Day off to do my nails?...

Well. I put a full set on my youngest daughter the other day and she popped a nail yesterday. I put a full set on my oldest daughter yesterday and she smudged a bunch. I knew I had a fix and two polishes to do today. The one good thing is, they come up with great ideas for their nails!

I finally got mine polished and oh boy, I think they look cool! They're teal, chocolate brown and taupe. Taupe, one of the colors on the NYC fashion runways for spring.

You should try it, it can go with almost any color. It's not as boring as it seems. You can make it either the focal point of your nail or the accent color. I've always used colors like this. Either as the main polish color or as a paint color for the design.

It's not a color to be afraid of. You know what? If there is a color you don't like or think looks weird or isn't "you", try it. Put it on a tip and practice something with it. You may have the next "new thing" without knowing it! Be adventurous!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1983, the final episode of M*A*S*H became the most-watched single television episode in US history.

Science Fair!!

For work today, I have to "teach" the kids about the periodic table. Now, I'm not sure how far I have to get into this or how many questions they will ask, but, I may be prepared. I don't know about you, but I never did do well in science when it came to the periodic table.
I will let you know.....

Well, it's over. Not a bad time with science today. My daughter, the one who loves the periodic table, showed up for the whole thing and made some wonderful molecules. The kids got to make and water molecule and sulfer oxide molecule. We made everything out of dowels and air dry foamy clay. It was fun to talk to the kids about combining elements to make molecules.

Of course, my daughter, made something for her sister, "killer air"! How nice... O3 is a deadly air.

And again, I did fill my nails and never polished them...

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1827, students paraded in New Orleans on fat Tuesday, reviving Mardi Gras traditions.

Friday night...life?

What a day at work? I was going in weather they told me to come in or not! I haven't been there since Monday. I was going to go crazy from lack of money and being there!

We were working on a skeleton crew. Doesn't it figure, Fishkill and Wappinger Falls were in a state of emergency and everyone else was closed! Holy crap, we were busy. I was loving it, it felt like Christmas. Aaaahhh!!! I live for days like this!

Well, my sister called when I was doing nails and asked if I wanted to go to the movies to see Shutter Island. We missed the first 5 minutes or so. Crappola, what a movie?! Leo! Martin!...and whoever wrote the screenplay. The twists and turns to this are amazing and all with Boston accent. (some people didn't practice theirs).

I highly recommend this!

I was asked by the editor of Nails Magazine, with other techs, to help with the beginning of a new nail "facebook". I'm honored to say the least.

I uploaded a bunch of pictures that were submitted to Nails International Magazine. A tech I've talked to who lives in California, was also asked to help. This is a great opportunity for myself and the other techs. I'll keep you posted!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1919, Congress established Grand Canyon National Park, and 10 years later, Grand Teton National Park.

Another day off because of snow?!

I was called this morning and told I didn't need to go in to work because of the damned snow! Aaarrrhhh!!!,
I NEED to get back to work, I love my house, but I can't take anymore of it.

My Wednesday nail customer canceled yesterday for today and now again for tonight. I don't blame her. I know she doesn't like to drive in the snow. I'd rather fix some nails than worry about her being on the road.

Hopefully tomorrow I go in. I have too much work to do and I've only been in the on Monday for 4 hours.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow...

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1964, Cassius Clay (aka Mohammed Ali), TKO'ed Sonny Liston, becoming the world heavyweight champion.

Grrr...surgery...

Went to the orthopedist today...dun dun dunnnnn...surgery on my shoulder!

Man, last year I had thumb replacement surgery on my left hand and was out of one job for a week and couldn't do nails for A MONTH!

I have 3 or more bone spurs, bursitis, arthritis and he said, hopefully, no problems with the rotor cuff.! I don't have time for this, I'm having foot surgery in March. I will be out for 4 or 5 days with that and 4 or 5 days with my shoulder.

I have to remember, if my shoulder doesn't work, I don't work! He said I could have the surgery or live with it. I've been dying with this for about 8 months. I don't want it anymore.

