Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Calling 611!!! & A Gift From Fiona!

Now Y'all, its been one of those days...Not a bad day, just a BAD highway Road Rage Day!! :)  Now do me a favor and let me preach from the pulpit for a second... I'm warning ya, I'm in a talkin'/writin' mood so either go check out what Michaels has on sale this week or sit and stay for a spell!

I have about decided I'm gonna get out my Dylusion sprays and use them for another reason by golly!  I'm gonna grab the London Blue spray, mix it with a little Crushed Grape and accent it with A LOT of Postbox RED baby!  Then onto my car windows I'm writing....BE NICE WHILE YOU DRIVE or I'm gonna kick your tail feathers!!  Is that polite enough?  LOL!  How many times a day do I mutter under my breath, "Jimbo, let it go, let it go son!  It's not worth your energy!"  :)  It works most the time, but just like chitlin's on rice, I'm still not learning to like it!

When two lanes of traffic merge folks, why in God's Good Gravy can't we let the person trying to merge into our lane... IN!  Now I'm not talking about letting two cars at a time in,  that's just plain ol' ugly! I'm talking letting one go in front of you, the next car behind you allows one person to come into the lane, etc!  It will make the traffic flow so much better!  Now here's the sermon...People, if you are EVER in Austin, Texas and you see a Silver Sage Honda SUV let you into his lane by the gentlemanly manners his mama beat (just kiddin' Mom) into him....By God All Mighty, wave, honk, stick your hand out the sunroof or somehow acknowledge the kind gesture. PLEASE!   Man, have we forgotten to do that these days!  LOL!  Let's freak people out and smile while we drive!  At a stop light,  look over at the person next to you and just grin like you won the lottery!  They WILL FREAK OUT, I promise you!!  They will probably call the police but it's worth a shot huh?  Just sayin' ... My thought for the day!

Ok, I'm off my box...Let's get serious shall we?  Now, how many of you have driven down the highway at approximately 65 miles per hour and literally run over a 10 foot aluminum ladder laying smack dab in the middle of the road during 5 o'clock traffic in Austin Traffic? uhhh huh, you guessed it, I'm sheepishly raising my hand!  I didn't see the blasted thing, I didn't see it! I mean ran the thing OVER! 'bout dragged the thing for a mile, sparks a flyin', car a shutterin'!  There is absolutely nothing to do except keep going as to not cause further harm to others!  It finally released and the poor person behind me ran over it....Obviously, this had happened to several other folks previously as they all pulled over to the side of the road checking out their cars.  I pulled over to the side of the road grabbed my cell and finally realized that 611 is NOT the non-emergency number to call!  It's 311!  Of course, I had to call 411 to get the information to call 311 but luckily the operator connected me!  Good Lawd!  I tell you I'm so thankful to be at home tonight!  Safe and sound!  :)

OK, if your still with me, thank you for sticking around!  LOL!  If you aren't, be sure to email me the specials at Michaels this week!  LOL!  Speaking of Michaels....Yeah, they are gonna love me for this, but when I'm on my box It's hard to get off...what in blue blazes causes a simple plastic storage container with no bells nor whistles to be $24.99!  Really? It's not any bigger than a bread box!!! Like when did the plastic plantations of the world burn causing the price of plastic to soar!  Even with a coupon, I hate to spend that much money on something plastic!  Stars!  Ahhhhh!  Ok, see I'm feeling better...Let it go Jimbo!  Let it go!

All that to get to the real reason for the post today.  LOL!   I  received an amazing gift, from Fiona Jennings of Jennings644 fame on YouTube!  Now this sucker was heavy and packed to the gills with treasures!  I wanted to share it's contents with you!  If you have a second, well actually 30 minutes to be exact, to watch the amazing things I received, here is a two part video....Thank You So Much Fi!!  You are such a kind and giving person!  I do not deserve such kindness, but am so grateful to you! You Rock!



Thank You All For Putting Up With My Shenanigan's!  LOL!

Have an awesome evening!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter


43 comments:

  1. So sorry you had such a bad day on the road. We have all been there. So, let me hopeful make it better. Today I went to Tuesday Morning and found Tim Holtz mover and Shapers dies for $3.99 . I wanted to share this with you as you shared the Tim Hotlz hitch fasteners. But I was unable to find them @ my TM. Also @ TJ Maxx they had ek success for $3.99.

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    1. Linda! LOL! I really had a great day...well, the ladder thing was a bit of a scare actually, but you indeed made my day! Sadly, TM closes at 8:00 p.m. and I received your comment at what....8:11!!!!!!!! Now I won't be able to sleep! LOL!

      Thanks for the tip!

      J.

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  2. Well it needed saying didn't it....you go Jim!

