Grand Opening of A Spot of T - Grand Prize

The A Spot of T Grand Opening is Officially closed.  Thank you VERY much to all who left comments.  Mushu has decided to go on strike because I refused to give him a treat so I will be using Random.org that Robinella suggested.  Thanks Robin, I think this will be much easier.

I am, however, just about to leave for tea with my girls so will have to do this when I get back in a few hours.  The winner will be posted by the end of today!

Thanks again everyone!

***Notes as they come up***

Ok this one is important and I'm thanking Karmyn for mentioning this because I had no idea this could happen.  Karmyn wrote.....and just to warn people about commenting too many times in a row with Typepad.....it will think you are a Spammer and shut you down.  I did that once with Willowtree - commented about 13 times in a row.  It took about 3 weeks for me to be able to comment on any Typepad blog.  Thank you Karmyn!

Someone mentioned they only knew dirty jokes so they didn't want to write it down for fear of offending me.  HA.  It's extremely rare I'm offended about anything and I LOVE a great joke of any kind.  So stop that and if you have a good one I'd love to read it.

Typepad only shows the first 25 commenters.  After that you have to click on the arrows to see the rest of the comments.  If you comment, I assure you you are there.

I've decided to make today the official Grand Opening of A Spot of T.  Why?  Because I'm bored and want to have a Grand Opening.  Ok I'm not really bored.  I just love my new design a lot.  I love my new blog design so much I want to take a special day and show it off.  I love the blog designer so much I feel she needs one million shout outs for putting up with the likes of me.

From the new 'Joy' page, the 'Recipe' section, the 'Photo Album' section, the 'Follow Me' section and so much more.  My blog is now exactly what I had originally envisioned in my mind when I first started blogging.  I wanted a one-stop-shop...without the shopping.  All the things I love to do and all the things I hope to do.  I'm a firm believer in always learning, improving and striving for bigger things so this new blog allows me to grow if I choose to do just that.

My vision was to have what looks like a quaint little funky coffee shop you would see nestled in amongst many other little boutiques and shops.  Not a huge mega mall, we like quaint here at A Spot of T.  I am personally a huge window shopper so I wanted it to feel like you were standing outside and looking in at all the many things the store has to offer.  Without the shopping of course.  Well anyway.  Hard to put into words.  But it turned out exactly how I wanted it to and if you think I make no sense trying to convey my image to you, just imagine how poor Courtney the blog designer felt.

For all who have written to me asking who did my new design, it was Courtney from Judith Shakes Designs.  Oh how I love Courtney.  This is the testimonial I left at Judith Shakes Designs.....

"I don't think Courtney is human. To be able to read my mind, have the patience of a saint while I changed this mind of mine a million times over, answer 311 of my questions all the while keeping a cheery positive attitude, working with me so I know how to do a lot of things on my own blog.....I mean the list is endless. She can't be human. Because any human being would have told me to take a flying leap off a tall building on the 99th question.”

And it's true.  I asked four million and one questions, changed my mind three point two million times, wanted this, didn't like that, could we do this, is it possible to do that, oh do you mind changing it back to the way you had it the first time......it was endless.  And each time I was met with a cheery "Ok.  Well let's see how this works."  "No problem, I changed it back." and best best best of all "We'll have you knowing typepad like the back of your hand before I'm through".  Oh that woman is good.  She is so good.  I would have been pulling my hair out, but not Courtney.  Or at least you couldn't tell from her emails any how.  I have to wonder if the woman drinks a little bit to be able to stay so cheery dealing with clients like me.

I have decided there is no way I can have a Grand Opening without giving away a Grand Opening prize.  It isn't huge, but it will be enough for a little something.  A $100.00 Gift Card to Amazon.com.  This was actually the tough part.  I do a lot of shopping over the internet so to narrow the prize down to just one place I love was not easy for me.  As soon as the lotto kicks in, I promise to share all the stores I love to shop at over the internet.  For now though, it will be Amazon.  A lovely on-line store where many good things have been purchased by myself and people all over the world.

There are no rules.  I've never been a rule kind of gal.  Ok I guess there has to be one rule.  You have to leave a comment.  And I hate doing that because I'm a huge believer...yes I'm a huge believer in a lot of things...in not leaving comments if you don't feel like it or don't have time for it.  But unless you can telepathically let me know who you are and if you were here, there is simply no other way.  Your name must be in the comment section.

I'm guessing there won't be too many people along to my little blog, so I think it's safe to say you can comment once, comment twice, comment fourteen billion times.  Um on second thought don't comment fourteen billion times.  And if you do comment fourteen billion times, for heaven's sake at least leave me a great joke in the comment.  I will write out the names of each commenter...yes if you comment and then Martha comments I will write down your name on a piece of paper, then Martha's name on a piece of paper, then your name on a piece of paper, etc.  I will then throw all those little pieces of paper in a big hat, or most likely a very small plastic Glad bowl, and let Mushu pick the name.  He's very talented that way.

