the little things

i'm starting to feel like Mimi from Drew Carey..

minus the crazy blue eye makeup!!

my coworkers have found it so funny to give me little trinkets for my desk, here at work, aka: "junk stuff" said by my favorite coworker, Claudia.

i'm at work right now, so unfortunetly, no photos can be taken and shared at this time, but when I remember to buy batteries for the mouse at home, and take my rechargable ones out that normally go to my digital camera, THEN I will bring it to work & show you just what I'm talking about! ;) hehe.

just picture this: a LOTS of ladybugs (such as a beanie baby, a fly swatter, a puzzle, a keychain, a piece of chocolate & a rock ALL ladybug!), also a tiny 1 1/2 inch tall troll with yellow eyes & purple hair waving to you and a plastic alligator from the 1960's attached to a seashell with a fading "Florida" printed on it...

yeah. lots of "junk stuff" happening at Mrs. Duenke's desk lately. I love it tho, it makes me laugh. :)

speaking of "Mrs. Duenke", I've had a few emails since I've been married asking how the heck our last name is pronounced..it's totally German, and totally NOT pronounced how it should be.  We say, "Dinky" (ha. ha. i know you're laughing! go ahead, we don't mind lol), but it really should be pronounce "Doonkay"."

whatever. cuz both are pretty bad & silly, but oh, well..what can ya do?!

Which brings me to another bit..yesterday my coworkers & I were discussing baby names (for no reason at all-so make no assumptions here! haha) and I said Nate & I liked the name Harrison, but we couldn't name a baby that b/c sooner or later it would get shortened to Harry..and with a last name like Duenke we just couldn't do that to our child!! If ya catch what I'm saying.. yikes. LOL ;)

anywhooo now, that that randomness is over..so is lunch, so I must get back to it. Thanks for saying hi the last few days! Nice to know you're here! :)

in numbers...

1.      I can’t believe September is just around the corner. Wow. But, bring on fall! :)

2.      Nate officially got a bid at work & is “officially” an employee there!! Complete with benefits AND a raise!!! Totally praising & thanking God right now!

3.      I heart scrapbooking & SIStv. Thanks to Ashley & Mel for completely making my day today with this. !!!

4.      I am addicted to lemonade. For serious.

5.      Megan spent the night last & she totally made my headaches better. Plus, we made blackberry cobbler & it was pretty much the best thing I’ve eaten in while! lol seriously, sooo good!

6.      I am loving the Post Secret books. Nate & I got Megan the first one for Christmas last year & she just picked up the other 2..and man..they are AWESOME! Love the messages..good, bad, ugly or just plan weird. Love them!

7.      I am absolutely blessed with my friends & family.  God is so good!

8.      Still thinking about going back to school, but now with Nate getting such great news yesterday, we may just hold off a little longer, so we can really pay off the dent & save for a house!

9.      the meds my doctor put me on are helping, especially the one for night time to help me sleep better…that thing knocks me out!

10.  I am bored with my photos, therefore the scrap mojo is lingering.  I think I’m going to try when I’m done blogging tho.

11.  Nate has THE best stories! Oh my gosh!! I just got the greatest idea for a page b/c of my Nater! Wooot!

12.  ok, that is all! Because I am PUMPED to go scrap this funny! Hehehe. oh, and we'll be together 2 years next week! awww! (pic from the night we officially started dating! <3 even tho it refuses to come down here & post! grr! haha)

13.  Hope everyone’s week is going well!

14.  oh, and if you’re here…let me know!!  Just say hi or whatever your heart desires! :)  only if you want tho..I promise not to twist your arm! ;)

highs & lows..

This week has been full of them for me. And I am so glad it’s Friday! I am ready for the weekend.

I didn’t make the Studio Calico DT-which is ok, because there is some MAD talent on the site!  I’m so excited to see who’s on the new team!  I love the kits April & Scarlet put together, I hope to purchase one soon..and was actually hoping to do so with the new kit their about to release, but can’t due to low #2..

Messing up the check book. *sigh* Thank goodness today is payday, but with all the junk that’s due & such, I think I better just hold off on anymore scrap goods for a few days.

The weekend is almost here & I absolutely cannot wait to just be at home with Nate.  We have an anniversary party to go to tomorrow for my good friend, Heather’s parents, and some grocery shopping to do, but other than that..nothing.

Tuesday I got a migraine at work..had to leave early..and stupid me, drove home with it..I had my sunglasses on the whole drive home, and it was even gloomy out!  I came home, slept for over 2 ½ hours, only to wake up with a headache & get so sick.  Woke up with another headache Wednesday morning, decided that was it; having headaches everyday for the past 7 days was enough, I called off work & made an appointment with my doctor.

