tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67962991263551836322024-02-06T22:21:37.860-05:00Inner Wanderings Of My MindFollow the randomness that is my life!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-77542449446468514472018-04-24T17:57:00.001-04:002018-04-24T17:57:23.636-04:00<br />
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<img alt="The Garden Of Burning Sand by Corban Addison" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1379347023l/16089283.jpg" width="212" /><br />
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I'd like to share a book I just finished that I do not believe will get as much limelight as it deserves. The writing is beautiful. The subject matter not as much, but it is important! Because, even though the story itself takes place in Africa, I believe it transcends borders. The book, <span class="fn" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a class="bookTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16089283-the-garden-of-burning-sand" itemprop="url" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14.4px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3;">The Garden Of Burning Sand</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <b>by Corban Addison was a great book.</b></span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Wonderfully written story about such weighty issues in Africa in the early 2000's. Rape is called defilement and is unfortunately rampant. AIDS and HIV are still such illnesses on the forefront and a leading cause of death. And threats, violence, and back door deals are the norm.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">But, in the background, there is such beauty in the rest. So many amazingly humble, beautifully outraged, and softly willing to keep trying to make changes.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Enter the main character, Zoe, an American living in Zimbabwe. Her mother introduced her to the good in Africa and in Africans most of all. Zoe works as a legal aide and also with a humanitarian outfit, doing what she can to help the people she has come to love.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">When a 14 yr old girl with special needs is raped, the office she works with lands the investigation. The girl becomes special to her, and as the investigation, which brings them all 10 years into the past, deepens; so does the lead investigator.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Complications ensue. Bring in the threats, violence, and back door deals. There are discoveries that do what seem, more harm than good. And in some ways, her own family is always a factor. For Zoe has a dark secret of her own.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>Have you read anything that has just resonated with you lately?</b></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-85196316625923070922018-03-30T21:19:00.000-04:002018-03-30T21:19:28.225-04:00Book Review: In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1395935993l/20897517.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you a HIstory Buff? Love a good novel with amazing characters? Need to follow a tale to get you out of your own head for a few days?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever heard of the USS Jeanette? I had not and now I am kind of wondering why not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read Historical Fiction (it's not fiction at all, but it reads that way), General Fiction readers, those fascinated by the how and why of things, well, basically anyone over the age of 13 (due to topics such as death)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is my review of the book (hint this got 5 stars from me)</span></h3>
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In the late 19th Century there was a thirst Worldwide to explore the Arctic. It's waters, lands and ice were all a mystery and all had their ideas about what lie above the Arctic Circle, but none had come home from a traverse beyond.</div>
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This is a chronicle of one such voyage with many differences. The voyage of the USS Jeanette, Commanded by George Washington Delong with a crew of 33 and funded by James Gordon Bennett of the New York Herald in 1879-1882. As the title suggests, it was both grand and terrible. </div>
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But,in reading this book, the reader sees it was so many other things as well. Your emotions are all over the place! </div>
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I was unfamiliar with the Jeannette's voyage before I picked up this book and now I doubt I will ever forget it. </div>
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What Delong and his men faced and endured, what they discovered and where they went? These men traveled using maps that were wildly inaccurate, scientific instruments that were no doubt state of the art in 1870, but by today's standards were "fly by night", and given information about the ice conditions that we would consider absolute stupidity today. </div>
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The entire journey and the men who were a part of it all have earned their place in History and in future stories and remembrances. They paved a way, discovered amazing things in the name of Science, Nature, and Survival. Some survived, some perished as martyrs to exploration. All earned respect. </div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristen</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-8738843751384162512018-02-15T19:52:00.003-05:002018-02-15T19:52:48.571-05:00H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald - My Review<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM57vA2OdvIJ0biiLK1o0qIgJ5abLu-MtZhnb9zJHpb98WZIAFVD9L36njDMONLOZSCL1VHI4pXyCE4W9Y1QM0rM0604xu4Kz51uY60IDst3YGO8c7SqNF4jLoHG1Ek8GMGaVfT-TRmpja/s1600/hawk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM57vA2OdvIJ0biiLK1o0qIgJ5abLu-MtZhnb9zJHpb98WZIAFVD9L36njDMONLOZSCL1VHI4pXyCE4W9Y1QM0rM0604xu4Kz51uY60IDst3YGO8c7SqNF4jLoHG1Ek8GMGaVfT-TRmpja/s320/hawk.JPG" width="204" /></a></div>
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<h1 class="bookTitle" id="bookTitle" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 2px; width: 455px;">
So, I picked up this book not really knowing what to expect..</h1>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">After the first chapter, I honestly thought this was going to end up in my abandoned book shelf. I'm so glad I continued on.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">While the book is, in fact, a narrative of the author's experience training a goshawk; it is so much more. It is a tale of her grief in the midst of her greatest loss. How she entered into a depression so big, she retreated as so many do. But during this grief, she entered the wild with her hawk, Mabel and started to see the world as Mabel did.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">The book is also a parallel history into the world of grief of a different kind in a different time of famous author TH White, who wrote The Sword and the Stone. I found the parallels to be fascinating. Also, note, White also wrote The Goshawk, his not so favorable adventures trying to train his goshawk, Gos. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">This book was a great blend of Falconry, which I believe to be fascinating, historical commentary, and human development and self-realization.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-79001158160639065392018-01-30T17:40:00.000-05:002018-01-30T17:40:28.707-05:00What I Read_Book Review_ Wilson by A Scott Berg<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17239865-wilson" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Wilson" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1376879071m/17239865.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17239865-wilson">Wilson</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/158063.A_Scott_Berg">A. Scott Berg</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2277088571">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I absolutely loved this book! At over 800 pages in length, at no point did it feel to long. I eagerly awaited the information each new chapter brought. While I have never written a book on President Wilson before, I do read a great deal about the World Wars. He is always in the periphery of these books, whether he is the president at the time, as in WWI; or in reference, as quite a few WWII books will do. When I found this book, I had to read it, and I am so glad I did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The writing is compelling, as a good biography should be. Some might find that some topics are overwritten, but I understood why as they were the forefront issues of the time. In one case, The League of Nations & The Treaty of Versailles, were honor-bound obsessions of Wilson's. For he felt he owed the American people, not politicians, this as it stood. For to allow concessions would to be to allow the other countries involved concessions, and who could stand that chaos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I digress.... Wilson proved to be a fascinating man. Not president of Princeton, not Governor of New Jersey or President of the United States, but man. His story, his relationships and how he loved, hated, and thought of himself: as told in this book, was wonderful. How he was respected, viewed, loved and hated by the American is no short of a testament to the amazing man he was and the impact he made on everyday people all over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you love history, biographies, or just have the time to kill on an 800+ page book, I highly recommend this one!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6912981-kristen">View all my reviews</a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-79833026397428467972017-04-14T20:50:00.003-04:002017-04-14T20:50:29.909-04:00How Have I Not Read Dune Before This?<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234225.Dune" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Dune" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1434908555m/234225.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234225.Dune">Dune</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58.Frank_Herbert">Frank Herbert</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1961196398">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For years I would look at this book, read the back and think, hmm not really my thing. I finally figured it was pulling at me for a reason and I could at least give it a try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am so glad I did! The book drew me in by page 20. Fully engulfed. This was such an incredible read. Herbert is a master here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A little of the story: The Atreides' are a ruling class called off their own planet with its comforts, to the almost seemingly inhabitable Arrakis. The move is totally political and things are not what they appear to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The story follows young Paul, from age 15 and a Duke's son, living in the Duke's manor with both his Mother and Father, to him living among the sand people known as Fremon, where they believe he is the fulfillment of a prophecy. There are wars, deceits, amazing portraits of bravery; and so many other intimate human triumphs and heartache along the way to an ultimate realization that Paul and those around him must face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone over the age of 14.