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    1. Thank You Birthday Girl or Woman...What's politically correct anymore? Well Birthday Gentlelady! How's that!

      J.

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  3. Wow, fabulous haul. What a great friend.
    Hugz, Z

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    1. She's just like you Zandra...Always giving from the heart! Thank you for being just as Fabulous!

      Hugs,
      Jimbo

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  4. I can't stop laughing lol! Your post is hilarious Jim, but I absolutely agree with everything you said!! The other day I was driving and 3 lanes had to merge into one, and do you think anyone would let you merge..... NO!!!
    Thanks for sharing and I hope your week gets better :o)

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    1. I honestly got tickled myself but don't tell anybody! I hate people who are amused with themselves! Bahahahaha!

      Hugs,
      J.

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  5. Holy Catz Batman. And I was going to send brownies. Guess that isn't going to happen. Can I give you MY address Fiona? It is going to take Jim forever to use all that up, but I'm sure the wheels are whirling as fast as they can. Maybe if you use some of that stuff and paste it on your car, people will slow down to let you in! They will want to study your car! You can be like the guy downtown that has all the plastic dolls glued to his car! Maybe if all Jim's followers start sending him stuff, we can keep him so stocked with ideas, he would have to quit his job and craft full time! Who is in??

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    1. Kim, I like the full time thing! :) Sounds GREAT! Maybe if I keep on crafting, sell my house, my car and live under the Congress Street Bridge I can do it!

      Your Inky party sounds like fun by the way!

      Hugs my friend!

      J.

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  6. So sorry to say Jim but you gave me giggle - but I am sorry you had a bad day. On the bright side today has to be much better x joy

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  7. I have to say THANK YOU for this post!!! It makes me so happy NOT to be in the I35 mess everyday!!! Heck you've only got what...30 more years of that...sorry!!

    I've been watching Fiona's videos and have had a laugh...well...a lot more that just A laugh...she's funny and so creative!!!

    You are one lucky dude to have such a good friend!!

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    1. Barb, I am lucky! I'm surprised the ladder thing didn't make the news! It really could have been a lot worse. I'm sure after About 10 flattenings (is that a word?) with car tires on I-35 it was pretty much flattened enough!

      Hope you are doing great!

      J.

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  8. OIL = PLASTIC = OIL = PLASTIC...there's your answer. (sorry, but it's true) Now, you don't want me to get up on MY soapbox about OIL!

    ~Linda

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    1. Yes, I know, but Linda, I can get a half a tank of gas for that! Good Heaven to mergatroid! At least put a cup holder on it for 24.99! LOL!

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  9. Yeah, I haven't quite figured out why people get on the highways and forget their manners! Sorry you had a trying day but your story was so funny. Love your stories! What a fabulous gift from Fiona. So much to inspire you. Thank You for sharing.

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  10. Thank you Jim for reminding me of one of the greatest reasons to be thankful that I am now retired. Nothing worse then putting in a 12 hour day at work, and having to deal with totally rude and irrational people when all you want is to get home and not have to kiss the ground because you actually made it there all in one piece!!!!! Lol. But at least you were definitely compensated by having that fabulous RAC to come home to!!!!! Wow you have one heck of a fabulous friend in Fiona. Ask her if she would like to adapt me!!!!! All kidding aside, she is one very generous person. You must have really impressed her. What a sweet and generous person she is.
    Enjoy all your fun new stuff. I am sure you will find wonderful ways to use all of it. Have a great one.
    Marcie

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  11. Hey, Jim...good talking with you today (even though you were a bit distracted). And maybe someone already addressed this: I'm no scientist, but I think plastic has become so expensive because it has a petroleum base. Now if someone will explain the high price of mascara (WTH??)...well, I rest my case. As to the road rage issue: our gift shop has the perfect antidote--those small rubber animals whose eyes bug out when you squeeze them. Everyone driving in Austin should have one! Hope the rest of your week is a bit better! (Lynn)

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  12. Wow! That is some RAK! I'm now a subscriber to jennings644, she's a hoot, she's talented and she doesn't sleep much like the rest of us! LOL glad to hear no damage done to your SUV by that ladder.

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  13. Oh My Jim...You can make me laugh. I sit here alone in half darkness, the dogs on their backs with their paws in the air, sawing logs. Why am I not sleeping like that yet? I am trying to catch up on all the videos I saved for a quiet evening. Saved yours for last!!! Now I am wide awake. I hope you didn't damage your new car. I hear about ladders and mattresses and furniture on the Interstate here all the time. You would think people would learn to tie things down!!! Love Ya!

