tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655213324421996912024-03-13T00:04:29.205-07:00Tales from a Wild Wine Country WonderAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-23112880211060330002014-07-01T06:29:00.001-07:002014-07-01T06:30:03.894-07:00wasting away a sleepless moringSo it's 6 am. I'm having another morning where the silent, nonexistent, imaginary alarm woke me up at 415 and going back to sleep would only turn me into a zombie for the rest of the day. What is it about trying to sneak in one more REM cycle before you alarm actually goes off that dooms you to become the office's hot mess. SO instead I have decided to listen to my dogs snore, the neighborhood birds wake up, and watch the sunrise out my window behind me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEJHI2Un7stgZhAUl6vU2SjmzyIi3Gsydas9xW3gu4R2gm5j_CTFecE-3SjdUl79r_lJ_n0dplMUnRo84mf7I4rWjUvUwQwMjNvId_fVnqTGvcGMi2aAfMgMZM48-5xUWOJ0rGw6uCX4/s1600/photo(4).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/AVvXsEhsEJHI2Un7stgZhAUl6vU2SjmzyIi3Gsydas9xW3gu4R2gm5j_CTFecE-3SjdUl79r_lJ_n0dplMUnRo84mf7I4rWjUvUwQwMjNvId_fVnqTGvcGMi2aAfMgMZM48-5xUWOJ0rGw6uCX4/s1600/photo(4).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I was going to spend this morning being somewhat productive on a<a href="http://beyondtheclothing.com/category/columns-by-katie/"> side project</a> I've been working on. No reason to waste the twilight hours right?<br />
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Then, instead, I read a few <a href="http://www.cracked.com/article_19909_6-famous-symbols-that-dont-mean-what-you-think.html">cracked</a> articles, caught up with <a href="http://www.iworeyogapants.com/">Whitney</a>, added to 2 of my burning man lists (more on that soon) and removed some of my <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/katieconkell">follows from bloglovin</a>. Sorry but my "pageview" and part of your follow count is actually just me skipping over your blog on my way to something I do care about. I figure I'm not helping either of us.<br />
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Now my actual alarm is getting ready to go off and I should start my morning routine... again trying to avoid hot mess status. Because the sun is up I figure I should get this 90 degree day started. Which is another thing I could rant about for a while... I thought I lived in a valley, what is with a week of 100ish temps. I'm tired of being hot and cranky, and even more tired of everyone else being hot and cranky. Now take a moment to realize that is coming from the girl who is willingly going to camp in the desert for a week in August.<br />
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But there is quite a difference you see... in the desert they embrace the hot mess!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-20148757798211237582014-06-22T15:48:00.000-07:002014-06-23T16:22:11.360-07:00The San Diego Airport Story"what do you think I should write about"<br />
"me"<br />
"what about you"<br />
"That I'm cute and cuddly and adorable. I have three dogs, and an auntie and a grandma and a whole ginormous family" (Yes, ginormous is in her vocabulary) <br />
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This was my suggestion from P today. As we sit in the San Diego airport. Its funny how life imitates art as art imitates life. As she said this all I could say is, "that is just about all I do talk about, love." My good little traveler is continuing to read as I type which is not usually the case. She's much more likely to be watching netflix, creating epic sagas with her mounds of unusual characters in her room, or splashing in the pools with the dogs. It's a little funny to listen to her read the words as they pour out of my head. <br />
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Usually we are not sitting in an airport with 4 hours to go before our flight. Even though this week (that I'll recap in a separate post) has been a very busy one, and totally worth it. I could do without 4 hours at the airport. People watching does make it easier.<br />
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Airports have always been an interesting place to me, so much transition, so many people mildly anxious about their next step, about all the things that travel brings. New places, new foods, new sights, or smells. So many ready to go home, much like us, you can see it in their faces. Too much sun, maybe also a few too many cocktails. Recovering from days of rich food and super soft beds lead to feeling a little dazed while awaiting our boarding call. Looking for the comforts of home on the other side of this flight.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fRlj1bNUlVa32ji2LoJCfUiqjLbF1E5lj006SJ6fZWZHw0p4tr0iu_BaklmSFCUlk7020CMbktA8pJCPOdhS1ly4wtvsWcXRHARkPGwSNy8meO4lLxPNNh7Y1y6VFqj-pvPEEb1vf-E/s1600/10419474_10202295133082248_6760346693995646464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fRlj1bNUlVa32ji2LoJCfUiqjLbF1E5lj006SJ6fZWZHw0p4tr0iu_BaklmSFCUlk7020CMbktA8pJCPOdhS1ly4wtvsWcXRHARkPGwSNy8meO4lLxPNNh7Y1y6VFqj-pvPEEb1vf-E/s1600/10419474_10202295133082248_6760346693995646464_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">killing time </td></tr>
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Among the typical airport chaos The World Cup is raging on behind me. While I'm not a soccer fan, the whole process is interesting. I'm glad so see the US doing well, and so many cultures brought together. The tiny airport bar, usually only frequented by day drinkers and business travelers that need use of their outlets, is currently standing room only as fans shout, gasp, and sigh with each turn of events. It makes me want to be more passionate about it, but really I'll probably just continue to admire those dedicated fans and read the recaps tomorrow online.<br />
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I think I like airports because of the people they bring together. So many faces, going so many different destinations. A million story-lines to be fulfilled. I'm really a little surprised there aren't more stories that involve airports and their travelers, it all seems so full of potential. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-62223489454653405552014-06-11T09:20:00.001-07:002014-06-11T09:20:56.807-07:00StressorA dear friend and fellow blogger mentioned my recent sabbatical over drinks on Friday. This is something that has been on my mind quite a bit.<br />
I want to post and it's not for lack of words on pages for me, it's that this has never been a venting space, well at least not without some form of resolution in the works. Lately resolutions have not been my strong point. I start a post, begin to dissect the day to day, and that triggers the stressors of late that cause me to vent. Usually these bitch sessions are short lived and can be edited out but these ones are longer than usual. These ones have been ramblers that make very little sense and are caused by things I have little control over. Which in turn bothers me even more.<br />
I realize that so much of blogging is about bonding and sharing lives and seeing others' lives but I never want this to be anyone elses' burden.So please be patient with me as I continue to edit out the blah and fine happier words. I hope to be back soon and may even be a guest on Beyond The Clothing soon.<br />
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Hope everyone is well. Tell me how you relieve stress.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-53658753814307747272014-05-12T12:27:00.001-07:002014-05-12T12:27:20.015-07:00Sunday Social | A little walk down my TV's past<div style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Hi friends, before we get started, will you do me a favor and go follow any one of my social media sites today; please and thank you... links in the pretty circles to the right -></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Neely</a> with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are all about TV shows from the past!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. What was your favorite TGIF show?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think Full House is my official favorite, with Step by Step as a close second </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. What was your favorite Saturday morning TV show?</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399174886119_2253" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I don't remember many Saturday shows, I think I was always itching to get outside instead... I do remember being VERY young and watching Mickey Mousercise </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Mickey Mouse Club or Kids Incorporated.?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> MMC! Little Justin, Little Ryan, Little Brittney was even cute then.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Zack Morris or AC Slater?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Morris... Always have liked a bit of a bad boy and I totally wanted to be Kelly Kapowski</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWb4StsDZM3LShPjE21GMO1wDfngD5V0l6wmbQaNJG2Lhv58y7ezwhoo-ppJeyvfl2YYTGO2jQtBhQ7QYQtDTwTB0B32L-G8YCu2IqSWr-9rWAAEs0-O2la5_EF5rCahdGmHptkDcIx3g/s1600/tumblr_mjo0vgYwdt1r7o3vbo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWb4StsDZM3LShPjE21GMO1wDfngD5V0l6wmbQaNJG2Lhv58y7ezwhoo-ppJeyvfl2YYTGO2jQtBhQ7QYQtDTwTB0B32L-G8YCu2IqSWr-9rWAAEs0-O2la5_EF5rCahdGmHptkDcIx3g/s1600/tumblr_mjo0vgYwdt1r7o3vbo1_500.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Which show would you love to see remade? (For example, Boy Meets World is back as Girl Meets World)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really love that Boy Meets World is coming back. I think it would be fun to see the Full House group together again... Stephanie raising 3 boys? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As always I hope you participate with us, I love reading these. If you repost please be sure to link up with the girls above, and find a collection of other blogs to go visit. </span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-40233442746311176372014-05-07T03:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T08:16:41.624-07:00Helping Daddy turn 65 with some love for Canva<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>*I have not been compensated for this post and all opinions are my own*</i> </span></div>