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever put off a book as one you thought you would not enjoy, only to love it?</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6912981-kristen">View all my reviews</a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-2894095177062974812016-01-02T11:24:00.002-05:002016-01-02T11:24:17.305-05:00Do You Have a 2016 Reading Wish List? I Do!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year, I add a bunch of books I would like to read onto a yearly "To Read" list. As it happens, I never actually read them all, but it forks for me to keep some sort of guideline.<br />
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Do you do anything similar?<br />
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Here is my list for 2016:<br />
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<li>Audrey Niffenegger - Raven Girl</li>
<li>Abigail Tarttelin - Golden Boy</li>
<li>Anthony Marra- A Censtellation of Vital Phenomena</li>
<li>Kate Avelynn- Flawed</li>
<li>James Patterson- Private Berlin</li>
<li>Jenny Milchman - Cover of Snow</li>
<li>Mark Owen- No Easy Day</li>
<li>Linda Lafferty- The Bloodletter's Daughter</li>
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<li>Jay Asher- Thirteen Reasons</li>
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<li>CS Lewis- The Screwtape Letters</li>
<li>MArgaret Atwood- The Handmaid's Tale</li>
<li>Jodi Picoult - The Storyteller</li>
<li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> - The Pact</li>
<li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> - 19 Minutes</li>
<li>Tatiana de Rosnay - Sarah's Key</li>
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<li>PC Cast - Destined and Hidden</li>
<li>Truman Capote- In Cold Blood</li>
<li>Diane Setterfield - The Thirteenth Tale</li>
<li>Mark Hadden- Curious Incident of the Dog in Night Time</li>
<li>Lauren Grodstein- A Friend of the Family</li>
<li>Nicholas Conde- The Religion</li>
<li>Jonathan Safran Foer- Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close</li>
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<li>Wally Lamb - I Know This Much Is True</li>
<li>Lois Lowry- The Giver</li>
<li>John Boyne- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas</li>
<li>Ishmael Beah- A Long Way Gone</li>
<li>William Faulkner- The Sound and the Fury</li>
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You will notice, most are not newer books. In fact, my list is generally a reminder of books I have missed out on reading.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-9351430682167987892016-01-01T11:57:00.000-05:002016-01-01T11:57:23.035-05:00Little Known Amazon Hacks - Maximize Your Shopping<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCYxFibDtWcanZdmbnx5yxO6vpDdmymUJz7GrudyCyN29BkSqVN7z3un_3-d4vuBBM9ii1Mp19DnWsoWFlQfU3d-XQ6U0m5FTuEl5Rnp9_mGcNGn8Y415fW8nOYJuSa92O_UGgtMZUBM7/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCYxFibDtWcanZdmbnx5yxO6vpDdmymUJz7GrudyCyN29BkSqVN7z3un_3-d4vuBBM9ii1Mp19DnWsoWFlQfU3d-XQ6U0m5FTuEl5Rnp9_mGcNGn8Y415fW8nOYJuSa92O_UGgtMZUBM7/s200/th.jpg" width="200" /></a>Amazon is such a vast marketplace, that in searching for what you need, you may be missing out on some key features! Some will save you money and some will just add some great perks to your experience.<br />
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Many of you may be familiar with these, but for the rest of you here are some great perks:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Ffeature.html%3Fie%3DUTF8%26docId%3D1000490791&tag=fruinthemak-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957">Coupons</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fruinthemak-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />- yes, Amazon has coupons in their grocery section! To be sure not a ton of them, but wuite a few make for some great deals. Check them out when you log in. They do change often.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fb%3Fie%3DUTF8%26node%3D2381129011%26ref_%3Damb_link_353643662_2&tag=fruinthemak-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957">Box Tops For Education</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fruinthemak-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> Shopping- You can find all products that offer Box Tops in One Location</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/earn-spend-rewards-points/b/ref=footer_swp?ie=UTF8&node=2634438011" target="_blank">Use your credit card's cash back to shop</a>- I have a Discover card and Amazon allows me to use my earned cash back to pay for my purchases. This can be done with American Express, Chase Ultimate Points, and Citi Thank You points.</li>
<li><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/chpf/about/ref=smi_aas_redirect?ie=UTF8&qid=1451667027&ref=spkl_3_0_2279808702" target="_blank">Amazon Smile</a>- Use this as your default Amazon Search and when you make a purchase, a portion goes to the charity of your choosing! </li>
<li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_4?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=subscribe+and+save&sprefix=subs%2Caps%2C185" target="_blank">Subscribe & Save</a>- When buying basics for your home such as Toilet paper and Laundry Items (among thousands of other items) see if they are Subscribe and Save eligible. You will save money and can either tweak your shipments or cancel.</li>
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Don't forget, you can earn Amazon Gift Cards just for searching the internet using <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/jskell911" target="_blank">Swag Bucks</a>! You are going to search anyway. Might as well get something for it!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-21319138353677394412014-11-20T19:08:00.000-05:002014-11-20T20:19:22.951-05:00It Has Been A Week of Downs - Seasonal Affect Disorder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv66IlNVXKHweegZv7FY70HF0s2alLxJ5PS7o5syXKhOWQc4VPXisqlrXg1mqKedbfkuE_7ZYnRN_RqjqFnkYP7qAYmrTSsMS1BAy9I84QlfJ5smTC3iAqG5aQ0-wFsZcQLYzcwHiUkZXt/s1600/fine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv66IlNVXKHweegZv7FY70HF0s2alLxJ5PS7o5syXKhOWQc4VPXisqlrXg1mqKedbfkuE_7ZYnRN_RqjqFnkYP7qAYmrTSsMS1BAy9I84QlfJ5smTC3iAqG5aQ0-wFsZcQLYzcwHiUkZXt/s1600/fine.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lately, I have been walloped by <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seasonalaffectivedisorder.html" target="_blank">Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD)</a>. It started earlier this week and slammed me like a freight train. All at once, I was experiencing depression, self doubt, isolated feelings, and insecurity. Yes, I have suffered from this for many years. Honestly, I do not remember not being effected.<br />
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This year it was different. This year it all hit me in one day! Thought I was just having a bad day. I sat in my car on my lunch break shaking and in the midst of a panic attack. No reason. Anyone who has an anxiety disorder understands there is no need for a reason. The the "all I want to do is go to bed" feeling. At 2 O'Clock in the afternoon no less! And finally, the crying jag. What????? What is wrong with me?<br />
