tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63351617649915022502024-03-14T01:51:29.603-06:00Christina Holmesa lifestyle blogSaimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-73320654480812668942018-05-30T07:35:00.000-06:002018-05-30T07:35:50.779-06:00We got PCS Orders! <br />
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The unlikely has happened! We got PCS orders!</center>
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This has been in the works since last autumn, when Nate applied for a Base of Preference transfer. We listed several bases we'd like to be transferred to and by April of this year, we found that it had been denied. Which, to me, was not a surprise. I had expected it to be rejected. We're at a decent base, Nate's career field is in high demand due to his experience on the aircraft, and Sami's Q-coding makes it difficult to get orders. </center>
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When it was denied, Nate did some digging and found some things he could do to make another request. When he did, I half heartedly went along with it, sure that it would be rejected again and that we would be here in Phoenix for the next few years. </center>
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We had been putting off buying a house because we didn't think we'd be here for too long, the BOP or Korea tour were always on the peripheral of future plans. The idea of Sami attending high school here wasn't high on our list and we've never really adapted to the weather and constant dust. Nate has been wanting to get back to an active command instead of a training unit and I'm never a fan of constant sunshine. </center>
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I was excited at the idea of leaving, but didn't have much faith that we would get out of here. So when he reapplied, I didn't think much of it</center>
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A few weeks ago, while I was getting ready for the Taylor Swift concern with Sami, I got a text from Nate saying that he has noticed the BOP had been approved. But that it didn't list exactly where we were going. </center>
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Our assumption had been Dyess or MacDill, both has been high on the list, Dyess is somewhere we've been before and the real estate is really affordable there. MacDill also has a lot of the same things Nate's career is focused on and if we moved there we'd have a built in family with my Tampa friends. </center>
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But Alas, the military is constantly keeping us on our toes. </center>
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It wasn't Dyess, it wasn't MacDill, it wasn't even McChord. . . </center>
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No..We're going to the one place on the list that neither of us remember how it got on the list in the first place.</center>
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We're going to.....</center>
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<b>Dover Air Force Base, Delaware!</b> </center>
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We'll be less than 2 hours from Washington D.C, an hour and a half from Philadelphia and 2 hours 45 minutes from New York City. </center>
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It's definitely going to be a major change. From constant summer to four seasons. From desert life to the Chesapeake Bay. </center>
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We told Sami last week before the end of school so she can prepare and she took is extremely well. She's very excited about all the options for day trips we will have. She'll be able to experience smaller schools, and experience life on the East Coast. </center>
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We have a somewhat short turn around. Nate's official report date is the end of September, and our departure date is in mid August. </center>
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Ideally, we'll be out of Phoenix around the middle of August so that we can get settled into Delaware before school starts.</center>
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There are lots of things left to do. And as it's the military there is always a chance that things will change. But we're excited for our next adventure. </center>
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<i>Are you moving this summer? </i></center>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-70487520304332763862018-05-13T19:24:00.000-06:002018-05-13T19:24:25.155-06:00Bears, Keys and Going with the Flow<br />
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It has been a stressful and tense few months. Between high work stress for both myself and Nate, adjusting to new responsibilities and the natural stress of life, 2018 has been off to a rough start. </center>
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For this year, my focus word has been "Present". Being present in the moment. Enjoying things as they come instead of stressing about what is next and not getting distracted as easily. </center>
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This also means not getting as frustrated as easily. Which can be a struggle. </center>
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A few weeks ago, I took a break from work to run some errands including going to Target to buy a stupid printer. It wasn't even the one I wanted, it's not even that great. But for some reason, I had to buy it and thought it would be a quick trip to Target and back. </center>
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Nothing could go wrong there, right??</center>
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Nate didn't have to be in to work until the evening, so he decided to come with me so we could spend some time together. Awesome. That will be nice. </center>
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We go to Target, I grab the stupid printer and we grab a few others things we need when we walk past a display of huge stuffed bears. I love plushes. I know I'm supposed to be an adult, but a plush will always make me smile. I have a small collection that sits in my office that I'm searching for a sofa just for them. (OK, and maybe work naps. . .) </center>
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Nate talked me into buying it because he obviously doesn't understand that is is weird for a grown woman to collect stuffed animals. But whatever. I now have a 4 foot tall bear chilling in my cart. As you do. </center>
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We checked out and as I still do every time, marveled at the ability to pay with my Target card on my phone. This shit will never not be exciting to me. I look forward to never needing my wallet again. </center>
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Now, I am set in my ways. I have very specific systems for everything. When I leave the store, I always open my trunk, place my handbag and keys in the truck, unload my purchases, grab my bag and keys and close the trunk. </center>
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Can you guess where this is going? I forget to tell Nate to watch for my stuff and while I go to put the bear in the car, he decides to be helpful...and close my trunk. </center>
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With my handbag inside the trunk. Which held not only my wallet, but my phone...and my car keys. </center>
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For the car that is currently locked... </center>
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I stare at him as I'm standing in the middle of the Target parking lot holding a 4 foot tall bear (Mind you, I am only 5 feet tall...) He sees my face and instantly knows what he just did. </center>
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My first reaction is to start laughing. This is my luck. This is why I don't go out. Because things like this always happen to me. I'm a walking disaster magnet. </center>
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So we stand there staring at each other, while I'm trying to juggle this bear around in order to not look like an overgrown kid with her teddy bear and have no idea what to do. </center>
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My first thought is to call an Uber, but of course, my phone is in the trunk. Along with all of my cash, and my credit cards...and my identification. </center>
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We finally logged into my Uber account on Nate's phone and summon an Uber.</center>
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Nate is fuming at his mistake meanwhile I can't stop giggling. Because seriously, what else was I going to do? </center>
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We pile into the Uber dragging this damn bear with us and the Uber driver trying not to laugh while glancing constantly in the rearview mirror at the odd situation in her vehicle. </center>
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We get home so I can locate my spare key fob and Nate asks if we need to summon another Uber to get back to my car in the Target car park. </center>
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I stare at him and slowly point at his Jeep sitting in the driveway. </center>
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It just wasn't his day, ya'll. It just wasn't his day. </center>
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Since the stupid bear has been with us this far, I insisted he complete the journey, so we load his ass into the jeep and head back to Target. </center>
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Someone forgot to buckle him in so half way to the store, I see fur flying in the rearview mirror and look back to this</center>
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"You're gonna pay" </div>
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Moral of the story? </center>
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Always be willing to laugh at the stressful times. </center>
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And make your husband carry your spare key. </center>
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...and buckle the bear up. </center>
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"I'm in charge now..."</div>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-76646052854453324832017-07-18T00:06:00.002-06:002017-11-29T01:05:34.672-07:00Loft Sales are my anti-drug<br />
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I'm beginning to think Loft knows when I've had a rough day at work. </center>
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Without fail, when it's been a particularly rough day where I begin to wonder if I'm in the right business or question if I even know how to do my job, a Loft sale email pops into my inbox. </center>
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It sits there tempting me to load up my cart and accidentally buy clothes that no one will actually see me in other than my husband and cats as I never really leave the house. But I'm quite certain Geordi appreciates my little fashion shows and I know Fawkes enjoys sleeping on the clothes...😒 (He likes satin feeling items and anything black. How very modern. . .)</center>
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Currently, Loft has all sale items at 50% off, plus Free Shipping on New Items and purchases over $75. (Which...given the rough day I've been having not difficult to achieve...I lost count of conference calls after the 5th or so) </center>
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Here are some of my picks for you to pick up so I can live vicariously through someone. </center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">From Top Left: <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=631415388&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">Painterly Floral Flutter Shirtdress</a>; <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=639225808&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">Lou & Grey Softserve Cotton Twist Tank</a>; <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=639225821&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">Lou & Grey Softserve Cotton Tie Sleeve</a>; <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=625943401&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">Leopard Drawstring Shorts</a>; <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=645809532&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">Flounce Cold Shoulder Top</a>; <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=639043910&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">Multi-strand Drop Pendant Necklace</a>; <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=636650104&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">Sandwashed Tie Cuff Top</a>; <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=635126159&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">Striped Tie Waist Shorts</a>; <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cPYa" target="_blank">Embroidered Stripe Riviera Shorts</a></span><br />
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Summer still has a few months here. So I'm always on the hunt for shorts. I practically live in them. I love Loft's <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cPYa" target="_blank">shorts</a> because they're not insanely short and the material is comfortable and breathable when it's 120 degrees outside and I'm considering if it's really worth it to go to the store or if I could Amazon Prime things like PopTarts and batteries. (Hint: You can, yo!)<br />
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I've noticed my closest is quickly filling with dark colors such as black, greys, and dark blues. So I'm attempting to talk myself into wearing more colors like these <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=635126159&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">bright pink striped shorts</a> or this <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=631415388&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">floral shirtdress</a>. Shirtdresses mean no trousers and everyone can get behind that.<br />
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I've been trying to start wearing more accessories. I never really know what to wear so I usually go without. I've started trying to incorporate more layering necklaces. Sometimes I pull it off, sometimes I don't. But I don't think I could go wrong with this <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=639043910&pid=uid3441-2250271-68" target="_blank">Multi strand Drop Pendant Necklace</a>. It's simple enough to pair with a nice top and shorts or dress up with a dress. (Maybe, if I'm wrong please fix me)<br />
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What will you pick up? Share with me so I know what to add to my Must have list!<br />
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-85442100432894774812017-01-03T22:49:00.002-07:002017-11-29T01:06:05.443-07:00See the light where the sky meets the sea It calls me...These last few months have sped by. It feels like just a few weeks ago we were picking Sami up from camp and had 250+ days before vacation. Now we're down to a little over 60 and there's a huge amount of planning left to do.<br />
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For this year's vacation, we decided to do another cruise. This time on the Disney Dream to the Bahamas.<br />
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We originally booked a verandah cabin for 7 nights on the Disney Fantasy to the eastern Caribbean. However, a couple weeks later, I decided to switch us to a 3 night/4 night Back to Back on the Dream.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Krjx18TEPCo/WGyJgmW28UI/AAAAAAAADpU/yBhfy97IQ-8l8AWZNwA_zIx3vj2DkaxkQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-03%2Bat%2B9.53.54%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Krjx18TEPCo/WGyJgmW28UI/AAAAAAAADpU/yBhfy97IQ-8l8AWZNwA_zIx3vj2DkaxkQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-03%2Bat%2B9.53.54%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line</span><br />
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Why? Who knows. Maybe I like making stuff difficult? We did save about $600 doing this. Our room did change to an extended Aft verandah. So we got a larger verandah.<br />
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What we will do is embark from Port Canaveral on a Friday, spend Saturday in Nassau, Sunday at Disney's private island Castaway Cay, then return to Florida on Monday. We'll leave our luggage in our stateroom, have breakfast, disembark with a day bag with our documents and a few things for the day and then go through US Customs and Immigration, go back upstairs and check in again. We'll have to wait for a little bit, but then we'll be some of the first back on the ship.<br />
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We'll repeat the same course this time adding in a day at sea before disembarking on Friday.<br />
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It seems complicated and it is a bit. But there are a few reasons we chose to do this.<br />
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I love Disney Cruise Line. We experienced the Fantasy and want to try all of the ships. This is a way for us to experience the Disney Fantasy's sister ship. It also gives us 2 days at Castaway Cay. Which is a lovely island with loads to do and incredible Disney theming.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9gH7poSveI/WGyMXkV4QYI/AAAAAAAADp0/RiwM5MrlyGof-LRSBJPFNyii2Qt_oXwhwCK4B/s1600/castaway-cay-00.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9gH7poSveI/WGyMXkV4QYI/AAAAAAAADp0/RiwM5MrlyGof-LRSBJPFNyii2Qt_oXwhwCK4B/s1600/castaway-cay-00.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line</span><br />
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It also lets us see how we like shorter cruises. Disney occasionally sails from Southern California which is a bit easier of a drive at 5 hours. So if we do like 3 or 4 night cruises we could possibly make the trip to California for a short cruise. Immensely cheaper as we don't have to fly and they tend to be the smaller Classic ships.<br />
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Disney cruises are expensive. I won't lie. Our cruise price is probably twice what we could get on a different line. Is it worth it? I think thats a hard question to really answer. Disney service has always been superb. The theming is well thought out, stylish and doesn't feel cheap.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EnjsnZKfXVY/WGyJwP_i85I/AAAAAAAADpY/V80aPTskWYksgESaOCTIPMI2t8NdYjJOgCLcB/s1600/ships-overview-dream-g04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EnjsnZKfXVY/WGyJwP_i85I/AAAAAAAADpY/V80aPTskWYksgESaOCTIPMI2t8NdYjJOgCLcB/s1600/ships-overview-dream-g04.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line</span><br />
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There are also no casinos on Disney Cruise Line ships. We're not big gamblers. I don't see the point in casinos. I'm not sure what the draw is to casinos on cruises.<br />
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We also like the kids programming. The Oceaneer's Lab and Club for children 3-12 is amazing and full of things and activities to keep Sami happy and she has a blast. It's hard to drag her away from them at times.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMw6ifIEX2M/WGyK6t1Y8TI/AAAAAAAADpg/fcFNiN2_SxI-RrzDp80NHU_4Z0F73bN8wCLcB/s1600/oceaneer-youth-club-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMw6ifIEX2M/WGyK6t1Y8TI/AAAAAAAADpg/fcFNiN2_SxI-RrzDp80NHU_4Z0F73bN8wCLcB/s1600/oceaneer-youth-club-00.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line</span><br />
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We love the adult exclusive areas. Grabbing a book and stretching out by Quiet Cove without a huge group of screaming children fighting over pool space.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJBzjid_ujU/WGyLWVNWpgI/AAAAAAAADpk/T0RwX5i_DXoUic2uKGR0dSsrPIymDKXogCLcB/s1600/quiet-cove-pool-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJBzjid_ujU/WGyLWVNWpgI/AAAAAAAADpk/T0RwX5i_DXoUic2uKGR0dSsrPIymDKXogCLcB/s1600/quiet-cove-pool-00.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line</span><br />