This Grand Opening won't last a month like some Grand Opening's I've seen.  For one thing this memory of mine would never allow me to remember I had something going on for that long and for another....with this memory of mine three days might be pushing it too.

So the Grand Opening will be over at 1:00pm.....my time....mountain time.....May 10th.  Three days should give you more then enough time to comment one or four times.

Comments

[CPA Mom]

Seriously? Comment more than once? OMG. I hope you are prepared for the avalanche!!

I really do like the new design. How expensive was it (yes, I'm that rude, and also in the market for a redesign).

Also, I would do anything for an amazon card. I am an amazon.com whore.

[CPA Mom]

It's me again Margaret.

[Beckie]

I'm in- especially with a prize like that! I won't say any more - I will save it for my other 14 billion comments.

[Mamma Schmoo]

ooooo, this prize would help with my receiving things other than bills problem!!! Pick me Mushu, pick me!!!

Design looks wonderful btw!!!

[Tiger Lamb Girl]

I'm definitely in. And I'll even share a joke with you. M'kay?

Here goes:

It takes an Italian man to make a woman feel like a woman...

On a recent Transatlantic flight,a plane passes through a severe storm. The turbulence is terrible and things go from bad to worse when a wing is struck by lightning. One woman in particular loses it.

Screaming, she stands up in the front of the plane. "I'm too young to die." she wails. Then she yells,"Well, if I'm going to die, I want my
last minutes on Earth to be memorable! Is there anyone on this plane who can make me feel like a WOMAN?"

For a moment there is silence. Everyone has forgotten their own peril. They all stared, riveted by the desperate woman in the front of the plane.

Then an Italian man stands up in the back of the plane. He is gorgeous; tall,well built, with dark brown hair, hazel eyes and yummy six pack..

He starts walking slowly up the aisle, unbuttoning his shirt..one button at a time..

Everyone is mesmerised by his beauty...

He removes his shirt..

Muscles ripple across his chest...

She gasps..

He whispers..

"Iron this, and get me something to eat..."

[anglophilefootballfanatic]

You're gonna get lots of comments that way. My son ate all of the chocolate you sent. And, hubby was all over the "Canadian" cheetos. Thanks again.

So can I really comment sixty times?

[anglophilefootballfanatic]

And, I told you from the beginning I liked the new place. It's cozy.

[anglophilefootballfanatic]

And, it does, in fact, feel like a teahouse.

[anglophilefootballfanatic]

Also, is this $100 Canadian? Cause that actually is good for us south of the border as you are higher than us right now?!

[Mahala]

I don't know any good jokes.. not clean ones anyway.. but I'm here.

*waves*

*smiles cheesily*

Love the design A-LOT!

[belle]

love the design and know what you mean about the coffee house - just right!
so here I am and I want to be in to claim my prize!

[Karmyn R]

Happy Open House!!!!

[Karmyn R]

Oh - and just to warn people about commenting too many times in a row with Typepad.....it will think you are a Spammer and shut you down.

I did that once with Willowtree - commented about 13 times in a row. It took about 3 weeks for me to be able to comment on any Typepad blog.

and I like the May 10th date - I'm hoping for something good then. Maybe I'll get lucky twice!!!!

[junebug]

Your new blog design is lovely. The little coffee house look is quaint and I love quaint too. I can just smell it brewing right now. It also looks cheery. :D

[chrisb]

I loved your new design immediately. I have for ages been trying to work out how to link via a fancy button. I think you will be getting lots of visitors to your coffee house.

[Nancy E]

Oh Boy Joy, what a wonderful prize to be offering!!!! I am in awe of your generousity!!!

Please give Mushu a big hug and kiss from me and tell him that Milo sends a "high paw"!

[WT]

Happy Open House!

Joy, in case you're interested, here's what I had to do to get Karmyn unbanned.

[WT]

Hmm, that didn't work... anyway, suffice to say that there were numerous emails back and forth to TypePad Support.

[denise]

No jokes but showing up to show you some love, and also>>.... because I like free shit.

[Musing]

Courtney did a wonderful job. I love your new look!

And here's George Carlin one-liner that made me chuckle:

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.

[L-Squared]

Yay, an official Grand Opening, how exciting!!! I love your new blog design Joy. And wow, you are very generous to give some lucky visitor $100! I love Amazon too, but really who doesn't?

[L-Squared]

Also Willow and Stella are sending lots of licks to Mushu too. Is that considered bribery? ;-)

[Carrie]

Hey Joy, Love the new design!!
Really nice!

[Jettied]

I SOoOoOoOoO Love it!!!!!! i want to do something with my sides but just to chicken!!! love it and LOVE Amazon!!!!!

