tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22185990132245217532024-02-18T20:32:55.583-08:00Red Hot TemperedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-46155664885051085152014-06-08T20:00:00.003-07:002014-06-08T20:04:16.221-07:00A Hiatus & New Start It’s been awhile since I have committed to just about anything, including blogging. Except for that whole fiancé business I have spent much of the last year in Survival Mode-that place where you’re just trying to get by. And I have gotten through many things over the past few months: the move, the other move, the buying of a home, the new city, the new job, the loss of MAO, the gain of a new volunteer endeavor, the new cat, and new dog, the acceptance of a new job offer, the engagement, and the loss of someone who meant the world to me. It’s been a whirlwind. I don’t think my brain has caught up to my body, or really that my brain has been wholly present as of late. The struggle post grad is REAL, the struggle after ending my MAO journey is REAL, and the struggle of adapting to so many major moments is REAL.<br>
Now that the school year has ended, and life has slowed down, I was able to realize I needed something; something to focus on, I needed to be frank with myself and that meant evaluating my own happiness. Now there are plenty of you thinking “Focus on your wedding,” and I’m sure I could do that (and trust me, I’m planning away ☺,) but what I really need is to focus on me a bit more. <br>
And in typical me fashion I needed a large-scale goal that was 1. Reflective, 2. Attainable, and 3. Not something that would become a burden but something that would be a blessing. <br>
I’m doing 365 Days of Happy. 365 Days of blogs, I’m sure some will be MUCH longer than others. It’s sort of my extension of the Instagram/Facebook 100 Happy Days challenge. I am in the midst of that challenge (Day 85) and I realize it isn’t giving me what I need. So I’m doing my own thing. Now I’m thinking there is probably someone who has done this before, pause as I Google it…. <br><br>
Couldn’t find much. Guess I’m the first crazy person. Let’s pretend we’re shocked……oh wait… <br><br>
In doing 365 Days of Happy blogging I’m committing to a few things:<br><br>
1. My physical health
2. My spiritual health
3. My mental wellbeing
4. My relationships
5. My Bucket List
<br><br>
These are the things I will choose to pursue for my happiness. These are the things I will spend my energy thinking of. I’m also choosing to do this on a separate blogging platform, as a sort of standalone. Red Hot Tempered needs a Red Hot Hiatus. I also like to think it gives me anonymity….except for the 600 odd Facebook friends I share it with. <br><br>
So the start of something new, my 365 Days of Happy….I hope next year isn’t a Leap Year….This is where I focus on meaningful reflection and all of the things that make me happy. <br><br>
Happily,
Red
<br>
365daysofhappyblog.blogspot.com
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-62266040157710451312013-12-10T19:07:00.000-08:002013-12-10T19:07:25.881-08:00Girl Power.
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Every year my Facebook feed floods with comments, photos,
and statuses about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Fat shaming, calling
people’s lifestyles unhealthy or grotesque, insinuating the women <b>must</b>
having eating disorders, not to mention the frequent comments objectifying the
women on the runway. I’m so done. Over it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The models who walk the runway dedicate their lives to being
fit to appear. Are some of them very thin? Yes. Are they some of the most
beautiful women I have ever seen? Yes. Should they be accused of having eating
disorders merely because they are deemed to thin for what our society considers
“average?” Absolutely not. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet tonight there will certainly be the posts that are
some variation of….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I wish I could look like them! They are sooooo [insert
adjective here that I think I absolutely am NOT} OMG I wish I was that
skinny/tall/blonde/leggy. “<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let’s have this talk….chances are you don’t look <i>exactly </i>like a Victoria’s Secret Model.
You know what? You’re still beautiful. You’re still worthy of time. Respect.