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Remy's is by far our favourite Disney restaurant. The service is amazing and the food is delectable. While it's not included in the cruise fare, it's well worth the up charge.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrRkM2sGP7Y/WGyL76TAasI/AAAAAAAADps/hKGSszOaDfw1N3IE4aa18Q_fhigK54P3gCK4B/s1600/remy-restaurant-00.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrRkM2sGP7Y/WGyL76TAasI/AAAAAAAADps/hKGSszOaDfw1N3IE4aa18Q_fhigK54P3gCK4B/s1600/remy-restaurant-00.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line</span><br />
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The ships are extremely clean. There was never a time I saw a mess that wasn't cleaned up right away. I was always a bit wary of cruising because of the chance of illness. But given the amount of cleaning and sanitation I saw, I don't think I'm worried about that anymore.<br />
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One of Nate's biggest thing was environmental rating. Disney has consistently received high marks on their environmental initiatives. You can find out more here: http://bit.ly/1RLLBEF<br />
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So now it has snuck on us. We're just a little over 2 months left. So there will be lots of planning left to do!!<br />
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Have you ever taken a Disney Cruise? Have you ever wanted to?<br />
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<img src="http://i63.tinypic.com/30ry4o3.jpg" height="41" width="200" />Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-87078787749057760042017-01-02T23:26:00.001-07:002017-01-02T23:26:11.675-07:00A man with a mission in 2 of 3 editions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favourite things about January is putting together my new reading list. I don't always stick to it, I rarely stop at just the ones I list. But it such an exciting way to start the year with a new list of books to read and add to my ever growing book cases (Actually, stacked next to my bookcases as my bookshelf is now too full for more books. . . )<br />
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Here are the first 20 books I plan to read this year. What's on your list? Any recomendations? </center>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7YeyuZ53S4/WGtCPq3HGjI/AAAAAAAADo0/fTe5ybgbXM0oz9T6Z2Ed7iH3wwQ07l3sQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-02%2Bat%2B11.18.09%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7YeyuZ53S4/WGtCPq3HGjI/AAAAAAAADo0/fTe5ybgbXM0oz9T6Z2Ed7iH3wwQ07l3sQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-02%2Bat%2B11.18.09%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 102, 192);"><br /></span></span><center style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Scrappy-Little-Nobody-Anna-Kendrick/dp/1501117203/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483424261&sr=8-1&keywords=Scrappy+Little+Nobody" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">Scrappy Little Nobody</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> by Anna Kendrick </span></center>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Light-We-Cannot-See/dp/1476746583" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">All the Light we Cannot See</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> by Anthony Doerr </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 102, 192);"><br /></span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385542364" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">The Underground Railroad</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> by Colson Whitehead </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 102, 192);"><br /></span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Paris-Bookshop-Novel/" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">The Little Paris Bookshop</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> by Nina George </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 102, 192);"><br /></span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Fast-Can-Gilmore-Everything" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">Talking as Fast as I Ca</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">n by Lauren Graham </span></center>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dPiQBGGKiis/WGtCoIM7yPI/AAAAAAAADo4/SI5Lbki-38YWsrFyvhSEnTY6CLSe1HU5gCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-02%2Bat%2B11.19.44%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dPiQBGGKiis/WGtCoIM7yPI/AAAAAAAADo4/SI5Lbki-38YWsrFyvhSEnTY6CLSe1HU5gCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-02%2Bat%2B11.19.44%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062363603" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians That Helped Win The Space Race</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> by Margot Lee Sherrerly</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 102, 192);"><br /></span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385535732" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> by Candice Milliard </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 102, 192);"><br /></span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chemist-Stephenie-Meyer" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">The Chemist</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> by Stephenie Meyer </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 102, 192);"><br /></span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-Jim-Crow-Incarceration-Colorblindness" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness </a></center>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rocket-Girl-Sherman-Americas-Scientist/dp/1616147393/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483424451&sr=8-1&keywords=Rocket+Girl" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">Rocket Girl- The Story of Mary Sherman Morgan - America’s First Female Rocket Scientist </a></center>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0B_Q7RcIUWE/WGtDBXRZ2qI/AAAAAAAADo8/sZTUL-mAQ3IcljQ80fn3uzxm3tcoYNXuACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-02%2Bat%2B11.21.21%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0B_Q7RcIUWE/WGtDBXRZ2qI/AAAAAAAADo8/sZTUL-mAQ3IcljQ80fn3uzxm3tcoYNXuACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-02%2Bat%2B11.21.21%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 102, 192);"><br /></span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316338907" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars </a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">by Nathalia Holt </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/American-Heiress-Kidnapping-Crimes-Hearst" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> by Jeffrey Toobin </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 102, 192);"><br /></span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0670785970/" target="_blank">White Trash. The 400-year Untold History of Class in America</a> by Nancy Isenberg <span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192);"> </span></center>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/American-Witches-Broomstick-through-Centuries" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">American Witches: A broomstick Tour through Four Centuries</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"> by Susan Fair </span></center>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fortunes-Children-Fall-House-Vanderbilt" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">Fortune’s Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt </a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 102, 192); background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">by Arthur T Vanderbilt II </span></center>
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</style>Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-54999378642366442872017-01-01T23:59:00.001-07:002017-11-29T01:06:05.430-07:00New Year's Brunch - St Francis <br />
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It's finally 2017!!! I know many people that had a wonderful 2016, but mine was pretty frustrating and stressful. So I was excited to ring in 2017 as quickly as possible.<br />
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I made plans for a New Year's Day brunch with Nate at a little restaurant we found in uptown Phoenix.<br />
St Francis located at 111 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix mixes the modern and mid-century feel that I've come to expect from Phoenix. (It feels like Phoenix discovered the 60's and 70's and decided they were happy and not going to change their Aesthetic much.)<br />
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Phoenix rocks the 70's aesthetic pretty well and St Francis mixes the old and new very well.<br />
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The architecture aside, the restaurant in warm and inviting. It's on the smaller side, which makes it feel much more intimate. Always something we look for.<br />
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The facade is a glass retractable door that opens are nice days to expose the bar area. The door was closed today due to the New Year's drizzle we had this morning, but we've seen it open before and it creates a fun view of Uptown Plaza. (We were there right before Christmas and they had it open. One of the perks of living in the valley of the sun is patio weather in December)<br />
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We were shown to our table in the upstairs loft area over looking the main dining area and the jazz band playing. I was pleasantly surprised as usually sitting that close to live music makes it difficult to carry on a conversation. But the music was a wonderful addition and not overpowering in volume. It was also a very talented local jazz band which I hope will be there again next time. I didn't get a chance to get their names but I wish I had.<br />
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As I'm addicted to all things carb-y. We ordered the Baker's Board.<br />
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A was a delicious array of pastries and bread with fresh butter , cream and jam.<br />
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It included a St Francis baguette, Oat and carrot muffin, banana bread muffin and a banana scone. (I think. Some come with a cinnamon roll, but I mentioned I don't like cinnamon rolls so I believe they left it off because of that. Which is great as the smell of cinnamon rolls gives me a headache. However, if you ARE a fan. They were impressively huge rolls)<br />
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All of it was divine and quite filling on itself. I think we could have easily made this a nice meal with some drinks.<br />
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All of these items are fresh made from the Phoenix Public Market. Which is definitely something we are going to check out as soon as possible. Because I may need to buy my weight in those muffins. </div>
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Since we're gluttons for punishment and forgot to add the "Stop gorging ourselves" to our list of 2017 resolutions, we both ordered entrees on top of the Baker's Board.</div>
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Nate ordered the Chorizo Scramble (chorizo, spinach, jack cheese, salsa, and toast for $10) </div>
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He loved it. The chorizo was spicy and the salsa had a surprising kick to it. Which even living in Arizona, not always a given when it comes to restaurant standard salsas. The toast was the same bread as the baguette on the baker's board. This bread is amazing and cooked in house. The serving size was impressive for the price and he barely finished it after eating our weight in baked goods. </div>
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I ordered the Farmer's Market Frittata (seasonal vegetables, cheddar, arugula for $10)</div>
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One thing I love about this place is how they use seasonal fresh and local vegetables and ingredients whenever possible. </div>
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My frittata was amazing. I was expecting a lot of egg, with a few pieces of vegetable tossed in and a sprinkle of cheese. </div>
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I was so so wrong. </div>
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Topped with Brussels sprouts, red peppers, arugula, broccolini, cherry tomatoes, purple and orange cauliflower and some sort of winter squash with a white flesh. </div>
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The cauliflower was an interesting twist. the purple cauliflower had a nutty flavor to it, while the orange cauliflower had a slightly sweet taste. </div>
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All of the vegetables were fresh and ripe. The seasoning was light so you were able to really taste the different vegetables. It was vegetarian and gluten free. </div>
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The menu denotes which items are vegan, vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free. There was a large number of vegetarian items and a couple vegan items. </div>
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Something else to enjoy? Kids 12 and under eat free. We didn't take Sami with us, but there is plenty on the kids menu that she would enjoy. </div>
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With drinks and food, we paid about $38 before tip. </div>
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Service was phenomenal and our server was friendly attentive and able to answer questions about the menu. </div>
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Their Happy Hour menu is also impressive and includes the forbidden rice bowl (vegan), Morrocan meatballs, baked goat cheese and </div>
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pumpkin soup. </div>
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If you're in Phoenix, check it out http://stfrancisaz.com/ Their menu changes seasonally (In order to use the freshest local ingredients) and please. Eat a Baker's Board for me!</div>
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View from our table of the jazz band</div>
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Upstairs dining area</div>
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Always stop for a mirror photo! </div>
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And of course, Happy New Year from me and my goofy dog (And the husband!) </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been a painful and emotional couple of days in the United States. We are once again, reeling and in pain as another terroristic attack has taken place on American soil. This time, 49 people are dead and dozens more are injured in what has become the worst mass shooting in U.S history. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">People are angry. People are scared and people are lost. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the 48 hours since the attack, my Facebook feed has blown up with tributes, calls to action, disgust and pain. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My friends and loved ones are trying to grapple with this in the only ways they know how. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've seen friends working together to coordinate donations, ordering supplies for the blood banks, passing out information on how to help and expressing their sorrow and this is what we need. Action. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">However, I'm also seeing the dark side of terror. Fear, judgement, anger and blame. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is normal. People process things differently. I am a person of action. To me, in times of pain and the unknown, the best action you can take is to reach out and comfort and love and help your fellow citizen. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Unfortunately, instead of love, I'm seeing hate. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wasn't going to post about this. It's a hot button issue here. I have no answers. I have no fix for this. I cannot heal the pain I see that is so raw and real among my friends. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But I have to express my pain. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the most part, I'm used to brushing things off. Years of moderating the dreaded comment section, seeing the terrible, wretched thoughts people share about the smallest thing has helped me develop the ability to look pass all of the hateful rhetoric on social. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But today, a post hit me deep in my heart. It was the usual type of post you see here in the US after a mass shooting. I'm sure it's been posted hundreds of times before because it shifts blame to someone else. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It lists other terroristic attacks against the US and says how "The problem is not guns, It's a Godless Country" </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am and have been an atheist for many years. I do not discourage others their religious beliefs. Because I know there is more than just the 2nd amendment to the Constitution. I know that as an American, the First amendment gives them that right. </span></center>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.2px;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof</b>; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.</span></i></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have great respect for religion. I think it can truly help some people. I think it gives some people a feeling of belonging, a sense of community and a belief system that helps them through life. It is not what I have chosen for myself. All I ask, is they have the same respect for my choice to not believe. I draw the line when they depend on religion for hate. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Atheism works well for me, it will not work for others and it is not something I encourage for others. It is not something I feel is the one true way. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">However, this meme this person shared in their fear of the recent events made me realize. I am the Godless Country they are blaming this on. I am an unapologetic atheist. I choose not to believe in their God. Therefore, do they feel I am part of what contributed to this? </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am a loving person. I am a strong person. I am a wife, a friend, a sister, a mother, a Feminist, an LGBT+ Ally and I am an American. <i>Until today, I did not realize, some of my friends saw me as what is wrong with this country. </i></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love my fellow citizens regardless of their sexual orientation, their religion, gender and political beliefs. I find wonder and amazement in the world around me and I want the world to be a better place than it is. <i>But according to this, I am the problem.</i></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But this is fear. This is wanting to push the blame elsewhere, to put up walls and to push people out. Because we're hurt. Because we're scared. Because we don't know how to handle such destruction and pain.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This doesn't help though. Saying it's because there is no prayer in school, or because people are not your chosen religion, is not going to help. When we start dividing people between us vs them, the religious vs the non-religious, The LDS vs the Baptists, the Catholics vs the Protestants, this accomplishes nothing but alienating everyone. This creates pain, weakens our bonds and creates strife. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But I'm not what is wrong. I'm a law-abiding contributing member of society. I appreciate diversity, I appreciate art and beauty and science. I appreciate everyone that has touched my life. I celebrate life and mourn death. I give more than I take, I hope I set good examples for those I meet. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">How can you allow this to divide us? How can you see something where your fellow citizens are in pain and scared and not want to <b>unite</b> against the bullies that are trying desperately to rip us apart?