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  14. Hi Jim, sorry about your bad day........but it made me laugh too lol. Our roads are just as busy with ignorant drivers who are too scared to let you in, in case their put back one spot in the long line of other ignorant drivers lol lol. Personally I don't drive and I'm glad I don't, I would be the one with the window down shouting to people to get off the road and learn to drive hee hee :) Glad you liked you goodies, can't wait to see what you play with first! hugs my friend Fi xx

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  15. Jim you are so refreshing even on your soap box! I find myself checking my blog before I go to bed ( even when it's an hour past the time I was going to bed) just to see what pearls of wisdom you have for me ( you are just talking to me right? hahaha )
    I love how you say ephemera ( that is what you are saying right?) !! I remember when I first saw and heard the word I thought it was a crafters disease... ok stop laughing!
    Good lord what a great gift !!
    I'll come back later on to see the rest of it I'm getting cross eyed and I'm about to get whip lash ... I am so tired... it finally cooled off it's 1:45 a.m. now have a great night Enjoy your goodies !!!

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  16. Sorry about your bad day and I hope the ladder didn't cause too much damage?

    Who's a lucky boy then?! It was like Christmas at your house - only better! Fiona was so generous and I'm sure you are thrilled with everything she sent you. Her watch plaque is stunning too!

    Lynn

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  17. Sorry about your ladder experience, but it sure gave me a good laugh. I could see the sparks flying! I must admit, I am a road-rager, but it started for me after I moved to NYC; I do agree that if everyone let just one person in, traffic would move so much better. I can't tell you what's on special at Michael's. My craft room is so overloaded with supplies that I have been trying to not buy anything new til I use up what I have. It's hard to not buy all the new goodies. Will have to check out your videos at home - internet too slow at work - plus I should be working, I guess!

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  18. Still laughing!!!! The ladder.....the lane changes....but calling 411 to get the 311 number!!!!!! You sure make my mornings!!! Wow you have a great friend in Fiona! What a treasure chest.....have fun....but where to start!,

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  19. Welcome to Blogger! I like your new home. Your story cracked me up and I'm glad to hear you are okay after that ladder incident. So dangerous! I loved your rant, as the rest of us have already said, and I think it's because we can all relate to that weird rude thing that happens to people when they get into their car. See it all the time unfortunately. Like that shell of auto metal somehow allows them to offend others. Now mix that day of yours with an intense perimenopausal hormone spike and you'll understand why sometimes I am better off not getting in the car to begin with. Enjoyed your post. Thanks for the smile.

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  20. Jim - I feel your pain! I try my best to stay away rom I35 and Austin! Next time, I am sitting in one of the lanes at I35 and 620. (my MOST dreaded section). I will be watching out for your Honda and I will be the one grinning from ear to ear !

    What great surprises from Fiona! Woo hoo!

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  21. Too funny Jim, Don and I had a horrible day on the road yesterday. I am amazed that there aren't more accidents here! The Charleston SC area has the worst drivers in the world. We've always had huge insurance costs because of it. These peoplemust buy a car, new or used, and break off the turn signal handle! They never use them. And those that do, are usually tourists! People will drive right in front of other people, a guy cut off an big rig yesterday. He damn near got run over! The truck hit his brakes so hard the trailer nearly jack knifed!!!
    Then he went up the road and made a uturn in front of someone else! Unbelievablle! I guess he just figured others would just get out of his way because he's so special. I always use my fave word at times like this and no it's not at all what you might think...it's STUPID! lol
    If I ever come through Austin at all, you'll be the first to know. Thanks for sharing your life and your crafts with us. Big hugs, Jess

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  22. I have had lots of problems on the road lately with lack of courtesy, but even worse, disregard for basic driving rules. I am on Long Island NY, and it is worse than ever. In one on night, two different people ran stop signs completely, another laid on the horn for me not going thru the trains crossing while the arm was coming down and lights were flashing etc. The cherry on top, on the highway ramp, this person decided to STOP to text. I am moving to the woods and walking soon at this rate... Ok, off my box now..
    What a great friend you have to think of you and send you such treasures..Look forward to seeing what you make with them.

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  23. Not trying to "one up you" but I topped a hill once "pushing the speed limit, which I always do" and almost ran over the PERSON trying to get the ladder out of the road. It was dusk which made him even harder to see. Luckily had some very good brakes on the car. Don't know who was scared the most...him or me. (Closest I ever came to serving prison time!) Thought this might help you feel a little better about the ladder. As they always say.....could have been worse:)

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  24. Rough trip,Jim. I have actually done the run over the ladder thing driving a pickup with my elderly dad and kids in our ford truck, in sunny California. Didn't see it at first and once I did I couldn't go around it because of traffic on both sides so... I had to run it over. The priceless look on my Dad's face..shall be remembered always! Lol.. And he's the one who taught me to drive. Anyway there was no damage glad you didn't have any either. Wonderful gifts from Fionna , I know you'll do them justice! Drive safe..J

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  25. I just barely missed an intact aluminum window awning laying in the middle of the fast lane on the Baltimore Beltway yesterday. I feel for you buddy!