Love. And opportunity. Don’t use this as an opportunity to convince yourself of
what you are not. Use this as an opportunity to look at some cute bra’s, drink
some wine with your girlfriends, listen to overplayed pop music, and celebrate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Celebrate being a
woman. Being a strong, capable, confident woman. The sooner you learn to
embrace as much as you can about yourself, the happier your life will be. We
all have things we are dissatisfied with, just as many of the woman who walk
that runway probably do as well. Nobody looks in the mirror 100% of the time
thinking “DANG, I’m fine.” Nope. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And remember…. As women the sooner we remember to stand
together, the better. Care for your fellow women, respect your fellow women,
and support your fellow women. Don’t use this as an opportunity to shame
yourself or other women; it’s not the point. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now pour yourself some wine and enjoy the show <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-69869923054127890862013-11-16T20:01:00.000-08:002013-11-16T20:01:40.745-08:0013 Things I Learned in 2013
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been awhile. Like 100 some days awhile. And in that
time I have done virtually nothing besides move cross country, start a new job,
move again, adopt two new pets, buy a used car, and generally realize Utah and
Michigan are about as opposite as salt and pepper. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These last three months were just a small portion of what I
have been kindly referring to as the “Year from Hell.” In fact, I am keeping a
countdown until 2014 (46 days) in the hopes that it can be a very symbolic, and
significantly improved, year for me. On paper, 2013 had many highlights: new
job, exciting city, finally getting a puppy. At the end of the day though, 2013
has been the most emotionally exhausting year of my, and Chafonda’s, life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My hiatus from blogging has been predominantly because of my
exhaustion. That and my mother taught me, if you don’t have anything nice to
say you don’t say anything at all. And frankly as 2013 was coming to a close I
had nothing nice to say. Until now. That and people kept bugging me so I caved
(honesty is always the best policy.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without further ado, the <b>13 Things I Learned in 2013</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13. I was definitely not wrong when I watched Mary-Kate and
Ashley movies: I was meant to be a twin. And this spring I learned just that.
The most important point here is that you know your body better than anyone.
Listen to your instincts, and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re “fine” when
you feel anything but. Be your own advocate at all times, no matter the
situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCbJGlDgVZ475gEo-tk9rU-GMX7clY_1xbJ_u-GR-GzWbVAT4my6cHqNQuEO5jxQ90wsk-YwTJY5xTX-AJDfopG_HhHJD-GjddzqvshoW804FzrlAK_ECtlnH6GoCxL4VwmX78vX7Hw7d/s1600/wating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCbJGlDgVZ475gEo-tk9rU-GMX7clY_1xbJ_u-GR-GzWbVAT4my6cHqNQuEO5jxQ90wsk-YwTJY5xTX-AJDfopG_HhHJD-GjddzqvshoW804FzrlAK_ECtlnH6GoCxL4VwmX78vX7Hw7d/s1600/wating.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12. You will wait forever. No one can be responsible for
your happiness. They can try, and bless them, someone will try so very hard in
your life. When it comes down to it, you’re the one that has to make changes,
you have to alter your own path, and steer yourself to happiness. Don’t expect
someone to do it for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11. Tattoos on fingers hurt the most. This is not yet a
scientifically proven fact, but it should be. They also must be redone often. I
still love mine. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlelu0fMsYoyMmY_4OcpgikJbnE1JGj2HlPdG-mCajq8DW-Eyr3kLOaoeaqV62uZb3ssRL65lGxDUtSUna3ZwFCHAryQwTKGYyq6p39hpXTrZ0uovYwIzRMM6pdyrSnaf6OPcua_JaK0Xw/s1600/sin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlelu0fMsYoyMmY_4OcpgikJbnE1JGj2HlPdG-mCajq8DW-Eyr3kLOaoeaqV62uZb3ssRL65lGxDUtSUna3ZwFCHAryQwTKGYyq6p39hpXTrZ0uovYwIzRMM6pdyrSnaf6OPcua_JaK0Xw/s320/sin.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10. AMEN. People make choices, decisions, mistakes. So do
you. Just because you think you have made a better one does not give you a
right to judge. And a constant need to judge others just leaves you empty.