</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Differences in skin color, beliefs, sexual identity and who someone loves should not divide us. In the face of fear, we should unite and celebrate the <i>true</i> American spirit, not of clinging to our fear. But celebrating our strength, our diversity and our ability to endure. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So instead of focusing on hurtful things people are posting, I choose life. I choose the true American spirit, and the spirit of those around the world sending <i>actual</i> love to a country in tears. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I believe people are fundamentally good. That good will always triumph over bad as long as we stay united. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; line-height: 18.2px;">"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; line-height: 18.2px;">Look for the helpers</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; line-height: 18.2px;">. You will always find people who are helping." "</span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; line-height: 18.2px;"> These helpers </span>are the types of people we should really be turning to in these times: </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone who has donated to the Equality Florida GoFundMe supporting Victims of the Pulse Shooting: https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund As of 2am Tuesday morning, they have raised nearly $3 Million. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Thousands that lined up to donate blood: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/06/12/orlando-blood-bank-crisis-waives-gay-donation-restrictions/85789648/</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">JetBlue offering Free Flights to families of the Orlando victims: http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2016/06/13/jetblue-offers-free-flighs-orlando-victims-families/85836586/</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chick-Fil-a for donating food and tea to blood donors on a Sunday, when the stores are typically closed. This has touched me deeply. Because to me, this is a True Christian act and I respect them greatly for it: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jun/13/chick-fil-responds-orlando-massacre-free-food-bloo/</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All of the tributes from news agencies, The Tony Awards, Talk shows: </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">John Oliver: http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/john-oliver-on-orlando-shooting-terrorist-is-vastly-outnumbered-20160613</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anderson Cooper: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/06/13/cnn-s-anderson-cooper-fights-back-tears-reading-orlando-victim-names.html</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lin Manuel-Miranda: http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/13/entertainment/lin-manuel-miranda-sonnet-hamilton-orlando/index.html</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the countries around the world paying tribute to our fallen Americans:</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc-quick-cuts/watch/the-world-pays-tribute-to-orlando-victims-704905283892</span></center>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dumbledore once said "....we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open." </span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And remember. Love Wins. </span></center>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-41289425762787967252016-01-11T13:54:00.002-07:002016-01-11T13:54:47.458-07:00Currently in January<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0.016px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've always loved seeing what bloggers are up to. It's a lovely little view of their day to day life. So I thought I'd do this once a month or so to show you how rather boring my little life can be! Definitely share your current happenings in the comments! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Reading</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span><u><a href="http://amzn.to/1kZ9t98" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oranges and Sunshine: Empty Cradles</a></u> by Margaret Humphreys<br />
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I just finished my first book in my <a href="http://www.saimaeve.com/2016/01/take-look-its-in-book-reading-rainbow.html" target="_blank">2016 Reading Challenge</a>, by finishing up <a href="http://amzn.to/1Od8KLT" target="_blank">We Band of Angels: The Untold Story of American Women Trapped on Bataan</a> by Elizabeth M. Norman. (Look for my review coming soon!!) This is the next book in my list. So far, Oranges and Sunshine it's quite the easy read and isn't as dry as I thought it would be. It definitely is more of a casual storytelling than a clinical discussion of the British child migration scheme. I'm excited to read more.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Watching</span></b><br />
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<b> Boardwalk Empire!</b> Nate and I started watching it on Christmas (Festive, no?) and are just starting Season 3. Neither of us had really watched it before and it has always been on my "Must one day Watch" list. Steve Buscemi is such an amazing actor. I started out really liking Margaret's character and truly despise her now (Does something bad happen to her? I hope so. She's so annoying) Van Alden I hated and felt the character was wooden and not memorable at all. But he's definitely improving and I look forward to his scenes now. Although I'm a bit lost on how he went from hiring the nanny to Poof! Married and has a kid with her! Did I miss a season somewhere?? Is there a webisode I'm not aware of? Was that in her job description? I'm curious.<br />
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My favorite character is easily Richard Harrow. I love how calm he is and just goes about his life never bothering anyone (well, aside from the men he tends to kill...) And I hope they continue is story line and let him flesh out his character even more. (PLEASE NO SPOILERS!! If he dies soon I'll be heartbroken)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Listening</span></b></div>
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I've been on a podcast kick lately. I just love listening to them while I'm working. It breaks up the dead silence of the house during the workday and I've been playing them when Nate and I drive to Prescott or Flagstaff on weekends. I've recently been listening to "<b>Up Yours; Downstairs</b>" which is a Downton Abbey podcast. I like the format of this one as they don't just recap the episodes, but they also discuss historical events going on during the episode as well as fashion/cultural changes during the series. However, their Series finale/2015 Christmas episode recap has put me off a bit as one of the hosts was eating during the recording (Sour Skittles as she said on Twitter)<br />
Hearing people eat is one of the things that makes my skin crawl so it may be a bit before I listen to anymore from them. What podcasts are you listening to? I need some new ones. The recent season of Serial is quickly becoming a bit boring and I'm mostly caught up on my SYSK and Stuff You Missed In History Class so I'm running out of stuff to listen to :(<br />
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Earl Grey tea. I need to switch to a stronger tea in the morning. But that day will not be today. I have a box of English Breakfast that is much stronger than my Earl Grey (And I think I even have some Irish Breakfast in the cupboard somewhere..not sure I'm ready for that yet though!)<br />
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Running shorts, a tank top and a hoodie. My favorite working from home outfit.<br />
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Someone mentioned this pattern in a vlog I was watching this weekend so I, of course, had to go find it. It's a bit on the pricy side but so worth it. It's absolutely lovely. There is an entire line and I may have to buy it all one day. It's the <a href="http://www.denbyusa.com/lucille-gold/lucille-gold-teapot/invt/mlg091&bklist=icat,4,,dinnerware,lucillegold" target="_blank">Denby Lucille Gold teapot</a>. (It also comes in silver) It's $60.35 in the US and a bit cheaper in the UK at £31.33 (which if I remember my conversion math it's about $45). So gorgeous. Maybe one day..(Seriously check out the entire line. It's amazing)<br />
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I don't really have much that I'm dreading right now. I need to get through a rather long to-do list for work today. But I think once I get through it, it won't be terrible.<br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0.016px; background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 13.6px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been binge watching weekly vlogs lately. I'm not even sure why I love them. But they're so entertaining to watch. My favorites right now are <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk7poTBSh1x6aNg_IjLu9Q" target="_blank">Brogan Tate xo</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/xaxameliaxax" target="_blank">xAmeliax</a>. I need to find more so that it doesn't look like I'm just completely obsessed with these people (I am) </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0.016px; background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 13.6px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, why don't we have Primark here? Who can we petition to get this going?<br /><br />I hope your Monday is going great! </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-7217007879704431792016-01-06T06:30:00.000-07:002017-11-29T00:21:00.188-07:00Take a look, It's in a book! A Reading Rainbow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my goals for 2016 was to read a new book every 2 weeks. I thought I'd start out the year with subjects that I've always found intriguing but never really got a chance to delve into much.<br /><br /><br />My books for January 2016 are: </center>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oranges-Sunshine-Cradles-Margaret-Humphreys-ebook/dp/B006DGX5RA/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1" target="_blank">Oranges and Sunshine: Empty Cradles</a> by Margaret Humphreys</center>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">In 1986 Margaret Humphreys, a Nottingham social worker, investigated a woman's claim that, aged four, she had been put on a boat to Australia by the British government. At first incredulous, Margaret discovered that this was just the tip of an enormous iceberg. Up to 150,000 children, some as young as three years old, had been deported from children's homes in Britain and shipped off to a 'new life' in distant parts of the Empire, right up until as recently as 1970.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Many were told that their parents were dead, and parents often believed that their children had been adopted in Britain. In fact, for many children it was to be a life of horrendous physical and sexual abuse far away from everything they knew. Margaret reveals how she unravelled this shocking secret and how it became her mission to reunite these innocent and unwilling exiles with their families in Britain before it was too late.</span><br />
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This is a non-fiction account of the formation of the United Kingdom's child migration scheme where thousands of British children were forcibly migrated to Australia, Canada, Rhodesia, and elsewhere without their parents. (Either due to being orphaned or other reasons) I've studied the program a bit and it's a truly appalling situation. Many of these children faced abuse once they arrived in their new home.</center>
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<span class="s1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/We-Band-Angels-American-Trapped-ebook/dp/B0054KML9E/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1" target="_blank">We Band of Angels: The Untold Story of the American Women Trapped on Bataan</a> by Elizabeth M. Norman</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qE1evpQnxs/VomA9k8OMGI/AAAAAAAADa8/TxwsHx-Lt2U/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-03%2Bat%2B13.13.19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qE1evpQnxs/VomA9k8OMGI/AAAAAAAADa8/TxwsHx-Lt2U/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-03%2Bat%2B13.13.19.png" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">In the fall of 1941, the Philippines was a gardenia-scented paradise for the American Army and Navy nurses stationed there. War was a distant rumor, life a routine of easy shifts and dinners under the stars. On December 8 all that changed, as Japanese bombs began raining down on American bases in Luzon, and this paradise became a fiery hell. Caught in the raging battle, the nurses set up field hospitals in the jungles of Bataan and the tunnels of Corregidor, where they tended to the most devastating injuries of war, and suffered the terrors of shells and shrapnel.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">But the worst was yet to come. After Bataan and Corregidor fell, the nurses were herded into internment camps where they would endure three years of fear, brutality, and starvation. Once liberated, they returned to an America that at first celebrated them, but later refused to honor their leaders with the medals they clearly deserved. Here, in letters, diaries, and riveting firsthand accounts, is the story of what really happened during those dark days, woven together in a deeply affecting saga of women in war.</span></span></div>
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We don't get to hear much about women that have served our country. It's important that we learn as much as we can about all of our American history and how women have sacrificed and served. I've read about Bataan before and knew we had many women captured, but this is the first book focused solely on them that I've purchased. It is definitely one of the ones I'm looking forward to the most. </center>
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What are you reading? I'm always looking for new books to add to my ever growing "To Read" pile and would love to hear about anything you've read or want to read. </center>
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Do you have any reading goals for 2016? How are they going? </center>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-37212056135829430022016-01-04T07:15:00.000-07:002016-01-04T07:15:03.861-07:00You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever noticed that people are very anti Resolution? I see a lot of eye rolling and I see people complaining about January gym people, or people posting the "New year, New me? Yeah, sure" memes. </center>
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It's true, resolutions don't always work, but I wonder if some of that is because so many of their friends are negative towards goals. Maybe if people were more supportive, resolutions would work out better. </center>
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I also think people feel a need to create resolutions they're not as dedicated to as they can. Save Money, Lose weight, Drink Less, Eat Healthier, Work Out More. These seem to be the ones I see most and I see the people give up quickly. Perhaps if we started smaller and made measuarable goals it would help make it more achievable. </center>
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I've never been a huge resolution maker. But I thought I'd give it a try. </center>
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One thing I read on my favorite <a href="http://www.thedailytay.com/2015/12/my-2016-mantra.html" target="_blank">blog</a> was this mantra for 2016:</center>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">Create good stuff.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="color: blue;">Do good things.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="color: blue;">The rest will take care of itself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"> -The Daily Tay</span><br />
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How wonderful is that? And it's something that I'm going to try to continue with into 2016. I'm going to set goals as well, because that gives me something to challenge myself with and to visualize, but the overatching idea will be that. </center>
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So on to my 2016 goals..</center>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBavl8PBbis/VomEj9ForvI/AAAAAAAADbI/Vg8S7ZukkHM/s1600/Goal1%2BRead%2BMore%2BBooks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBavl8PBbis/VomEj9ForvI/AAAAAAAADbI/Vg8S7ZukkHM/s640/Goal1%2BRead%2BMore%2BBooks.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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1.) <b>Read A New Book every 2 weeks</b></center>
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While I totally hope I read more than 26. I think this is a reasonable goal and gives a timeline that I can adhere to given work, Sami and everything else going on in life. Plus, I have a habit of re-reading books constantly. I'm currently re-reading Stephen King's "It" for the fiftieth time. Challenging myself to read at least 2 new books a month is pretty reasonable. I'll be announcing my January books soon. And I'm always open for recommendations. I'm not a huge fan of romance or religious books. (I actually like non-fiction more than fiction) </center>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qu3dylPJ7-A/VomVw-QIlAI/AAAAAAAADbY/GwO9gxwXyaM/s1600/goal2betterphotos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qu3dylPJ7-A/VomVw-QIlAI/AAAAAAAADbY/GwO9gxwXyaM/s640/goal2betterphotos.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2.) Use the camera I bought. </b></center>
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Last year I bought a Nikon D90 at a really great price. I've taken some photos, but nothing that makes me that proud. I definitely want to work on it. Our next cruise isn't for a while yet, so I hope to have improved enough to take some killer shots while we're in Jamaica (and of the ship itself, inside photos are difficult on the ships. Especially in the restaurants) Any tips? Send them along!! </center>
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<b>3.) British Baking</b></center>
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Have you seen Great British Bake Off (I think it's officially Great British Baking Show in the US) I love it. I am not a huge fan of reality television. Especially competition types as it feels people get really mean and smug. They don't on this show. Plus you get to see really good desserts. Are British desserts amazing? I want to know. They always seem so delicious and fun. I know the US has a lot of great desserts of their own, but the British just seem to really have desserts down. My ultimate goal is to make a perfect Victoria Sponge and do a Christmas pudding for next year. So if you're familiar with British desserts and have any suggestions, please send it along! My goal is to do at least 1 recipe a month. (I'm terrible in the kitchen, so keeping it at 1 a month might save me from burning the house down) </center>
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4.) Blog More Often</b></center>
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I'm a terrible blogger. I think a lot of it is simply not putting it as a priority. I have ideas, I write them in my head constantly (I have over a hundred of partial drafts right now) I just never finish them and post. </center>
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In 2016 I want to focus on growing this blog. Even if it's just posting 2 times a week. (Which is my goal) If I post more? Even better. that would be about 104 posts. Which seems like a lot. But I think it might be doable. So if anyone wants to hold me to it, please do! (I know several bloggers aiming for 366 posts this year...they're much more dedicated than I am and have much more confidence.) It may be 100 posts about my cat. But hey, at least I tried..and you'll get a wonderful study on the world's laziest cat. </center>
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So for the most part, those are my 4 major goals. Which I think are achievable. Hopefully... Fingers crossed.</center>