He put me on 2 different meds & told me I needed to come back in a month for a follow up & said if I didn’t seem better, he would need to put me on something I would HAVE to take every, stinkin’ day. Argh.  I am just bummed with these stupid things, because there’s no “real” known reason why I’m getting them, but my Dr. said he believes it’s due to lack of sleep.  And the reason I don’t get enough sleep is because of stress.  For the last month or so, I just toss & turn before falling asleep hours later, because I’m too busy thinking about all the stuff I have to do, or didn’t do, or worrying about every little thing..*sigh again* So, now I get to be on an antidepressant until things calm down a bit. How exciting. (sarcasm) ;)

Anywhoo, I can’t believe it’s almost September!  Wow.  and that means we have 2 months until our lease is up, and only a month to figure out what we’re doing & if we decide to move, we have to find a place in September, so we can put our 30 days notice in. Nate & I are soo torn on what we want to do. I hate being in a toss up between things. That’s never any fun.

My college info packet came the other day!  I looked thru it a bit, and they provided me with FAFSA info, so now I just need to get the ball rolling with that. Thanks so much for the kind words, by the way. They mean a ton to me!

There’s been some bad flooding here in Ohio, and one of the areas worst “hit” was Findlay, where Nate is from.  All of his family & friends are okay, but the town is a mess.  They have a brand new WalMart & other shops that are completely flooded.  Some of our friends who live there have photos of it & it’s a mess.  We’re thankful that no family & friends lost anything, but are so sad for those who did.  Hopefully they’ll get the aid that they need soon.

I am just having one of those ho-hum kind of days, sorry that this post is such a downer..lots going on in my head lately..

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

it's kind of a big deal..;)

totally nervous. totally scared. totally excited. totally need this.
Now, we're just praying that God leads me in His time back to college to do something I know I will love.
At first, I thought I'd do education again. but, it will take so long to complete, especially while still working full time. So, I thought about things I love; people. and helping them, being around them. I also love paperwork & something new everyday. so last night as I searched the college website's programs, i ran across both Radiology Tech & Medical Assistant. I'd LOVE to be a nurse, but that's a little too much blood & guts for me if ya know what I'm saying!
As I read over each description, Medical Assisting just made sense. It's an Associate's degree, I already have a whole semester of classes under my belt from a few years ago, I'd still be taking care of people, it's in the health care field, the pay isn't super, super great, but Nate & I are okay with that because it's more than I get now AND I'd (hopefully!) be doing something I love.
This is such a big & scary step. I told Nate I wouldn't do anything if he didn't want me to. But, of course, being the great guy he is..he said "absolutely go for it! I'll be with you every step of the way!"
Made me all mushy inside. :)

So, yeah...that's the latest in the Duenke household! We know it won't be this semester, but I'm really hoping for Spring semester.
I'm excited!

it's become apparent; i like old things

things with a history & character.

i love antiques!  i love that i have recently found my love for old things. :)

i love the challenge of trying to get "more for less", take for example..I allowed myself $20.00 to spend at an antique warehouse that mom & Phil took Nate & I to for the first time Saturday..

it was an absolute blast! we spent over an hour & a half there..and didn't even see everything..there's no possible way one ever could. there's that much stuff! i was in Heaven!

i was on a mission to find the turquoise Ball glas jars with metal lids OR glass lids.  I hit the jackpot, finding quite a few, but withheld myself from taking them all home, so I purchased these 3..IN LOVE with them!  I think all 3 endd up being $15.00. I plan on using them for buttons & candles, but for now, they are resting in the kitchen as "empty" decor. :)  Along , with that awesome, heavy & perfect white bowl I also found!  As soon as I saw it, I had to have it..and the best part was it was ony $12! I was stoked!  So, I ended up spending just a few more dollars than expected, but it was some of my birthday money, so no worries! I also got Nate tis cool Pepsi van thing still in the original box..he loved it & we couldn't pass it up, especially ince his grandpa worked for Pepsi for over 35 years!

Yesterday, after an amazing church service (seriously, I was touched. God was there..6 souls were saved-it was glorious!) and a (quick?) trip to WalMart, we came home & cleaned the apartment from top to bottom. I was on such a roll & have been craving fall so badly, that I didn't give a flying fruit that it was still August, and I was putting up fall decorations!! LOL Candles, decor, autumn signs..I'm ready for it, can ya tell?! haha.

One thing I will absolutely miss about this place if we decide to move in the coming months is this kitchen. I love it. It's large, has lots of storage and great appliances. Makes me sad just thinking about leaving it! *Note the new glass jars resting peacefully on the counter & such! :)

Anywhoo.. we're about to go have lunch with my cousin & his girlfriend..so I'm out! Here's to a good week!

sometimes..

