!!! They came up and entertained the kiddos all evening!!!!.....as I type, the kiddos are bathed and in bed....I'm POOPED!!...Sarah is sleeping (probably snoring...she's not feeling too well?!?!!)...and my DH is out there chasing ALL the balloons that have DRIFTED UP TO THE CEILING!!! :) gotta love a man that'll go to THOSE lengths for a crazy weekend crop!!!

No matter WHICH room you're in (not that you SHOULD know that information!), but come to the LARGE ATRIUM at the end of the hotel to check in and we'll let you know where you're sitting from there!!!

I hope to get to post more later on this weekend, but if not - i'll be back on Monday fer sure!!!Here's some pics for your viewing pleasure!!! I know, some of them are REALLY blurry - but with the poor lighting and the flash action - they're just gonna have to work!

Here is what the room looked like when we FIRST began!

Here is the view of the REGENCY room (the second room that we opened!)

Thank God for in-laws!!

The guys - having fun with the helium tank!! It also could be that Rocky taught them how to inhale the helium!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Renee and I had SO much fun picking out these FUN 80's themed balloons!!!

Here's the room before bed time!!!!

Okay - I came through for you!! Here are your SNEEKS!! here is a pic. of the make-n-take that renee and i will have for you at the registration booth if you'd like to make a little robot for your name badge, or just to have as an embellishment for your GANZA layout - cuz we all know you make one!!! Don't forget - we're only going to be having this until supplies run out!! So, get in when the gettin's GOOD!
Here's a sneek of your NEW "goodie bag"!! It's not EXACTLY as I'd hoped but it looks nice!! It will have something GOOD inside for yoU!

Here is just HALF of ALL the GLIMMER MIST we received YESTERDAY!! Poor Kristy was DREAMING of pricing glimmer mist last night!

Here's a picture of the FRONT of your ganza shirt!! LOVE THE FRONT Heather!!!

Here's a pic. of the back!! You haven't SEEN this yet!!! Dawn Hungate (with the help of her SCRUBBY!!!) designed this for us!!! YOU HAVE TO READ THESE "ALBUM" TRACKS!!!! HILARIOUS!!

Okay - that's all the sneeks I have for you NOW!! I'll take pics of the room when we get there and as we're working for you tonight!!! That way you can feel as though you're there working with us!!!

I was thinking of a few things that you might not remember as well!!! Here's a list!!!

Contact/Glasses/Solution

PHONE CHARGER

Extra camera batteries!!!

Toothpaste

Pillow (if you're like me and have to have a SPECIAL pillow to sleep on!)

gum/lipgloss!! (no laughing!)

Slippers

PICTURES!

PICTURES!

PICTURES!
Medication if you NEED to be medicated throughout the weekened!!

Band-Aides ( I ALWAYS have a run in with my piercer!)

jacket or sweater/sweatshirt

small trashcan

PICTURES!

OH - and those white shelves in my photo - I got those at Wal-Mart in the KITCHEN section!!! LOVE THEM!!!

Laurie mentioned bringing 80's photos.....I've got mom pulling some GREAT ONES for us to show!!!

I feel like I'm letting my loyal blog stalkers down!! I KEEP FORGETTING MY CAMERA to take sneeks pics for you!! BUT, I promise you, before I head to the BW tomorrow afternoon - I WILL GET SOME PICS ON HERE FOR YOU!!!

Today I finally got our 80's music downloaded for this weekend!! Bringing back some memories!!!

Went to Target tonight - got my outfit!! I'm READY!!!! And, I WANNA ROCK AND ROLL ALL NIGHT!!! (Kiss!)

The car and trailer are packed and ready to go - sarah is packed and seriously - we ARE READY!!! Picking up a few donations and treats tomorrow morning and then we're OFF to the BW to prepare for YOU!!! We'll be out there tomorrow and all day friday - then it's ON!!!

Kristy has packed all the totes for the vendor booth!!! Renee has everything planned and ready for the makeNtake at registration - shirts are done.......oh I can't wait!!!

OKay - i'm off to finish odds and ends around the house before the weekend - i'll be back in the AM with sneaks - PROMISE!! S E R I O U S L Y!!!