My client canceled tonight for tomorrow night. She will not drive in the snow. I don't blame her, we got quite a bit followed by rain. Yuck!

Instead, I did my sisters fill. She saved me at Sonic today. I accidentally left the lights on on the car and had a dead battery! I owed her.

Nails tomorrow.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1992, Nirvana front-man Kurt Cobain married Courtney Love, on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.

Free pancakes as IHOP!

My sister and I went to IHOP for "Free pancake day"! They suggest a donation that will go to the Children s Miracle Network. (By the way, the CMN was started by the Osmond family and I'll do anything for Donny!)

Breakfast was amazing and we ate our share. For a $5 donation, you got to put your name on a paper balloon and it gets put on the wall. Also, there's a $5 coupon attached to the bottom good on another visit to IHOP. So, it's like when you make a donation to them, they make a donation to you!

Well, let me just blow off some steam here and talk about the trashy, low-life, irritating college kids that were in there today. 99% of them in the restaurant ordered the "free" pancake stack and, drum roll please, water! And, of course, do you think they even tipped their waitresses or left a donation? You got it! Maybe they were saving their money to put gas into all of the cute little new sports cars Mommy and Daddy bought them! Not to mention they were swearing like truck driver in a very loud manner.

Now, I am not a prude, but there's a time and place for every thing.e My kids even know the rules of swearing, if they must do it.

#1 You do not swear around people you do not know
#2 You do not swear around older people, would you really want someone swearing around your grandmother?!
#3 You do not swear just to hear yourself swear or to "impress" the people you are with

Thank you. I had to get that off of my chest.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1945, U.S. marines raised a large American flag on Mount Surabachi, after the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Holy cow! What a crappy Monday!

When I woke up this morning, little did I realize what a crappy day it would be!

Nothing went right, I couldn't think or concentrate. It was bad.

Usually, when I work the register and interact with customers, it helps and I seem to feed off of it. The good, bad and the ugly of the customers seem help my mood. I love the interaction. Nope, not today. I couldn't find anything, do anything or figure anything out.

Tonight, nails tonight! My customer I have is a real "pick-me-upper"! I always have fun when she's here.

What I think is funny with her is when I ask her what color polish she wants, sometimes, she just sticks her hand in the polishes, picks one up and says, "this will be good" not even knowing what color it is! God, you gotta love it!

Well, what I did last night was put a new color (the one I'm wearing to the IBS) right in front of her. I put the other colors out, just as a formality. I told her she had no choice, she was wearing it. She said she figured that out when it was separate from the others. I put black, 50's circles on just the ring fingers. What a look!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1980, the ragtag U.S. Hockey team defeated the USSR in the winter Olympics, in the "Miracle on Ice." ...where were you?...

A day to do nothing!

I played a computer game with my sister. "Bejeweled", not a bad game.

While she was playing, I actually addend a design to my nails! Yeah for me! ...but I hate it! It's one of those designs that the layperson would go, "Oh my goodness! That's so nice! However did you do that?" I don't want to say, "with a fan brush, with my eyes shut and with my left foot!".
Sorry, I'm just not happy with my design, but won't change it, no time.

I'm working my way up to the IBS in NYC on March 7th. I'm not sure of what design to do on the color I've already picked out!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1970, the Jackson 5 made their t.v debut on "American Bandstand".

My daughters nails, to do or not to do!

My 16 year old daughter is trying to grow her nails and make them presentable. I bought her and her sister nail strengthener and they use it. They both polish their nails nicely and try to keep them in shape. The 16 year old wants a full set of acrylics. Do I or don't I?

I've given them both sets of nails before, only to have them break them or "come off somehow"!

If I do them, tomorrow, I will giver her VERY short, to the ends of her fingers nails. I won't even give her the length you would give a nail biter.

Now, do you think her grades will improve?!?!?!

Hopefully, date night with my husband. Keep your fingers crossed we actually go!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1871, the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened in NYC, featuring a Roman sarcophagus and 150 paintings.

Check out a new art blog!

I was talking to one of the girls I work with while we were putting away our favorite things, paints and brushes, when she told me she has her own blog.

