feast or famine...

EGADS.
I so wish I had one of those jobs where I had a constant level of busy-ness. But I don't... and it's not even cyclical... it's just all or nothing. And unfortunately-- this week is an "all" week. And, yes, I feel like I'm losing my mind.

Case in point:
Working from home yesterday.
Put Mel's (soon to be my MADISON Mellypea (congrats!)-- jealous, aren't we, *e*?!!?) fabu crockpot chicken in the crockpot. Go upstairs. Work, work, work. Suddenly, a few hours later, I am STRIKEN with fear. My HOUSE smells like CHICKEN. I am suddenly convinced that SOMEONE has broken into my house and is cooking themselves chicken in my kitchen.
I'm not telling you how long it took me to realize it was MY CHICKEN in MY CROCKPOT that smelled, like, well, chicken.
When I did realize, I got a good laugh out of it at least.

Back to work.
Loves loves loves,
xxox,
g

i gots all the answers....

OK, this was exhausting!!!:)
You guys are wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too good at this game!! I really had to think on some of these answers… So without further ado, here are the answers to all your burning questions (can you tell I’m procrastinating this morning?!):

Jamie asked:
1. What's your favorite scrapping product?
Ummmmmmmm, currently, chipboard.
But I cannot scrap without insane amounts of patterned paper.

2. Who would you meet if you could meet anyone?
Egads. You’re good at this game.
I am a huge dork when I meet famous people—or at least famous in my mind. When I met Mia Hamm, I think I drooled on her. But anyone doesn’t require famous-ness or alive-ness, so I would probably want to meet Rachel Carson, the mother of the environmental movement. Yeah. She’d be pretty cool.

3. If you had to choose someone to trade places with for the day, who would it be?
Max.
He has the LIFE, peeps.

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Err, not too many.
15? <-- that figure does NOT include flip flops.

5. If you have an Ipod, how many songs are on it?
Only 313.
I’m a deleter. Horrible, I know!

Mara asked:
1. Do you miss me?
Umm, yes.
On a daily basis.
And when you send me mail love, you actually succeed in making me miss you MORE.

2. When are you coming to Chicago?
ASAP, woman.
Definitely this summer.

3. Do you still like Tye Die Long Islands?!
A better question is, who doesn’t like tie dye long islands?!?!
Really now…;)

Kelly said...
What is the number one thing you want to do this year?
I’d say get preggo, but I think there are a LOT of other factors influencing that one. When the time is right, I’m going to put all my faith in the fact that it will happen. I’d also like to not be a caffeine addict by the end of the year.;) Sad that this is a goal of mine, I know. I’d also like to successfully manage a project at work—and have it go quickly and effectively. How dorky is that?!

Can I squeeze your cheeks in Vegas?
But of COURSE….

And like Mara said... when are you coming to Chicago?
By this summer.
For sure this summer, if not before for work.
Promise.

Darcy asked.:
1. Why did you go to IU? =)
Tee hee. Because I thought Purdue looked like a prison…
KIDDING, dearest Darcy.
My parents both went there and encouraged it heavily—but moreso because I knew that I wanted to get out of state, to really get away and be on my own (as on your own as you are in college) at that time. So glad I did—met so many of my dearest friends (including the now famous Marmot) and my hub there. It’s a good thing.

2. Who's your fave scrap idol?
This question is always hard for me.
On Scrapologie, someone asked us this—and I said that, honestly, my favorite scrapper is my sister. However, I suppose she’s not a “celebrity.” She is in my mind. Celeb scrapper idols—umm, probably, oh, geez, Lisa McGarvey? Love me some Tara Whitney, though, too. Love anyone who scraps from the heart…

3. Who's your favorite Boilermaker? JK!!! =)
My father in law…. ;) Although running a close second is my sister in law—and third is definitely you, Darcy!!

4. Did you play any sports in HS?
Soccer. Lots of it.
I swam for awhile, too.
Umm, I’m much better at soccer than swimming. That’s for sure.

Hailey asked:
Do you have a process/order for scrappin?
Not really.
I have to be inspired to sit down and scrap. Lately, though, I’ve just felt overwhelmed. I usually only scrap when I pick up a photo that really speaks to me or when an idea comes into my furry little brain. This doesn’t happen anywhere near as often as I’d like it to.

April asked:
when are you coming home?
Umm, I’m here now. Friday.;) Just in time to see your hottie new haircut.

are you excited about vegas?
Tee hee. Does Max wear a fur coat?!

can we talk about ho-ey stuff on the plane to vegas?
Heck yes. You and I are personally responsible for entertaining the whole plane.

why does your boss make you come back a day early and make me fly to your neck of the woods alone?
Because she’s evil?
OK, well, really, she’s not… but a Gab’s gotta do what a Gab’s gotta do.