Okay - because our Ganza newsletter was SO long and went to SO many peeps - some of you might not have received it yet!!! (i'm certain that it WILL make it's way to you soon!)....however - if you have NOT received it and are DYING to know what it says - click here to view it!!! YOU'D BETTER CUZ I PUT A LOT OF WORK INTO IT!! LIKE TOTALLY DUDE!!!

http://www.onlineitools.com/nl/nl-output.php?nl_id=41225&bus_id=2357&plain=0


Okay - so the trailor is loaded and ready......kristy will be filling up our vendor totes tomorrow......the food is ready......we're getting the rest of the beverages TONIGHT!!!......Sarah's out shopping for her ganza get up now - I'm going out tomorrow!!!!.........ARE YOU READY!!?!?! We are SO much further ahead this time than ANYTIME before!! Teresa would be proud!!!

Okay - ta ta for now!! I'll have a special sneak for you later tomorrow!!!!

I know - AGAIN!! How many posts can ONE person put in ONE day!!!! But, I had to come on and share with you my excitement/disappointment in myself!!!

I went downstairs TWO hours ago to get organized and packed for Ganza......I have this SAME feeling EVERY time I prepare for a crop! Now, I will say that since I took Alicia's Cropper Hopper class - I DO attend a crop and don't spend the entire weekend or day SEARCHING and PREPARING to work on a page!!! That's a PLUS - HUGE PLUS!! (thanks sister!)................however I am one of the many croppers that takes TOOO WAYYYY too much to a crop!!! So, I have VOWED this time NOT TO DO THAT!!!!!

So, back to my story - I head downstairs.....decide that I have an ENTIRE BAG FULL OF PAGES/CLASSES that we have had at the store!! You know the ones I'm talkin about - bought only the kit - didn't make it to the actual class - STILL IN THE PINK BAG!!! So, I decide to take my photo printer and my laptop - and just work on kits at the crop - then I'll just print the photos there and BAM I'm done!!!!

So, I start to pack all my page kits - well.....what IF I realize I need a certain color of cardstock!?! Welllllll - I'll just load up my P3 Tote and HAUL ALL OF MY CARDSTOCK WITH ME!! That's only ONE rolling tote!!! Okay - wellllll, but what IF i decide that the layout is LACKING something?!?! Like Buttons or Ribbon!??! Welllll...........I'll just pack up my ribbon and buttons - that's not a big deal at ALL!!! Okay - well,,,,,I'm NOT hauling my cricut to the crop - I'm going to use up some of my GOOD OL'FASHION Chipboard alphabets....but there are SO many to choose from - so I'll just bring them ALL - cuz you NEVER KNOW~!!!!!...........

Do you see where this is going?!?!?! So, I get my bagS (note the LARGE S on the end?!) TWO rolling totes and ALL my page kits - and then pile on my SHELF...because this is the BEST thing that we EVER found at a crop!! You can store SO MUCH MORE STUFF and still be w/i your own CROP TABLE SPACE LIMIT!!! Oh, can't forget my TV Tray - and My lamp - Ohhhh, my trash can........WAIT A MINUTE - where's my TOOL TOTE!?!?! And, my TWO bag vow to myself became THIS:

I've decided as I type this that I am NOT taking the P3 with ALL of my cardstock!!! I trust that my kits have sufficient cardstock in them!!!! And if not - then MIS-MATCHED cardstock is just going to be a trend that my scrapbooking will take this weekend!!! ~ goodnight!! I wish you the BEST of luck when packing!!!!

FOUR MORE DAYS PEOPLE!!! I just finished the GANZA newsletter - man it turned into a NOVEL!! But, ya know - when you're on a roll!!!.....I'd rather OVER inform than UNDER informa if ya know what i mean!!! Thought ya'll would get a kick out of this - rec'd this email from Laurie - and OH HOW TRUE IT IS!!! I'm gonna read it to my kiddos - they'll think it's a HISTORY lesson!!!

If you are 30 or older you will think this is hilarious!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tediousstories about how hard things were when they were growing up;what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning ....uphill BOTH ways yadda, yadda, yadda! And I remember promising myselfthat when I grew up, there was no way I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it! But now that... I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean,compared to my childhood, they live in a damn Utopia! And I hate to say it but kids today don't know how good they've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet. If we wanted to knowsomething, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

There was no email! We had to actually write somebody a letter...with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3's or Napsters! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitch hike to the record store and shoplift it! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and theDJ'd usually talk over the beginning and mess it all up!

We didn't have fancy amenities like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it! And we didn't have Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

Nobody had cell phones. If you needed to call someone, you had to memorize the number or looked it up in the phone book. Then you had to use one of the 2 phones in the house and push 7 buttons to make the call. And they were not cordless – what is a cord?, you ask. Well it was this curly, kinky, rubber thing which attached the body of the phone with the dial pad to the handset. So you couldn’t go any further than the cord would stretch – usually 5-10 feet. No running around the house while talking on the phone. No taking it to the bathroom or outside. If you were in your car and needed to make a call, you had to stop at a pay phone and it cost a quarter to make the call.