She writes about the art world and galleries and art happenings!

Crap! I forgot the name of her blog! I will add that as soon as possible!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1473, astronomical scholar Nicolaus Comernicus was born in Poland.

Art is calling!

I just received an e-mail about a parade in New Paltz and an e-mail about decorating a "horse" for Saugerties! Who would have thought?!

At my age, I thought my nail and art career was in the past and there would be nothing for me to do. You know if you don't make a mark when you're young or just out of college, nobody would look twice at your stuff.

Newsflash!! I did one show in New Paltz two years ago and was asked to come back to it last year. I entered one contest in Nails Magazine, about 6 years ago, (and took first place!) and now am asked to do everything from advice on nail art to nail art itself!

I even went and did nails in September of 08, at Fashion week in NYC. We went from a show a the Glass Houses to Macy's for Sean John, Diddy.

I was chosen to be the artist for the City of Poughkeepsie for the Walkway Over the Hudson.

It's calling and I'm answering!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1929, the two-year-old Academy of Motion Pictures arts and Sciences announced the first Oscar winners.

The best of both worlds?

Michaels and nails.

Why is it when people see me at Michaels, they automatically assume I don't do nails anymore? I may get to the point, some days, when I never want to do nails again! I'm sure I'm not the only one either.

Then, when I don't think I want this anymore, aches, pains and all over ouchiness, I sit down and it's all gone. I remember, when I smell the remover or liquid, why I love to do this. I love the interaction and the creation. It's the same at Michaels. I love the interaction and crativity!

Yes, I can have the best of both worlds!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today, in 1876, sardines were first canned by Julius Wolff-Eastport in Maine.

Fat Tuesday!

...or Pancake Day!

I was off of work, my oldest was off so she could go to a concert and my youngest had no school because of "all of that snow".

Because it's National Pancake Day, we went to Perkins, of course.

This is as close to Mardi-Gras as I will probably get. Breakfast was gooood.

I did nails tonight, a fill that was a long time coming, 4 weeks! Aaaahhh! Done good tho'!

My daughter went to a concert in NYC today. She won't get in on the train until about 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. and I have to pick her and her friend up at the train station. Then, I have to be to work in the morning. Wish me luck!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1972, basketball player Wilt Chamberlain scored his 30,000th point - he would score 1,419 more before his career was over.

Monday, monday...

What a day at work! A special coupon for 20% more off of your whole purchase. It felt like Christmas, what crowds!

I was asked to stay late. I didn't mind. As long as I can make my appointments, I will always stay!

Well, I had my pre-op for my foot surgery. Oh, boy. One month until the big day where they "CUT OFF MY FOOT!". Sorry, not really. Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy, look it up and add a bone spur. Not a pleasant thing. One of the cool things, besides no more pain and I'll be able to walk again, no crutches after surgery! Some surgeries are so good to look forward to!

My husband had off today, thank you Mr. President, and cooked dinner. I had planned on having just ravioli, sauce and bread. No. My husband had other plans. Ravioli, sauce and bruscetta! Not a bad dinner, amazing! He knows how to keep my happy...

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1965, the Queen of Canada approved the design of the now-ubiquitous red-and -white maple leaf flag.

AAhh, Valentine's Day!

Well, we had a nice dinner planned. Steak, one beautiful sea scallop each, snow crab legs, baked potatoes, shrimp cocktail...and the kids home for dinner!

Dinner was AMAZING! Shallot butter for the steak, potatoes and crab and scallops. I think Chef Ramsey would be delighted by my scallops. We were stuffed like pigs, very happy pigs...

The kids ate cubed steak for dinner. No, we're not bad parents, we fed them!

My oldest bought me some flowers that we put on the table and we set candles out. The four of us had a wonderful dinner!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1929, seven of Al Capone's colleagues were murdered as part of a gang war- it would become known as "The Valentine's Day Massacre."

Titanic!!!

Probably two posts today.