<br />
This adorable invitation went out to 50 of my dads closest friends last week: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazkt8z9HDT5Drx4A80lkRqPxvfwiDrTmb6yMePZMIXTYAOxm2waYiphTwf3Da_DH8tXPRyRjPoecp0hfq6939iOTxSoHjY1-auJEK-vbFL6ECqECMLRjUtJZ3N3kEchpW4eSk_zhsCps/s1600/STRICTLY.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazkt8z9HDT5Drx4A80lkRqPxvfwiDrTmb6yMePZMIXTYAOxm2waYiphTwf3Da_DH8tXPRyRjPoecp0hfq6939iOTxSoHjY1-auJEK-vbFL6ECqECMLRjUtJZ3N3kEchpW4eSk_zhsCps/s1600/STRICTLY.png" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
When mom asked for help finding a fun invitation I asked a very busy friend, and when it got close to crunch time, I went to find my own solution. I looked up one of the tools I found at my <a href="http://wildwinecountrywonder.blogspot.com/2014/01/hiatus-quelled-lets-get-reorganized.html">work conference</a> and decided to put it to good use. <a href="http://www.canva.com/">Canva</a> is a wonderful <i>free</i> resource for photo editing. It is no Photoshop in it's capabilities, but if you don't own Photoshop or just aren't terribly interested in getting extreme with it, this may be a perfect site to use. I've found it a great resource for blog images, editing photos for Facebook and Twitter, and now inviting our family and friends to celebrate.<br />
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So Canva is so sweet and simple, they even offer wonderful premium elements for only $1 each. <br />
Here are the basics:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zm_9aQhzbvh-92viP7kin1MBRRULeI2PTcfe9S7HC21igr2_jFy-KDXFHh5CMjBordX_8rswmk1w78mEurVwvenniUH18H1U4q0kvnQAQrholu8CxfE_TLGMCh0o27V3BAlQb66wPj4/s1600/PICK+A+PRE-SIZED+IMAGE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zm_9aQhzbvh-92viP7kin1MBRRULeI2PTcfe9S7HC21igr2_jFy-KDXFHh5CMjBordX_8rswmk1w78mEurVwvenniUH18H1U4q0kvnQAQrholu8CxfE_TLGMCh0o27V3BAlQb66wPj4/s1600/PICK+A+PRE-SIZED+IMAGE.png" height="146" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2c_JxvvaXukex_Ii-CMYe3vXa-7R5TNfhQV9WU1naxu57z1wKdPxr6R34163gz3FmScKaO2UHBCyrj4jGUgfHWDY3h6hyphenhyphenrBobS_6tYmHeibNIF_P5gLu96BGYwtweNmSQpkmvdFxVAg/s1600/Add+subtitle+text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2c_JxvvaXukex_Ii-CMYe3vXa-7R5TNfhQV9WU1naxu57z1wKdPxr6R34163gz3FmScKaO2UHBCyrj4jGUgfHWDY3h6hyphenhyphenrBobS_6tYmHeibNIF_P5gLu96BGYwtweNmSQpkmvdFxVAg/s1600/Add+subtitle+text.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62vA6OPZr_5MAkHVTs8eoYjwFx8UKVqFIE8V01O_1Jw1A8uIceEauqLmH5_N-XeJkr8bFLz1IFHcmV8_FL5-kTco2ESP1iLmoVbsakeJMMJjG1N7v10001LVBruhEUfU7rQnU12QZ2jk/s1600/save+it.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62vA6OPZr_5MAkHVTs8eoYjwFx8UKVqFIE8V01O_1Jw1A8uIceEauqLmH5_N-XeJkr8bFLz1IFHcmV8_FL5-kTco2ESP1iLmoVbsakeJMMJjG1N7v10001LVBruhEUfU7rQnU12QZ2jk/s1600/save+it.PNG" height="37" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK0ei2BIvmiaB2wX4TBeykarPsUkkJ270kv09yOJtpJ0DZ2HUjQ9lQIMaTNk7SA_6nAIue1o-Zgad3NdTsNxl2dxYfqrYMTuDQwrXZzn3ox8rELeWuXLAN1wdqILuXUg3DN7ekzCuJYw/s1600/options.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK0ei2BIvmiaB2wX4TBeykarPsUkkJ270kv09yOJtpJ0DZ2HUjQ9lQIMaTNk7SA_6nAIue1o-Zgad3NdTsNxl2dxYfqrYMTuDQwrXZzn3ox8rELeWuXLAN1wdqILuXUg3DN7ekzCuJYw/s1600/options.PNG" height="171" width="400" /></a></div>
That's a very rough basic run-down, and with each image I tend to spend lots of time tweaking fonts, altering sizes, and changing elements. It is a great resource for any blogger looking to spice up their blog images.<br />
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<b>What is your favorite tool for blogging?</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-34698614980486045782014-05-05T11:21:00.002-07:002014-05-05T11:21:43.842-07:00recover, relieve, recooperate | Sunday social<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Hi
friends, before we get started, will you do me a favor and go follow
any one of my social media sites today; please and thank you... links
in the pretty circles to the right -></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Neely</a>
with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages
to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this
week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Who do you call when you need to vent?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Depends on what I'm venting about, usually my mom, unless I know she's stressed out about something else, then my poor boyfriend gets to listen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Where do you go when you need alone time?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Usually my porch out back. P is good about playing by herself when I ask her too so I can relax alone. I'm also a sucker for a glass of wine and bit to eat at a crowded place where I can be invisible.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWobgnSxig0z05HdM0T5PR7KAvAz_PAFI4LHHiGJLLeg7fOQU8mlslCUpCgVrGq8c9gpEb2BURWm-915jKq_-c8rIoL_63zTNl6GrRJK3DBhkYTBc3TNiKpYhULCHYrj2cVCThfMdrSV0/s1600/untitled2105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWobgnSxig0z05HdM0T5PR7KAvAz_PAFI4LHHiGJLLeg7fOQU8mlslCUpCgVrGq8c9gpEb2BURWm-915jKq_-c8rIoL_63zTNl6GrRJK3DBhkYTBc3TNiKpYhULCHYrj2cVCThfMdrSV0/s1600/untitled2105.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really adore our back deck</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. What is your favorite alone time activity?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes I just sit, and watch the world go by. I do a lot of reading, and puzzles too. I love a nice hike when I can get away. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZO51bjve23pFVmcJhursWeUHmqkf-xeA5mhXwjzDGztUdqkaW19aonaJMG1L0fOmxVhAAhdd41yH-nuLtfxOfI1J5E7kvbaun_-rzNfqn4wvRmx6kEMh5W84YmCPUsV_jsSh1GozH2g/s1600/33458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZO51bjve23pFVmcJhursWeUHmqkf-xeA5mhXwjzDGztUdqkaW19aonaJMG1L0fOmxVhAAhdd41yH-nuLtfxOfI1J5E7kvbaun_-rzNfqn4wvRmx6kEMh5W84YmCPUsV_jsSh1GozH2g/s1600/33458.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. What is something we should all stop and read right now?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Blogland: <a href="http://www.beyondtheclothing.com/">Beyond the Clothing</a></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Physically: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Lust-Lizard-Melancholy-Cove/dp/0060735457">Lust Lizards of Melancholy Cove by Christopher Moore</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beyondtheclothing.com/"></a><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Who do you wish would read your blog that doesn't already? Family? Celeb?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always appreciate new readers, but I don't necessarily want to know who is reading all the time from my real world... wouldn't want to censor myself </span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As
always I hope you participate with us, I love reading these. If you
repost please be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my
Sunday morning is now dedicated to couch time while reading all of
these! Have a wonderful weekend. </span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-61608216783731064482014-04-30T11:49:00.000-07:002014-04-30T11:49:57.775-07:00Taking advice from Crazy Eyes<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"sometimes the feeling inside me get messy like dirt, then I like to clean things. Those things are like my thoughts, and clean my mind..."</b></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/9268ce2c545cc363e8f23801739b36ef/tumblr_mqo6uwKcyq1sccruqo1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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I couldn't help but to rewind and get this quote down. It feels so close to home, so realistic. There are days my brain gets all muddled, my thoughts sloppy and, my personal state of sweet enthusiasm is lost in self-doubt and frustration. This will not be a clean post, it will not be spotless and refined. This post will be muddled.<br />
<br />
Work is clear, well the basics of work is clear. My 9 to 5 checklist is filling out just fine, I'm accomplishing my daily tasks and meeting my goals. I've been recently approached with a consulting opportunity, which makes things all blurry. In one way, I really should take the opportunity. Start to make a name for myself, show off my skills, open future doors. But then I could fail... I could be less good than I think. I could be incapable of helping someone else do what I do well.<br />
<br />
Home is clear in the daily tasks, checking things off, dinner, dishes, laundry and floors. The easy stuff is being kept up with. Now it's about planning a back lawn for the dogs, getting my garden planted and a yard sale organized. Everything else is half done. My desk isn't organized, the garage could use some work, the deck should be refinished.So many dirty little corner tasks that would make me much happier to be done, but for now they wait. <br />
<br />
Family, friends, coworkers are clear on the surface. I text mom every day, keep up with friends each week, and help coworkers appropriately. I could do more. I could go sit with mom more, really talk to her. Friends deserve face time, not just Instagram comments. Coworkers deserve attention, focused attention, not just enough to satisfy them. <br />
<br />
P is clear, she does her homework and her chores. We make dinner together, she earns her Netflix time. Again the basics get done. The day to day is fine. Then there seems to be something missing. We're not painting or drawing or doing cartwheels on the front lawn. We're not getting any deeper than the neat clear waters of a good kid, and a decent mom.<br />
<br />