Muriel asked:
What is your job? and what do you love about it?
I am a program analyst for EPA’s Office of the Inspector General.
I love the mission of the EPA and therefore our mission to ensure that the programs EPA manages are efficient, effective, and encouraging actual, quantifiable improvements in environmental and human health.
Have I mentioned lately that I’m a dork?

Laura asked:
whose the hottest online date you've ever had? :)
Heh.
You know the answer to this one… she has half of my brain, walks quickly, loves tapas, and is so very very very much fun. Not only that, but she’s crazy-talented, loves her dog, drinks milk while scrapping (which is too adorable in my mind), and is addicted to caffeine just like me.
Oh, yeah, it’s you, Laura…. ;)

RACHEL =) asked:
1. How long (on average) does it take you to scrap a page?
WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY too long.
I almost fell out of my chair when Hanni told me it only takes her about an hour per page. I’m honestly lucky to get one done in 2. I’m a huge paper pusher around-er, and I also sketch and then go sooooooooooooo far afield from the sketch that it was just a waste of time.

2. What is your all-time favorite product?
Well, everyone knows about my current obsession with Magic Mesh. But I think my FAVORITE product is chipboard. Hearts, stars, flowers, letters—yeah, I love the dimension and the versatility…

3. What is your all-time favorite (scrap) company for products?
Egads.
This is also a tough one for me.
Heidi Swapp pretty much rocks my world. KI I go back and forth on. Christina Cole’s patterned paper amazes me. And I love me some Scrapworks tabs and Fontwerks stamps (even though I’m sorta inept at stamping). Did I just answer that question?!;)

4. Do you sing in the car?
Tee hee.
Not only do I sing, I also totally car dance. I think I entertain all the other cars on the way too and from work each day.

5. Do you get down and bust a move when no one's watchin?
White Gab can’t dance.
No lie.
So if it’s not car dancing, I’m probably not doing it.

6. How many hours do you spend on the computer (non-work) each day?
I plead the fifth.
This is something I know full well I need to work on this year. Probably, when I LEAVE work, I am on the computer for another 2 or 3 hours at home. THIS is maybe why I’m so scrap-aly unproductive lately…

7. What is your favorite song/favorite group?
Oooh dear.
Probably “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds is my fave song—it was our wedding song.
Fave group? Hmmmm. I’m not a big group person, but I do love me some Indigo Girls. I blame that on Collins, right Mara?!

8. And lastly... WHEN ARE WE MEETING IN THE MIDDLE AND CRASHING AT A FUN HOTEL?!?!!! SOON, I hope!!
I’m agreeing with your answer—SOON, I hope!
We need to figure this one out… ;)

Lu asked:
Question...what is your favorite cookie and why?
Mmmmmmmmm. My mom used to make these oatmeal cookies with dried fruit bits in them. Those I loved—mostly b/c you can pretend it’s healthy—dried fruit and oatmeal, how can you go wrong?! But I also love MAKING these butterscotch chip cookies—however, the last time they came out totally flat. Therefore, they are no longer my fave.

Kristi Sauer asked:
Who was your elementary school crush?? Did he know? Though this would be fun!
Ooooh dear. Joe Chapin in fifth grade. And, yeah, I’m pretty sure he knew… ;)

My sisser asked:
When are you having a baby so your sister will leave you alone about it?!?
I’m working on it, yo.
And you’ll be the second to know.
Only because I should probably tell Mikey first.

What's your favorite recipe?
And why?
Pretty much anything off of Mel’s blog. Cannot go wrong with that girlie’s food. She is my culinary test critic.

Valerie asked:
Where do you want to most visit in the world?
Oooh. So many places.
But number one on my list is probably Australia.
Hopefully someday.

Which movie star would you like to make a movie with?
This is a good one!
Reese Witherspoon. She’s going to play me in the movie of my life, so maybe we should act together prior to that…. ;)

Raina_Marie asked:
Do you know Smarties? Not the pastel sweet&sour ones but the milk chocolate candy covered ones?
No.
I only know the sweet and sour ones.
But they sound intriguing!!

Moon asked:
Roller coasters, scary or fun?
At Disneyworld, FUN—because the whole element of fantasy and make-believe just makes all the rides there so stinkin’ COOL.
However, you will not get me on a ride at a carnival or a fair.
And I can get pretty dizzy going in circles… so I’m not always the MOST fun on roller coasters… ;)

How do you like your eggs?
Mmmmmm. I love eggs. I like them poached or in eggy casserole things the most of all—or this way I had ‘em at the Broken Egg Café in Tallahasse. Mmmm. So good. I sorta want to open one of those-- or a Village Deli here... ;)

How tall is your dh?
5’11”
I think?
I’m not even sure how tall I am….