Just have to say we're going to NYC this morning to see the Titanic exhibit! I'm so excited. I'm going with my sister, two brothers, niece and nephew. My nephew knows every detail about the Titanic, I mean EVERYTHING! I think he was on it...

Be back later to tell you about it!

Holy cow! What a humbling experience! I wish we'd gone to this exhibit sooner so everyone who I tell about it could still have time to go and see it.

When you go in, they give you a "boarding pass" of a real passenger. You are now that passenger. You go through the whole exhibit, which can take about 2 hours, and read about other passengers, famous, not famous.

The artifacts that are there are strangely fascinating. There are personal effects, dishes, pots and pans, champagne bottles that STILL HAVE CHAMPAGNE IN THEM!

One very weird item was a mans vest and pair of pants. They were protected all these years in a leather suitcase. According to the information, it was so well preserved in the water, because of the way leather was tanned back then. It made it very water proof. Amazing.

I looked for "famous" people the whole time on the streets of New York. Nothing! Why is it, whenever I go to the city, I never see anyone? Oh, wait! I did see Dave Price, weatherman for The Early Show on CBS. NOT REALLY A BIG DEAL, I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH HIM!
I saw him for 3 years at Poughkeepsie High School!

Well, when I go back in March for the IBS, I plan to make many contacts, again, that will pan out into something solid. I'm 46 and life's too short to fart around. I will make my connections soon!

...stay tuned...

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 2000, the last original "Peanuts" comic strip appeared in U.S. newspapers.

T.G.I.F. for real this time!

Work wasn't too bad today, everyone seemed to be making up for the snow day. Oh, the crafty things and projects we sold today!

Did nails, a fill and full set of pink and whites. Not too bad. The first client needed a new nail, she finally realized she may want to heed me advice and use rubber gloves when she uses BLEACH! Right? I know! The second, a straight forward set of pink and whites with a silver line...

Yeah! Chinese for dinner! Titanic exhibit tomorrow in Times Square, NYC. Maybe I can sneak into any of the fashion shows going on for fashion week...

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1879, congress authorized the construction of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. ........Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln!

Working on my day off

I went into work today to make up for the snow day yesterday. I finally got some more sample boards made up! How much fun? you ask...I got to color, make pictures with sand and color in stickers! ...and I get PAID for this?!

Nails tomorrow. One customer who canceled because of the snow and a neighbor girl who needs a full set for a big Sweet 16 on Saturday.

With the hours being cut at work, I don't mind the extra clients!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1990, Nelson Mandela was freed from Victor Verster prison, where he had been held for 27 years.

SNOWDAY!!!

I was waiting for the "Storm of the Century"! What a disappointment!

My daughters school canceled yesterday and I was to go into work today. No problem! ...until I got a call from my manager at 8:30. Don't come into work today! AAHH!! Short 5 hours for the week. I hope I can make it up tomorrow.

Well, here I sit now, STILL waiting for the big storm! I have a fire going and my fluffy robe on. So, I guess not too bad!

The kids didn't want to watch American Idol, so we're DVR-ing it.

On a sad note. Captain Phil Harris of the CorneliaMarie, from The Deadliest Catch, passed away today. Poor Phil. He lived hard and died hard. Condolences to his son's, Jake and Josh and the rest of the Harris family, including the CorneliaMarie crew. Big crabbing in the sky...

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1989, Ron Brown was named chairman of the DNC, the first African-American to lead a major U.S. party.

A different schedule today...

Wow! I don't go into work to day until 4:30! Now I have aaaaallllll day to clean the house! The excitement is killing me...or is it the thought of so much cleaning?!

I have a Make-it, Take-it tonight from 6-8. Peggy's got a Wilton class around the same time, maybe we can go to Friendly's for coffee afterward. Who am I kidding, we'll go!

_________________________________________________________________

It was a successful event tonight! More kids than I thought participated.

I painted my nails with one coat of China Glaze "Hawaiian Punch". Hopefully, tomorrow, I'll get to finish them for a Valentines theme...

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1960, the first star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was awarded to actress Joanne Woodward.

Aaarrrggg!!!

What a day in cashier hell! I couldn't run a register to save my life today!