Where's my scuba gear, how do I get beyond the clear, clean top layer. Where do I go to find the dirt, and start to clean it. Today I start to clean, from the inside, today will be a day of affirmations, and taking notes from wonderful columns like <a href="http://www.beyondtheclothing.com/3/post/2014/04/the-other-b-word-a-daily-pursuit-of-balance1.html">The Other B Word</a>, and finding inspiration in people like <a href="http://www.hooping.org/?submit=Search&s=tiana">Tiana</a>. If you need to come find me, please bring a mop. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="367" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://giphy.com/embed/icEKqWbHBxSXS" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"and you have to start from the inside out, or you step on the clean"</b></span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Crazy Eyes, Orange is the New Black</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-58257340468532309322014-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:002014-04-27T22:40:19.764-07:00Let's air some pet peeves.... | Sunday Social<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Hi
friends, before we get started, will you do me a favor and go follow
any one of my social media sites today; please and thank you... links
in the pretty circles to the right -></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUConOWnmi-R1928dPKxeifl5BE6A_HzYuLd5md6Wz8Ia36sRKgoGRx_BIAO7EYkArXkOTovO2u6TqpS9jrvl-zlFyju81AvmOArVNc4MWMHLiNsRACXB2Moz7jpXAzoeUuT0rFb7lgQ/s1600/SocialSundayNew.png" /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Neely</a>
with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages
to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this
week!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397938049818_2141" style="background-color: white; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. What is your biggest driving pet peeve?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People that go less than the posted speed limit... It's California, its beautiful, the roads are fine, just go. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397938049818_2140" style="background-color: white; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. What is your biggest blogging pet peeve?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When bloggers obviously "phone it in". I once read a product review that was almost completely copied from their website. There wasn't a personal word on the post. </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397938049818_2139" style="background-color: white; text-align: right;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. What is your biggest shopping pet peeve?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uninterested staff. I don't want you to fawn over me, but you could pretend to appreciate your product as much as I do. </span><br />
</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397938049818_2138" style="background-color: white; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. What is your biggest general pet peeve?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rudeness and inconsideration. I work in hospitality so I think I'm more perceptive to how far a little kindness goes. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397938049818_2129" style="background-color: white; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. What is your most irrational fear?</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397938049818_2129" style="background-color: white; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being injured at home and needing my daughter to help me. I've never been injured at home, nor to I take unnecessary risks at home, but the idea of Peyton having to call 911 for me just makes my skin crawl</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As
always I hope you participate with us, I love reading these. If you
repost please be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my
Sunday morning is now dedicated to couch time while reading all of
these! Have a wonderful weekend. </span></span></div>
<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-2071903468439262502014-04-20T00:30:00.000-07:002014-04-21T22:07:15.657-07:00High five for Sunday Social! (on Monday... again)<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396752417748_1963" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Hi
friends, before we get started, will you do me a favor and go follow
any one of my social media sites today; please and thank you... links
in the pretty circles to the right -></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUConOWnmi-R1928dPKxeifl5BE6A_HzYuLd5md6Wz8Ia36sRKgoGRx_BIAO7EYkArXkOTovO2u6TqpS9jrvl-zlFyju81AvmOArVNc4MWMHLiNsRACXB2Moz7jpXAzoeUuT0rFb7lgQ/s1600/SocialSundayNew.png" /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Neely</a>
with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages
to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this
week!</span></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396752417748_1963" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396752417748_1963" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397337430597_1970" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. 5 songs you'll listen to the rest of your life </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jessica -The Allman Brothers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faithfully -Journey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let it Be -Beatles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crave - Flight Facilities</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She Keeps me Warm -Mary Lambert </span><br />
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<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397337430597_2274" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. 5 things on your bucket list</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit Barcelona</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Skydiving</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Burning Man</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be part of a flash mob </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be his wife for 50 years </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397337430597_1973" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. 5 celeb you'd love to hang out with for a day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anna Kendrick!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Justin Timberlake</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristen Chenoworth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ellen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">J-Law </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397337430597_1974" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. 5 things you always carry in your purse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Phone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Headphones</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ID</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gum</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Business cards </span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. 5 books on your reading list</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Divergent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Serpent of Venice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Son of a Certain Woman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Antelope in the Living Room</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy to be Alive, Because </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397337430597_1976" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Share the last 5 pictures on your phone </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397337430597_1976" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Easter Sunday in pictures</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWK_6JosKUsqSKjjkwR6ryQGDB8uBu3hurb8VcJow5YsP2LabpiGf7qEPo_wTJ7ZwxDk7d9yP4iirKb1WFXNwUquqGUkFsx8-yEFqa12NloExTwfetLuJaUZ6xhJDxeZHW8df0kqovQuc/s1600/IMG_3581%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWK_6JosKUsqSKjjkwR6ryQGDB8uBu3hurb8VcJow5YsP2LabpiGf7qEPo_wTJ7ZwxDk7d9yP4iirKb1WFXNwUquqGUkFsx8-yEFqa12NloExTwfetLuJaUZ6xhJDxeZHW8df0kqovQuc/s1600/IMG_3581%255B1%255D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Egg Hunter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCmOfh6WTL5dQPcOwSuUMxxDgyE12i-tUl12I7aXdG-N80flndEfhCXz036w1nOnpJkxvfhsyrqnviXZYHXjJBiUE5LG_jsMSY-BCsEKLwMII2-8ml3llXuOGjDdh0P-Nosi7dX9GYrM/s1600/IMG_3557%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCmOfh6WTL5dQPcOwSuUMxxDgyE12i-tUl12I7aXdG-N80flndEfhCXz036w1nOnpJkxvfhsyrqnviXZYHXjJBiUE5LG_jsMSY-BCsEKLwMII2-8ml3llXuOGjDdh0P-Nosi7dX9GYrM/s1600/IMG_3557%255B1%255D.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Sweet Little Roses</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbO4f2sh6S24wD2An28YZeHcPnYqIHtDKq4zxqwI0eruH3zTGW928AFUuZnSzFcmkhGQ2qcEpQvcXzjlQWxctZeVWsqRzeNq3Wzpp6SZ5MSEVvqriy75ZZfmFbqcKuH1gW4qLsKiEHzU/s1600/IMG_3626%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbO4f2sh6S24wD2An28YZeHcPnYqIHtDKq4zxqwI0eruH3zTGW928AFUuZnSzFcmkhGQ2qcEpQvcXzjlQWxctZeVWsqRzeNq3Wzpp6SZ5MSEVvqriy75ZZfmFbqcKuH1gW4qLsKiEHzU/s1600/IMG_3626%255B1%255D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mommy getting her coffee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKvnWMA_-fncV345fB69SlisIWa5bYqkaVZZESmgrBBYxaa7wZ5XJSz4r5N7n6zRxL7EtElU5R3jUt2QWF6AY_Mk2Fb_Oq9czSdwasz41W2PYdpWEdK5kz96BF4MvRTsyHIrhpmIdqAQ/s1600/IMG_3606%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKvnWMA_-fncV345fB69SlisIWa5bYqkaVZZESmgrBBYxaa7wZ5XJSz4r5N7n6zRxL7EtElU5R3jUt2QWF6AY_Mk2Fb_Oq9czSdwasz41W2PYdpWEdK5kz96BF4MvRTsyHIrhpmIdqAQ/s1600/IMG_3606%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how we let her go to breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cutest Easter Cake Ever!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As
always I hope you participate with us, I love reading these. If you
repost please be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my
Sunday morning is now dedicated to couch time while reading all of
these! Have a wonderful weekend. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-87922277113318781532014-04-15T13:08:00.000-07:002014-04-15T13:08:08.561-07:00The 5-day countdown to easter!Are you aware that Easter is only a few days away!? That's crazy to me. Granted my 6 year old is getting more skeptical all the time, starting to ask questions that make me think she might be too smart for her own good. Regardless as long as she plays along I will too, so really, I need to get prepared for Easter.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Saturday's festivities</td></tr>