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What are your resolutions/goals for 2016? How are you going about achieving them? I definitely want to hear them! </center>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com3Phoenix, AZ, USA33.4483771 -112.0740372999999932.6020036 -113.36493079999998 34.2947506 -110.78314379999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-50223672207730506272015-11-23T08:30:00.000-07:002017-11-29T01:06:33.665-07:00Walt Disney World/ Disney Cruise Vacation Part 1! <br />
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Did you ever read The Baby Sitter's Club growing up? I did. (I still do...) One of my favorites was the very first Super Special. (You know the ones I'm talking about. They were twice as long as the regular books and twice as expensive) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Sitters-Board-Club-Super-Special/dp/0590442406" target="_blank">"Baby Sitters On Board!"</a></center>
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The premise is that the Mr Pike won an all inclusive cruise to the Bahamas and 3 days at Walt Disney World at work. (Can you imagine the heart attack someone at the company had when they realized the dude with 8 kids won? I bet they didn't do that contest again.) So the Pikes invite MaryAnne and Stacey to go with them as mother's helpers. Watson (Kristy's step-father) hears about it and decides he wants to go, too, so he takes Kristy's family and of course decides to take Claudia and Dawn because whatevs. This means they have 22 people going on this trip. I don't even want to imagine the logistics behind that.. </center>
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Ever since reading it, I always wanted to go on a trip just like it. (Many of my bucket list items are from books apparently) But I never really thought it would be possible and that it was an extremely silly. </center>
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Last December, Nate and I were discussing where we wanted to go for vacation in 2015 and decided to book a cruise. I've always been a huge Disney fan so we definitely thought about a Disney Cruise first and foremost. After researching other cruise lines, we decided to go with a 7 Night Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral on the Disney Fantasy. </center>
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A few weeks after booking, Nate and I had both had a crap day at work. It had been a stressful week and while making dinner one night, I jokingly said we should just extend the vacation by a few days and go to Disney World. I didn't mean it in any serious sense really. More of a "Hey wouldn't that be cool?" but Nate looked at me and said "Sure. Let's do it!" We quickly booked a quick 3 night stay at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and decided to keep it a secret from Samantha.</center>
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A couple months later, after another long day, we were texting each other during the day and decided to add in another night at Disney World. We ended up moving to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in order to try out their Pirate themed rooms. After this, I quickly bought our flights so we wouldn't be tempted to add even more days.. (It was tempting..so tempting) </center>
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But after weeks of planning it was finally here! Nate started leave a few days before we left, but I still had a full day of work to get ready for the 2 week I would be out. </center>
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I finished around 1.30pm and it was time to finally leave. Said a quick good bye to my co workers, set my out of office and was ready to get the Jeep loaded. </center>
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Then it was off to surprise Sami! She knew about the cruise, and knew it was a week away, but she hadn't learned about the Walt Disney World portion yet. I had surprised her with a trip to WDW for her 7th Birthday and it was definitely fun to do. Since I was traveling alone that time, I didn't get a chance to record anything. So I made sure to get it this time. </center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">She's a character..</span></div>
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We were able to make it to Phoenix Sky Harbor International by a quarter to 4. Plenty of time to drop the Jeep off, get to the terminal, through check in and TSA and to our gate in time for our flight into Los Angeles. </center>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's becoming a travel pro</td></tr>
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We get to our gate and grab a snack. And we wait...and wait. . . </center>
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I finally get a text saying our flight has been delayed by 45 minutes. <i>Sigh</i></center>
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And then delayed again....</center>
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And again...</div>
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Yep, still here....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone, Save us. Why do you hate us, Delta?</td></tr>
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<br /><br />Finally, after nearly 3 hours of delays, we finally board our flight into LAX. Did I mention we have a connection that leaves at 10pm? Delta promised we'd probably make it...<div>
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Yeah, We didn't. </div>
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We landed in time, however, we were stuck on the runway for 25 minutes because people kept getting up to go to the bathroom, and there was a child that didn't want to sit down and was wandering around the aisle. The parent was completely oblivious and didn't seem to care when the flight attendants asked him to keep her seated. </div>
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However, it didn't actually matter as Delta has rebooked us on a different flight before we had even left Phoenix. (But forgot to mention it to us when we called...Go. Delta.) </div>
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After some very unhelpful assistance from the Delta gate agents, I was able to get through on the hotline where I found out that they had rebooked us on a flight arriving six hours later than we had originally planned and rerouting us from LAX to Minneapolis/St Paul and then in to Orlando. (Our original flight was PHX-LAX-MCO) Our new flights would leave about 2 hours later after midnight. </div>
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Needless to say, I was not a happy camper. We got Sami down on the floor in her blanket to nap until our flight while I tried to relax. (The customer service we received at LAX was abysmal and extremely unhelpful.) I ended up half carrying Sami on to the airplane because she was out like a light. Considering she's only a few inches shorter than me, it was quite the sight. I see you staring at us Guy Across the Aisle..</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying over Los Angeles. Hi Jason!</td></tr>
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We got to Minneapolis at sunrise, I grabbed breakfast and coffee for everyone, and waited for what would end up being yet another delay. (Although this one not nearly as bad as out of Phoenix)</center>
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By this time, Nate and I were a bit punchy and laughing uncontrollably at everything. I'm quite sure people thought we were drunk...The Delta Safety video had us in a fit of giggles. </div>
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We all settled in for the flight in to Orlando. Thankfully, Delta had a great entertainment selection and we were all able to choose different movies to watch during the 3+ hour flight. </div>
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We finally land, and it's raining in Orlando. Quite the welcome change from the extreme heat we left in Phoenix. It's close to 11am Florida time by this point, I had been awake for nearly 30 hours had been what felt like all over the United States and was quite ready to crash. But, no rest for the weary. We were meeting our friends; Brandon and Erin and their kids in just a couple of hours and had FastPass reservations to get to. </div>
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Stay Tuned for Day 2! </center>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-61229830142888616122015-01-13T00:10:00.000-07:002017-11-29T01:06:33.690-07:00Comin' down the world turned over...<center>
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"World Turned Over" </center>
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Autumn 2000</center>
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I've been feeling nostalgic lately. So I scoured the Internet for copies of my high school yearbooks. I was able to locate a blank copy of my Senior year. It came in and I was looking through it with my daughter. I showed her my senior photo, showed her my teachers and was flipping through it when she pointed out this photo. No one was tagged in it. The description was very vague. But Sami noticed me sitting in the lower corner and asked about it. </center>
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My mind drew a blank. I recognized a few of the faces. I recognized the theatre it was taken in. But I didn't remember why I was dressed up, the show or really anything. The title of the play sounded familiar. I knew that the senior class always put on a children's play as part of their graduation requirements for theater. But I couldn't remember why I was in it. I was always a backstage person. Usually working in tech. So I posted the photo to Facebook, and tagged those I could identify. </center>
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My friends, Theresa (seated next to me in the gingham dress) and Kyndl (dressed in black standing it the back) started posting about it, and the memories slowly started trickling back. </center>
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I was 17 and when this photo was taken, four or five months postpartum and I was in the midst of one of the darkest years of my life. I was lost and lonely. This was the first time I had to perform around children after placing my baby for adoption. I was terrified. My friend was the one that did the casting and directing. I was desperate to be backstage away for the small children and begged her not to put me on stage. But alas, she cast me as Golidlocks. (Im pretty sure because I was the only curly headed blonde ;) Most definitely not based on my acting skills )<br /><br />The premise of the show, was the tornado from The Wizard of Oz hits the town and all of the Storybook characters forget their stories and get mixed up in other stories. (I ended up in Little Bo Peep's story) the kids in the audience had to help us get back to our original stories. It truly was a terrifically written story. The children loved it. They truly believed we were our characters. I was asked be several kids if they could touch my curls and if they were real. (They totally were) Their small hands grabbing mine on stage, climbing on my lap after the show and hugging me tight was surreal. </center>
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I leaned on these people so much that year. I would go days without sleep, I lost massive amounts of weight. I stopped eating, I trusted very little. My day started at 7am in a math class I needed to make up for the time I missed the year before when I was too sick to go to class. Math was already a terrible subject for me. But my theater friends were there. Abbie, an underclassman was in my class, she and I had worked on shows together before and she was my sunlight during those dark, cold mornings. And every time I stepped into that 7th period class, Kyndl would be singing, Amanda would smile at me, Sophia Z would always be smiling and cheerful despite her own struggles with finding herself while in a Deep South High school. Theresa would walk in, with an air of grace and peace, filling the air with an electric energy she still carries to this day, and Trey, his long limbs folded while he focused on memorizing his latest piece for tournament. </center>
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Ray, who would drop everything and come over to just sit in his car with me while I struggled with my emotions. Who was my best friend my senior year despite being eons smarter than I will ever be. Ryan, who came over in the middle of the night with a cold Dr Pepper to keep my mind off the bad dreams, Megan, who took me out into the middle of the woods two weeks after giving birth so I could get away from the world. Kyndl who would not think anything of the fact that I was desperate to go with her for lunch, just so I wouldn't be alone. Driving around in her black Tiburon was one of my happiest memories of my senior year. </center>
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There were others, Whose names I've yet to remember This was my family. We were all so young and going through so many different things. But in their own ways, they pulled together to pull me out of my own misery, taking on a subject we were all too young to have to handle. Theater was my escape. The friends I made working on shows and tournaments that year, the responsibilities I was given during the year is the only thing that kept me treading water from stage managing the fall play, to student director of our Miss SHS pageant. </center>
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<br />I cannot express how grateful I was for every single person that year.</center>
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For the rehearsals, for the hours spent in the dark listening for cues. The laughter in the greenroom and the dressing rooms, weeks spent building sets, yelling at each other for missed lines, for late night conversations on the bus during tournaments, pushing each other to perform better, to be the best we could possibly be, for the hugs and the cheers, the roses and the applause. </center>
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To all of my Drama and Forensics family, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. </center>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-47331510203085413922015-01-08T00:29:00.003-07:002015-01-08T00:32:08.463-07:00Healthy Eating? What is that? - Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfPC43STEMo/VK4eG4ESMbI/AAAAAAAADH0/-4CIhqw989g/s1600/Blog%2BTitle%2B-%2BJan%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfPC43STEMo/VK4eG4ESMbI/AAAAAAAADH0/-4CIhqw989g/s1600/Blog%2BTitle%2B-%2BJan%2B7.jpg" height="400" width="309" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So last month, Nate and I made the decision to start eating less processed foods, more vegetables and less red meat.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Ew! Why?? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because we're both realizing that the last year has done a number on our diet and our health. Adjusting to Arizona, dealing with reintegration, long work hours and crazy amounts of stress has taken a toll on us. But it definitely isn't too late to alter our path. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So we decided to start making better food decisions. I have never been a fan of diets. For one, I've never really had a need for it. I usually know to burn more calories than I ingest, but 8-13 hours at a computer has really put a damper on that. Also, Nate makes the best Chicken Fried Steak. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Soooo good. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nate is much more on board with this than I am. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My biggest obstacle so far is the sheer amount of food. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sounds crazy, huh?</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I usually eat once a day and graze.There have been days I just forget to eat. This is apparently terrible for your metabolism. So I'm working on making healthier choices and eating balanced meals. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been posting my meals throughout the week in an effort to hold myself accountable. (And hoping a nice filter makes me want the food more?) </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 1: </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nate has started making me drink a daily concoction I have named "Mop Water" it is supposedly only hot water with honey and lots and lots of honey. It smells like mop water. It tastes like...hot water with wayyyy too much lemon. Apparently this is a healthy thing to start your day with. I like to start my day with whining and mumbling when I see him walking into my office. (Feigning sleep at the computer to get out of it has yet to prove successful) </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Breakfast is something I just have never been a big fan of. It seems way to early to be prepping food and eating and digesting. But alas, people say it's important. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Breakfast: 8:15am</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Hard-Boiled Egg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Slice Whole Wheat toast with Strawberry Preserves</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Bottle Odwalla Orange Juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">HOLY HELL! How do people eat this much food before 9am?? This seriously took me over an hour to eat. But I do love the juice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I was boiling the eggs, I thought I'd be smart and boil 5 or 6 at a time for the week. Turned the eggs on, went upstairs to answer a few emails really quick while they cooked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 email turned into 6, 1 chat turned in 50. Whoops. Only 2 eggs exploded. Not bad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One day I will even learn how to de-shell eggs. Im pretty sure I lost half the egg in the de-shelling process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lunch: 2:00 PM</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Time to eat again!?!?!? But I just ate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also, I am pretty sure I spent more time in my kitchen this week than I have in the month prior. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found this recipe somewhere on Pinterest. I don't remember where it was and I'm pretty sure I didn't even follow it. Because I suck at following recipes. But I tried to write out how to do this below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 large eggs (I use Organic, Pasture-Raised eggs. These are slightly expensive, though. So use whatever you want)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup-ish Cheddar Cheese cubed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup-ish Turkey I used Boar's Head Oven-Roasted which I diced up..(Actually just sort of whacked repeatedly with a very sharp knife.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1) Heat pan with butter (without burning it! I failed on that part)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) Mix Turkey, Cheese, Eggs and Broccoli in a bowl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3) Once pan is heated, toss in mixture and cook until done. Whatever done means to you. I pulled it when the eggs were cooked. The cheese hadn't melted completely which makes me wonder if I should have shredded it for it to melt quicker. But the slight cheese chunks added some interesting texture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4) YAY it's cooked! Now toss it in the tortilla, wrap it up and devour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: I didn't realize until after I cooked it that it was indeed 2 servings. Im not sure how well it would freeze or store. So I wrapped one up and made Nate eat it, despite the fact he had just eaten a tuna sandwich. Before realizing this I was pretty close to crying at the thought of having to eat the huge amount of filling this makes. But yes. This will make 2 servings. You should probably just eat 1 ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">I was actually quite happy with this. It was extremely filling and very quick to make. Definitely something I'd eat again. Not sure how healthy it is. But it can't be too bad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Dinner: 4:00 PM</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So this was about the time I realized that the soup I had planned, was totally not going to work. I looked at the cook time wrong, instead of 2 hours, it had to cook for 6-8 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I made crockpot Macaroni and Cheese instead. It would have been great if I remembered to keep it plugged in....