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I thought I was getting a cold, my migraine was bad that day, you know reasoning it away. Something WAS wrong, pain and getting sick. Nope, two days later, the feeling is still here. And I feel lonely. I am missing hubby more than usual. It is no new thing working shifts that makes seeing each other almost impossible. We have dealt with it our whole relationship. But damn I really miss that man!<br />
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I already take Paxil for anxiety. For the past year, I have taking half a dose in the morning and half at night. And it has worked beautifully. I take 2000iu of Vitamin D. As of tomorrow, I am using UV Spectrum lights, upping my Vitamin D, and taking a full dose of my Paxil in the morning! I will give these changes a month. If I do not feel much stronger, I will discuss with my doctor.<br />
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Some people may say, turn yourself around. Others, don't let things bother you. And still more may look at me like I am weak and displaying a weakness. To that my reply is fuck you! I am stronger than you could ever imagine! I wake up every day and do what needs to be done no matter what. <br />
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I have survived molestation and come out stronger! I have <a href="http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/aspergers-syndrome/" target="_blank">Asperger's</a> and believe it has given me it's best. I have <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/" target="_blank">Chronic Fatigue Syndrome</a> and persevere. I have a migraine every fucking day; and have for 16 years and I have <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/fibromyalgia.html" target="_blank">Fibromyalgia</a>. AND I GET THINGS DONE! And I am a giving, loving, selfless person- IN SPITE of all of this.<br />
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Do not ever think I am weak. Not for one second. This is illness, just like everything else. And guess what? I will STILL do what needs to be done and do it damn well!<br />
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I just want to get this out there, no stigmas, no judgments.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-62594040241881786482014-10-18T19:38:00.001-04:002014-10-18T19:38:23.512-04:00Tie Dye Coffee Filter DIY Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlA9CrIrYHfnC3F7g4m4yl0PoUy90QRuLEyVAf8RNtpcC0NN0KH4bDdhPAbl-DCH6TrAAyt7YuHGhucEimGwf9W-K5ft9iTEfcdEc0Zd3z6vdwMHyEsD95r3LlE9NP3tyhO_UGfWzr_Yt/s1600/wreath2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlA9CrIrYHfnC3F7g4m4yl0PoUy90QRuLEyVAf8RNtpcC0NN0KH4bDdhPAbl-DCH6TrAAyt7YuHGhucEimGwf9W-K5ft9iTEfcdEc0Zd3z6vdwMHyEsD95r3LlE9NP3tyhO_UGfWzr_Yt/s1600/wreath2.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have a ton of coffee filters I bought over the Summer for the pure reason as they made me money as overage on a coupon at the Commissary. We have a reusable filter in our coffee pot (and if you don't I highly recommend one!). I looked at them the other day, and decided to use some dye we have from our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsByWhichCraft?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">handmade tie dyes</a> on them. I had no idea what I was going to use them for, but hey not risking any money, why not?<br />
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Well, I found out what I would use them for, when I spotted a foam wreath form at Dollar Tree! Of course, I hopped on Pinterest to see just how I might go about this. I found so many tutorials that I was able to "wing it" in my own way!<br />
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For the first step, I decided to use some leftover ruffle yarn I had from a scarf project, and wrap it around the form. I wasn't sure how the foam would hold up to constant use of my hot glue gun, so I wanted a barrier.<br />
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After that was secured, I tied a loop of the yarn, so I would be able to hang the wreath.<br />
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From there on all I did was fold the filters in quarters, pinch the bottoms, and fluff them up a bit to give an almost flower effect. I did a bunch at a time.<br />
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I then put a small dab of hot glue on the pinched end and pressed the filter onto the form. Put A LOT of them in there to give a full effect!<br />
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You can see here how it looked halfway through:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWjSoUdCA5C8esl58DoURKeRte2R_NdpUWKpiweYjnDb1x1vquI3wtfd5yL3fIAg-eg7d5WmBmANF8brRcMJvhoRnxawmTC-IIe2Y7Oci2As5oIQ-tm_MO_p5yOsSZyziPTgiNbWp3aon/s1600/wreath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWjSoUdCA5C8esl58DoURKeRte2R_NdpUWKpiweYjnDb1x1vquI3wtfd5yL3fIAg-eg7d5WmBmANF8brRcMJvhoRnxawmTC-IIe2Y7Oci2As5oIQ-tm_MO_p5yOsSZyziPTgiNbWp3aon/s1600/wreath.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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And the finished product:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8tl5FIfihA8-A13nuPFA-CLvbc-fvTgzV6krP9GhgJOb329zkUi2QlUqr-06EiNqC-kP8mbMXgTqutODYX3lXP9b_XVmBT8t93at-BTUXm-Zr7yzTBSAxXstqs3lOB1DkGm5UxMZQMHE/s1600/wreath1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8tl5FIfihA8-A13nuPFA-CLvbc-fvTgzV6krP9GhgJOb329zkUi2QlUqr-06EiNqC-kP8mbMXgTqutODYX3lXP9b_XVmBT8t93at-BTUXm-Zr7yzTBSAxXstqs3lOB1DkGm5UxMZQMHE/s1600/wreath1.JPG" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was such a fun project! And I was able to finish it (other than the drying time for the dye) in about 1 hour.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-40568319537016641502014-09-27T21:02:00.001-04:002014-09-27T21:02:12.098-04:00Lessons From My First Craft Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyhPaZRyrfgOPZttyxVboCkt5oCIoAFiTmvkKRD_hbzYOOwcw0Adk4eZAPlD6aKhJcaQlTLRYdgOu1EJ9U7E7nelnNWKxF7oXuvcUCq14dGZOCcJes6_D6HpHOoX2QF6uNzOm3gplyd3u/s1600/1898095_10201538447221346_7533833751652364910_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyhPaZRyrfgOPZttyxVboCkt5oCIoAFiTmvkKRD_hbzYOOwcw0Adk4eZAPlD6aKhJcaQlTLRYdgOu1EJ9U7E7nelnNWKxF7oXuvcUCq14dGZOCcJes6_D6HpHOoX2QF6uNzOm3gplyd3u/s1600/1898095_10201538447221346_7533833751652364910_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Recently, my friend Maria and I ventured onto a new adventure - a craft show! Neither one of us had ever done this before, but we had received many compliments on our tie dyes at the company picnic this year. Many suggested we sell them. So when the opportunity to do just that at a charity craft fair, we jumped at it!</div>
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We started right away with building an inventory, but it wasn't until we signed up for a second craft fair next week that we decided maybe we should do some research. Um, can you say overwhelmed! Between a crash course in pricing, booth design, business cards, packaging, and phew even starting the bare bones of an Etsy shop, we felt like our head's were spinning!</div>