Don’t assume you are better than someone. The moment you do you have already
lost. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4mBh40PVe3CZvjRApkuLvU2XCS-pg9v-Z5xVJ5RtmwQYJQo0aAPmLWh1B5MOi5pzAyN0-3EbCeLs3kNHf28THcD-OWrlHZALuygmf-wRXjzqk9N6zKaYlL0_QxiUZxRjUg0GbwoiIRGK/s1600/peaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4mBh40PVe3CZvjRApkuLvU2XCS-pg9v-Z5xVJ5RtmwQYJQo0aAPmLWh1B5MOi5pzAyN0-3EbCeLs3kNHf28THcD-OWrlHZALuygmf-wRXjzqk9N6zKaYlL0_QxiUZxRjUg0GbwoiIRGK/s320/peaches.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9. This goes without saying much. Some people won’t like
you. Ready for my harsh truth: get over it. Move on. Who cares? Happens to the
best of us. 2013 was a great teacher of that for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZ7-tRdvptO7b6gDK53aJfM9QhrwlqANS3hnkZS4Kf3tQsd6yXGzBGl4URLsQQ992JfxoFyOIVBEgyn2j027derc-v4Qr8RAF6M7QAGiziAjOjWZh7lp09ONVkL0tSq4pgMpaUe8F1L-O/s1600/words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZ7-tRdvptO7b6gDK53aJfM9QhrwlqANS3hnkZS4Kf3tQsd6yXGzBGl4URLsQQ992JfxoFyOIVBEgyn2j027derc-v4Qr8RAF6M7QAGiziAjOjWZh7lp09ONVkL0tSq4pgMpaUe8F1L-O/s320/words.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
8. There will come a time as an adult where there are no
take-backs. Sometimes you can’t unsend the text, you can’t rewind your words.
Always choose them carefully, especially with those you love. It is possible to
communicate anger without being hurtful. Don’t let yourself learn this lesson
the hard way. If your words appeared on your skin would you be more careful with what you said?</div>
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7. There’s a place called “Dunford Bakers.” They have the best
donuts in the world. I’m not kidding. My favorite part of Utah? Not the snow
covered mountains, the Dunford Donuts. Game-changers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
6. After college, or after being in close proximity ends,
you find out who your friends are. Which people will still be a part of your
life, and who will show they want to be? Who are the friends that will
transcend the all nighters, late summer nights, and tailgates? Who will stand
up with you at your wedding? Who will genuinely care about your happiness?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhLdgN4Txs_aatJOP3BaZOM-pu8AzFAXbI0UUFG4TMVRg5SDu9QCJW1OErZEn0r4B8pRIrv9pdGamvN5mYUyjxRcmqZZD3MWeU_l7kLXpngC609PPkpX8gUnUimeohEfjki_lpKHBoZJg/s1600/sadhappy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhLdgN4Txs_aatJOP3BaZOM-pu8AzFAXbI0UUFG4TMVRg5SDu9QCJW1OErZEn0r4B8pRIrv9pdGamvN5mYUyjxRcmqZZD3MWeU_l7kLXpngC609PPkpX8gUnUimeohEfjki_lpKHBoZJg/s1600/sadhappy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