We didn't have any fancy video games with high-resolution3-D graphics! We had the Atari! With games like 'Space Invaders','Asteroids' and ‘Pac-Man’ the graphics sucked! Your guy was a little square or circle!
You actually had to use your imagination!And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating!All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with ahat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just out of luck!

Sure, some of us had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels and there was no onscreen menu and no remote control! And if you didn’t have
Cable you had 4 choices: ABC, NBC, CBS or PBS and they went off air from 2 am – 6 am.

You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! Channel surfing meant you had to get off your butt and walk over to the TV to change the channel and there was no Cartoon Network, Disney Channel or Nickelodeon either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning.
Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons!

And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat something up we had to use the stove or oven, imagine that! If we wanted popcorn, we had to use that stupid Jiffy Pop thing and shake it over thestove forever like an idiot.

That's what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy.You're spoiled!!!!!!!!!You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980!

Oh yeah, and a seatbelt was Mom throwing her arm across your chest every timeshe hit the brakes.

Regards,The over 30 Crowd

okay - so ONE newsletter down - ONE more to go!!! The second one that will be sent out later on today is full of your ganza info!!! So, be watching for that!! But, just wanted to let my fellow blog stalkers (not that there are many of you left lately!! !:) ) know about the great sale we're starting this week!!!:

To get you GEARED up and READY for Crop*A*Ganza, we're having a sale on ALL of our ORGANIZATIONAL products this week!!! Everything from Totes, to bags, page planners and journals!!! Take 25% off ALL of our Organizational Products THROUGH FRIDAY February 8th!!!All of our TOOLS are also going to be on sale!!! Take an additional 25% off all tools (excluding all Cricut, Wishblade and Epson products!) This is the perfect time to purchase that new trimmer, crop-a-dile, scissors, knifes, cutting mats and more!!! ALL in STOCK Cricut Cartridges are on sale as well!!!! Take $10.00 off our ALREADY LOW price of $69.99!!!We are adding new merchandise DAILY to our clearance section - make sure you check it out next time you're in - everything in the clearance section is 40% off (EVERYDAY!)!!!! PLUS - ALL of our FISKARS hand punches are 40% off as well!!!THIS WEEK ONLY - buy ONE Autumn Leaves Stamp Set - GET ONE FREE!!!!!!! HURRY - only good while SUPPLIES LAST!!!!!

I am SO behind....just a quick post......Christie with Two Chicks Designs asked me to pass this onto ya'll!!

If you're interested in PRE-ORDERING any TLC products while at ganza- visit her blog and check this out!!!

http://twochicksdesigns.typepad.com/the_good_stuff/

I'll be back later with some more STUFF!! Working on getting TWO newsletters out to you all today!!!

howdy ya'll!! just a short post tonight - sarah and i finished up shopping for the hospitality room today - got some GREAT snacks for ya!!! They are in individual serving sizes - so that's nice!! Don't forget, or if you've never been to ganza - we also will have fresh fruit and veggie trays as well!!! As well as a coffee maker!!

Something I was thinking of today that I forgot one time....don't forget a SPARE light bulb for your lamp IF you're bringing one!! Sometimes in the transport the bulbs can break, or if it's been a while since you changed it out!! So, don't forget!! Also - i know i've said this already - but also remember to bring a power strip or three prong adapter..you can get a little 3 prong 3 adapter for less than $1.00 at walmart!!

Also - if you don't think you're going to make it into the store before ganza and have stuff being held for you - we'll be bringing that with us as well.....and if you would like to call the store and request certain items - feel free to do that as well!! We aim to please!!!

okay - i don't really have anything else exciting to post - lots of prep work and BUSY times coming up - but I didn't want to leave you guys without a post - COMMENT on your experience with ganza for those that are NEW and have never been - what can they expect?!?!?!

MUSIC!! Don't forget the music to listen to while you read our posts this week!! SMELLI KELLI - the first one is for YOU and ROBBIE!!!!





ONE WEEK FROM TONIGHT - WE WILL BE HAVING THE TIME OF OUR LIVES!!.....wait that brings a movie to mind.................."NO ONE PUTS BABY IN THE CORNER!!"......."THIS is my dance space - THIS is your dance space!!!"........(have you figured it out yet?!?!) .................... DIRTY DANCING!!! Mmmmmmm, love me some Patrick Swayze!!!!