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I think we did an amazing job with the time we had! The picture above shows our set-up today. Looks pretty good, except our measurements were a bit off and we should have brought two tables. Less clutter on the table and better use of space! </div>
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Here are some lessons we learned:</div>
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<b>A craft fair is not always busy.</b> Actually this one was very slow. Not that many people came. It was not the fault of the coordinator. It was well advertised. It's just that we had a gorgeous day and there were more outdoor events going on in the area.</div>
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<b>Bring something to do!</b> Even better if it is in your power to work on some of what you sell to replace what might sell. Now we sure can't tie dye at a craft show, but a book would have been nice.</div>
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<b>Do not take it personally if your items do not sell as well as another crafter's</b>. For THIS fair, your items may not be what the majority are looking for, bu next time might be your opportunity! Kinda goes along with you can't please all of the people all of the time.</div>
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<b>Do not wait until the last minute to prepare!</b> This is pretty self explanatory. We were pretty exhausted today.</div>
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<b>Get a brand.</b> Make what you do stand out. OK, so tie dye pretty much stands out all on it's own, but everything else should go with what you are hoping to represent. Notice the table cover, sign, etc.</div>
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<b>Socialize with the other crafters!</b> We got so much encouragement from others there today. And we learned about their crafts, processes, and of upcoming fairs! We met some lovely folks and it made the event a bit more fun.</div>
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Did we do well today? Not really. We only made $36. We sold a baby onsie, 2 towels, a candle holder, and 2 child's shirts. Traffic was slow, what can you do? The fact that items DID sell in a low traffic environment, when others around us did not make any sales was pretty encouraging.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-11429374406652890222014-09-19T23:03:00.002-04:002014-09-19T23:03:24.215-04:00I Thought Pressure Canning Was Faster<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYz61aWKutUhk5rtMhE-H-BA3IkyNG2cNN4pA2KT-g_QpMS4o06vQRMnzg8NStmdZr4kjLE_FbWL6U79g3GaVdKAGTP8eDx0CxqqjPYda1viYZf_XJmZLEehp-6sDnkgSA8t4xtNDCs7l/s1600/chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYz61aWKutUhk5rtMhE-H-BA3IkyNG2cNN4pA2KT-g_QpMS4o06vQRMnzg8NStmdZr4kjLE_FbWL6U79g3GaVdKAGTP8eDx0CxqqjPYda1viYZf_XJmZLEehp-6sDnkgSA8t4xtNDCs7l/s1600/chili.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I sit here at 11:00 PM, I am still waiting for the chili I started preparing from scratch at 7 O'Cock to be done in my brand spanking new Pressure Canner! It took me a about an hour and a half to chop, dice, simmer, and all that other jazz. And then the canner.....<br />
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You have to heat it up, vent it for 10 minutes, put on the weight, wait for it to rock, regulate the temperature and THEN you get to start timing! In this instance AN HOUR AND A HALF! What? Yeah, you read that right.<br />
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I still have 35 minutes left! I am tired. I want to go to bed. Yeah, so I am not a wild and crazy thing up until all hours on a Friday, so what? You probably already figured that out by the fact that I am canning homemade chili on my Friday evening anyway.<br />
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My day started at 5:30AM. I walked the track before work and put in my full 8 hours. I went to Target after work.... and then THE CHILI....<br />
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I thought this thing worked faster than this! Should have done some major homework. I mean pressure "Cooking" is known for it's time saving qualities, right?<br />
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All I can say is this better be some damn fine chili! (OK I know it will be as I always make it this way, but you know what I mean).<br />
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I did manage to get some crafting in, so the whole night has not been devoted to the chili!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-67669032643286388302014-09-18T19:42:00.002-04:002014-09-18T19:42:54.286-04:00The Most Intimidating and Exciting Gift Ever! I Have A Pressure Canner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_d6j7xNAY1ea99U35_B1KXTXE-6o_3D1l50plFeL1ny1Znfa84KrU9UwOn3MJ-jif23a93JsuH9f633byVRO9lRyUs7yYCKDIbaYE9ERyfW5-Gb06MLUC3URK4eGEHQLZ0RvYTxUYxbF/s1600/canner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_d6j7xNAY1ea99U35_B1KXTXE-6o_3D1l50plFeL1ny1Znfa84KrU9UwOn3MJ-jif23a93JsuH9f633byVRO9lRyUs7yYCKDIbaYE9ERyfW5-Gb06MLUC3URK4eGEHQLZ0RvYTxUYxbF/s1600/canner.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last week was my Birthday and hubby surprised me with a pressure canner! I have wanted one for years, but would never spend the money. In my eyes, there was always something we, as a family needed more. Yes, I know, in the long run a pressure canner will save us a bunch, but it was always that initial investment that held me back. Our income is about half what it was 5 years ago and we do feel the pinch!<br />
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I tried a small batch of pears I got free, as hubby's friend has a pear tree. I figured if something went wrong, no big loss. I will tell you, my heart raced throughout the entire process. It was not the smashing success, as 2 jars did not set. But, that was my error. I did not leave enough head space and the liquid got on the jar rims. But, nothing blew up either!<br />
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I am already planning a huge batch of chili this weekend. I cannot wait. This is going to be fun! And what better, more hearty meal in the winter? Plus all we will need to do is grab a jar and heat it. Perfect for when it is my son's night to cook.<br />
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Anyone have any hints or fantastic tips for me?<br />
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I have read the instruction manual at least 3 times and am scouring Pinterest right now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-66010908314296301922014-09-09T19:29:00.001-04:002014-09-09T19:29:57.302-04:00My Second Botox Treatment For Chronic Migraine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVqAICAEEqvpFXeHt583fKlIHb-l5PX2zR4Mw4vypoZ4eJfDbLu2IQOXC7-pRQDnZzSe2CyBgeBpHgXgJP79lzEz9i69d_vxkh5-luc4ISO1tggzH5KpByx5vj1yRnVO9w4X9RqoC9SRK/s1600/Chronic_Migraine_Ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVqAICAEEqvpFXeHt583fKlIHb-l5PX2zR4Mw4vypoZ4eJfDbLu2IQOXC7-pRQDnZzSe2CyBgeBpHgXgJP79lzEz9i69d_vxkh5-luc4ISO1tggzH5KpByx5vj1yRnVO9w4X9RqoC9SRK/s1600/Chronic_Migraine_Ribbon.jpg" /></a></div>