Sometimes I don’t think I’m good enough.

Sometimes I wonder where I’d be without Nate.

Sometimes I think we’re be “poor” forever.

Sometimes I wish life was easier.

Sometimes I don’t want to do anything.

Sometimes I hate work.

Sometimes I don’t know what the heck I’m doing.

Sometimes I wish I were more productive.

Sometimes I talk too much.

Sometimes I don’t call someone that maybe I should.

Sometimes I complain wayyy too much.

Sometimes I don’t get enough sleep.

Sometimes I get really frustrated about money.

Sometimes I hate how I look.

Sometimes I think too much.

But, then again most of the time I’m happy. I’m free. I’m in love. I’m strong and witty.  I love my life! I am absolutely blessed.

But sometimes, I let the ‘sometimes-things’ ruin me. and that just ain’t cool.

I cannot wait to go to church Sunday. I need it. I need the inspiration, I need the message.  I miss it. 

Whoa. Talk about rambling! Goodness!  I’ve just got a lot on my mind lately.  Not sure why, but maybe it’s because I have so much that I want to do and every though related to my career, a new place to live, having kids, life in general..usually all just junks together & clogs my brain days at a time..and today is one of those days!

I cannot wait to spend some downtime with Nate. I have missed him terribly this week.  I miss him all the time, but this week just seems like I haven’t seen him at all for some reason.

Anywhoo..now that I have completely made no sense, I should do some work. hmff.

Thanks for the sweet comments on those layouts.  I’m trying to branch out & try new things..i’m starting to really like basic colors, and vintage-type prints..who knew?!

Have a great weekend!

scrappage.

my style is changing. slowly..and i think i kinda like where it's going.
now, i must get to purchasing some new albums for all the layouts that are stacking up! it's GOOD to feel the scrappage mojo! :)

days come & go..

wow. time has gotten away from me lately!

Columbus was such a great time! We had a blast seeing Steph & Matt, eating, shopping, playing scrabble..we shared LOTS & LOTS of laughs!  I love it down there.  And the weather was perfect!

Saturday we ate at the Cheesecake Factory. It was delicious, as always! I got the grilled shrimp & bacon club...YUM. nate got a HUGE burrito thing, & Steph & Matt got some yummy looking Cheesesteaks!  and we all topped it off by sharing 2 pieces of strawberry cheescake! mmm.  Too bad the service wasn't as great!

Easton was a blast too. Hit up Archiver's and sadly came out with nothing :(  Bath & Body Works was a good score tho..we stocked up on some antibacterial soaps..fun stuff!  Meanwhile, the boys were out & about & Nate just had to call me from the iPhone! it was precious. Too bad he set the alarm off right after we hung up! haha. He got a little too close to the door with it, I guess!

I've never made so many stinkin trips to Walmart & Target in my life!  We searched for board games, hotwheels, stuff, stuff & more stuff! Saturday night Steph & I picked up crayons & a Nemo coloring book!! it was a good, childish time! ;)  I also ate at Sonic for the first time..so good! Fattening, but good! haha.

Sunday we said our goodbyes, and Nate &  I headed for another mall. Polaris. one of my faves!

We got there a little before all the stores opened, so we had a frapp at Starbucks & people watched on a big, comfy couch for a while. It was grand!

I didn't manage to get the Bare Escentuals because, well, it's a long story, but lets just say I was disappointed with Sephora's service, even tho they had everything under the sun for BE, but I just wasn't happy with their "process" of helping me.  So I just opted for the usual Clinique, but I still want to try the BE sometime!

Made a stop to one of my fave place, Williams Somona!  Managed to escape with just a small purchase-dish cloths! haha. I know you're asking, "who the heck buys dish cloths for their birthday??!" well, this girl does I guess! haha. it's truly the oh, so little things! :)

Also, found a GREAT primitive store, called The Old Farmstead. Oh boy, was I in heaven!!  So much goodness! I wish I could have bought it all! ha. I picked up a cute little wooden sign, some "berry vine" for around my candle & the cutest little wood turkey for Thanksgiving time! love little finds like that! Lane Bryant was also a grand time. I love that store-yey for the curvy girl store! Came out with some new undergarments ;) and a cute black dress shirt that I tried to find a pic of on the website, but had no luck..love it!!

After leaving the cool mall, and venturing out into the stifiling heat..we stopped at yet, another Target where I found THE cutest shirt! in love. :) and then we stopped to have lunch at Smokey Bones.  Not sure how common they are, but I've been to one in Toledo before..and LOVED it!  Such good bbq..they had the best baked beans ever!

It made for a great day, great weekend & super relaxing time!  After we got home & put everything away, we ventured to the grocery store for some much needed food..after 8 pm!  Then, went to mom & Phil's for a bonfire. One of the many reasons I love summertime, even tho now I am craving fall.