And when are you going to have baby? (i know this is none of my business, but I would love to be able to take some pictures of a mini-gabby or a mini-mikey someday)
Dude.
And I would LOVE to have you take pictures of a mini-Fek someday.
Soon? That’s the best I can anyone for right now… Would love to say two little words by the end of this year—I’m pregnant.
We shall see, friends, we shall see.

Alexandra and Raina Marie both asked:
How'd you get so sweet?
Awww, thanks guys.
Sometimes I REALLY don’t think I am.
But it’s always nice to hear other people think I am.:)
Love you guys.

Happy weekend!
xoxox,
g

question time!

OK...
I'm outtie again-- off to good ol' DC.

So I'm taking a page from Jessie and Kelly's blogs-- ask me a question, any question-- just don't make it too hard, OK?!-- like the square root of 2345648. I can't help you with that one... Anything else, though, is fair game...

Also, while you're asking me questions-- a suggestion, as well, please. I need shoes for work. Ha. Is that not dumb?! I'm a creature of comfort and therefore hate dressy shoes... any suggestions for pumps/heels/boots/etc that are comfy and yet work-appropriate?! I won't even state here what I've BEEN wearing as shoeage to work these days... ahem... ;)
I'll miss yous guys.
Mucho love,
xoxox,
g

thing number 2 cracking me up....

This....



My ribbon mess...
Which would be fine...
Except I keep stepping in that stupid bucket and flying across the room....
Hee.
I amuse myself so well.
xox,
g

nothing...

Nothing can make me laugh so hard in the morning...
As an email from my sister
With the line "et tu, Brute?"

You just made my day by speaking Shakespeare to me at 8:00 am.
Love you, Erika Caesar.
xox,
g

when gabby met scrappies...

OK.
So.
With CHA coming up...
(etc., etc.)
I thought I should give everyone a heads up on meeting me.
So here is a primer on what to expect when you're expecting... err, seeing gabbyfek...

1. I am short. Yes, Laura, you will be taller than me.
By a lot.
Well, not just L-- probably everyone else will be too...
I've always wanted to be tall..
Perhaps that should be my new year's resolution-- to grow...

2. I will inevitably chatter your ear off-- IF I meet you one-on-one. Hanni is now cracking up remembering the nonstop talk that was ME at good ol' Steak n Shake. If I meet you in a big group of people, you will probably think to yourself, hmm, I would think someone named Gabby would talk a lot more than this... This one is quiet in big groups....

3. Nervous laughter much?
Yes.
Lots, thanks.
I'm just saying...

4. I will probably hug you.
Even if you're attempting to drive your car...
Forewarn me if you have space issues... I don't just hug random strangers-- but, well, you peeps aren't really strangers in my book...

5. I don't think I look like my avatar.
That's the only photo ever taken that I actually LIKE of myself... yeah. Thanks, e... I look more like the pics on AP's blog...
She's the cute one... I'm the cheese.

6. There's a high likelihood I will wear one of the following:
-- jeans with holes
-- a t-shirt with a "funny" saying
-- fake Uggs (heh)
-- flip flops
Try not to be too embarrassed. But feel free to submit me to What Not to Wear. I'm cool with that. Oh, and whatever I wear? Will without a doubt be covered in dog fur. No matter whether the dog is around or not. I have no idea how this happens.

Phew.
I think that's all.
Just had to get that out of my sytem.
I feel better now.
xoxo,
g

tagged favorites...

Tee hee.
Tagged.
Oh yes I was.... by my darling happy scrappy Kelly.
And then after this-- look forward to me bloglifting beautiful Miss Jessie while I'm in DC next week, hanging out with the other half of my brain... Oh, yeah, and WORKING...

*Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Intern at The Wilderness Society (2x)
2. Perennial lot sales at good ol' Mileager's (3x)
3. Here. EPA. Sigh.
4. Favorite job ever-- summer environmental education program instructor for the Forest Service in Milwaukee... so good.

**4 Movies You Could Watch Over and Over**
1. Ferris Bueller
2. Dazed and Confused (fixin' to be a lot better later!)
3. Blue Crush. Cuz, well, I'm a surfer. I am. Really.
4. Happy Texas. If anyone can find this for me on DVD, I will owe you my LIFE. Well, not really my life. But I'll at least pay for the cost of the DVD and shipping. And send mail love, too. Promise...

**4 Places You Have Lived**
1. Racine, WI-- I don't even have words...
2. Collins, Collins! Collins, Collins! <--- say it w/ me, Mara-- good ol' Collins was our veggie hippie crunchy earthy dorm at IU. And then all sorts of random apartments in Bloomington...
3. Arlington/Alexandria, VA
4. Cary, NC.