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Two weeks ago I received my second Botox treatment for my <a href="http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Chronic_Migraine" target="_blank">chronic migraine</a>. Again, I received 31 injections in my head, neck, and shoulders. This time I had a major migraine when I walked in the office.<br />
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I already knew from my first round of injections that the treatment, ironically enough, will cause a migraine. I did not know just how bad it would be this time, already having one. I could barely function that day.<br />
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Now, I am sure the big question is "How's it working?". As it has only been two weeks, this is difficult to say with certainty. That said, I have had a couple of days where I have needed less of my pain meds. More surprisingly, to me, is there have been several days where I did not need a pain pill upon waking!!! I have needed to take a pain pill within an hour (more often than not a half hour) upon waking, every single day for over ten years!!!!<br />
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I am hopeful, but afraid to have too much hope. Those who live with chronic pan will totally understand where this fear of hope comes from.<br />
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For now, I am keeping my fingers crossed!<br />
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For more information on my Botox treatments, check out my <a href="http://jskell911.blogspot.com/2014/05/my-botox-experience-migraine-therapy.html" target="_blank">first post</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-28610806157776388482014-09-01T18:13:00.000-04:002014-09-01T18:13:18.330-04:00I Need To Do Better With Meal Planning! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaxFWtAUhiODSZCIFRrt08vhVot8nFEt_SAXZ_HwxwXRzRLQX8epC6H2o48ykMIhL5AjvN32fzbbCBwmUA4cNGfdXnABZrnegSE6CT9r2KoR5frQhW4kMH_rZHWC8oqQayS_DuSxOzfwC/s1600/crops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaxFWtAUhiODSZCIFRrt08vhVot8nFEt_SAXZ_HwxwXRzRLQX8epC6H2o48ykMIhL5AjvN32fzbbCBwmUA4cNGfdXnABZrnegSE6CT9r2KoR5frQhW4kMH_rZHWC8oqQayS_DuSxOzfwC/s1600/crops.jpg" /></a></div>
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Do you plan your meals for the week? Or are you the super human that can actually pan for the month? I want to be you! I am tired of coming home from work and looking at my son and both of us wondering what the heck is for dinner!<br />
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Here is our scenario:<br />
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I cook Monday and Wednesday<br />
Jayce cooks Tuesday and Thursday<br />
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No one ever thinks ahead as to what we will have that evening. No one thinks to take anything out of the freezer. So we just waste time trying to figure out what sounds good at 5PM every day. Not a good way to eat well rounded meals!<br />
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So, how do we start? Well, we are going to need to get together really soon and hash things out. Jayce starts a new semester tomorrow, so having a meal plan will certainly make both of our lives easier!<br />
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If anyone has ideas, I am grateful! Keep in mind, I work full time and he goes to school full time. He, nor I are fantastic cooks, but we do not like to eat a bunch of processed foods either.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-27821053009585788712014-08-18T19:29:00.000-04:002014-08-18T19:29:44.567-04:00Tie Dying The Evening Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKboja_ar6fqlZJKDP4v4V45gab4ykV1WG8-WS2T24flquyTq0dP9eMVYMLMXtEf1MApQB9Y25_XBhIFa6XRyqDLSIQLFE4GobqARLXKufBsg4WcEvCc-vCXCKVHSnaqWOn2vcD0Z7Ucdv/s1600/tiedye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKboja_ar6fqlZJKDP4v4V45gab4ykV1WG8-WS2T24flquyTq0dP9eMVYMLMXtEf1MApQB9Y25_XBhIFa6XRyqDLSIQLFE4GobqARLXKufBsg4WcEvCc-vCXCKVHSnaqWOn2vcD0Z7Ucdv/s1600/tiedye.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned in my last post, my friend and I are renting space at a craft fair. Our primary focus will be tie dying. Last week, after work, we spent a few hours getting some of our offerings prepared.<br />
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I love how these all came out! We have here 6 bandanas, 3 pair of socks, 2 heavy weight dish towels (these were my favorite!) and 11 T-Shirts. It's a good start and will be followed up with a few more sessions. The best part? Our bottom line is soooooo low!<br />
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The materials for dying were all leftovers from the company picnic. My manager let us keep packets and packets of dye, about 8 large bottles of already mixed dye, elastics, and gloves. So those materials were all free.<br />
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The dish towels were just .50 each on clearance! The T- Shirts averaged 1.27 each, the socks were .50 per pair on clearance, and the bandanas were .99 each!<br />
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So far, out investment for everything is under $25 and another $30 for the space. That $30 will be donated to help <a href="http://www.ctf.org/" target="_blank">NF Childhood Cancer</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-24233988366903320702014-08-10T14:03:00.000-04:002014-08-10T14:03:12.622-04:00Planning For An Upcoming Craft Fair - First Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbpiRba_EC_wPoRRQhBXAaGE9Zn3fj8Nh2lkzCU4IXN7CfDiyUnsX4eo5-4RiPM2x12D_YoyIvnPybIqJ7womFRjoxJHc8mjrPd_0mH6AzyTIsg7Upvq1p0zWiQ2EPy3AisN2zQyJxxJ3/s1600/homemade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbpiRba_EC_wPoRRQhBXAaGE9Zn3fj8Nh2lkzCU4IXN7CfDiyUnsX4eo5-4RiPM2x12D_YoyIvnPybIqJ7womFRjoxJHc8mjrPd_0mH6AzyTIsg7Upvq1p0zWiQ2EPy3AisN2zQyJxxJ3/s1600/homemade.jpg" /></a></div>
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My friend and I are participating in a craft fair for the first time ever. I am super excited and a little worried. Excited to have the possibility to earn a few extra bucks doing what I love, creating stuff. And worried because, well it is my first time and I want to make sure my overhead does not exceed the sales.<br />
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We will be offering a variety of handcrafted items, with a focus of tie dyed items. They are an item that seems timeless and so much fun to make! My friend is amazing at this and I can certainly hold my own. I will also be doing some smaller crocheted items, such as washcloths, coasters, and cup coozies. <br />
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We do not have a "business" so I do not feel that limiting my offerings by sticking to a "branding" attitude is needed here. I just want to spotlight the various things I love to create.<br />
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I have quite a few ideas and some time to work on them as the fair is a bit over a month away. I was thinking of offering handmade gel air fresheners, sewn kitchen towels, and I may just leave it at that. <br />
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We have an 8'X8' booth with a table and I am bringing a clothing rack for the tie dye clothing.<br />