Okay - reason for the post - FEBRUARY LOTM is READY FOR YOU!!! And this time we made a few extra since they've been such a HOT item lately!!!! Kristy created this for you - using her FAVORITE line - DOODLEBUG!! You can't tell from this photo but there is also PINK BLING on there as well!!!!

!!!"LOVE IS IN THE AIR"!!!

So, we're FINALIZING all of our plans for ganza - things are starting to come together and work their way out!!! I put the finishing touches on your "goodies" today - CAN'T wait to see what cha'll think!!! I'm hoping to be able to post some hints on here later in the week!!! Renee is finishing up your make n takes that you'll use to finish your name badges....Sarah's printing the programs as we speak!!!

OH - this is YOUR reminder if you haven't uploaded and ordered your photos for your page kits - DO IT!!! You only have a few days to play around with shipping times!! If you're like SARAH - you'll be paying a BUTT LOAD on shipping to get them here on time!! PLAN AHEAD!!

I've had a couple of emails about lighting....yes, it's poor!! I know - that AND the temprature are two things that we CANNOT control - so dress properly (ie - sweater or layers to shed if it's warm!)........ANY lamp that you wanna bring will work!! I have an ipod lamp that plays my ipod, yet is a small light that puts out some good light!! I also have an ott lamp that I bring that puts out enough light to cover my work space...we've seen lamps from your hotel rooms be used - FLOOR lamps as well!! So, just whatever lighting you feel will be perfect for YOUR crop space is what I would suggest!!!

Renee and I are having challenges with ourselves - who can bring the LEAST amount to this crop....which means PLANNING!! So, I'll be spending some time this week finishing my page kits and packing a "dry run" to the crop!! I would LOVE to only have to make ONE trip from my car to the crop table!!! To understand more of what I'm saying, and some laughs....visit Jana's blog: JanaGirl!!!!!

Speaking of Jana - her husband ROCKS!!! He recently surprised her with a 2 page layout that he created ALL ON HIS OWN for their 8th year wedding anniversary!! (AND HE REALLY DID A GOOD JOB!!!) To thank us for helping him (which he really did most of the work!) he brought us a "King Cake" to celebrate Mardi Gras!!!! IT WAS DELICIOUS!! AND, he made it HIMSELF!!! Jana - you are ONE lucky girl!!!! THANK YOU GREG!!!

New stuff this week to arrive: Storage Binder for Cuttlebug!!! New Glimmer Mist colors (TONS MORE ON THE WAY!)....we've restocked our DCWV stacks.....MORE AMM totes....Ribbon Pull Purses........We R Memory Keepers LEATHER albums with 4x6 photo storage!!! ArtBin storage cases.....MORE Making Memories Desktop Carousels.......MORE embellishments to go with the PENGUINE paper from Imaginisce!!! Rusty Pickle Corrugated ALPHABETS!!!.......I'm sure theres more -but I'm BRAINDEAD today!!

Ohh - and today we got treated to lunch by Keri!! She brought us HOMEMADE chicken noodles and HOMEMADE MASHED POTATOES - it was DIVINE!! Keri will be cooking ALL of our food for ganza!!! I will post the menu for you later on - so you'll know what we're gonna be eating!!

AND, I have a GReAT RAFFLE donation that we received today from the "PINK BOA" here in Andover!! It's an AWESOME lil boutique that we are IN LOVE with - YOU WILL LOVE WHAT THEY DONATED!! I'll take a picture and post it later!!

OHHHH, Wishblades and Cricut Expressions SHOULD be here BEFORE GANZA!! So, we'll have cricut mats and Wishblade mats at the crop, should you need them!!! (theresa - your cartridge SHOULD be here as well!!!)

I'm off for now - here are some 80's fun stuff for ya to enjoy!!!

OH MY GOODNESS - do you remember reading this magazine!??!

"What choo talkin' bout WILLIS?"
"Wake me UP before you go-go....don't leave me hangin' on like a yo-yo"
Please tell me someone ELSE loved Pee Wee's playhouse on Saturday mornings too!??! (before all the perverse controvery that surrounded him? :( )

Okay - I have to be honest, I wasn't a "headbanger" and didn't LOVE KISS back in the day...however - I've grown to love GENE SIMMONS and his music since watching his reality series, Family Jewels!!! (PLUS - this song is on GUITAR HERO - my new favorite past time!)