**4 TV Shows You Love To Watch**
1. Veronica Mars. Are there other shows?! Really now.... ;)
2. Cold Case-- inevitably makes me cry.
3. Laguna Beach. Yeah, I know it's not on right now... and I know I'm going to hate next season... but still....
4. marathon rerun episodes of Law and Order Criminal Intent and SVU on USA. Yeah. For hours....

**4 Places You Have Been On Vacation**
1. Disney World
2. Belize and Panama
3. Hawaii. Sort of. I was kinda working... Mike was vacationing...
4. Colorado, etc-- the whole general Southwest area-- with the fam every couple of summers when I was growing up.

**4 Websites You Visit Daily**
1. TwoPeas
2. Scrapologie
3. WashingtonPost <--Sudoku, anyone?!
4. all my girls' blogs... does that count?!

**4 Of Your Favorite Foods**
1. Tapas. Yeah, just the whole general tapas food group. Uh huh. It's a food group now...
2. CHEESE. I'm so w/ you on that one, Kelly.
3. Chocolate fondue. Newly my favorite again since New Year's Eve. I'm usually not a big chocolate girl... but yeah. It was so good.
4. Spicy tuna rolls. Sigh... if only I didn't get the sense I was giving myself mercury poisioning as I ate 'em...

**4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now**
1. Asleep in bed.
2. Scrapbooking.... (can you tell from my first two answers that I'm at work right now?!)
3. Hanging out with my sisser.
4. On a tropical vacation <-- yeah. I'm on this vacation w/ Kelly if you need us.

**4 Bloggers You Are Tagging**
My Vegas girlies...
1. April
2. Missy
3. Erin
and my much missed
4. Mara

Happy Thursday.
Thank goodness the long weekend is in sight and there's a venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte on my desk...
xoxo,
g

i follow instruction well...

Remind me...
That going to the post office on the day they change the cost of stamps...
Not fun.

So today's topic is the work bathroom.
I was just telling Lisa that I drink a LOT of water at work for the sole fact that then I get off my butt and leave my cubicle to walk to the bathroom. Lately, someone has taken to-- ummm-- enhancing our bathroom decor?! It started with the random bottle of insanely stanktastic lotion. And body spray (cuz, well, you NEED body spray at work). Moved to nailpolish remover. On a gold tray. When the spray deodorant appeared, I was worried. Then we had the fake flowers. And the dried up electric blue potpourri that smells like something died.

However.
Today. We hit a new low.
Someone brought in patchouli.
Incense-esque sticks of it.
In a glass bottle.
I ran screaming from the bathroom.
Not really.
But I wanted to.
I'm as dirty hippie as they come... but even I have my limits-- and potty patchouli? Oh, yes. THAT is my limit.

No more water for me today.
xox,
g

details, details

Here's some more of my house.
Dining room.
Love this room...
Even though we hardly ever use it...
Table leg.
Chair back.
Sunshine.
(Finally-- I'd missed it so these past few days...)
Weird lighting from the things on the window (no, they aren't bars).
Bit o' floor.
Crazy rug.
Max was sitting there but he walked away.
But I like this photo anyway.
xox,
g

meatloaf, beet-loaf, double beet-loaf, I hate meatloaf!

OK.
So, who resolved to/ intends to/ insert whatever phrase you prefer to "resolve" here-- eat healthier this year?
Ooooh, that's an excellent show of hands.
Me too.
Yeah, I really love to cook.
But sometimes I get lazy. Or just want a pizza. Or Wendy's. Or something else along those lines. Or think it's going to take too long. Or involves too much stuff. Yeah, and Rachel Ray, I love you-- I am, in fact, wearing my YUM-O t-shirt right now-- but your 30 minute meals?! Not so much 30 minutes....
Anyhoo, I have a few standbys for these I don't-feel-like-cooking days (err, whole weeks in my case!), and I'm resolving/intending to share them with you all.

Now, don't diss this one cuz it's meatloaf.
It's REALLY good and really good for you...
And it makes a gillion servings...
And everything is pretty much on hand except the turkey...
AND unlike RR's 30 minute meals-- the cleanup is super easy.
OK?
And don't forget to eat your vegetables.
(I'm going to be such a good mom)

Turkey Meat Loaf ala the Feks
(adapted from a Cooking Light recipe)
2 lbs ground turkey breast
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (yeah, I use about 1/2 this amount of the dried stuff-- see aforementioned point about me being lazy)
1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1 T dried oregano
3 T Worcestershire sauce
2 T soy sauce
2 t dried basil
1 t garlic powder
Cooking spray
1/4 cup to 1/2 cup ketchup

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. Combine first 12 ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Place turkey mixture in a 9x5 loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Top with as much ketchup as your little heart desires. Bake at 400 for 1 hour and 15 mins or until done (it takes a bit less than that in my super-de-duper hot oven). Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

It's real good.
I promise.
:)
xox,
g