    I have hit an entire piece of pre-fab lattice that blew off the roof of the car in front of me, but that was years ago.

    Helmets on, Thunderbirds are go! :)

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  26. I am laughing so hard that I am snorting....not a pretty sight! Your ladder story reminded me of my "plastic bag" story...causing me to laugh harder! Here goes...I used to have a horrible drive to work back when we lived in MN, in my life before SAHM-hood. One night, driving home, in the cold wintery windy evening, I saw a huge plastic tarp blowing around on the highway...I was prying - please not my windshield please not please please please....and yeppers...it stuck right to my windshield! And stayed there! Then....as I am trying to slowly slow down as to not get plowed into....it whips over and snags onto my antennea...and hangs there, flapping and snapping like a nasty black flag. I do NOT want to try to pull over in the snow and slush to the non-existent shoulder which is pile high with snow - me in heels and hose and a skirt - and try to unwind that thing! It may take sail and carry me away - back then I was a skinny thing and a stiff wind would blow me away! So I am driving down the highway with that tarp stuck to my car...suddenly it blows off and zips behind me and...splat sticks to the back window! Really??!! Long story long, it finally blew off and onto another car!!!!!

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  27. Had to have a laugh while reading all about your road rage and ladder incidents, and then laughed again when reading Gloria's plastic tarp story, always a good way to start the day. Always intrigued when I hear mention of Michaels, if ever they want to open a new franchise, send them to Sydney, that'll shake up the craft business here. Sounds like you can get all sorts of bits n pieces there. Hmmm .... maybe I should start saving for a US holiday? Helen (Sydney)

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  28. JIm I know exactly what you mean about letting vehicles alternate coming into a single lane. It is the law in California to do this but I don't know why it isn;t every where else. We were raised with common courtisy but these other people who knows how they were raised. remember Karma though.

    TA
    http://carbonescorner.blogapot.com

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  29. Hi Jim, hope your car made it ok!!! You sound so much like me in traffic!!! Know the feelings!!
    Your videos make me smile so!! I love your relaxed style!! You are just funny!! Thanks for sharing Jennings 644 goodie box. I found her some months ago and watched her for two days straight! Couldn't get enough!!! Great video!! Thanks for the smiles!!!

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  30. Good heavens - your ride home sounded much like one of mine, and I travel backroads to and from the office. (We have to dodge tractors and school buses here.)

    Wonderful gifts from a very funny and talented lady. Hope you're going to share your creations, because I know they're going to be truly inspired.

    As for ephemera - substitute an f for the ph, and pronounce "era" like someone stalling for time. aeFEMaerah. I don't remember who posted that they thought it was a crafter's disease but she was right!

    Pam in wet wet wet NC

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  31. Oh Jim, how I needed your blog post today. I work in a very busy court house. I am a clerk for an extremely busy Circuit Court Judge. The world is getting so mean and crazy and worse every day. We see it first hand. It had been such a hard day for me, issues at home, so much work and Weird, Mean people to deal with and then I read your blog post of driving over the ladder and laughed out loud at my desk. It was such a needed relief. sorry you had to go through that, but THANK GOD you and your car was ok? But you make me laugh so much, and when I saw you sitting on the floor cause you couldn't get the camera moved, it was the cherry on top. You are quite a HOOT as they say here in the south. Keep me laughing, I need it sooooo much. Thanks.......

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  32. CrazyOldSyd,

    You made my day by writing that! What an honor and a blessing to be able to relieve some of the stress from your day! Thank you!

    Yours,
    Jim

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  33. Poor Jim! Hope your car is OK. It is? Good, 'cuz I can't stop laughing. I feel your pain. I was raised in Calif on freeways and now living near Boston I know God was just preparing me for some really CRAZY drivers. I especially love it when they tell me I'm number 1. Don't let it get you down. Keep smiling it keeps them guessing.

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  34. Jim, I just love to read your stories about your day and life events. You made my day. I just hate those crazy idiots on the highways and byways I hate that you have to endure them on a daily basis. I live in rural Oklahoma we do have a few but for the most part it is calm. OMG, OMG did I say OMG. WOW isn't Fiona just so kind. You are so lucky. I really like her channel, she is one talented lady. She teaches us so much. The talent this woman has, it would cost you thousands if you were to purchase how-to books on what she has shown us on YT. You as well are equally talented. Love your projects. Thank you so much for sharing them and your stories. Cyndie

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