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So that is Day 1. Nothing crazy, I also didnt get a chance to snack because I was way too full from the Breakfast and Lunch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day 2 brings us more eggs and tuna and a soup that I finally got to make! Come back tomorrow for that!</span></div>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-62559949830459109802013-06-21T12:28:00.000-06:002013-06-21T13:57:54.037-06:00Little Ears Around!<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some horrible inappropriate songs to kick off your weekend! Don't believe me? Ask a 7 year old to sing them ..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've never really been one to censor my music. I don't necessarily listen to anything crazy in the first place, so there wouldn't really be much to censor. Or so I thought</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sami and I are not known for our subtlety and are known to bust out into song in the car. Since we live a good distance from the nearest town with a stop light, we're in the car a lot. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2yEr4de1L5M/UcSmXCLj9II/AAAAAAAACow/oK8DhynnmNg/s1600/singing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2yEr4de1L5M/UcSmXCLj9II/AAAAAAAACow/oK8DhynnmNg/s400/singing.gif" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I'm the crazy girl singing and dancing in the car next to you</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until last week. When I for once listened to the lyrics of the songs Sami was singing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6np80qxRfts/UcSm7Ytd3CI/AAAAAAAACo4/NJnzRvO5Ysw/s1600/wth.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6np80qxRfts/UcSm7Ytd3CI/AAAAAAAACo4/NJnzRvO5Ysw/s400/wth.gif" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing like your 7 year old singing along to Prince! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing wrong with that, right? ...right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="40" id="gsSong2728031698" name="gsSong2728031698" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=27280316&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="250" height="40"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=27280316&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Prince%20Cream" title="Cream by Prince on Grooveshark">Cream by Prince on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Listen closely there....</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is it, it's time for you to go to the wire</span></span></div>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_2" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You will hit 'cause you got the burnin' desire</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_2" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_3" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's your time, you got the horn so why don't you blow it?</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_4" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_5" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are fine, you're filthy cute and baby you know it</span></span><br />
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<span class="line line-s" id="line_7" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cream, get on top</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_8" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cream, you will cop</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_9" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cream, don't you stop</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_10" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cream, sha boogie bop</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am a horrible mother...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I switch the next song. Oh look! Broadway!!! That can't be bad. She can sing Showtunes at school! Right??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">...right??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="40" id="gsSong12835553" name="gsSong12835553" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=128355&style=wood&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="250" height="40"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=128355&style=wood&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Avenue%20Q%20Everyone's%20A%20Little%20Bit%20Racist" title="Everyone's A Little Bit Racist by Avenue Q on Grooveshark">Everyone's A Little Bit Racist by Avenue Q on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Everyone's a little bit racist</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-center;">Doesn't mean we go </span></span></div>
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</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Around committing hate crimes.</div>
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Look around and you will find</div>
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No one's really color blind.</div>
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Maybe it's a fact</div>
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We all should face</div>
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Everyone makes judgments</div>
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Based on race.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh sweet mother of God. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NEXTTT NEXT!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="40" id="gsSong3685984931" name="gsSong3685984931" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=36859849&style=wood&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="250" height="40"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=36859849&style=wood&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Miranda%20Lambert%20Mama's%20Broken%20Heart" title="Mama's Broken Heart by Miranda Lambert on Grooveshark">Mama's Broken Heart by Miranda Lambert on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Go and fix your make up, girl, it’s just a break up</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">Run and hide your crazy and start actin’ like a lady</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">'Cause I raised you better, gotta keep it together</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">Even when you fall apart</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">But this ain’t my mama’s broken heart</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">Wish I could be just a little less dramatic</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">Like a Kennedy when Camelot went down in flames</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">Leave it to me to be holdin’ the matches</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">When the fire trucks show up and there’s nobody else to blame</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">Can’t get revenge and keep a spotless reputation</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">Sometimes revenge's just a choice you gotta make</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">My mama came from a softer generation</span><br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">Where you get a grip and bite your lip just to save a little face</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well that's not too bad...That's almost cute! That's right, Sami! Rock on! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">then I glance back...</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOtoqwfsCYc/UcSruKTs8eI/AAAAAAAACpI/hOsxWsVgTso/s1600/tumblr_mnxoyhz9y01s583ifo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOtoqwfsCYc/UcSruKTs8eI/AAAAAAAACpI/hOsxWsVgTso/s400/tumblr_mnxoyhz9y01s583ifo1_500.gif" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear god she has the facial expressions to match.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I should apologize now for any future romantic interest she has. Word of Warning..Just don't break her heart. She may very well break your spine. . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok, maybe I should just turn the radio on. The radio is safe. What crazy stuff can the radio be up to?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh Justin Timberlake! Yes. This is safe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="40" id="gsSong1064875559" name="gsSong1064875559" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=10648755&style=wood&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="250" height="40"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=10648755&style=wood&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Justin%20Timberlake%20Sexy%20Back" title="Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake on Grooveshark">Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object></span></div>
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<span class="line line-s" id="line_6" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dirty babe</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_7" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You see these shackles? Baby, I'm your slave</span></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_8" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll let you whip me if I misbehave</span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_9" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's just that no one makes me feel this way</span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_9" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_9" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until we get to dance class and she starts singing and dancing. </span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_9" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_9" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_9" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_9" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh myyyyy.</span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_9" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; 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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdYlIYFiTrM/UcSuBVVW86I/AAAAAAAACpY/bmVQNxJ-WLk/s1600/anstasia.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdYlIYFiTrM/UcSuBVVW86I/AAAAAAAACpY/bmVQNxJ-WLk/s400/anstasia.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yep. I give up.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.iworeyogapants.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/l3yS7WM.jpg" width="250" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;">Come link up! </span><br />
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-84948191814590545372013-06-10T09:21:00.000-06:002013-06-10T10:27:00.285-06:00Weekend Shenanigans<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up with Sami's Shenanigans today!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I enjoy leading a very quiet life. Mostly because I don't like <strike>people</strike> crowds. And because I live in South Dakota. (Seriously, why is this a state?)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my weekends are relatively calm. Last week I spent it running around due to dance recitals. But that is extremely rare. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guess what I did on Friday!! I worked. As usual. Because I lead a thrilling life, no?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty normal Friday getting ready for a project launch , wrapping up the week and all around kicking ass and taking names, yo. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then this tweet comes across my feed: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Police: At least 3 hurt in shooting at Santa Monica College. Suspect in custody. <a href="http://t.co/TfK0hr7Fy3" title="http://www.cnn.com/">cnn.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) <a href="https://twitter.com/cnnbrk/status/343096769208545281">June 7, 2013</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And my stomach drops. As my baby brother attends Santa Monica College and the last time he spoke he mentioned finals. . . </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I do what any normal crazy person does and checked his FB to see if he had updated to say "Yo I'm good!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Which he hadn't. (Note to self: Remind brother that he has a million ways to communicate with me that he is in fact not dead and to use them or else he will be. Seriously. We have texting, Skype, FB, Twitter, PHONES, smoke signals the works) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I text him. And start looking at flights to LAX because I'm not prone to overreaction or anything like that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I text my mother and probably shave a good 10 years off her life as I simply say "There was a shooting at Jason's college. I know he had a final on campus today. But I can't get ahold of him. Have you?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not known to sugar coat things I guess. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finally hear back from him and we have a strange interaction about his final. (Because only my brother would be worried about his final when his school is on lockdown because of an alleged shooting spree. Sign of the times or sign of my brother's quirkiness?)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After my heart stops racing and my bank account breathes a sigh of relief. I run to the commissary for groceries. As that's the thing to do on a Friday night in the summer. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday I woke up with the beginning shadows of a cluster headache. Knowing I will be of no use to anyone once it hits and will in fact be a blubbering mess, I put on clean pajamas, close the blinds, add blankets and pillows to the sofa, stock the table with everything I need and Sami and I curl up for a day on the sofa with Doctor Who and cuddles. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday I felt much better and decided to get out of the house for a bit. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I promise I'm not naked.And excuse the lack of make up :S</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sami and I grabbed brunch at <a href="http://tallyssilverspoon.com/#f07/custom_plain">Tally's Silverspoon</a> an awesome little restaurant in downtown Rapid City. Since it was not the usual Hurricane force winds outside, we chose to sit on the sidewalk seating and eat. It was an awesome meal and it's definitely one of my favorite places in Rapid City. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also took the time to lament the lack of sun on my shoulders. Irish heritage represent! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After brunch, we walked around downtown. Well, as much walking around as you can do on a Sunday in a town everything is closed on Sundays. I may dislike a lot about this station, but I do have to admit that downtown Rapid City is gorgeous. Not much architecturally wise has changed in years so it has a very nice retro feel to it. We walked around the streets and Art Alley for a bit before winding up back at Main Street square. Where I stopped in my favorite local bookstore Mitzi's. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They didn't have the book I was looking for so I settled on "Revenge wears Prada: The Devil Returns" by Lauren Weisberger<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> and some new tea. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">We swung by Who's Toy Store which is one of Sami's favorite places in the world (Cause they encourage you to play with everything)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OMG I'm tall AND skinny!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One more stop at Dakota Thyme for a French baguette (Cause they cook crack into them, they're that good) and we decide its time to leave. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I was feeling indulgent, we stopped and got Sami an ice cream cone. Cause that's what you do when you're buttering up your 7 year old!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rest of the afternoon was quiet. Sami worked on her Summer Learning program and played and I curled up in the chair with this</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">mmmm carbs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(When I posted this on Twitter, I got a few questions about the red thing. I thought it was self explanatory but it's a tea cup with a lid. The handle is just turned towards the back.)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finished the book that evening and Sami and I made sandwiches for dinner and watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Definitely one of my favorite ways to spend the evening!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How was your weekend? Don't forget to link up with <a href="http://www.samisshenanigans.com/">Sami's Shenanigans!</a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay Tuned! Coming up on the blog (at some point) is my Tampa Florida and Disney World vacation recap!</span></div>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-61228442235921925022013-05-27T23:59:00.001-06:002013-05-27T23:59:36.067-06:00Love demands infinitely less than friendship.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Respect yourself enough to walk away from anyone or anything </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy."</span></i></div>
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Pretty brutal, huh? At first glance it seems to be one of the most self centered pieces of advice. But the more I think about it, the more the truth in it is apparent. Every person you meet is a lesson. A lesson in humility, kindness, pain and happiness. Some of those grow you as a person. A tumultuous relationship grows you. It shows you what you will and will not accept. It shows you what you are capable of. It shows you the worst in life and the best. But once it no longer teaches you and only drags you down. You have to learn the final and hardest lesson. To love yourself enough to walk away. </div>
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I've been thinking about friendship a lot lately. Those that know me, know that I'm not a person with a huge amount of close friends. I'm a friendly person for the most part. But I keep a very small group of close friends. This is on purpose. When I'm in a friendship, I give it my all. I rarely do things by halves. </div>
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This also means I invest deeply in my friendships. If I'm close to a person, it takes a lot for me to sever the friendship completely. Because to me, it's akin to severing myself. My friends are my family. I love and respect my friends more than most of my family. Because the relationships are healthier, they are more open and loving and there is more support and respect. </div>
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One of my closest friend is a man that I met through my ex. We remained friends after the split and have built a strong friendship. I count him and his wife as my family. He knows me better than most people and still values me. He wants nothing from me but my friendship. We fight. He annoys the shit out of at least once a month or so. (And boy, do I annoy the crap out of him!) But there is respect. There is trust and there is no competition. We celebrate each other's triumphs and we mourn each others losses. I know that no matter what happens to me, he will be there and visa versa. I base my ideals of friendship off of my friendship with him. And I strive to be as deserving of his friendship as I can. </div>
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Last year I made the choice to sever a close friendship. It was one of the hardest things I did last year, and if you were around at any point last year, you know how big that was. Since last year was one of the darkest in my life. </div>
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I didn't make the choice lightly. It was several months coming. J wasn't a bad person. But her life was so dramatic, so full of strife, that I knew if I stayed in the friendship, it would cause me emotional and mental harm. </div>