[Heather]

Love the new blog layout Joy! What a cool idea having an open house!! I guess our blogs are like a second home... for some of us anyway!!

[Penney]

Joy love the new look. Really spices your page up. Mushu~pick me pick me lol

[Penney]

oooops forgot HAPPY GRAND OPENING!!

[Wonderer]

I've been a lurker/subscriber for some time. A hundred bucks is worth coming out of the woodwork for... Congrats on the new design, very cheery :-)

[the planet of janet]

i totally love your new look.

[the planet of janet]

pick me pick me!

[the planet of janet]

and i totally love mushu too.

[the planet of janet]

so, mushu? pick me. ok? thanks!

[Burfica]

boink I commented. hehehehe

[bichonpawz]

You are just TOO much, Joy!! This is so funny....I was just over shopping on Amazon when I come over here and your prize is a gift card to Amazon....how coincidental is that?? Anyway, LOVE your new design, and LOVE any coffeeshop...especially quaint little coffeeshops! So...Happy Grand Opening!! WOOHOO!!

[Chloe the Bichon Frise]

Hey MushuMan! I'm just popping in to say hey and wonder what you are up to?????
PS: PICK ME!!!

[LadyBug the Bichon Frise]

I'm new here, Mushu!! But I stole the keyboard from my OLDER sister, Chloe, and she told me that I have to be REAL nice to you as you are the one doin' the picking for this special prize thing. I don't really know what a prize is yet, heck, I just found out what a blog is!! Well, tell your mom that we all love the new look and the new blog and we'd really like to have some chewies instead of coffee, but maybe her coffeeshop sells chewies too? Hugs from all of us!

[Melody]

Happy Grand Opening! I like your design, it's very lovely.

[belle]

OK, here's a joke I found on Gemmak's blog

Five tips for a woman
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.

2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.

3. It is important to find a man you can count on! And doesn't lie to you.

4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.

5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.

[belle]

... and here's another

Having found the perfect husband, the woman wanted to ensure his continuing happiness.

"When I die, George, I want you to take a new wife, and further, I want you to give her all of my clothes," she said.

"Oh, darling" he replied, "I simply couldn't do that."

"Why not?"

"She's NOT your size."

[Pat]

Hi Joy, dropping in to say how much I love your new blog design, its you for sure. Only a short time till we are drinking coffee or.... maybe adding some Bailey's into that coffee and sitting back on the deck having lots of laughs. Pat

[Jennifer]

I comment ALL THE TIME so I damn well better WIN the Grand Prize!!! I expect to see it in the mail within the week. And my birthday is Sunday, so that should also qualify me for the Grand Prize. Plus, I've had a bad week (see last post on blog). So this contest better be rigged in my favor!!!!

[Jennifer]

I comment ALL THE TIME so I damn well better WIN the Grand Prize!!! I expect to see it in the mail within the week. And my birthday is Sunday, so that should also qualify me for the Grand Prize. Plus, I've had a bad week (see last post on blog). So this contest better be rigged in my favor!!!!

[CPA Mom]

Hi Joy, just checking in, seeing if I won yet. No?

Be sure to check out my review blog about a GREAT new book that just came out...and a giveaway of that book!!

[CPA Mom]

One day, a man came home and was greeted by his wife dressed in a very sexy nightie. 'Tie me up,' she purred, 'and you can do anything you want.' So he tied her up and went golfing.
-----------------------------------------------

A woman came home, screeching her car into the driveway, and ran into the house. She slammed the door and shouted at the top of her lungs, 'Honey, pack your bags. I won the lottery!'

The husband said, 'Oh my God! What should I pack, beach stuff or mountain stuff?' 'Doesn't matter,' she said. 'Just get out.'

[CPA Mom]

Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is a husband.

__________________________________________

Mother Superior called all the nuns together and said to them, 'I must tell you all something. We have a case of gonorrhea in the convent.' 'Thank God,' said an elderly nun at the back. 'I'm so tired of chardonnay.

[CPA Mom]

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband. Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. 'Careful,' he said, 'CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my gosh! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my gosh! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen

to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the! salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!' The wife stared at him. 'What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?' The husband calmly replied, 'I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving.'

[Treasia Stepp]

Love the look and feel of the new site here. Also was a great idea about the tax swap.

[Barb]

i love the look of your blog...I started checking your blog out awhile ago...I don't think I have been here for awhile... it looks great.. when I can remember a whole joke...I will send it to you...
hope you have time to come over and visit me sometime

[~grey]

I must say I love your blog name and design...

from a fellow Albertan!

[aims]

OMG!! Look at all the people who are trying to win!! I'm just wanting to say how happy I am for you my friend - for getting the blog you were talking about - and being just so damn cheery about it!

As I am writing this - it's a major blizzard out! Is this for real? Good lord! Arrrghhhhh!