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Has anyone had experience with this? Any ideas?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-42332804796898351122014-07-09T17:16:00.000-04:002014-07-09T17:16:15.300-04:00Want To Make Extra Money With Your Blog?<br />
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Discaimer- the above link is my personal referral link.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-73106859435207351162014-07-08T06:47:00.002-04:002014-07-08T06:47:40.447-04:00Our First Family Picture in 8 Years! Graduation Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-gYmi7Ew83qofABx51X8ToJIFIhujjprbP7kWwvWg9Vtw2ZMaFxoQDp7qRrOcJTIVWvg8sLnYApOttegC2ak05o9SfvMq4Ak_OrOOS1uWSGS1iB74GARhTJm1QynRWvMgrR4voBwwJno/s1600/DSC02325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-gYmi7Ew83qofABx51X8ToJIFIhujjprbP7kWwvWg9Vtw2ZMaFxoQDp7qRrOcJTIVWvg8sLnYApOttegC2ak05o9SfvMq4Ak_OrOOS1uWSGS1iB74GARhTJm1QynRWvMgrR4voBwwJno/s1600/DSC02325.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the first picture with all three of us in it since 2006! Talk about a treasure :) .<br />
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Hubby hates to have his picture taken, so we usually have to be in stealth mode to capture him. This generally means, the picture does not do him justice and one of us is the photographer in stealth mode!<br />
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I am so glad to have this picture!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-73239433658364705652014-06-13T06:52:00.001-04:002014-06-14T07:39:57.282-04:00How Do You Say Goodbye To A Childhood? Graduation Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpciM__sNVhrsTYGjs3OtYa-17JzajGxIzOl_6DYJMJy96k70J1hdIYz4YN1Li9-SjEtFjN8G9mEf2F2Q83FgARqv7dNqYoZX4UdMOMZoSCfpiQu3XMp15k7WQGVogrm9rOti29Cr3dM8-/s1600/jaycebaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpciM__sNVhrsTYGjs3OtYa-17JzajGxIzOl_6DYJMJy96k70J1hdIYz4YN1Li9-SjEtFjN8G9mEf2F2Q83FgARqv7dNqYoZX4UdMOMZoSCfpiQu3XMp15k7WQGVogrm9rOti29Cr3dM8-/s1600/jaycebaby.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbnp5kMf_l98O5uK6KMqm2_oXPvwN6WvtafvRnbyMnu9bq-d6x2oXgrY71LWzVvbEnFEzwe_UJNElYP5t2LVyHUtw7sbGj1_DLF8vw0RuadGxVoBpMtv4bdjFshgQWCDWy1ynydmp0gfH/s1600/GEDC1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbnp5kMf_l98O5uK6KMqm2_oXPvwN6WvtafvRnbyMnu9bq-d6x2oXgrY71LWzVvbEnFEzwe_UJNElYP5t2LVyHUtw7sbGj1_DLF8vw0RuadGxVoBpMtv4bdjFshgQWCDWy1ynydmp0gfH/s1600/GEDC1049.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJlI1PCm6UGF8CPaL6yLuS3xOujsxnD_pyYjlq8-iV1kq40s_XkLALx-VvOodhyphenhyphengIDDYptbG4z3jfHeQAhvRkCm2iBzo_OqtZNU7B0R6NDx9urFWGcZWKWFuB5hP5wDMNR6Sg-XxhQR6t/s1600/Jaycen16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJlI1PCm6UGF8CPaL6yLuS3xOujsxnD_pyYjlq8-iV1kq40s_XkLALx-VvOodhyphenhyphengIDDYptbG4z3jfHeQAhvRkCm2iBzo_OqtZNU7B0R6NDx9urFWGcZWKWFuB5hP5wDMNR6Sg-XxhQR6t/s1600/Jaycen16.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Today my son graduates from High School and this Mom is having a much harder time with it than she thought she would. I mean, how do I say goodbye to the childhood and hello to adulthood for this boy? He is my only, my baby. The baby that towers over me, sure. But, nonetheless MY baby.<br />
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Am I a helicopter Mom? Not so much anymore, but yes, I was for years. This is the child they told me I would never be able to conceive. This is the child who has Asperger's Syndrome and went through hell to get a correct diagnosis at 8 years old. This is the child that was bullied for years. The child that is introverted to a point that we genuinely worried. The child that spoke his first word at 5 months old, spoke complete sentences before he could walk!<br />
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How do you say goodbye to Dinosaurs, Pokemon, and bird fascinations? Goodbye to the word Mommy? Goodbye to being the one to fix things? Skinned knees? Bump on the head? Bad nightmare? It's OK, a hug a kiss and a Mom will protect you and make it go away always worked. Not so anymore!<br />
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This is my child, and I am so proud of every accomplishment he has ever made - especially when the odds were stacked against him. I am amazed every day with the young man he is!<br />
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He has learned so much in the past few years - self worth, pride, and courage. Oh the courage! Here is my child, bullied through High School, taking his Senior year at the Community College, showing up for his Graduation practice in a place where the very bullies exist- with his head held high and doing it of his own choosing! He did not have to take part of the ceremony to get his diploma. They would have mailed it.<br />
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But he chose to attend, because he EARNED it, he DESERVES it, and those bullies have no impact on the happiness he has found.<br />
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Yes, I guess the child is mostly gone and the adult is doing a wonderful job in forming itself.<br />
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As I shed my tears tonight, they will have a dual meaning - mourning and celebration!<br />
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But, damn, I will always miss that child- even while I embrace the adult.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-87468178532641749032014-05-29T18:06:00.000-04:002014-05-31T23:40:36.209-04:00GMO Foods and Some Of My Basic Thoughts <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPe55AmS2izhQoAvWiVcTRfh4W44FVz2EzUecr6FPggNkMdE_x8ooGkzFQRQzTT9Kbo8_-kbKRAIMKtdxWDFTuGIz9jzzKppEnZ6xhbJO8OszudHg9oc2DImWl25FrCmdcQdTaUtOA8gr/s1600/crops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPe55AmS2izhQoAvWiVcTRfh4W44FVz2EzUecr6FPggNkMdE_x8ooGkzFQRQzTT9Kbo8_-kbKRAIMKtdxWDFTuGIz9jzzKppEnZ6xhbJO8OszudHg9oc2DImWl25FrCmdcQdTaUtOA8gr/s1600/crops.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">It is a hot and heated topic these days. GMO safety, labelling, etc. Unless you have been living under the proverbial rock, I am sure you have at least heard something of the debate.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Here are my basic thoughts on the subject:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">My issue is not that the foods are modified. Scientists and others have been modifying plants for so long. My issue is the Roundup and other pesticides they spray on them in mass quantities. Sure the PLANTS can grow with them, as they are altered to do so. However this does not change the fact that the pesticides HAVE been sprayed on them. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">I also have a huge issue with the fact that our pollinators, bees, are dying en mass due to this. Do people understand the ramifications of this? Sure I loathe bees as much as the next person, but they are a necessity in agriculture. What happens when they are gone? How long until we are no longer eating actual food?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Should we label them? Yes! We should label GMOs and much more. What are "Natural" flavors and "Natural" colors? Secretions from the anal sac of a Beaver? Oh sure it IS natural, they are not lying. But do I want to eat that? Same with the crushed beetles that are used. Ewwwww.....</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Of course these are my personal feelings. Again, I am aware foods have been modified for years. It is not necessarily the modification per se I am concerned about here. It is the pesticides that are KNOWN carcinogens. I have lost too much to cancer.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-41557578946563825452014-05-27T18:53:00.001-04:002014-05-27T18:53:15.984-04:00Just Applied For A Big Promotion<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_oe8oMf3tVDQ0rqNZ5PZccWI6sNVto68Zuge_dIY9n07EEdfJEi5txyK8yZK_W4ZFp9_kvWOikxyGb3CGjYcUZie_IwgQZqs4-uSvEjhtxhy9R14pxK7b7I-AsDNJhzGTwAXAGxiaRa4/s1600/giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_oe8oMf3tVDQ0rqNZ5PZccWI6sNVto68Zuge_dIY9n07EEdfJEi5txyK8yZK_W4ZFp9_kvWOikxyGb3CGjYcUZie_IwgQZqs4-uSvEjhtxhy9R14pxK7b7I-AsDNJhzGTwAXAGxiaRa4/s1600/giraffe.jpg" /></a></div>