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We were neighbors. We met while our spouses were deployed together and neither of us worked at the time. I've become quite the homebody lately. I enjoy my solitude and function well alone. She would make sure to pull me out of the house. We would go to Target, we would grab dinner, it started out very nice. We have many good memories that I will cherish. However, over the next couple of years we drifted apart. I went back to work and we both eventually moved to new houses. Our spouses deployed on the same rotation again, with my husband leaving earlier than hers. The day her husband left, she came over and our friendship seemed to take off again. I was working full time, my daughter was in school, and she had started college. We hung out, we talked and texted. It was nice. </div>
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She began an extramarital affair soon after her husband deployed. I knew of it, I met the guy and I tried to be supportive as I knew she was confused and I've made bad choices in the past and needed my friends more than anything at that point. I wouldn't say this was the beginning of the end. But I do know that it definitely fractured things. Since we first became friends she had said (possibly in a joking manner) that I was a bad friend. That my marriage was wrong because my husband let me do what I wanted and that he worshipped the ground I walked on. Many times she said he was a pushover. (Which, he really isn't. He just respects me) I brushed it off. I knew her marriage wasn't great so I didn't really like rubbing mine in. I knew she was joking for the most part, but I also knew there was an undercurrent of malice in her words. After she introduced me to The Guy, she started in on snide off handed comments about my appearance. While out at dinner one night, the manager of the restaurant was being friendly with me. Nothing inappropriate, but joking around and being friendly. She commented in a way that really made me stop. She turned to him and said "Yeah, she's skinny but she has a huge ass don't you think?" It struck me as very hateful and competitive. Why would a friend say something like that? Why did it matter what I looked like? Was she trying to compete for this stranger's attention? I was simply being friendly to the guy. But the look in her eyes was something I did not like. Once I had gone over to her house for a sleepover. The next day, she spent the entire day in her bedroom with The Guy while I cared for her child. </div>
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Her relationship with The Guy ended not long afterwards. Our spouses were set to return shortly as it was. I talked to The Guy randomly and got both sides of the break up and realized that she had told us drastically different stories of her husband. While I had asked several times if he was physically abusive, she said no, and that he was just an ass with a temper. She had told The Guy that he was physically abusive. </div>
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Sometime after the breakup of the affair, she had told The Guy that he was no longer allowed to speak to me. (I'm not sure why. I had Zero interest in the kid, but she felt threatened somehow) That became the end of our friendship. When I looked back and realized the friendship had solely been about her for a while. Her affair, her issues, her life. There was never any balance. It was emotionally draining, I was emotionally drained by her issues and they began to negatively affect my work and personal life. I looked back and could not think of the last time she had said a nice thing to me or inquired about my life. It had been months. I knew hanging on to the friendship would only drag me down. </div>
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Was it selfish? Yes. It was. I abandoned a friend I genuinely cared about when she needed friends the most. </div>
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Do I regret it? No. When I made the decision to sever the friendship, I felt relief. I no longer had someone telling me how horrible of a friend I was. I no longer had to stress about the next ball of drama exploding in my lap. I still care for her. I hope she is well. I know she recently had a child. I am pretty sure by her husband. I do not know if she ever told him of her affair. I seriously doubt it. But that was her choice. I hope her life is more figured out. I hope she is in a better place. I love her and her daughter A. But I could no longer stay. It was quickly becoming toxic. I worry about her. I worry about her child as I saw things that concerned me. But I had to let go. I had to respect myself enough to walk away from an unhealthy situation. And for that, I am saddened. I wish I could have stayed. I wish I could have been stronger. I let the friendship die. I could have spoken up sooner. But I didn't and that I will always regret. </div>
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I miss her. I miss our friendship in the early days and months. She is a sweet girl. But I was not the friend she needed. Nor was she what I needed in the end.</div>
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I have another friend that I worry is heading that way. And it pains me that it's getting to that point. But I have to ask myself if its mutually beneficial. Or am I simply giving and giving and draining myself. Can I truly be a good friend when it is so one sided? I know this person truly cares for me and loves me. And I wouldn't sever the relationship as completely as I did with J. But I've lost too many tears over trying to figure out how to make this work. I only have so much of myself to give. </div>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-59959413299391383312013-02-23T13:59:00.001-07:002013-02-24T12:44:40.450-07:00Birthday Surprise! Want to know what will keep you from blogging? Life.<br />
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Between major shake ups and changes (And stress) at work, to increased responsibilities in my volunteer work, and Nate being gone, I've barely had a chance to breathe. </div>
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<strike>Fact: My Christmas tree is down. However it is in the storage bag in my living room still. </strike>I finally got it put up!<br />
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For some reason this separation has been more stressful than the others. I've been super busy at work, and that hasn't really given me a chance to get into a clear cut system down like I'd want to.<br />
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Sami has had a rough year emotionally. I'm hoping we can get her off her meds soon to see if that will give her a better grasp on her emotions.<br />
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Needless to say, she (and I) both deserve a break. I've not had a vacation since Dragon*Con in September, and that wasn't really much of a break.<br />
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A couple weeks ago, I was at work thinking up ideas to celebrate her birthday. I really didn't want to throw another party. Last year she loved her birthday party, but it was exhausting planning and putting together and I really didn't feel like I got to really enjoy it.<br />
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My friend Elizabeth and I had been discussing meeting for months. We were going to meet up in Colorado when she was there for a camping trip, but for some reason it didn't pan out.<br />
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We tried meeting up when I was down in Georgia for Dragon*Con, but again something came up and I was busy with the con so it didn't happen.<br />
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I had thought about having her come visit. But then I remembered that I live in South Dakota and that's just not the ideal vacation spot.<br />
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So I decided to plan a vacation around Sami's birthday.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UG4cIUkbn38/USktpmtLMzI/AAAAAAAACmA/27AQiUitm0g/s1600/DSC_6141-1350087334-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UG4cIUkbn38/USktpmtLMzI/AAAAAAAACmA/27AQiUitm0g/s640/DSC_6141-1350087334-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Courtesy: <a href="http://www.disneytouristblog.com/">Tom Bricker</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pK-Bo-YL_hI/USktjulkpYI/AAAAAAAACl0/XpWp0VPa9qU/s1600/DSC_0783-1350013784-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pK-Bo-YL_hI/USktjulkpYI/AAAAAAAACl0/XpWp0VPa9qU/s640/DSC_0783-1350013784-O.jpg" width="419" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Courtesy: <a href="http://www.disneytouristblog.com/">Tom Bricker</a></span></div>
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Oh yeah! We're going to Disney World!<br />
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We're going to fly into Tampa International and stay with Elizabeth for the weekend. Hit up the beach, shop and just relax.<br />
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I get to finally meet this girl:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DS3cD8oJ2Mo/USkW0zPX-7I/AAAAAAAACj8/fVc6uXt-Gn8/s1600/Elizabeth1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DS3cD8oJ2Mo/USkW0zPX-7I/AAAAAAAACj8/fVc6uXt-Gn8/s400/Elizabeth1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy: Elizabeth Parrish</span></div>
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(Yes, you can hate her gorgeous face.) </div>
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AND </div>
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Visit this (Im not even sure this is anywhere near her place)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbCkhbvwMJM/USkXFChRPzI/AAAAAAAACkY/9ipjBYao6qc/s1600/elizabeth+beach2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbCkhbvwMJM/USkXFChRPzI/AAAAAAAACkY/9ipjBYao6qc/s400/elizabeth+beach2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy: Elizabeth Parrish</span></div>
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WAVES. REAL WAVES</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy: Elizabeth Parrish</span></div>
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Do you see that white stuff?? It's SAND. Sami's never played in real sand. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy: Elizabeth Parrish</span></div>
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The Birds!! These birds are awesome!!! I don't even know what they are but they are awesome and I want to see them. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzv2_yJnfAU/USkXFVuMEAI/AAAAAAAACkU/VPufnsnttnc/s1600/Elizabeth+ftdesoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzv2_yJnfAU/USkXFVuMEAI/AAAAAAAACkU/VPufnsnttnc/s400/Elizabeth+ftdesoto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Courtesy: Elizabeth Parrish</span></div>
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That's the Gulf! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNxRsu7PUfE/USkXFBV88CI/AAAAAAAACkc/ktGFMIM5vDI/s1600/elizabethtext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNxRsu7PUfE/USkXFBV88CI/AAAAAAAACkc/ktGFMIM5vDI/s400/elizabethtext.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Here's a peek into our friendship. Aren't we cool??</div>
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Then, on Sunday, we're getting up super early to drive in to Orlando.</div>
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I chose not to stay at <a href="http://www.shadesofgreen.org/dining.htm">Shades of Green</a> for several reasons. (Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center on Disney property. It is open to Armed Forces and their families, Retired Armed Service members, and Dept of Defense employees and some other government agencies) While a Disney property, with most of the amenities of a Disney resort, it doesn't offer the Disney Dining Plan and it doesn't have as much Disney theming. However, it is a very nice resort and I would recommend it to any of my military followers. It's incredibly inexpensive. </div>
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Since it is just me and Sami going, I didn't do a Disney Vacation Club stay either.</div>
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People book their stays months and months in advance, so I was at a disadvantage there. They were already filling up. So my first choice of Art of Animation a Value level Resort was booked for the dates of our trip. I also was hesitant because Art of Animation is EXTREMELY themed. I'm talking Ariel shower curtains and carpet and a 60 ft tall Ariel on the side of the building. A bit extreme for my taste. And this trip is for both of us.<br />
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However, the quote I got for the Value resort was much lower than I had budgeted, so I asked about a somewhat nicer resort.</div>
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The amazingly friendly Reservations cast member suggested the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans-Riverside. Which are Princess themed rooms. Which sound perfect. So I booked it along with the Deluxe Dining Plan so I don't have to worry about meals. As well as Photopass Plus. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iNS4sgs6lg/USkqdY88fVI/AAAAAAAACk4/KxHP58-FCeQ/s1600/Walt+Disney+World+May+2012+393-2321680011-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iNS4sgs6lg/USkqdY88fVI/AAAAAAAACk4/KxHP58-FCeQ/s640/Walt+Disney+World+May+2012+393-2321680011-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Courtesy: <a href="http://www.disneytouristblog.com/">Tom Bricker</a></span></div>
Disney's Port Orleans-Riverside Resort<br />
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Here is an awesome walkthrough the Royal Guest rooms courtesy of Inside The Magic</div>
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I booked dinner on her birthday at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/cinderella-royal-table/">Cinderella's Royal Table</a></div>
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Before dinner, we also have reservations at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/downtown-disney/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique-downtown/">Bibidi Bobbidi Boutique</a> for a princess makeover.</div>
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I'm still finalizing some plans. But I think its all coming together well!</div>
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So give me your Disney tips!!!</div>
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<b>***I forgot to add. Sami knows NOTHING AT ALL about this. So if you know her, don't say anything!!!! And help me come up with ideas to surprise her with!****</b></div>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-74420935768463716142012-12-08T00:08:00.000-07:002012-12-08T19:30:00.978-07:00Dressember Week 1!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.modamamablog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="ModaMama" border="0" src="http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff488/ModaMama/Dressember_200px.jpg" /></a></div>
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I made it!!!<br />
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I made it an entire week.<br />
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With actual dresses!!!!<br />
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Are you as shocked as I am?<br />
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You should be.<br />
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It's Saturday, so I'm linking up with Joanna again at ModaMama for Dressember link up.<br />
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This week was challenging. It is definitely getting into the groove of thinking things through.<br />
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"Do these tights go with this?" "Will anyone notice if I wear identical leggings?" "Why do I have 4 pairs of brown leggings????" "Why are all of my tights gray? Was I high when I bought 4 pairs of gray tights from Ann Taylor Loft??"<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Saturday</span>:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QsxF-9bAVPo/UMLd5Vr7MxI/AAAAAAAACiQ/4rolHcylSTE/s1600/IMG_2310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QsxF-9bAVPo/UMLd5Vr7MxI/AAAAAAAACiQ/4rolHcylSTE/s1600/IMG_2310.JPG" /></a></div>
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<i>Lace Top - <a href="http://www.evanity.com/" style="color: #6c5670; text-decoration: none;">Vanity</a> -Similar <a href="http://www.evanity.com/index.php/lace-long-sleeve-top-86831.html" style="color: #6c5670; text-decoration: none;">Here</a> // Dress - Vanity - Similar <a href="http://us.asos.com/Oasis-Daisy-Lace-Bodice-Dress/ycie7/?iid=2348754&SearchQuery=lace%20dresses&sh=0&pge=5&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Ivory&mporgp=L09hc2lzL09hc2lzLURhaXN5LUxhY2UtQm9kaWNlLURyZXNzL1Byb2Qv" style="color: #6c5670; text-decoration: none;">Here</a> // Leggings - <a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Clothes/Leggings/entity/pc/2114/c/0/sc/2635/202983.uts?colorCode=301268818_001" style="color: #6c5670; text-decoration: none;">Charlotte Russe</a></i></div>
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<i>Ring- Target - Similar <a href="http://www.target.com/p/5pc-crystals-stack-rings/-/A-12132644#prodSlot=medium_12_51&term=Ring" style="color: #6c5670; text-decoration: none;">Here</a> // Shoes - <a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/glitters/silver-glitters-shoes" style="color: #6c5670; text-decoration: none;">Toms</a> // Necklace - Gift from my awesome husband</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sunday</span>: </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1k_wJZoJdhY/UMLd6NmPnPI/AAAAAAAACiY/_FAf3shIEbA/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1k_wJZoJdhY/UMLd6NmPnPI/AAAAAAAACiY/_FAf3shIEbA/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" /></a></div>
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Dress: <a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Clothes/Dresses/entity/pc/2114/c/0/sc/2133/217907.uts?colorCode=301356907_970">Charlotte Russe</a> // Coin Bracelet: Target probably // Saint Jude bracelet: Etsy // cocoon sweater:Vanity // Boots: ShoeDazzle </div>
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I felt like a teacher. All day long. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Monday</span>:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwndOI1W9mc/UMLd9Qg8PjI/AAAAAAAACi4/rnUd4-Snkqk/s1600/IMG_2385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwndOI1W9mc/UMLd9Qg8PjI/AAAAAAAACi4/rnUd4-Snkqk/s1600/IMG_2385.JPG" /></a></div>
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Dress: <a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Clothes/Dresses/entity/pc/2114/c/0/sc/2133/225728.uts?colorCode=301358275_423">Charlotte Russe</a> (duh) // Tights: <a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/208523.uts?colorCode=301336657_100">Charlotte Russe</a> // Boots: JustFab</div>
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I ended up wrapping a silver sequin belt around my waist over the cardigan and tossed on a silver satin trench coat. </div>
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It was a windy day and the skirt was awfully short. Also, I have no idea what my boobs are doing. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Tuesday:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THmjRMe3Jcs/UMLd7E1AODI/AAAAAAAACig/y8BEXUUuI5M/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THmjRMe3Jcs/UMLd7E1AODI/AAAAAAAACig/y8BEXUUuI5M/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" /></a></div>
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Dress: Charlotte Russe // Boots: ShoeDazzle</div>
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I really didn't care this day. It was a long day at work and I spent most of the day working. And obviously one of the downfalls of being petite is that arm holes for everything are meant for proportionate people. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday</span>:</div>
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Dress: Charlotte Russe (of course) // Cami: The Buckle // Tights: Target</div>
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This is one of the more daring outfits I tried. This dress is older so the silhouette is slightly outdated. I'm also not well versed in brightly colored tights. These were a pretty bright mustard. It worked. Definitely different though! </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday</span>:</div>