This week has been so wonky.  I haven't been able to go sleep at night..and then when I finally do, it's time to get back up again! Today is awful..I'm running on 4 hours of sleep & my body is not liking it!  It was so bad this morning that I actually got a cup of COFFEE here at work!!! I HATE coffee (with the exception of a mocha frapp from Starbucks of course! haha). It's a new 'columbian' blend that all my co-workers were raving about, but it was so disgusting! I drank it anyways, just to give me a leap into the day..it worked..for a while..and now I just want to be in bed again! haha

I scrapped last night! It felt so good to clean up my space & make it a mess all over again!  I'd post them, but I'm lazy..see above. ;) I played some with the new LUXE that Tricia sent me..LOVE it! Those rub ons are seriously some of THE best I've ever used..I could not believe how smooth they went on!  There's only 3 more days to apply for the Studio Calico DT..I'm still thinking about it, but goodness there's a lot of talent over there-so I'm not sure just yet!

anywhoo, lunch is about over so I must get  going! i promise to update this more often..I think I've just been too boring lately! haha. I hope each of you that is reading this is doing well!

the goodness list

So, it’s almost midnight, I’ve been up for about 20 hours & I’m just waiting on nate to get home, so we can fold the laundry & pack our bags for the weekend and figured since it’s been a while since I’ve blogged (thanks for the bday wishes by the wa-so sweet!) I would list a list of happies lately. So, here goes!

-We’re leaving for Columbus in 12 hours!!

-Beautiful black eyed susan’s on my birthday from my fave co-worker

-The Cheesecake Factory for dinner tomorrow! Yummm.

-being asked by a great gal, Tricia to get to play with this amazing stuff-LUXE!!!  My box came yesterday & I can. NOT wait to dig in & use those papers & rubs!! Yummm! And the ribbons & “jotters” are to die for! Loooove!

-great visits with old friends tonight

-bed in a couple of hours! I’m a sleep girl!

-gonna try & get Bare Escentuals tomorrow or Sunday while in CBUS!! Can’t wait! Hope they have it!

-seeing grandma & grandpa THREE times this week! I love them so!

-stopping by for a “quick” visit at mom & Phil’s to see Craemer..only, I ended up staying over 2 hours AND got dessert!!..it was WONDERFUL!!

-my hubby. Who even tho I snapped at him tonight, loves me just the same :)

-LA Ink. Love Kat Von D the show is gonna ROCK!!

-3 day weekend!

-fresh tomatoes from grandpa’s garden. Yum!

-The Hills comes back Monday night & Tori & Dean comes back on Tuesday night!! I am so stoked!!

-the massage that my hubby is gonna give me when he gets home..even tho he doesn’t know it yet! ;)

Have a great weekend everyone!!

1:44 a.m.

that's the time I made my debut into this world 23 years ago.

wow.

time flies.

i was 3 weeks to the day late. i hear about that every year! lol

i'm off work today & it feels like every other day, except with super sweet phone calls, text messages, comments on myspace, emails & cards! i am so blessed.

this weekend was so great. the drag races were a blast!  my ears just stopped hurting today! ha. we had a really good (and super HOT) day!

yesterday Nate baked me a red velvet cake & invited some of family over for a piece! it was really yummy!  Tana & Zeb came over Sunday evening & dropped off the cutest group of birthday balloons &  a new "birthday girl" Willow Tree figurine!  as I was opening it, I heard Nate snicker & some whispering..then some giggles. I couldn't figure out what was so funny. I thought I had done something silly that was I unaware of.  When I asked what?  He asked, "do you want 2 of those?!" It turns out, he had also gotten me the "birthday girl" Willow Tree! haha.

So, he took me back to Hallmark yesterday & let me pick  out whichever one I wanted! I thought that was so sweet! I ende d up getting the Autumn Harvest one, since autumn is coming up & they were all out of the summer one!

This weekend has been great fun. Just full of lounging, relaxing, enjoying summer & family & friends. Love that!

and now here I sit, my last day off & I think I'm gonna gather some photos & scrap! (please excuse the wet, undone hair-don't feel like doing anything with it today! LOL)  I'm even thinking about trying out for a design team!  I haven't done that in forever & I'm getting anxious to give it a try again!  I'm loving the Studio Calico site and they have a DT call out right now, so maybe I will get the courage to at least give it a try!  Those girls seem sooo nice & genuine, not to mention they offer GREAT kits that I hve really wanted to purchase since they debuted, but something always comes up money-wise, but hopefully one day soon!

anywhoo, I hope everyone has a great day! have a piece of red velvet cake on me! ;)