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Those who know me, know I am currently pretty underemployed. Sign of the times, I know. But, still very disenheartening. The bills do not decrease over time. Everyone knows this too.<br />
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Today, I decided to go for broke and apply for a pretty big promotion in our corporate office. I am very nervous about this. See, I am a very outgoing person and I am excellent with communication skills. These two skills would make me an excellent candidate for this position. I am also very detail oriented, a research junkie, and eager to learn just about anything.<br />
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BUT........ I interview horribly! I walk away thinking "Who the hell was that?"<br />
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Hopefully this will be different this time. Hopefully, the two years I have spent with the company has afforded me the comfort level in its players to just be myself. I am hopeful!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-26673291674699768462014-05-13T19:18:00.000-04:002014-05-13T19:18:16.711-04:00My Botox Experience - Migraine Therapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdLgjZ8IwaWI8ZE2KyrGbS4QDKm8TDzSoHqtrErCUlZmYjO-ovzC5NSjYd9xJADQqXcQP8D44fQm07gNAIsUUqbPzMA_UN8nFrW-QYFXB1U9UAUiogL4uSFrvu7H61Zw2a7m7H1bedamA/s1600/botox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdLgjZ8IwaWI8ZE2KyrGbS4QDKm8TDzSoHqtrErCUlZmYjO-ovzC5NSjYd9xJADQqXcQP8D44fQm07gNAIsUUqbPzMA_UN8nFrW-QYFXB1U9UAUiogL4uSFrvu7H61Zw2a7m7H1bedamA/s1600/botox.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have been diagnosed with "Persistent Chronic Migraine" by my neurologist. This is a diagnosis 16 years in the making. When the headaches first started, my doctor diagnosed me with Cluster and Tension headaches. I have had 3 MRI's, with and without contrast, many CT scans, an EEG and tried so many medications, diets.....<br />
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Basically, I have run the gamut of options. That is, all except two:<br />
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<a href="http://www.botoxchronicmigraine.com/" target="_blank">Botox Therapy </a> and <a href="http://migraine.com/blog/migraine-choosing-surgical-nerve-decompression-candidates/" target="_blank">Surgery</a> to interrupt pain receptors.<br />
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Today I had my first Botox treatment. See the red dots on the picture above? They represent each place I had to receive an injection! And, let me tell you, it hurt. Oh my.... did it ever! Then the burning. And after the 4th injection, the forced migraine began. Now tell me, is this supposed to help of cause them? Of course I know the answer and was prepared for the possibility, but it still sucked.<br />
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All I know is I am putting a lot on the line hoping this is my "magic bullet". It costs $813 per script. That is $813 every 3 months! Oh, yeah, and that is with prescription coverage. And the process is very painful.<br />
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That is all I know right now. Hopefully I will have many more updates in the coming months.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-31865000170439245032014-04-15T17:53:00.001-04:002014-04-15T17:53:59.536-04:00But I Am Just A Receptionist! Planning A Company Outing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zXmH5KgyCXhORQ4E2YlnexqVZKOlKlN2QI_7mOzWx4O07o8MlosUNX6PjAnBAXAkdvjBViDLiJk6p9jdWkbN1bmEoQXKV8WICB36IasFMdAzN82Zhj41v5SDRQdLYQHf0LeJa-BsP6Q4/s1600/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zXmH5KgyCXhORQ4E2YlnexqVZKOlKlN2QI_7mOzWx4O07o8MlosUNX6PjAnBAXAkdvjBViDLiJk6p9jdWkbN1bmEoQXKV8WICB36IasFMdAzN82Zhj41v5SDRQdLYQHf0LeJa-BsP6Q4/s1600/peace.jpg" /></a></div>
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My current job is a receptionist for a very large company. At my location alone there are 450 people! There are over 30 locations across the country and I am the "default operator" for all of them. By that, I mean if you call ANY of our locations and choose zero on the phone tree, you will end up speaking to me.<br />
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You would think I would be much busier than I feel. But the truth is, I do have downtime (most days, anyway). When that happens, I generally reach out for a project. I am a part of the Human Resources team, but my "projects" do come from varying departments.<br />
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Two weeks ago, I was tasked with redeveloping and implementing the 10 bulletin boards around the building. It was a huge undertaking, especially since I get limited time away from my desk. I have finished the redevelopment part of that, and implementation will take place soon.<br />
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This week I have been handed the task of planning all aspects of my location's company outing this Summer! Whoa!!!! I have never taken on anything like this before, so I am both excited and a bit over my head (I think) on this. Choosing a venue would be a natural first step. But, nope! I have chosen a theme first. I want a 1960's hippie theme.<br />
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Let me explain. My company was founded off the back of a truck in the 60's by, you guessed it - a hippie! So, I think it is fitting. It goes to many of the core, crunchy granola loving, principals that are still in place in our work force.<br />
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I am hoping that we can use a State Park as I think this would be perfect! Again, nature as a backdrop. What is better than that?<br />
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I have decided on a few things I would love to have for our party:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Company T Shirts that we can all Tie-Dye</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Peace Sign Bean Bag toss</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Face Painting station</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Ring toss using mini daisy chains</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>BBQ and Vegetarian options for the food</li>