5. It’s okay to have really good days, and really bad days.
It is okay to eat a chocolate donut on those bad days. It is not okay to let
yourself make every day a bad one. Sometimes you have to stop crying, put the
Oreos away, wash your face, and go for a walk. Maybe that means telling
yourself today will be better. One day you will believe it more than others,
and it will get better. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf943KAFZZ4wJhWf3SCBw7xu_Htfj_pU7zRSj0vJQEy5m7StbjccUU0E1mtdF5gvGtc4JVm5B1lIVHJHcZSbWfLsiomqBaHwVz90DU8e0mEhxYOMwqtMoGojUX54kz7QVJpDaT2kw0rjlw/s1600/opinion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf943KAFZZ4wJhWf3SCBw7xu_Htfj_pU7zRSj0vJQEy5m7StbjccUU0E1mtdF5gvGtc4JVm5B1lIVHJHcZSbWfLsiomqBaHwVz90DU8e0mEhxYOMwqtMoGojUX54kz7QVJpDaT2kw0rjlw/s320/opinion.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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4. Life is WAY too short to safeguard your opinions from the
judgmental eye of others. Own up to how you feel and what you believe in, even
if it is unpopular. Don’t apologize for being who you are. Utah has only
reaffirmed this in me lately. I am definitely not in the majority here. My
motto, “Oh well!” I’m proud of how I was raised. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG3dJ5KPafGz-Z7JdpBY4Gbi11mNnDhKsTehZUmmf9u0K60TT0cedZgpP6gPpRp0vOeKb2G7GJNkiDkz37baeACMX0Wz8W_TpLy4MdiGSoJM_JDdfcNukwBnuz066R8bIFlgRAaN0Z_C8/s1600/stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG3dJ5KPafGz-Z7JdpBY4Gbi11mNnDhKsTehZUmmf9u0K60TT0cedZgpP6gPpRp0vOeKb2G7GJNkiDkz37baeACMX0Wz8W_TpLy4MdiGSoJM_JDdfcNukwBnuz066R8bIFlgRAaN0Z_C8/s1600/stress.jpg" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. This is the lesson that my mother has attempted to
instill in me since I was in utero. Not only is it okay to say “No,” it is
wise. It is a sign of maturity. It is key in controlling your own destiny. You
don’t have to always be the “yes-woman.” Leave that nonsense to politicians. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsk0H5-vfNnkI9lG7QVe-p4uiuSNnkq8mlScqYh3wNXibtrwBxJpGoOZh1Zoxt52ZrRWdeioj8CBOc0X-lEn8IP79kXXZqnFaGgipnCyNPqs3TwseDTwame826BPsHth7NLHYeRyUPaVBM/s1600/regret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsk0H5-vfNnkI9lG7QVe-p4uiuSNnkq8mlScqYh3wNXibtrwBxJpGoOZh1Zoxt52ZrRWdeioj8CBOc0X-lEn8IP79kXXZqnFaGgipnCyNPqs3TwseDTwame826BPsHth7NLHYeRyUPaVBM/s320/regret.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Take a giant risk. Go for it. Move cross country 1,500
miles away from the world you have known for 23 years. It will be scary, and
you will cry in hotel rooms from Iowa, to Nebraska, to Wyoming, but some
mornings you will wake up and see the sun rise over the mountains. That’s when
it all feels okay for the moment. Without these risks comes the “what if,” and
that translates to regret.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinnmHTFU63V_HGGrKzYih789PV8kSE7QItiNRDKiW1SdqxfiVXVEvfW2DUGUP7v-QzZb9dXrTRUEN5X5mTjOmpb5mP0QkF4rHGEvvm_h1mIayZD0JH4kpDR5PIl2ccaqJMjUoBh8LkYxD/s1600/doubt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinnmHTFU63V_HGGrKzYih789PV8kSE7QItiNRDKiW1SdqxfiVXVEvfW2DUGUP7v-QzZb9dXrTRUEN5X5mTjOmpb5mP0QkF4rHGEvvm_h1mIayZD0JH4kpDR5PIl2ccaqJMjUoBh8LkYxD/s320/doubt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Your own self-doubt is the greatest barrier to your
wellness, and success. The voices in your head, they will hold you back more
than 99.9% of the voices of others. This also goes with risk-taking. Sometimes
you have to ignore everyone else and do what is right for you. I took two
opportunities this year that I knew weren’t right for me, but I felt I HAD to
take them. When I failed (which I knew I would), I felt so embarrassed.
Quickly, I realized I have to focus on my positive intentions, abandon the
self-doubt, and do what my gut leads me to. Very rarely is my gut wrong, and
most often she leads me to great Pad-Thai. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks 2013, here's to a new year. Cheers!</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-78047237156102874822013-07-30T19:02:00.000-07:002013-07-30T19:02:39.951-07:00Don't Let Your Fear Decide Your Fate
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We have officially survived day two of our epic adventure.