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Dress: American Eagle (Shocked? I was too) // Cami: American Eagle // Tights: Target // </div>
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Flats: No idea</div>
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I was pleasantly surprised with how this one turned out. The dress I bought in the spring and didn't think it would hold up well in the South Dakota winter, but it didn't do too bad. I love the ribbon ties on the sides instead of back and it was super comfortable. It took several times to find the right pair of shoes. I tried some slouch boots but the dress was too long. I tried some sweater knit flats and it looked weird and finally fished these out from the bottom of my closet. They're made of some sort of silk and are pretty comfortable. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friday</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9o--aN4uKdE/UMLd8iwq1YI/AAAAAAAACiw/huRXaPmqkos/s1600/IMG_2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9o--aN4uKdE/UMLd8iwq1YI/AAAAAAAACiw/huRXaPmqkos/s1600/IMG_2383.JPG" /></a></div>
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Dress: Charlotte Russe (For I apparently single handedly keep them in business it seems!) // Cami: The Buckle // Lace Blouse: Vanity // Boots: no idea I've had them since I was 19, a Christmas gift from an ex.</div>
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I think this was my favorite of the week. The dress is about a size too big so it felt like I wasn't wearing a huge tee. The skirt is very twirly and it's surprisingly warm. And made me feel skinny. </div>
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That was MY Dressember week!!! How was yours??? Which is your favorite so far?</div>
<br />Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-78953824153683393602012-12-01T20:26:00.002-07:002012-12-01T20:26:37.925-07:00Dressember! <br />
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<a href="http://www.modamamablog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="ModaMama" border="0" src="http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff488/ModaMama/Dressember_200px.jpg" /></a></div>
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Have you heard of Dressember? I hadn't either.<br />
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My friend, Joanna from <a href="http://www.modamamablog.com/">ModaMama</a> made a post about it yesterday and was kind enough to gently motivate me to join!<br />
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That's nice, Christina. Now get to the point.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> What is it? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">It's where you wear a dress every day for the month of December. Some do it for a challenge, some do it to try to re-style different dresses for an entire month and some do it for charity like Joanna. If you buy ad space on her blog before December 10th, she will donate the proceeds to a charity. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I'm not going to be that brave yet. I will say this first that I may very well not finish the entire month, because that involves thinking in the morning when choosing clothes. Thinking is not my strong point. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">That also involves wearing dresses. Which I've never thought were my sartorial strong point. I suck at accessorizing them and I suck at finding dresses that flatter my figure. (And don't get me started on the Sweater dress breakdowns I've had)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So maybe this will get me to work on this area of my wardrobe. Especially as a majority of my dresses are summer dresses. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I'm going to link up with Joanna on Saturdays to post my photos from the week. I may even break out my actual camera and tripod to take some instead of my iPhone. hahaha No. I'm just going to use my iPhone...because that is the easiest way to be lazy. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Join us!!!! Check out Joanna's blog at <a href="http://www.modamamablog.com/">ModaMama</a></span><br />
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Here is Day One:<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/577746_10151545472575410_414513650_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/577746_10151545472575410_414513650_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Lace Top - <a href="http://www.evanity.com/">Vanity</a> -Similar <a href="http://www.evanity.com/index.php/lace-long-sleeve-top-86831.html">Here</a> // Dress - Vanity - Similar <a href="http://us.asos.com/Oasis-Daisy-Lace-Bodice-Dress/ycie7/?iid=2348754&SearchQuery=lace%20dresses&sh=0&pge=5&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Ivory&mporgp=L09hc2lzL09hc2lzLURhaXN5LUxhY2UtQm9kaWNlLURyZXNzL1Byb2Qv">Here</a> // Leggings - <a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Clothes/Leggings/entity/pc/2114/c/0/sc/2635/202983.uts?colorCode=301268818_001">Charlotte Russe</a></i></div>
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<i>Ring- Target - Similar <a href="http://www.target.com/p/5pc-crystals-stack-rings/-/A-12132644#prodSlot=medium_12_51&term=Ring">Here</a> // Shoes - <a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/glitters/silver-glitters-shoes">Toms</a> // Necklace - Gift </i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.modamamablog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="ModaMama" border="0" src="http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff488/ModaMama/Dressember_200px.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-57502607350622779192012-11-26T10:13:00.003-07:002012-11-26T10:18:49.298-07:00This Weekend I...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://synfullydelicious.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p615/synfullydelicious1/Blog%20Design%20by%20CLS/200x200-TWI.jpg" /></a></div>
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This weekend was intentionally quiet. Sami and I are still getting into the swing of things so I didn't plan much for the weekend.<br />
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Thanksgiving was a quiet affair. I originally had no intention of cooking and was going to take up the local restaurants that are open for those that didn't feel like cooking.<br />
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That was until Sami and I went to the commissary and she was freaking out about needing to see the turkeys. So I took her to see the turkeys, and she realizes that it is just dead poultry. (Mom, why do they look like chickens??)<br />
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When she realized I had no intention of purchasing dead poultry she had a melt down about the significance of Thanksgiving and how we must give thanks by breaking bread together. I told her that was all well and good and we could do it over steak at Ruby Tuesday, but alas she would have none. So I spent 15 minutes digging through the cold poultry-sicles to find the smallest one possible.<br />
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Last year I bought just a turkey breast and roasted that. This year I bought what I thought was a turkey breast similar to last years, but was more dismembered turkey body than breast.<br />
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I was able to bribe Sami into going out for Thanksgiving, but the bribe fell through when she woke up begging for a traditional turkey dinner after our Thanksgiving day nap. So I caved, like I do, and made turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and rolls. A whole lot of work for a meal for two. But she enjoyed it and I guess that's what matters.<br />
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Friday there was no Black Friday shopping for me, as I had to work bright and early. Sami and I spent the evening watching movies and reading. Because that's what you do.<br />
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Saturday was a quiet day of cuddling on the sofa and reading. Capped off with another long nap. (Sensing a trend yet?) I was also able to text an old friend a majority of Saturday. Which is always nice.<br />
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I miss friends.<br />
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Sunday was supposed to be my day of action. I had a long list of things I wanted to get done for the upcoming week.<br />
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But I stayed in bed all morning reading with Sami and spent the afternoon reading and watching movies. No cleaning was accomplished. Nothing.<br />
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It was definitely needed. The last few weeks have been hectic and I needed time to unwind and catch up with loved ones.<br />
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But now my to-do list is a mile long, I definitely do not have my holiday shopping done, nor are my Holiday cards addressed.<br />
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Next weekend is going to be super busy now.<br />
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How was your weekend?? Were you productive? Did you do something besides sit around with your nose stuck in a book??<br />
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share!<br />
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<br />Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-70899974758400335762012-11-25T23:12:00.000-07:002012-11-25T23:12:08.735-07:00Sunday Social <br />
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<strong style="background-color: white;">So Im linking up with Ashley at Ashley's Carnival Ride this week for the Sunday Social. </strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white;">(It's still Sunday here!)</strong></div>
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<a href="http://ashleyscarnivalride.blogspot.com/" title="Sunday Social"><img alt="Sunday Social" src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/BlogDesigns/Buttons/SocialSundayButton3.png" width="195px" /></a></center>
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<strong style="background-color: white;">Check out her blog and the other people linking up! Great way to meet some new bloggers! </strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white;">This Week’s Questions:</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>1. Name 4 jobs you’ve had in your life: Nanny, Hostess, Bear Builder, and now Social Media Specialist. </b></span></div>
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By far my fav is my current job. Social Media all day?? Bring it. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>2. Name 4 movies you would watch over and over:</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> Love Actually, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, any of the Harry Potter movies, and Cool Runnings. </span></div>
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Have I dated myself yet? I was in love with this movie since it came out. So amazing. The accents are horrible, and it's super cheesy. But Alan Rickman is so hot in it. </div>
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Uhhh How can you NOT watch this and smile? It's the ultimate in Feel Good Disney crap. </div>
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Even if it's historically inaccurate, I don't care! And no one can resist John Candy and Doug E. Doug. </div>
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Shockingly, I just watched this for the first time some time last year. I've been living in a cave for the last decade. And the fact it's an Alan Rickman movie? Be still my beating heart. Plus, it backs up what I've always claimed that. Love is actually all around. It's not just romantic love. It's not always perfect. And it's not always textbook. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gP4hqNMFYg/ULL9Fy82ecI/AAAAAAAACeU/ZdHop0CAv9k/s1600/Harry-Potter-and-the-Deathly-Hallows-Part-2-Poster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gP4hqNMFYg/ULL9Fy82ecI/AAAAAAAACeU/ZdHop0CAv9k/s320/Harry-Potter-and-the-Deathly-Hallows-Part-2-Poster2.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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(Yes, yes it is an Alan Rickman movie. I'm a stalker. Deal with it)</div>
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Any and all of the Harry Potter movies. I own them all, I've DVRed the ABC Family ones, but every time it comes on (Which is all the freakin time) I absolutely must watch it. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>3. Name 4 places you have lived</b>: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Uhhh Abilene, Texas; Fayetteville, Arkansas, Dyess AFB, TX and Ellsworth AFB, SD. Boring life I lead. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>4. Name 4 of your favorite foods: </b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I go through strange cravings. One month all I want are french fries. Another it's cheese puffs. But I can almost never pass up cheese, pretzels, fresh fruit, and steak. I love steak. I could never be a vegetarian because I am addicted to steak. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>5. Name 4 things you always carry with you: </b></span></div>
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my iPhone (Even though I rarely ever make calls on it or even receive them) my Dept of Defense ID so that I can get home and exist on base, my keys (which I constantly lose) and lip balm. Even if I don't use it I have to have some nearby. I have three or four in my bedroom, 2 in my office, and 3 in my car. It's an addiction and I am AOK with that!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>6. Name 4 places you have been on vacation: </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">uhhh I've not really been on many vacations. Atlanta, GA has been my favorite. Even if I never did much sightseeing. The friendship and the places I did go were always happy times. I feel recharged when I go to Atlanta. For some reason, just stepping out of the airport, lowers my blood pressure, relieves all the stress in my shoulders and gives me a huge sense of calm and relief. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">An ex and I went with his family on vacation to Dowagiac, Michigan. It was an old resort that reminded me greatly of Dirty Dancing. If that resort had been a ghost town. It wasn't a great vacation. His family was dramatic and there were a lot of people there. But it wasn't horrible at least. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">One of my favorite escapes, was one weekend when my ex, Matt, woke me up and said "Since we can't go to your family reunion, let's go to Arkansas!" we loaded up the car, and drove the 9 hours to Arkansas from Texas. It was amazing talking through the drive and being back in our hometown for a bit. Even if we were only there for a day. It was definitely worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">When my grandmother died when I was 16, my parents, brother and I went to Ft Lauderdale/Hollywood area for the funeral. My mother was already there and would be driving back with us. It was a long drive. And one of the firsts my father allowed me to drive by myself. On the way home after the funeral, my father decided to take us to Disney World. Which, nothing says I'm sorry about your loss like going to the Happiest Place on Earth!</span></div>
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In all actuality, it was a great trip. I hadn't been to Disney World since I went on a school trip a few years before. It was the last time we spent time together as a family. My parents had been divorced for a few years at that point. But it was the last time we were all together in a positive place without drama. </div>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-51082404845463176982012-11-22T11:30:00.001-07:002012-11-22T11:30:56.501-07:00Shutterfly Holiday cards!Hey guys! Just a quick note. You can get 10 free personalized Holiday cards from Shutterfly with promo code: BLACKFRIDAY<br />
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I just made mine and it was quick and painless!! (I'm procrastinating cooking the turkey, can you tell?)<br />
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<span>Stationery card</span></div>
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<span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-10482034371891799912012-10-25T00:35:00.000-06:002017-11-29T01:06:33.620-07:00From String to Bottle capsYou never know how important a pet is until that pet may be taken away from you forever.<br /><br />September and the early part of October were insane.<br /><br />2 days after I returned from Atlanta, my husband flew to Hill AFB, Utah for a three week TDY.<br /><br />A few days after he left, I fed Geordi and while I was washing dishes, I saw him throw up. I didn't really think much of it, Geordi is a larger cat and he sometimes eats too fast and then throws it back up. This is something he's done since I got him and he's always been fine afterwards. I leaned down and petted him and cleaned up the mess. Gave him some fresh water and went on my way.<br /><br />Over the next couple days he became more and more lethargic and would vomit bile and then seem absolutely fine.<br /><br />We tried fluids, we tried anti nausea. Nothing seemed to really work.<br /><br />Saturday night he started hiding out in my closet. This isn't completely unusual as it's a large closet and it's his private chamber. No one really bothers him there, he has shelves and a dresser to climb on, clothes to hide under and an a/c vent. So I would go in every few hours and check on him. Sunday morning I could tell something was wrong. He was refusing water. He was lethargic and just not Geordi. He was shaking and limp.<br /><br />I scooped him up and tossed him in his carrier while I got Sami dressed and somehow remembered to put pants on myself. I called our local Emergency Vet and explained what was going on and they gave me directions and told me they were standing by.<br /><br />The Emergency Vet is about 30 minutes away depending on traffic. We made it there in less than 20.<br /><br />I dragged the carrier in and the vet tech helped me get him out of the carrier and on to the scale. 20.5 pounds. So he hadn't lost much weight.<br /><br />The vet came in and examined him. He had no fever, but was severely dehydrated. She said he would need further testing, blood work and some X-rays and at least 2-3 nights in the hospital. I signed the paperwork, paid and was sent home.<br /><br />I had to get groceries, so Sami and I went to the commissary. Which when you're emotionally stressed, isn't the best place to be. I was lucky I escaped without murdering anyone.<br /><br />My cell phone has no reception while I am in the commissary. When I got out to my car and the bagger was loading the groceries, I noticed I had 4 missed calls and 3 voice mails.<br /><br />It was the vet. I called back immediately and didn't even check my messages.<br /><br />She said that his blood work had come back perfect. His kidney functions were good. He had the blood work of a much thinner cat. Which is YAY! Because Geordi is a fatty.<br /><br />But when she did an X-ray, she noticed that his intestines were bunched up. She examined him further and noticed a tiny string caught in the back of his mouth and that it looked as if it was what was causing his intestines to bunch up.<br /><br />He would need extensive surgery to go in and remove the string and repair the intestines.<br /><br />So I went down to pay and to sign the consent forms. They let me and Sami visit him and he already a had an IV in place to get fluids back in to him.<br /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/253104_10151411325865410_1590795694_n.jpg" /><br /><br />He's can pull off pink. For he is a rockstar. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I left him there and made it to the car before I started to cry. My friend, and Geordi's original owner, Brandon called to see what was going on and I barely made it through the phone call without sounding like a blubbering mess. (OK, maybe I didn't make it. But B is my best friend. He's used to my emotional rollercoaster)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dr Vinson took him in to surgery as soon as I left and called me a few hours with the results. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He survived the surgery. She had removed over 2 feet of string that went from the back of his throat to his colon. It had caused damage in a couple spots in his intestines and a spot in his stomach. She had to make 7 or 8 incisions in his intestines to remove it and 1 in his stomach. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/228965_10151413323330410_1386402685_n.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br />The most expensive and emotionally destructive piece of string ever. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He was stable after surgery, although his body temperature was low and they were struggling to get it up to normal range. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The next day, I was able to go visit him and see how he was doing. His front right paw had been shaved for the IV and his back left paw had been shaved for his Fetanyl patch, his stomach was shaved for the surgery so he was looking pretty haggard. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/3719_10151413320945410_1943735164_n.jpg" /><br /><br />He was also stoned out of his gourd. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/536204_10151413320545410_63897053_n.jpg" /><br /><br />My little guy is snuggly!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/546284_10151413323105410_1913502691_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/546284_10151413323105410_1913502691_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But still very, very cold. Holding him close wrapped in his blanket helped a bit. After our visit his temperature had risen to just below normal. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/283156_10151413322885410_698137112_n.jpg" /><br /><br />And bald. Those are very bald fat rolls. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We went home and I would call every few hours to check on him and to see how he was doing. He still hadn't started to eat and they had put water bottles in his cage in order to keep him warm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The next day, they called and asked me to bring in his favorite food as he was still not eating. I took cat food, tuna, chicken and even baby food to try and get some food in him and he refused it all. The vet suggested we put in an esophagostomy feeding tube. They would put him under, make a hole in the side of his neck and feed a tube in to his stomach. While scary, it would not only allow him to get the nutrients he needs and to prevent major liver issues, but he would also be able to go home. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I signed the consent and paid (again) and went home. The vet called me a few hours later and said that he had some issues waking up from the medication, but that he seemed to be doing well and would be able to go home the next evening. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The next day I picked him up and the vet tech showed me how to feed him. I would need to feed him via syringe every four hours including at night. He now had the side of his neck shaved. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/60149_10151417020260410_2081857217_n.jpg" /><br /><br />I do not like the cone of shame.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/383443_10151418904575410_906901950_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/383443_10151418904575410_906901950_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I got to play Kitty Nurse!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Nate came home a few days later and soon got to learn the joys of holding a cat while injecting food into a tube. Geordi seemed to be doing pretty well for the first few days. He started to drool a lot. To the point we would have to take a towel and dry him off. He also had nasal drainage. So we called the vet and explained what was going on. They didn't see any major issues and said to keep an eye on it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A few days later, we went out to dinner to get a break from stress we had both been under for a while. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We came home and I went upstairs to my bedroom to undress and Geordi had changed drastically. When he breathed, it made a strange popping sound. His breathing was labored and sounded as if he was in water.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The next day, the overnight vet had passed his case on to the daytime veterinarian. She called me to give an update later that morning. After consulting with another vet, and reviewing blood work and records, she felt confident to rule out heart disease. His heart was strong, his ECG was good, his chem panel was good and his blood work was in normal ranges. But they were still unsure of what was causing his issues. His breathing had improved, but they were not sure if they would return. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Once again, I called the Veterinary ER and raced him in. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It was not good. The vet saw him and her face fell. She sat down and said that this was very serious. His oxygen level was very low. In the low 70's. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />She did an X-ray and said he had a large amount of fluid on his lungs and that she was not sure he would make it through the night. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We could put him in an oxygen cage and try to get his oxygen levels up. And that she would research what was going on as well as aspirate his lungs of the fluid that was preventing his ability to breathe. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I paid again, and went home. I was awake the entire night worried about him. My phone rang at 2 am. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />She had aspirated 100 cc from his left lung, and 50 cc from his right. Later, she aspirated another 100 cc from his left lung. She was worried that it was his heart. And that the physical strain of the last few weeks had put a severe strain on his heart, combined with his obesity, it didn't look good. She was going to review the fluid she had extracted, and run some more tests. He had been in the oxygen cage for a while and his oxygen levels had not improved.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />She said they wanted to rule out Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS as well as repeat some X-rays.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />She called back within the hour. Both blood tests had come back negative and his x-ray looked good. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But they still had no answers. And this is where I hit the lowest point of my month. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We could do 2 things. We could send the fluid out to a pathologist to see if they could pinpoint what caused the fluid. This would cost about $250+ and may not give us any definitive answers. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We could also send him to the Veterinary College in Colorado for further study. Obviously, this would be extremely expensive. At least an additional $2,000+ as well as travel expenses to get him down there. And the costs would rise from there. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was heartbroken, I had already paid so much that I had to make a decision, do I pay even more to follow every avenue to figure out what was wrong? Or do I decide to do what I could to make his final days comfortable and surrounded by those that loved him and hope for the best?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I needed him home. The thought of him dying alone in a strange hospital destroyed me. So I made the decision, to stop treatment and bring him home. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The vet understood and worked to figure out a plan to try to manage his symptoms. She would keep him until late that day to wean him off of the oxygen and to see how he did. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />She called him a prescription into Target and would have the rest of his meds ready when we picked him up. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The rest of the day I spent pretty much in a ball crying because I felt like I had failed my Geordi. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I called to check on him and got some very promising news. He has been off the oxygen for a few hours, and his oxygen levels were still low. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Why is this promising? Because the vet said that their oxygen meter might be broken. She had retested it on a new meter and his level was nearly normal. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We went and picked him up and they put us in the comfort room. A room where, I am imagining, that they bring dying pets to say their final farewells. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I opened his carrier...and out bounced my Geordi boy. Looking pretty ragged, but with a bounce to his step I hadn't seen in a while. Minus some hair. They had shaved his sides and a larger spot on his neck. Needless to say he looked pretty pathetic. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/399690_10151432652185410_1535727644_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/399690_10151432652185410_1535727644_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He had a pretty intensive medication regiment and his feeding schedule had bumped up to every 2 hours even at night.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And day by day...he improved. When he walked up the stairs by himself was a huge step, when he jumped into a chair...when he started to eat on his own. Each day was stressful and scary. At the same time, I was dealing with some major changes at work, preparing for Nate to leave for year long tour in the Republic of Korea. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Finally, we were able to get his original stitches removed. The vet was amazed to see him and came out to say how relieved she was when she saw him. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A few days later, he was able to have his feeding tube removed. Which left a dime sized hole in his neck which closed up a few days later.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've wanted to write this blog since all of this happened. But part of me has been too scared to do it because I felt it might jinx him. And I am usually not someone to think like that. Fear and grief will do a number on you. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But yesterday, 40 days since he first went in for surgery, he did something that made me realize that he truly was better.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I found his new collection of bottle caps. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He's always played with bottle caps and would keep a stash of them behind the toilet or behind the television. When things got really bad, and we didn't think he would come home, I had gone through and thrown away all of his stashes. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last night, I watched as he ran around and batted 2 bottle caps around. I later found a small collection of new caps. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Geordi is well.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/485861_10151464500240410_321904650_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/485861_10151464500240410_321904650_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you everyone for the thoughts and good vibes. I couldn't have gotten through all of this without all of the support I received on Twitter and Facebook.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And Geordi says Thank You as well. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/227398_10151460211160410_1998130496_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/227398_10151460211160410_1998130496_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-42456312164941639552012-10-01T23:18:00.003-06:002012-10-01T23:18:48.665-06:00Tuesday 10<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I'm co-Hosting Tuesday 10 with <a href="http://mom2memphisandruby.blogspot.com/">Mom2MemphisandRuby</a>! Come Link up with us! And check her out! This week's topic is, drumroll please:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> 10 Geeky Facts About You</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1.) I'm a con-goer. Yup, I'm only of those geeks that gets all sorts of excited and travel across the country to spend 4 days in a hotel with 50,000 other geeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yes. That is me, as Princess Merida at </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dragon*Con 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Since I cannot sew to save my life, I commissioned my cosplay. A wonderfully talented woman and I spent hours emailing back and forth and design details and fabrics and measurements to design this costume. The chemise is made out of cotton and yes, it's a full chemise. Floor length with long sleeves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The gown is 100%Noir Silk, with a lined bodice and corset backing. I wore it walking around outside and in the hotels for three days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The quiver is hand stitched leather. Definitely got my money's worth! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2) I have a Harry Potter tattoo. I became emotionally attached to the series during a very difficult part of my life. So it meant a lot to me. After moving to South Dakota in 2009, I got the words "Mischief Managed" tattooed below my collarbone. I'm that hardcore. I also have plans for more Potter related tattoos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">3) My cat is named after a Star Trek: TNG character. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Technically, I did not name him. My friend Brandon did. But his name was one of the things that drew me to him when Brandon was looking to re-home him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">4) I am obsessed with Veronica Mars. Do you remember that show? It starred Kristen Bell as a spunky junior private eye. You can still catch it on the Soap Channel on the weekends I think. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It only aired for 3 seasons. But I have every episode memorized and I even know the designer of pretty much every article of clothing she wears. I even have a couple of the outfits. Yeah, obsessed. Not even sure why. When it first came on, I was living in a very tiny studio apartment. I was so broke, I only had a little black and white 4 inch television that got 2 channels. UPN was one of them. So I would get off work, come home, make some Slim Fast macaroni and cheese, and sit on a tiny little stool at the counter in my "kitchen" and watch it before going to bed. Sounds pretty pathetic huh? But it was one of the most emotionally fulfilling times of my life and I learned a lot about myself if that little place (I think at one point it had been a storage unit that had been converted.) The heater didn't work, so I would move myself and my child to the bed and pile on several thick blankets, with socks and sweaters and sit in my bed with the little television cuddling for warmth and watching Veronica Mars. I don't even remember what other channel I got on that television. But the only thing I really watched was Veronica Mars and then I listened to the radio the rest of the evening. Simpler times perhaps. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">5) I am addicted to Harry Potter. If I am not reading one of the books, or a book about it, I get antsy and irritable. It's a sickness. I know. I also own 5 sets of the books. For reasons I may never truly understand. But I will delve into the deeper meaning of the books. Such as "What Dumbledore a Libertarian?" "Is Hermione a sexist character?" "Is Snape truly good or simply obsessed with Lily"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">6) I know more about Doctor Who than I care to admit. I know which actor played with Doctor and when, the story lines of the companions. I am one of the only people in the world that wasn't that impressed with Matt Smith. He's a fine Doctor, just far from my favorite. I don't care what hat he wears, what shoes, he's just not MY doctor. I might have shed a tear when David Tennant left the show.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">7) Since I was a little girl, I've been obsessed with the Titanic disaster, I devoured books and documentaries and anything I could get my hands on about the sinking. Well before the Leonardo DiCaprio movie. I know the timeline of the building of the ship, the trip and the disaster and the inquest into it. I'm fascinated by man made disasters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">8) Same goes for The Ripper murders. I know backgrounds of all the canon murders as well as the attributed murders, the suspects, the method of attack and the events leading up to and after the murder spree. I've read autopsy files, I've read police interviews, professional papers on the subject as well the surviving notes from Jack the Ripper. It's a case that fascinated me for most of my life. The fact that such brutal crimes were committed in the heart of London with no apparent witnesses and the controversy and superstition surrounding the murders is thrilling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">9) Same goes for the Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969, the ability of one man to get into the heads of such young and intelligent people and to get them to do such a heinous thing is fascinating. I know more about the Manson family and the murders than a normal person should. It's definitely one of my favorite subjects. Weird, huh?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">10) <span style="font-weight: normal;">I am a Skeptic. I am a member of the Skeptics Society, and<span style="line-height: 20px;"> in love with the science of life. I keep an open mind and I question things without fear. I believe in critical thinking and the scientific method. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Skepticism is the process of applying reason and critical thinking to determine validity. It's the process of finding a supported conclusion, not the justification of a preconceived conclusion.</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335161764991502250.post-48206598261350945232012-09-12T11:51:00.000-06:002012-09-12T11:51:12.964-06:00Cutzie Girl Bows GIVEAWAY!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Because that Fall feeling is in the air, and because Sami is back to school as a First Grader, (and because this has been sitting in my Blog Giveaway box for a month now)</div>
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I'm giving away this awesome bow collection from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cutzie-Girl-Bows/140939135973208">Cutzie Girl Bows</a>!</div>
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I promised myself I would not be one of those moms that puts these huge bows in her child's hair...and then I won a gorgeous flower bow from Cutzie Girl Bows and was a goner! Sami's bow collection is out of control and I am OK with that!</div>
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Stacey is a fellow military wife and is one of the sweetest women I know. I love all of the stuff she makes and would recommend them to absolutely anyone. </div>
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So! If you have a little one that needs new bows, check out her page! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cutzie-Girl-Bows/140939135973208</div>
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I promise you won't be disappointed.</div>
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This is my first Giveaway so be nice! </div>
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It's an awesome gift set of Back to School bows. You know you need them!!</div>
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Enter with Rafflecopter below!!</div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/528649_383798178353968_1749339815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/528649_383798178353968_1749339815_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4d0d4a5/" id="rc-4d0d4a5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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Saimaevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834367009529744461noreply@blogger.com6