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I'm not a fully crunchy momma, but certainly picky about food that we have in the house. We occasionally stop for french fries or froze yogurt. Her papa lets her have soda, and grandma takes her out for pancakes. However, we also eat fruits and veggies, every day, and buy or grow organic as often as possible. I just don't want her to be the sugar fiend that has become such a norm for kids. And was a norm for me. <br />
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So when holidays like Easter roll around I cringe, all I see is calories, sugars and artificial ingredients pouring out of baskets and slapped into little plastic eggs. We attended a community hunt on Saturday that provided just that, jelly beans, laffy taffy, and bubble gum filled the really cute eggs she collected. Out of the 25 eggs she collected there was 1 non candy item. A mini yo-yo that broke when she tried to use it. Did I mention Whole Foods was a major sponsor of the event? Anyone else see the contradiction there? <br />
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So I have vowed to make P's eggs candy free this year. She received plenty on Saturday and there are so many other great options!<br />
Here is my top 5 list of things (other than candy) to include in your eggs this year:<br />
<b>Stickers</b> - We found coloring pages that come with stickers at target. I cut up the stickers and put them in eggs so she can add the stickers as she finds them. <b><br /></b><br />
<b>Puzzle Pieces</b> - this is a great way to pack many eggs. She can collect the pieces and put the puzzle together until she has them all.<br />
<b>Temporary Tattoos</b> - This is a great spin-off from stickers and gives her something to take to school on Monday and show off.<br />
<b>Nail Polish/makeup </b>- she's at that age where cheap sparkly nail polish and flavored chapsticks are a big hit. Finding mini sizes keeps it easy to use, and quick to use-up<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/small-world-toys-green-thumb-garden-set/-/A-14143639#prodSlot=medium_1_6"><u>source</u></a></td></tr>
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<b>Coins</b> - nickles, dimes, quarters and pennies... anything to make that piggy bank heavier, because Yay money!<br />
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I also love getting creative while filling her basket (which happens to be a tote bag this year) and away from sugar coma options. We're big gardeners, it's one of the things <a href="http://wildwinecountrywonder.blogspot.com/2014/03/i-cant-wait-for-summer-because-link-up.html">I love about summer</a>, so with this being just around the corner I love to give her things to help out.<br />
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This kit from target is fantastic, gloves, shovels a rake and water bottle. Plus an adorable apron and it all packs into a tote to keep it organized. <br />
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We're also including some new flower seeds, her very own tomato plant, and a DVD from <a href="http://product.half.ebay.com/Strawberry-Shortcake-Bloomin-Berry-Garden-DVD-2012/111965354&tg=info">Strawberry Shortcake: Bloomin' Berry Gardens</a>. Because you can't break theme right? <br />
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What is going in your Easter baskets this year? Any tips for getting away from the sugar craze that seems to plague these holidays? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-70271565407492931372014-04-13T00:30:00.000-07:002014-04-13T08:36:08.489-07:00Putting my Best of the Best foward | Sunday Social<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 22.390625px;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Hi friends, before we get started, will you do me a favor and go follow any one of my social media sites today; please and thank you... links in the pretty circles to the right -></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Neely</a> with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. What was your best birthday?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">26 was pretty epic. Honey bought me tickets to Armin Van Buren in San Francisco and we stayed the night in the city, ate way too much great food. Really a perfect weekend! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. What was your best vacation?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 17 I went on a 2 week trip with my school, to tour Western Europe. I didn't know anyone and there were only a few kids from my school. It was an enlightening experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. What is the best date you've ever been on?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My guy's 30th birthday. We spend the day with family, then got amazing sandwiches at our favorite deli, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/giugni-w-f-and-son-grocery-co-saint-helena-2">Guigni's</a>. We had a divine dinner at <a href="http://www.botteganapavalley.com/">Bottega</a> courteous of a gift certificate. Then went to dance at Ruby Skye with 15 of our closest friends. It was 18 hours of perfection. </span><br />
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<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1396752417748_2014" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. What is the best movie(quality) you've seen?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_%282007_film%29">Earth</a> is the most beautiful and stunning movie I've ever seen </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. What is the best TV show ending of all time?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Rachel got off the Plane! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As always I hope you participate with us, I love reading these. If you repost please be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my Sunday morning is now dedicated to couch time while reading all of these! Have a wonderful weekend. </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-90097511651469603042014-04-08T07:44:00.001-07:002014-04-08T10:50:55.897-07:00And then we all went POP<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dCxS6Xd6b1SRSbkJ33Mqc3odvY9CFTaI1-zMX-U6b1V52_Wq8ESFf6HF2TVmTS5L928pKNuouHSSDIhEovOLbnjzBennTR50ExcXpD84GPrKHm-PfuNxvqu9Kg0UzYPYpOi5DygwLwQ/s1600/and+we+all+went+pop.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dCxS6Xd6b1SRSbkJ33Mqc3odvY9CFTaI1-zMX-U6b1V52_Wq8ESFf6HF2TVmTS5L928pKNuouHSSDIhEovOLbnjzBennTR50ExcXpD84GPrKHm-PfuNxvqu9Kg0UzYPYpOi5DygwLwQ/s1600/and+we+all+went+pop.png" height="400" width="280" /></a>Last Saturday was one of my favorite parties of the year. <a href="http://popthedream.com/">Skills presents Pop 2014 The Dream</a> this massive event brings tens of thousands of music lovers together, for a night of glorious dancing, new connections and stunning lights. I would even call it a little <a href="http://wildwinecountrywonder.blogspot.com/2014/03/letting-crazy-in.html">Crazy</a>.<br />
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There are many negative stereotypes and unflattering mainstream views of the idea of a rave. But in reality, there is something ethereal about events like this rave, party, edm event,whatever you want to call them. In my experience they are a blessed look at the true beauty in all people.<br />
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Everyone I met was offering bracelets, sharing stories, passing around water and checking on their fellow dancers. I have new instafriends, tweeps to follow and fan pages to keep up with. I am only now getting fully rehydrated and remembering each and every detail. <br />
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There were many things I want to dive into about this party, the memorizing music, awesome light show, and fantastic people... but there weren't the words. I could give you a play by play, my favorite song from each act, I can try to recall all the people we met, the thrill of having a VIP wristband and the wonder of getting to see some of my favorite people. I kept trying to find the words... and then went to visit the event page and found this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCz8Ntib3B24kdjYzhmLPNPs26RLWBolwW3yabNjRKRyWet25M_zs4LwC4JksWelFynjLeMO4BzHVwlP1roovz_JwS_zySEK_swE5LjxShw7mp459aToypySzPwtkyUKdTuqvecYIXc4/s1600/pop.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCz8Ntib3B24kdjYzhmLPNPs26RLWBolwW3yabNjRKRyWet25M_zs4LwC4JksWelFynjLeMO4BzHVwlP1roovz_JwS_zySEK_swE5LjxShw7mp459aToypySzPwtkyUKdTuqvecYIXc4/s1600/pop.bmp" height="640" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
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I think this very well spoken young man hit the nail on the head. He speaks to why we attend these parties. It's about feeling accepted and fitting in, no matter who you are. People come with good intentions, people come to dance and laugh, people just come out. It's a wonderful beautiful sense of camaraderie. I feel blessed to be part of such a gracious crowd. <br />
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Okay I'll leave you with one song so you can understand just how awesome it all was. Here was the first tracks (one of my favorites) played by the headliner Dash Berlin:<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-22631140121153500622014-04-06T00:00:00.000-07:002014-04-06T00:00:09.941-07:00Twitter-pated for Sunday Social<div style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Hi friends, before we get started,
will you do me a favor and go follow any one of my social media sites today;
please and thank you... links in the pretty circles to the right -></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Neely</a>
with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages
to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this