I’m sitting in Cheyenne, Wyoming, also known as “Cowboy Country” eating sushi
(weird mix I know). Today was highlighted by: Nebraska.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For those of you who are planning your next family
vacation/road trip let me make some recommendations: don’t drive through
Nebraska. If the dense fog, endless corn fields, longest single interstate
straightaway in the country, or the 400 mile wide state don’t turn you away,
then maybe the fact that the highway is missing in half the state will. BUT we
made it safely to Wyoming, which has already won me over more than Nebraska
(Sorry cornhuskers!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The middle of any long move is the hardest time. For me,
yesterday was “easy.” We had just left home and had eagerness on our side, and
tomorrow as we pull into SLC we have excitement on our side. (Plus you have the
best road snacks the first day!) Today though, in the middle of the country, I
am over 1,100 miles from my old home, and nearly 450 away from my new one. And
this is the beginning of a transition that will probably take a while. And on
my top ten list of favorite things to do, transitions aren’t my favorite.
They’re a solid 36. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But there is a theme for the day. Matt kept playing a song
every few hours and the chorus said “<b>Don’t
let your fear decide your fate.”</b> It. Was. Perfect. My fears about this huge
move, and all of these transitions, were certainly surfacing on day two and
this was my gentle reminder to take it all in stride. Allowing my fear to take
control and consume me was only going to make the transition so much worse. So
this evening, I deep breathe, snuggle Peaches, and look forward to arriving in
my new home tomorrow!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here are some pictures from today!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyr_lHwuv7bZAJ_oAkHRAbvfiae-sPC136XiwvucJAySfMQAtSzgcHthu6QCPiT12DVVqgRgQ3E9T9m8YxDDC-nwU2FdeBwvZax5tF8VHeTiBqgavXqPEo9ZXrmTGB4y15g4OnGHFDtdj/s1600/IMG_0464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyr_lHwuv7bZAJ_oAkHRAbvfiae-sPC136XiwvucJAySfMQAtSzgcHthu6QCPiT12DVVqgRgQ3E9T9m8YxDDC-nwU2FdeBwvZax5tF8VHeTiBqgavXqPEo9ZXrmTGB4y15g4OnGHFDtdj/s400/IMG_0464.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Peaches, probably begging me to not stuff her in the car again!</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbloY1f9BcEGrJqBmHh9DyQBf5Z07Q-OR46D1BrjO3sYn2awtSTb_7_Wz72lqjRNVDo2DpYhuElApT0XXmiEZhm6NL0YvKOycqwn99Zr5xXtO3t2_1Kv7z8E5Y2VNoEGgawJ_t-xANHN6/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbloY1f9BcEGrJqBmHh9DyQBf5Z07Q-OR46D1BrjO3sYn2awtSTb_7_Wz72lqjRNVDo2DpYhuElApT0XXmiEZhm6NL0YvKOycqwn99Zr5xXtO3t2_1Kv7z8E5Y2VNoEGgawJ_t-xANHN6/s400/IMG_0468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So much Nebraska fog.</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYHrLt06MoJ4-y1RzmSwsyshF6CBQCj_P2bJt536X3An1c0UmgSGBQ687KP807xIauXkmTSEgf7lEPFyg9Zqir1j27HFAPkkZIr-sc7jONzkmionUxCHMAq7rsW8Q2FuC7jjRH-FoRJHg/s1600/IMG_0471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYHrLt06MoJ4-y1RzmSwsyshF6CBQCj_P2bJt536X3An1c0UmgSGBQ687KP807xIauXkmTSEgf7lEPFyg9Zqir1j27HFAPkkZIr-sc7jONzkmionUxCHMAq7rsW8Q2FuC7jjRH-FoRJHg/s400/IMG_0471.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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This was train #8 today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKOMm1HXPMvpn3z75YBXBxq7KWOrfOYlfK0T1S6WznO_4xjbJ87lqYgvlL9Us2S9-r-mWfak3SQqn4F9SKqW5jLfxDpb8h2-IaFEfy4Jn7Sp8DaL0dm9ebRuMP5iV88jbW8ERf2Ne-HnF/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKOMm1HXPMvpn3z75YBXBxq7KWOrfOYlfK0T1S6WznO_4xjbJ87lqYgvlL9Us2S9-r-mWfak3SQqn4F9SKqW5jLfxDpb8h2-IaFEfy4Jn7Sp8DaL0dm9ebRuMP5iV88jbW8ERf2Ne-HnF/s400/IMG_0478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wyoming: already a HUGE improvement on Nebraska.