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<li>Music from Woodstock and similar</li>
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<li>Groovy Bingo using phrases of the era</li>
</ul>
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If anyone has any other ideas for activities, that would be most helpful!<br />
Also, any ideas on keeping a park setting "safe" in case it rains!!! Our outing would be in late July, early August.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-39462039085976518972014-04-08T17:21:00.000-04:002014-04-08T18:09:37.230-04:00Would You Like Some Urine With That Coffee????<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12081661/?claim=x7br3j9mj93">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDlZzb-KGI1apqmxVpMkl7uYFmijkw4P5qrdVaHdPTZ-Va5uALQjiq_LTP-oiWHI9wI_e7SlzdfQNi_T-WO2dDekFKZTGjLz-jNMhLRGHls8Lp7tsOMKZGyeUGE8Py86KKKlvBakBVIL_/s1600/urine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDlZzb-KGI1apqmxVpMkl7uYFmijkw4P5qrdVaHdPTZ-Va5uALQjiq_LTP-oiWHI9wI_e7SlzdfQNi_T-WO2dDekFKZTGjLz-jNMhLRGHls8Lp7tsOMKZGyeUGE8Py86KKKlvBakBVIL_/s1600/urine.jpg" /></a></div>
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Yeah, you read that one right! This was pretty much how my work day started today. I am still feeling a bit, I do not know, violated, disgusted, incredulous....<br />
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So, here's the story:<br />
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A few guys from the IT department asked if they could use my Kuerig as their's was broken. Of course, being a coffee addict, I get the NEED for coffee, so I said of course they could. Now, I have a machine I purchased myself on a cabinet at my work area. I am the Receptionist, so obviously, my desk is in a public area.<br />
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I opened the lid to the water well to see if it needed for water and the water in it had "stuff" floating. So, thinking it was just because that water had been in there since I left work on Friday, I told them I wanted to run that through and another cupful of fresh water to flush it out.<br />
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Imagine my surprise to have a foul, amber yellow liquid in my cup after brewing! This stuff was RANK! My whole office reeked. And, I knew, I just knew it was URINE! WHAT???????? Yep, smelled like 10 guys decided that the "If it's yellow, let it mellow" rule was a great idea on a 100 degree day with the lid closed, was a great idea! Remember I heated this offal to near 145 degrees by brewing it!<br />
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WHO THE HELL DOES THIS?!?!?!?!?<br />
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Needless to say, my boss is the HR manager and I called him down to report this. He was not thrilled I saved it for him to smell :)<br />
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Well, obviously, I threw the entire machine away! Arghhhhhhhhhh......<br />
Don't worry, work will be replacing it. But how can I trust it there.<br />
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I am still trying to process this! Again, WHO DOES THIS????<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796299126355183632.post-40687529668675061992014-04-07T19:42:00.000-04:002014-04-07T19:42:08.286-04:00I Made Yogurt- In A Crockpot- And It's Delicious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllsi-CA8L7VzOvyBRox_-ZBprLBhlwFHKIU-qwELcAHL67e92UrndkO_JItkqQW4hl11Zhk3Jsg5obz2DNzYMiNN-OL9yKTCJ-V0dbLINntHO9J4546gS9ckZtq9saPjykF_Rm7bSa9sJ/s1600/yog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllsi-CA8L7VzOvyBRox_-ZBprLBhlwFHKIU-qwELcAHL67e92UrndkO_JItkqQW4hl11Zhk3Jsg5obz2DNzYMiNN-OL9yKTCJ-V0dbLINntHO9J4546gS9ckZtq9saPjykF_Rm7bSa9sJ/s1600/yog.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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I have been dying to try my hand at making yogurt forever! At first, I worried about the safety factor. But, the more research I did and read about people who have made their own for years, the less of a worry it became.<br />
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Last night I decided to go for it. I am so glad I did! I may never buy store bought yogurt again. Not only was it tasty, but it was relatively easy.<br />
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I used ideas from many different recipes that I found on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jskell911/recipes-to-try/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. You can click on the word Pinterest in the previous sentence to see some I looked at. I knew I wanted to try the crockpot method, so mostly that is what I looked up.<br />
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Some recipes rely on timing and senses. I wanted to rely on temperature to be extra safe.<br />
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Here are the materials you will need:<br />
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<ul>
<li><br /></li>
<li>1/2 gallon whole milk</li>
<li>1/2 c powdered milk</li>
<li>Cooking thermometer</li>
<li>Crockpot</li>
<li>1/2 c store bought plain yogurt w/ live active cultures</li>
<li>Something for stirring</li>
<li>Large Towel</li>
</ul>
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Here's what I did:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Pour milk into the crockpot</li>
<li>Add dry milk and give it a stir</li>
<li>Leave on until milk temperature reaches 180 degrees (about 1.5h on high, but could vary widely depending on your crockpot, so please use a thermometer</li>
<li>When that temperature is achieved, turn off the crockpot. Remove the pan part from the heating element and take the lid off.</li>
<li>Give a stir to mix throughout. </li>
<li>Let the mixture decline in temp to 115 degrees (no worries if it gets as low as 100). Stir occasionally.</li>
<li>When this temperature is achieved, take out a cup or so (no need to actually measure) of the milk and pour into a small bowl with the store bought yogurt (Make sure it has live, active cultures- the carton will say it on it!). Mix together and pour back into the crockpot.</li>
<li>Now cover the crockpot again, wrap with large towel and place in oven without turning it on! </li>
<li>Let it sit there for 8-12 hrs</li>
<li>Viola yogurt!</li>
</ol>
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At this point, the yogurt should have a texture similar to the picture above. To make a thicker yogurt (Greek style), place cheesecloth (coffee filters, paper towels, or napkins can do the trick as well) in a strainer with a bowl underneath. You are filtering out the whey. Many people use the whey in place of water or milk in baked goods as it is very good for you.<br />
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There you have it!<br />
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Spoon this into small Rubbermaid type containers, mason jars, or what you have handy. Be sure to take out 1/2 a cup to use as your starter for your next batch!<br />
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Flavor as you like. Right now I am eating mine with fresh pineapple and a honey drizzle- YUM!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0