week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Next Weeks Questions:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. When did you join twitter?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">April 2009 (yes I had to go look) while serving on a Jury. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Who is your favorite non-celeb to follow?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My very dear friend <a href="https://twitter.com/bestmattyever">Matty</a>! He cracks me up</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s-jfgayL8P-BhFv28fTPUCxSUpCRTLEv-qwMYfIZAbur1mz49TFzrwUT-8XzEuHPcOXt8ECAZ7L-t-t-QLRDEpI4vHakBuDoszdkcKDC3KAHnuecFHxd3XqL_x9CiQOXtFDmyAJ1XEY/s1600/matty.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s-jfgayL8P-BhFv28fTPUCxSUpCRTLEv-qwMYfIZAbur1mz49TFzrwUT-8XzEuHPcOXt8ECAZ7L-t-t-QLRDEpI4vHakBuDoszdkcKDC3KAHnuecFHxd3XqL_x9CiQOXtFDmyAJ1XEY/s1600/matty.PNG" height="68" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Who is your favorite celeb to follow?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/rickygervais">Ricky Gervais</a> because he's also hilarious.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQAiAUh51kVed801OkHM01nIxUlGQnF2mQ2k8qmHveC_1sAUe6O5ENQTGF8DDvScpmMp2aMCGLIL6HWoF4i3OwabLzvRa0cy5BnlUDu0ayjYT2VjJiMlZyP7IhS4OsPydvnSjSZxpshg/s1600/rickyg.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQAiAUh51kVed801OkHM01nIxUlGQnF2mQ2k8qmHveC_1sAUe6O5ENQTGF8DDvScpmMp2aMCGLIL6HWoF4i3OwabLzvRa0cy5BnlUDu0ayjYT2VjJiMlZyP7IhS4OsPydvnSjSZxpshg/s1600/rickyg.PNG" height="72" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. Have you ever had a celeb respond to a tweet?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Nope</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5. What is your favorite store/brand to follow?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ChandonUSA">Chandon USA:</a> bubbles, so many bubbles:</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl7gxn-j30vpruhWXkP5EqhpeSKD-DNvJZfB1MRM76M2kEU3BgbCLJz4pY5gK9iywwrfUQPGA7txxOm5DnDNLAc5si3q-OwlQ0s2F9YeMejdFBc8Aj51XTP4etQ0PgHmfzvwryfDwBtw/s1600/chandon.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl7gxn-j30vpruhWXkP5EqhpeSKD-DNvJZfB1MRM76M2kEU3BgbCLJz4pY5gK9iywwrfUQPGA7txxOm5DnDNLAc5si3q-OwlQ0s2F9YeMejdFBc8Aj51XTP4etQ0PgHmfzvwryfDwBtw/s1600/chandon.PNG" height="248" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">6. Give us three tweeps we should be following.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://twitter.com/postsecret">Post Secret</a> a beautiful look at the secrets we keep</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwoT7u9BZixxn92e5WbIdXxKLYGsyhGJ2Hpvl37dEd5t2X0dCZUKyGTR8IK8OC87OdtIeedc2OCDORWDiQy5jvGRGhD45pRxxyqQNUjt1TAJHj0F5140gktxbLHkgYrInZsWmpST4q4U/s1600/postsecret.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwoT7u9BZixxn92e5WbIdXxKLYGsyhGJ2Hpvl37dEd5t2X0dCZUKyGTR8IK8OC87OdtIeedc2OCDORWDiQy5jvGRGhD45pRxxyqQNUjt1TAJHj0F5140gktxbLHkgYrInZsWmpST4q4U/s1600/postsecret.PNG" height="62" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/amandapalmer">Amanda Palmer:</a> A beautiful artistic soul</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypUbs0-jwC-MmU7lrD-53m6C8QVIYxbC78PVw09jwGJfnJJIomFbNjrgtD0USl6qtur1zEKiLCcn7qo1-X4gIaxWQ7rHBFXIOksCU992wywfRtvM8u52DPfJpja-klNMm2NrnUzxxCZc/s1600/amanda+palmer.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypUbs0-jwC-MmU7lrD-53m6C8QVIYxbC78PVw09jwGJfnJJIomFbNjrgtD0USl6qtur1zEKiLCcn7qo1-X4gIaxWQ7rHBFXIOksCU992wywfRtvM8u52DPfJpja-klNMm2NrnUzxxCZc/s1600/amanda+palmer.PNG" height="128" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheDailyTay">The Daily Tay</a> - a great blogger and funny <strike>tweeter</strike> <strike>twitterer </strike>tweet poster</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIq-2JBBErjxWhZGC0lCqoPoA9s2RQSJzeR8bvey5dc2vzGBAv4A7jwiSSFxVGUm_P6Ga6k6wWZU1nYKy2QxUgl8m8p9RXbTCQdacAPs9a7KMsmPoDeTc7eKcEfYDXVOGf4IFWTMW5-WU/s1600/TheDailyTay.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIq-2JBBErjxWhZGC0lCqoPoA9s2RQSJzeR8bvey5dc2vzGBAv4A7jwiSSFxVGUm_P6Ga6k6wWZU1nYKy2QxUgl8m8p9RXbTCQdacAPs9a7KMsmPoDeTc7eKcEfYDXVOGf4IFWTMW5-WU/s1600/TheDailyTay.PNG" height="85" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What's your favorite twitter account? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As always I hope
you participate with us, I love reading these. If you repost please
be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my Sunday morning is
now dedicated to couch time while reading all of these! Have a
wonderful weekend. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-55072942667188129832014-04-04T05:00:00.000-07:002014-04-04T05:00:00.160-07:00Earn the Burn: This is Yogabitch<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Hi friends, before we get started,
will you do me a favor and go follow any one of my social media sites today;
please and thank you... links in the pretty circles to the right -></b></span> <br />
<br />
I want to introduce you to someone I make snarky comments to several times a week. She's calm and encouraging, and gives great constructive criticism. Yet is a perfect example of why I don't go to the gym.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkZR9nl2EF6BPbtR6a5grpn4nJM8HmTqXRiXjOseKqxPVvBYFIMWcO_-Qb08ZXhMDgSeLMeJqv-s9bUJdZSQ8ElITkxv17FLAovMF6PF5HXO4vW3bVKJWZMd09kWXdSD0FfRUHvoab3A/s1600/Earn+the+Burn+__+Working+out+with(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkZR9nl2EF6BPbtR6a5grpn4nJM8HmTqXRiXjOseKqxPVvBYFIMWcO_-Qb08ZXhMDgSeLMeJqv-s9bUJdZSQ8ElITkxv17FLAovMF6PF5HXO4vW3bVKJWZMd09kWXdSD0FfRUHvoab3A/s1600/Earn+the+Burn+__+Working+out+with(1).png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">could she be anymore obnixoulsy supportive?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
This is who I affectionately call Yogabitch. I'm slowly getting back into shape and the Wii U Fit has been a big part of my progress. Being a single mom hinders my ability to go out for a run, take a class, and my single mom budget hinders my ability to afford the gym membership plus daycare<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (is $10 per dropoff really necessary?)</span><br />
<br />
So my most common workout happens at home, on the WiiU balance board, with Yogabitch. She instructs and encourages, and makes it so easy for me to take out my personal frustrations on. There's something so annoying about Yoga being hard for me... is that just me? Stretching shouldn't be difficult, yet I find myself sore, sweaty, and being judgingly encouraged by Yogabitch. <br />
<br />
It's funny to me how one calm voice, of a computer animated woman, can get under my skin. But I feel it has much to do with me facing my own inadequacies more than her being incorrect. However, my inadequacies taken out on a computer generated, non feeling personality, makes things just a little bit easier. She gives me a chance to be angry and get my frustration of daily duldrums out. Besides Yoga should get easier at some point right? <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
What helps you work out?</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Does calmness help you when you're frustrated?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-56675411771369119812014-04-02T05:00:00.000-07:002014-04-02T05:00:15.800-07:00My first and Best work familyWhat is it about certain work places that just make everyone seem like family. In 2005 I took a weekend job at a hotel, while I went to school in San Francisco during the week week. Just a weekend job to earn a little cash to pay for my Starbucks addiction.<br />
<br />
The hotel's goal was to provide a "home away from home" which it did well, however some people got a little <i>too</i> comfortable. Like the group that brought a case of beer to the lobby, put their bare feet up and proceeded to camp out there until midnight. We often had people with far to little clothes on. And guests who experiences a few too many wineries that day. We saw highschool proms and were the headquarters for 1500 runners of a local marathon.<br />
<br />
We had couples fight and want separate rooms, we had traveling colleagues who wanted connecting rooms and we had a professional sports team who moved in for over a month and created pure chaos. I helped parents give their kids with Easter baskets and letters from Santa. I helped husbands surprise their wives from 3 states away, and boyfriends get down on one knee for the ever epic "yes".<br />
<br />
Among all the celebrations, the madness, the events, there was something so much more memorable for me. Among the smiling faces that made your reservations and called a cab for dinner, ensured your wake up calls were set, solved every travel dilemma, met every preference. Those smiling faces who were yelled at, blamed for lost luggage, and expected to do the impossible. Those smiling faces, are now these smiling faces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qB3l-dwO1TpQ26INxmCdeJezOoy2tt0u7Om0VRugby0TfKfNxJmc-d7jEivZuDeaI1hUx8_IM0L4gZVpo1HFZZkqVYstlSRxSThsSb5dqaBbmMBys49l1SMpDZoLyzrz0cltEQbIdug/s1600/wildwinecountrywonder.blogspot.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qB3l-dwO1TpQ26INxmCdeJezOoy2tt0u7Om0VRugby0TfKfNxJmc-d7jEivZuDeaI1hUx8_IM0L4gZVpo1HFZZkqVYstlSRxSThsSb5dqaBbmMBys49l1SMpDZoLyzrz0cltEQbIdug/s1600/wildwinecountrywonder.blogspot.com.png" height="210" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
and they're some of the most epic souls I have ever known. The 5 people in this picture haven't been together in over 7 years. It
was wonderful to hear about new positions, new kids, and new spouses. This team came together this weekend to bid a proper farewell to one of
our own. One of our sisters from work, one of the girls who worked with
us to manage these crazy nights, long days, and all of the travelers. <br />
<br />
This group pulled together to check in dozens of people in no time, we solved
problems and kept our sanity. We learned, together, to meet all brand standards and then take a verbal beating. We listened to people who were upset with their room, their delayed flight, their lost
bags, or their drunk girlfriend. We listened, made it better, and sent