Wrong refund, void, void, void! It either makes you want to run, hide and cry or go on a drinking binge! ...all of the above work for me!

...I did fill my nails though!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 2005, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmooud Abbas announced cease-fire.

Superbowl!

I'm kind of rooting for the Saints because of the whole, I'm a softy for a good story, thing!
Lots of food and wings!

Had to go to a friends house to do her nails. Hopefully it cheered her up a little. Foot surgery recovery can be a "pain in the foot"! I know, bad one.

It was o.k. though. I came home just before the game started and it was like walking into another someone's party! Basically, everything was done and I sat down and started eating!

I promise to fill my own nails in the morning before work!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1964, the Beatles arrived in New York, touching off rock and roll's "British Invasion"!

What a day?!

After getting woken up at 4:30 a.m. by Squishy, the cat, and a major hot flash, I couldn't get back to sleep until 6:30 a.m.

I ended up watching the original Ocean's Eleven, until then and went to bed. Almost overslept, but the movie was so worth it! The Rat Pack!!

I worked from 9:30 a.m. till almost 5 p.m. with 4 Make-it, Take-its and making sure the Wilton demo got going and a birthday party for a dozen or so 4 year old's and their parents. Not a bad day though, I did get a little bit of a break!

Came home and had a beer, only one! Another one would have put me to sleep! Bad Saturday night!

Superbowl tomorrow! I don't know who really is coming over, but we'll have FOOD!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1952, Elizabeth II succeeded her father, George VI, to the throne, becoming the Queen of England.

TGIF? Not for me, work tomorrow...

Worked today. I actually got some samples made!

I finished a "beach" scene made with clay pots. Amanda started it almost 2 weeks ago and we've finished it! It's the cutest!

No nails tonight. I'll do them on Sunday. I am too tired to do my own. Two weeks in two too many for me!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1936, the iconic film "Modern Times," was released, featuring Charlie Chaplin as "The Little Tramp."

Cortisone, a blessing or a curse?

I went to the doctor today to find out about a year old injury on my hand that happened after my thumb replacement surgery. I ruptured the tendon in my wrist that is attached to my ring finger. Holy crap, what pain!

Well, he said that there is a hole in the tendon that can be helped by cortisone or surgery to clean up the area and hope it heals together. I chose the cortisone. I asked for a shot in my left thumb also. That one's on the way out also!

Big mistake to have both hands done at the same time. I am taking forever to type this because, obviously, my hands aren't working too well.

TAKE CARE OF YOU HANDS!! if you love doing nails...

TODAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1783, George Washington was elected the first President of the United States.

What a day! I didn't get a chance to make any of the samples for work today. So many hours have been cut, that I had to be on register all day. Don't get me wrong, I love running register. I just hate getting behind on my other work. Besides, most of my other work is creating, painting and overall, "playing".

Anyway, on to nails. I had 3 fills and polished one set of toenails tonight. There was no real break in between but, it was probably better that way. It kept my shoulder, hands and back from getting a chance to stop hurting. I figured if I keep the steady "pain", it's better than having to experience the dramatic pain over and over.

Off to the hand doctor and physical therapy, for my shoulder, tomorrow...after another fill for a friend who just had major foot surgery.

God, am I getting old or just breaking down prematurely?

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED...in 1959 Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash...

Not much going on today.

No nails on Tuesdays, but tomorrow, oh boy! I have to work from 9:30 to 1:30 and nails from 2:30 to about 7pm!

Gotta do, what I gotta do. Who am I kidding, I love nails.

TODAY IN HISTORY: Today in 1887, the first Groundhog Day was observed in Punxsutawney, PA. Phil did not see his shadow

Monday, Monday, Monday...

Monday, what can I say.

Woke up this morning and my back isn't any better than it was yesterday. The only good thing is that my 5:30 appointment canceled until Wednesday. Her and her daughter are sick. Another day to try and recover my back. Physical therapy for my shoulder was about to kill me! It doesn't seem to be getting better. My foot, back and my shoulder! When does it end?