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_U2H3y40xJP4s7ospTIhCCVDxICUEaTF4Br5fDhg0cWHXxu6JKjcgEFz9ZMvb4eXbpZq1Kb1hTsxUGbgCqjWH56hNc_1qLTJZ4_chyphenhyphenCMKnIxRnmsT32xyX1MpSif8-NS0cPar2FesxdZ/s1600/IMG_0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_U2H3y40xJP4s7ospTIhCCVDxICUEaTF4Br5fDhg0cWHXxu6JKjcgEFz9ZMvb4eXbpZq1Kb1hTsxUGbgCqjWH56hNc_1qLTJZ4_chyphenhyphenCMKnIxRnmsT32xyX1MpSif8-NS0cPar2FesxdZ/s400/IMG_0483.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Sushi :)</div>
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Delicious Japanese food. YUM.</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-2010405770502793192013-07-29T17:26:00.000-07:002013-07-29T17:26:10.152-07:00Cross Country Move Day One: Cornfields
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24 hours ago I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to make
it through today, mentally/emotionally/physically. Here we are, 24 hours later,
safely reporting from Omaha, Nebraska- the corn state (not sure if this is true
but it should be because let me tell you, there is some CORN here). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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4 pitstops.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5 states.<o:p></o:p></div>
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10 hours of driving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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635 miles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And we have arrived in <s>the middle of nowhere</s>
Nebraska. So far the driving has included a few milestones:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Leaving Michigan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDGbEMDf2sukbG0X6EiR7JwTRzOO6GSNKg0VdpYnenJrHB-2oxcZfwO_prW3aKgDoU2KclvkiHVMpnRfY7eppLBcYPRTkdXmUtj1K5iobFI1Q8Ah98Ji-9ewBGUClPafwZihULfJS9Urf/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDGbEMDf2sukbG0X6EiR7JwTRzOO6GSNKg0VdpYnenJrHB-2oxcZfwO_prW3aKgDoU2KclvkiHVMpnRfY7eppLBcYPRTkdXmUtj1K5iobFI1Q8Ah98Ji-9ewBGUClPafwZihULfJS9Urf/s320/IMG_0445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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The Chicago skyline from afar.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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World’s largest American flag.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bMICNzjoQ_Zs4FSauDEJIgxzw85ofwEL4sRIjQFQenRJbUQCBrVurv7qv-G4AfhXlUuslTUPTre14-9fF94YUxbj8IsMicuoM82F5IjnCGAUbEIy0yPVEq_lBKyMHumP0bAOruxISWIK/s1600/IMG_0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bMICNzjoQ_Zs4FSauDEJIgxzw85ofwEL4sRIjQFQenRJbUQCBrVurv7qv-G4AfhXlUuslTUPTre14-9fF94YUxbj8IsMicuoM82F5IjnCGAUbEIy0yPVEq_lBKyMHumP0bAOruxISWIK/s400/IMG_0450.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Many a construction barrel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq6VBxrTvV82QRMy1O4LdxYT398i5FfMV9_kQBBZrdyV4l1TYEyx5LMdkDNz5HUJm75wK1X3z9CzXyxL5wam7G8TGMt5sZnmyDDqHDS5BuoJ6sw48RTcK__iuEkZMDYWpJOmvN9fDvdh_/s1600/IMG_0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq6VBxrTvV82QRMy1O4LdxYT398i5FfMV9_kQBBZrdyV4l1TYEyx5LMdkDNz5HUJm75wK1X3z9CzXyxL5wam7G8TGMt5sZnmyDDqHDS5BuoJ6sw48RTcK__iuEkZMDYWpJOmvN9fDvdh_/s400/IMG_0456.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Crossing the mighty Mississippi.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhR6rJMhMGBYtlN_hNVWwn_bwMUcm65PcogJR3ixoDPtCIAXG4QVpxk8HDzgWGL8_YwcQzy9DESb5ivG4GObvjywV67mD6gsl7rd2U8bNgggS5-4FIcCY74AjZuBuVl9fGZIrUob44pfw/s1600/IMG_0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhR6rJMhMGBYtlN_hNVWwn_bwMUcm65PcogJR3ixoDPtCIAXG4QVpxk8HDzgWGL8_YwcQzy9DESb5ivG4GObvjywV67mD6gsl7rd2U8bNgggS5-4FIcCY74AjZuBuVl9fGZIrUob44pfw/s400/IMG_0461.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And corn. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