them on their way. There's something about having a work family that makes it a little easier to go in every day. This family made it easier to leave my daughter at home and go back to work. In the end these people made it all better, fixed me and then sent me on my way.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Do you have a work family?</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Do your coworkers make your job easier?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-46998456895521915792014-03-31T16:35:00.001-07:002014-03-31T16:35:49.420-07:00Monday Social? <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This weekend encoutered a scheduling fail (oops!) So I give you <strike>Sunday</strike> Monday Social This week!</span><br />
</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUConOWnmi-R1928dPKxeifl5BE6A_HzYuLd5md6Wz8Ia36sRKgoGRx_BIAO7EYkArXkOTovO2u6TqpS9jrvl-zlFyju81AvmOArVNc4MWMHLiNsRACXB2Moz7jpXAzoeUuT0rFb7lgQ/s1600/SocialSundayNew.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUConOWnmi-R1928dPKxeifl5BE6A_HzYuLd5md6Wz8Ia36sRKgoGRx_BIAO7EYkArXkOTovO2u6TqpS9jrvl-zlFyju81AvmOArVNc4MWMHLiNsRACXB2Moz7jpXAzoeUuT0rFb7lgQ/s1600/SocialSundayNew.png" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Neely</a>
with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages
to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this
week!</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. What is your ideal way to relax?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A glass of wine while sitting on the deck. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Where is your favorite place to be?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Outside, just about anywhere. Home is such a pretty place most of the time it's hard to not want to be outside. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNRi5Nkwp8CytbeyAqDrPNj7cuA8BWgEiek6aT6y2Y6nYBOCu0Nh-LDGAZ2KC1tq8spze4tvaoX4NJLSIAqFAWPQn5dFy1M6006KXhazuU3PR-ZjqXMZhRxngRhR1UUrvQmJZIL1xL8M/s1600/backporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNRi5Nkwp8CytbeyAqDrPNj7cuA8BWgEiek6aT6y2Y6nYBOCu0Nh-LDGAZ2KC1tq8spze4tvaoX4NJLSIAqFAWPQn5dFy1M6006KXhazuU3PR-ZjqXMZhRxngRhR1UUrvQmJZIL1xL8M/s1600/backporch.jpg" height="185" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Backporch // St Helena // Downtown Napa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Who do you consider your biggest role model?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> My mom. She's taught me so much about how to live a life that doesn't make you crazy. Keeping calm, letting things go, and allowing yourself a cocktail and a steak are some of her key pointers.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBlCOvkdpCugN_BPhkZXWaPJYQ5qPAxbnVgUmwOgraCmt45YrFdomDIQMRBmqsYhO3EBxJ93CQ6SKxkC6lxy-qH4WH2ZXRz9h5c-bxa-8wY2v3DuN45eGFGWo5zWUPO1UOmWiaQno8EQ/s1600/538488_3437835467166_2004730263_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBlCOvkdpCugN_BPhkZXWaPJYQ5qPAxbnVgUmwOgraCmt45YrFdomDIQMRBmqsYhO3EBxJ93CQ6SKxkC6lxy-qH4WH2ZXRz9h5c-bxa-8wY2v3DuN45eGFGWo5zWUPO1UOmWiaQno8EQ/s1600/538488_3437835467166_2004730263_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's a darn good grandma too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. What does your life look like in 3 years?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Princess will be 9 - ugh I'm not sure I want to think about it</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEe_ltIKrNmQNwC_J7qT_QkuSzKIDIgWLlogbsCc1wQ9SZtoAg5cL3mNifREh48ViPp57AIbtVaZodUssJM7VnMJujp8HdGhgKajBVaNhNjOtEXvAkZtL02iLujVbbQTKCo1bquIevLk/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEe_ltIKrNmQNwC_J7qT_QkuSzKIDIgWLlogbsCc1wQ9SZtoAg5cL3mNifREh48ViPp57AIbtVaZodUssJM7VnMJujp8HdGhgKajBVaNhNjOtEXvAkZtL02iLujVbbQTKCo1bquIevLk/s1600/3.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 ........ 6 ......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5. If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I might re-think the terrible bob I got in 8th grade though. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(sorry no picture of that one!) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">6. What is your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Choosing to raise P alone, and being ok. I don't think I thought I could do it, but I have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As always I hope
you participate with us, I love reading these. If you repost please
be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my Sunday morning is
now dedicated to couch time while reading all of these! Have a
wonderful weekend. </span> </div>
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<br />
I'm supposed to be writing. I put Tuesday nights aside just to write. Usually I'm good about it. 2 to 3 posts, formatted at the least. Tonight isn't that. Tonight I'm listening to Orange is the New Black and reading <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/katieconkell/following">some of my favorites</a>. I'm "supposed" to be writing. Which is funny. Like many, this is a hobby. I work 45 hours a week, I'm a full time mom, I work in things like exercise, friendship, cooking and cleaning. I try new recipes, vacuum my floors, and walk the dogs most nights. On Tuesdays I hide out with the DJ and usually write. Tonight choose to share some of this weeks favorite posts:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.twothirdshazel.com/2014/03/a-trip-to-serendipity-3.html">Erin went to Serendipity</a> - yes the bakery, from the movie. This link is mostly about jealousy really. mmm it all looks so good.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thedailytay.com/2014/03/doubt-kills-dreams.html">Taylor shared some of her doubts</a> - I fully commit to my anxiety being based in "reasonable caution" but that is really quite a crock of a crap so her story hit home a bit with me.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.notquiteginger.com/2014/03/why-is-it-so-hard-to-make-friends.html">Kari posted about making new friends in our 20s</a> -Let's be honest, after college there seems to be some sort of secret handshake that no one told us. She really hits the nail on the head about the lack of options.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.heleneinbetween.com/2014/03/last-vegas_24.html">Helene just got back from Vegas</a>: Always read the Vegas reviews ladies, they'll help immensely with tips and tricks your next trip. <a href="http://www.heleneinbetween.com/2014/03/my-face-is-viral-meme.html">Helene also became a meme this week</a> - uneducated, but amusing none the less.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><b>What is a blog post that got you distracted this week?</b> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-56914101593187898082014-03-23T00:00:00.000-07:002014-03-23T09:40:59.831-07:00A Tale of Threes - Sunday Social <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Hi friends, before we get started,
will you do me a favor and go follow any one of my social media sites today;
please and thank you... links in the pretty circles to the right -></b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUConOWnmi-R1928dPKxeifl5BE6A_HzYuLd5md6Wz8Ia36sRKgoGRx_BIAO7EYkArXkOTovO2u6TqpS9jrvl-zlFyju81AvmOArVNc4MWMHLiNsRACXB2Moz7jpXAzoeUuT0rFb7lgQ/s1600/SocialSundayNew.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUConOWnmi-R1928dPKxeifl5BE6A_HzYuLd5md6Wz8Ia36sRKgoGRx_BIAO7EYkArXkOTovO2u6TqpS9jrvl-zlFyju81AvmOArVNc4MWMHLiNsRACXB2Moz7jpXAzoeUuT0rFb7lgQ/s1600/SocialSundayNew.png" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Neely</a>
with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages
to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this
week!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394941952107_2824" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. What are the top 3 things you can't go a day without doing?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">drinking coffee, laughing, checking my phone </span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394941952107_2959" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. What are 3 things that scare you the most?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">losing someone I love, missing out on a great opportunity, not living honestly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394941952107_2825" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. What are 3 places you want to see before you kick the bucket?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Tulip Fields in the Netherlands, Half-Dome in Yosemite, </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85UgD4tUfvrZ2saZV1zajKEVy72dmKpRQhEDfwFb1UC5UyL2y8UmXc1Qc3qy8P15EGB6CYXNLE9_9l6dKLF4yGb1WOO21MfLk2-QFiLnSIi_AYDCVyHY-eUI3WCWjsqMiA8E885Zwd7A/s1600/destinations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85UgD4tUfvrZ2saZV1zajKEVy72dmKpRQhEDfwFb1UC5UyL2y8UmXc1Qc3qy8P15EGB6CYXNLE9_9l6dKLF4yGb1WOO21MfLk2-QFiLnSIi_AYDCVyHY-eUI3WCWjsqMiA8E885Zwd7A/s1600/destinations.jpg" height="83" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secondglobe.com/item/netherlands-tulip-fields-paradise-of-flower/">1</a> | <a href="http://www.yosemitevacation.com/hike.halfdome.htm">2</a> | <a href="http://sites.psu.edu/passionhudock/2013/03/13/tomorrowland/">3</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394941952107_2827" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. What are 3 movies you will always love?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dirty Dancing, The Family Stone, White Christmas</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394941952107_2826" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. What are your 3 favorite current songs?</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394941952107_2826" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394941952107_2826" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/hatem-helmy-2/all-of-me-dash-berlin-rework">All of Me (Dash Berlin Rework)</a>, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/killparis/kill-paris-baby-come-back">Baby Come Back (Kill Paris)</a>, and <a href="https://soundcloud.com/lordemusic/tennis-court">Tennis Court (Lorde)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As always I hope
you participate with us, I love reading these. If you repost please
be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my Sunday morning is
now dedicated to couch time while reading all of these! Have a
wonderful weekend. </span> <br />
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392531126178_2677" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392531126178_2677" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have a wonderful Sunday!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Hi friends, before we get started, will you do me a favor and check out one of my social media sites today; please and thank you... links in the pretty circles to the right -></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.heleneinbetween.com/" title="Helene In Between"><img alt="Helene In Between" src="http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/helenesula/cantwaitforsummer_zpsb036faba.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello Friends,<br />
<br />
I'm jumping into a great link up that makes me so happy to start thinking about the wonderful warmth of Summer. Can we start off without this song.... No I don't think so:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UFatVn1hP3o" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
1. Dresses: All dresses. I love summer mornings - Shower, hair, makeup, dress, sandals, accessories and go. No need for the dozens of sweater/scarf/boots/pants options to choose from.<br />
<br />
2. VEGGIES! Daddy built me gorgeous Veggie beds last year, that turn a great crop. Napa also hosts a bi-weekly Farmers Market and the farm stand <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bigranchfarms?ref=br_tf">BIG Ranch Farms</a> near my house opens with a fantastic bounty of fresh produce. I'm so excited to get back to diving in to a giant tomato salad. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD6GNhBZGTH58MZ0QiK_EnmQ3VwkMiEsyhj3ZG0gLtI6uIUPsmSsfnrHqEI-oypaHbjq65aFiz8iA_lBeEXvoOHkx0AKXaL_fgMIOxC2hPOJUTra-VrcHzl11miA64f_qZDDIcZMKRMM/s1600/10896_4758564364563_1494571238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD6GNhBZGTH58MZ0QiK_EnmQ3VwkMiEsyhj3ZG0gLtI6uIUPsmSsfnrHqEI-oypaHbjq65aFiz8iA_lBeEXvoOHkx0AKXaL_fgMIOxC2hPOJUTra-VrcHzl11miA64f_qZDDIcZMKRMM/s1600/10896_4758564364563_1494571238_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MMM these will be so full soon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
3. Grilling! Time to fire up the BBQ again for dinner, steaks, garlic bread and squash all on the grill which means no dirty pans. Add paper plates and sit outside and the house remains wonderfully clean.<br />
<br />
4. <a href="http://www.napacitynights.com/Napa_City_Nights/Home.html">Napa City Nights</a> : this is one of my favorite ways to spend a Friday night. We take a huge pile of hoops, a few bottles of wine, and hang out in the grass of a downtown park to listen to live music from local bands. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SkObgKTgBkY6KnpxPOzRa7_0lrS4sdPcC_fsxDOax_W0Iwa93Zct06ozLwTRWBt3-6g6DgtgLwgw_2KjU12eBXP3wy1uswPEowvw5ly0RthsftM5ia-u8G4z9Yn58dhM7j4i7a9iKL0/s1600/994945_10200099629596033_531491522_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SkObgKTgBkY6KnpxPOzRa7_0lrS4sdPcC_fsxDOax_W0Iwa93Zct06ozLwTRWBt3-6g6DgtgLwgw_2KjU12eBXP3wy1uswPEowvw5ly0RthsftM5ia-u8G4z9Yn58dhM7j4i7a9iKL0/s1600/994945_10200099629596033_531491522_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Little Hooper at NCN</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
5. <a href="http://youtu.be/ZW0DfsCzfq4">Suuhhummer Niaaaahiights</a> those long hot nights, where you can sit outside just about anywhere and enjoy the cool air.Can't wait to make use of every porch, patio and other alfresco <strike>drinking</strike> dining options in Napa.<br />
<br />
6. Swim Lessons - Little princess comes home exhausted and proud of herself - two things every parent dreams of! And she looks so darn cute doing it: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01va-kxhJ8maWTiMFzQDnaoQdmQa4VstVDSno7T58OGI44SHiIQ4tlUIrsPXNKJTaZ0HbAo0y8p_MfUp7dxFAPjcs6GzbBoz0aG08FtO-YQGsCOvbSDw-k5KXOD21qnVyamqftoXY2sQ/s1600/375794_3399588911026_2073275945_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01va-kxhJ8maWTiMFzQDnaoQdmQa4VstVDSno7T58OGI44SHiIQ4tlUIrsPXNKJTaZ0HbAo0y8p_MfUp7dxFAPjcs6GzbBoz0aG08FtO-YQGsCOvbSDw-k5KXOD21qnVyamqftoXY2sQ/s1600/375794_3399588911026_2073275945_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
7. Day Drinking: there's something about summer that makes it perfectly acceptable to crack your first beer or mini sparkling bottle at 10am. <br />
<br />
8. Finally it will bring me one step closer to my first trip "home" to Burning Man, and enjoying the 15someodd fundraisers to help get Opulent Temple (the sound camp we'll be with) get there too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXanxndWsjKHLvDXc5EuLhrna983O7GSC8Qd9zW-tVEHMuLXsajQYRVWPTViTvrkyd25upTkJGH2EbKxdHsucmHcGOIna4TL0pPfqePU3yu7nGTguMXtNs8Y8INmha0BBI4XvfxtocO5Y/s1600/304056_255708947795271_2138800544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXanxndWsjKHLvDXc5EuLhrna983O7GSC8Qd9zW-tVEHMuLXsajQYRVWPTViTvrkyd25upTkJGH2EbKxdHsucmHcGOIna4TL0pPfqePU3yu7nGTguMXtNs8Y8INmha0BBI4XvfxtocO5Y/s1600/304056_255708947795271_2138800544_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Please visit <a href="http://www.heleneinbetween.com/">Helene</a> and <a href="http://www.thedailytay.com/">Taylor</a> to grab a button and link up with them, this is a great way to let us daydream our way to warmer days and nights.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
What's your favorite thing about summer?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-54355356869508192562014-03-19T04:00:00.000-07:002014-03-19T04:00:01.048-07:00something our kids are missing out on<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0t-tMAeSc9BMUpZpmAWZU7EWU6j_-H1r7DTikrgdx6SOiTs5dRu1r-4r4q65MDFhkUwIVan-6iyupPzWZmh8l2NpMBWGihSODgLqk4WzekMboy8y7Wil46_QoxfwI5s2c-3iNBwPCs-k/s1600/Do+your+kids+get+to+_play+until+the.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0t-tMAeSc9BMUpZpmAWZU7EWU6j_-H1r7DTikrgdx6SOiTs5dRu1r-4r4q65MDFhkUwIVan-6iyupPzWZmh8l2NpMBWGihSODgLqk4WzekMboy8y7Wil46_QoxfwI5s2c-3iNBwPCs-k/s1600/Do+your+kids+get+to+_play+until+the.png" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
We talk so much about what our kids have being the new generation. The technology, knowledge, possibilities, the same sex marriage. What we don't talk about as much is what they don't get to have. This was posted by a friend in a group of moms I belong to on Facebook: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>So an old man just asked if when my kids get to the age of playing
hide and go seek am I going to let them? ... My answer was I'd
watch them play. He said did your parents watch you? I said no. He then
asked me to think about when I have grandkids and what the world might
be by then?</i></blockquote>
The Moms (myself included) responded with a grand general consensus. Our kids don't play out front without parents. They don't go to the neighbor's unless they are escorted. They don't go to the park alone. This all from a group of hundreds of women, living in Napa. A city with a crime rate well below average. Several of us live in small neighborhoods, next to good schools, where we may not know our neighbors names, but are friendly. <br />
<br />
<br />
This whole conversation broke my heart a little.The days of unsupervised roller hockey at the park down the street, running through
the neighborhood without supervision, having limits of "when the street
lights come one" or "I'll holler for you when dinner's ready" are things our kids may never know. <br />
<br />
<br />
Our kids will face bigger challenges than we ever saw. How do we manage give them enough freedom to learn who they are. I lived down the block from a school and about 3 blocks from a large park. I knew every kid within a 3 block radius.<br />
<br />
The park was the scene of my first time climbing up a slide. The first time I skated backwards on my Roller-blades, the first time I fell out of a tree and my first bee-sting. The school was where I learned to shoot a free-throw and archery, climbed on the roof in hide and seek and the scene of the first (and one of the only) punches I ever threw.<br />
<br />
It scares me to think that we may be limiting their opportunities to learn from their peers, and take chances. I did try stupid things but usually only once. I learned a lot from those kids, and consider many of them dear friends to this day. There's something to be said for allowing our children the opportunity to make good decisions, or at least learn from bad ones, but I can't seem to find where that falls in line with keeping them safe in our ever changing world. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b>Do you (or would you) let your children play with the same level of supervision you were given?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b>What is one thing your parents would have KILLED you for doing, that taught you a powerful lesson? </b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-49904242517300751132014-03-16T00:00:00.000-07:002014-03-16T00:00:11.241-07:00Cupcakes, Fastfood and Portlandia | Sunday Social <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Neely</a> with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. How much time do you spend on Social Media a day?...be honest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Social media being: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter - probably 1 hour a-day over several sessions. Throw Pinterest and Blogloving in there and that number probably triples. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Shameless plug: Please go follow me on social media. Buttons to the right -->) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. How long were you reading blogs before you started a blog?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've read personal blogs for years, on and off. Friends would start up a new venture and have me hooked for a while, then I'd sink back into not reading. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. What is your favorite kind of cupcake?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://siftcupcakes.com/">Sift Cupcake + Dessert Bar</a> made this little baby in a effort to win Cupcake Wars. It is SO good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Almond cake with a blueberry tequila filling, topped with acai berry cream cheese frosting </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://siftcupcakes.com/pages/flavors">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Do you eat fast food? If so whats your favorite?