So. Much. Corn.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have yet to realize that I’m not returning to Michigan
this time. It’s not like visiting before to set up accounts, or lease my place,
or tour my school. This is the final time/real deal. I even was saving quarters
for the “toll on the way home” when Matt politely reminded me we were headed to
a new home (and thus didn’t need toll for Illinois). Don’t get me wrong, I’m
WAY excited- new job, new city, new place, new experiences. BUT as is always
true, so many new things are a lot to deal with at once. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find the best way to deal with this is to take it in a
little at a time. So today I made it to Nebraska. Matt, myself, and Peaches are
all in one piece and for tonight that is alright. Now we eat pizza, watch ESPN,
and for a moment I forget I’m in one giant cornfield. I promise tomorrow to
have significantly more insight or intellectual thought!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
XOXO Natalie</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-51729153601761721232013-07-17T12:03:00.000-07:002013-07-17T12:03:32.828-07:00OHMYGOSHIMOVEIN10DAYS!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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A note before we begin: This is the longest I have ever gone
without blogging. Sowwy :( <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I sit here eating homemade sorbet (which will change your
life) I have been driven to blog for two reasons. The first being that I am
getting messages/texts/etc. from people who keep asking if I am still alive (I
am! Chafonda didn’t win!) The second
being I am to the point where I need some kind of catharsis from the stress
that is living inside of my world. Stress that screams to me from unpacked
boxes, piles to take to Goodwill and a general chaos that is causing my cat to
pull out my hair. Seriously. I have a collection of photographic evidence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryH7m8np1EWoI8PhyphenhyphenmSHNnE5qvCz9yZrSHIrULdeDgwNqNxwwd8x96SGXmDbrNlm4dHL44ouEBg_hlV4UTxHHndXLCx5Zisso_ObAelI4jdwFIfkOFVdrTUvPzF_xG4gQF768_vineJ4e/s1600/Photo+on+6-9-13+at+12.02+PM+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryH7m8np1EWoI8PhyphenhyphenmSHNnE5qvCz9yZrSHIrULdeDgwNqNxwwd8x96SGXmDbrNlm4dHL44ouEBg_hlV4UTxHHndXLCx5Zisso_ObAelI4jdwFIfkOFVdrTUvPzF_xG4gQF768_vineJ4e/s400/Photo+on+6-9-13+at+12.02+PM+%232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She sits there, and eats my hair.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This stress stems from something I call: My mom was right.
Yes, you heard it hear first. My mom always seems to be right! How does this
happen? She pays someone I swear. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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From the time I was about 8 years old I wanted to be 12, and
by then I was headed to 16, and at that point I frankly wanted to be graduating
college. To say I wanted to be ahead was an understatement. SO many times I
would tell my mom, “Why can’t I be doing this right now? I wish ___________ was
over (_________ was usually high school and then freshman year and then summer,
etc.) Often, in all of her astute wisdom my mom would prescribe ice cream, a
bubble bath, and a “Don’t wish your life away Natalie O’fallon” to slow me
down. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And while my mom had the right idea, to slow down and relax,
the world had, and has still, a very different one. Often you enter college and
the first year people tell you to take your time and enjoy it, get settled in.