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In'n'out is one of the only fast food places I eat these days, because it's worth it. Non Californian's put this place on your bucket list... SO GOOD!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFgZ4BAGQ7UTI9qE9W3X3b6Uof-r25XuZyOkfMKtFaSFUYVBBmf4toheFm1kCcdk5lzz2rkzY_PZ5axrmWxEPKTIVwFHfvfzQceDMROSiNGBaNy6aQI8e_zczF_D27yjWnnz_sBZ4mm8/s1600/foodquality_combo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFgZ4BAGQ7UTI9qE9W3X3b6Uof-r25XuZyOkfMKtFaSFUYVBBmf4toheFm1kCcdk5lzz2rkzY_PZ5axrmWxEPKTIVwFHfvfzQceDMROSiNGBaNy6aQI8e_zczF_D27yjWnnz_sBZ4mm8/s1600/foodquality_combo1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/menu.aspx">Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. What is the most random thing someone would find in your <nobr>purse</nobr>?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teeth... My daughter's teeth from her <a href="http://wildwinecountrywonder.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-tale-of-toothless-princess.html">last trip to the dentist</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I swear I'm not <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gormogon_%28Bones%29">Gormogon</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. What is the weirdest TV show you watch?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Portlandia - So funny, so awkward, so worth it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As always I hope you participate with us, I love reading these. If you repost please be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my Sunday morning is now dedicated to couch time while reading all of these! Have a wonderful weekend. </span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have a wonderful Sunday!</span></div>
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For me it's awkward. I don't live to work here, only work here to live. That is not to say I don't really love my job (I do!), but choosing a position for me is more dependent on schedules that meet my needs and skills I already have, than massive professional development.Maybe it's where I am in life, maybe it's a lesson learned about priorities, maybe it's just that there is always another possible opportunity, around each bend. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPVGdLaHW3psuQKStplhv-VLl7Qy33vygXAeJG34uov86B3_jwi3k_IJpqCSCkjjuT6GPtWXwLeC_HGc-rbqxPHwipOQ7E1r9MD4cCap3lB6jxUCQ3PoRoaSlkFP9s2MNKs27nextuN4/s1600/Only+those+who+have+learned+the+power+of.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPVGdLaHW3psuQKStplhv-VLl7Qy33vygXAeJG34uov86B3_jwi3k_IJpqCSCkjjuT6GPtWXwLeC_HGc-rbqxPHwipOQ7E1r9MD4cCap3lB6jxUCQ3PoRoaSlkFP9s2MNKs27nextuN4/s1600/Only+those+who+have+learned+the+power+of.png" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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I can't say that I do not get a great amount of fulfillment from work. I love feeling accomplished and being appreciated. I love bringing people and wine together. I love checking things off and accomplishing team goals and learning about companies, about this industry and about the people in this valley. These things are what feed me.<br />
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I feel like those things, those emotionally fulfilling things could happen in many places and many ways. That maybe someday the office 9-5 and possibility of climbing the figurative ladder won't be how I find those fulfilling things. But I can't (or maybe just shouldn't) say those things to my boss.Until the lack of office better suits my economic needs I am happy to remain here, at my window, gazing upon our great grassy knoll. Letting what literally feeds my family be what figuratively feeds me for now. <br />
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<b>What do you for a paycheck now? </b></div>
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<b>Where do you see yourself in 5 years?</b></div>
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<b>Are you fully "fed" by the same thing that pays your bills?</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265521332442199691.post-62637303478220818502014-03-10T12:09:00.001-07:002014-03-10T12:09:55.862-07:00Cookies, Walks, Succulents and Sleepiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend was delicious and relaxing I don't usually do a weekend recap because I am typically TERRIBLE about taking pictures. Somehow I pulled it off this weekend: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcFv-_tojl6ksOGYMcMFOdSVHpy9eslh2MdIq32Sq4F4WNYLeB2R5EFIzVc1_24hQvSCa5VhowxWFJ2Ky_tg4xnjxKylqD6_4QCyZjobdN1N9TGaSWkl7zT1Qp-4pTgXQf7MJVq2r0vY/s1600/IMG_3374%5B1%5D.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/AVvXsEhdcFv-_tojl6ksOGYMcMFOdSVHpy9eslh2MdIq32Sq4F4WNYLeB2R5EFIzVc1_24hQvSCa5VhowxWFJ2Ky_tg4xnjxKylqD6_4QCyZjobdN1N9TGaSWkl7zT1Qp-4pTgXQf7MJVq2r0vY/s1600/IMG_3374%5B1%5D.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a>Made <a href="http://cookingbride.com/desserts/chocolate-chip-cookies/">these</a> awesome cookies, I'd been craving cookies for a while and finally just did it. They were pretty darn good if I do say so myself. </div>
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My lovely succulents were all looking a little sad and crowded in their previous arrangement (forgot a before picture oops) but they're much happier in their new homes. <br />
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Took our babies for a walk, or well Chester may have been leading a little bit. They're getting so much better on their leashes. </div>
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This amazing salad happened for lunch. BBQ sauce may have not been the healthiest topping, but it sure was good! <br />
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And the theme, of everyone's weekend - pure exhaustion. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Neely</a> with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this week!</span></div>
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1. What is your favorite outfit pin?<br />
This one, my future Sister and I want to do this at burning man! So pretty. <br />
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2. What is your favorite food pin?<br />
I make these ALLLL the time during the summer. So easy and fun to eat:<br />
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3. What is your favorite wedding pin?<br />
This is one of the first setups that felt like us and I could probably recreate locally. It just so pretty:<br />
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4. What is your favorite DIY/craft pin?<br />
This was the first Hoop-making tutorial that I tried and it was successful. Many hoops have been born due to this.<br />
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5. What is your favorite quote/verse/lyric pin?<br />
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6. Share one more random pin you love.<br />
I have a nature board and this is one of the pictures that inspired it. SO flawless...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As always I hope you participate with us, I love reading these. If you repost please be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my Sunday morning is now dedicated to couch time while reading all of these! Have a wonderful weekend. </span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have a wonderful Sunday!</span></div>
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As Arty, his roommate got home, and a few others came by, we were quickly settled to spend some time catching up and somehow got to telling tales from high school and college. Days long before we all knew each other. The sight made me chuckle a group of kids that never knew eachother then, that lived on opposing corners of campus, well and different campuses for most of us, who strangely seem to have similar stories to tell and views of the last 10 to15 years. <br />
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To be honest, we looked a little like the breakfast club sitting there. However there was one thing that we all seemed to have in common that held true. Social construct was not something any of us held ourselves to.We weren't the kids that wanted to fit the mold, we had no desire to plan pep rallies or make the Varsity squad in anything.We'd rather make memories and make things last.<br />
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We all spent weekends catching live shows in small clubs, really connecting with strangers, and trying things we may never get the chance to again. <i>(Riding shopping carts down the most crooked road in Napa anyone?)</i> I realized these friends now, like the friends I had in Highschool, taught me that I want to have memories. I want stories to tell my future teenagers that make them want to take a chance on themselves. Maybe go for a night hike rather than to the football game, pickup book instead just an iPhone, watch the sunrise rather than pass-out drunk at 2am. The best stories we had, the real memories, the things that made us smile were the things that started out as crazy ideas. Those moments that made the 'cool kids' think you were nuts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://etdpop.com/">POP - Sound go Round 2012</a></td></tr>
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Even now, when I leave after a full workday bound for a full night in the city. Plan to go to the desert for 7 days with nothing but what I can pack. When my daughter and I wear feather boas and dance around the house. When I looked in the mirror, 7 years ago, and decided that I princess and I would be just fine alone. These are moments when I forgot convention, I skipped the hesitation that comes with being judged and I threw the door open to crazy. Try it! Next time the voice in your head proclaims "that's crazy" answer it with "that's what I like about the idea."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686530215959148492noreply@blogger.com1