Then after you have survived that they ask you, “When do you graduate?” They
want you to hurry up and get there, wait out freshmen year, hurry up and
graduate, and then what? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s all hurry-up and wait. Hurry up and apply to college,
but wait to choose which one is right. Hurry up and finish college, wait for a
job in this economy. Hurry up and find a partner, but don’t you dare get
married, wait. Hurry up and figure out the who, what, where, when and why of
your life, but wait to actually get any of those things in place. I know I can’t be the only one who used to
dream of a time where I would have a job in my field, a reliable used car, and
maybe an apartment that actually would make me proud to have people over (you
laugh but I’m 100% serious, and also 100% grateful of what I do have). So I patiently hurried along all of the things I
was supposed to and now, for a year, I have been waiting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon the waiting will be over. In less than 10 days I am
moving cross country to pursue that career I hurried up to get. In the meantime
this year of waiting, and in many ways a year of trials and disappointments,
has served to teach me that my mom was right. Don’t wish your life away. The
periods of rush-rush and the periods of waiting and longing, they are there for
a reason. This year has showed me what I <i>really</i> want, and that is something to
be valued. This year has also showed me why Ben and Jerry’s may be an excellent
stock option.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After waiting months to be gainfully employed in a new
classroom of 8<sup>th</sup> graders, in a matter of days (1 month from tomorrow
to be exact) it will be the 1<sup>st</sup> day of school in a new school, new
city, and a new state. So here goes nothing!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZIc6sSaUDtVfJrWOGOyuGBh73o4axHcSX8wCQw2jIIFNq_zZnseUlXPEir0TKxoeidKGytIp108a54td8MaWRD4sWnPyWYZzIoD614CYtF7-sRJeEZRHlCMMF-9_3kHrFI3zXOA6j6Sf/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZIc6sSaUDtVfJrWOGOyuGBh73o4axHcSX8wCQw2jIIFNq_zZnseUlXPEir0TKxoeidKGytIp108a54td8MaWRD4sWnPyWYZzIoD614CYtF7-sRJeEZRHlCMMF-9_3kHrFI3zXOA6j6Sf/s400/photo-8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
XOXO Natalie<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S.- On my tip cross country I will be blogging every night
in the hotel with pictures of the journey and experience, cause let’s be real,
how often does a 20 something give up everything they know and pursue their
dream job? Oh right, everyday. Be brave people, get out there! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-46288250683958626532013-05-23T14:52:00.001-07:002013-05-23T14:52:31.118-07:00Real Women
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<br />
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Begin Rant:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a few things that bug me. Running out of ice cream
is one of them. Another is when people, women in particular, SLAM one another,
especially over the internet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A picture is posted and the girls aren’t a size ___________.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Internet comment: “They’re fat/unhealthy.” Or…. “They’re
anorexic.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since when did it become okay to comment on photos of women
that most likely the commenter doesn’t know, and furthermore, comment on their
physical wellbeing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did I miss that memo? If so thank goodness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How is this okay? In this world there are all sizes and
shapes of women, and there is a reason for that. We are all made genetically
unique. We all have different stories, different life circumstance, different
goals, and different bodies. I have never met someone whose legs looked just
like mine, or who had eyes the same shade of green as mine, or who had the
exact same proportions everywhere that I do. That’s the beauty of our world! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There might be an “average” size woman in this country, and
if there is why does it really matter? There are also average ages, average
years of schooling, and many other averages statisticians calculate on a
regular basis. Women might be above, below, or at this average but that has
absolutely no bearing on their worth, and it should have absolutely no bearing
on how strangers see them, especially on the internet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People can judge me if they want. I try my very best to not
let that bug me (especially the opinions of those who don’t know me), but what
in anyone’s right mind makes it okay to tear a woman down online based on her
body? A girl could be a size you think is “above average” so that makes her
unhealthy? Or a girl could be a size you think is underweight so that must mean
she hates food/has an eating disorder?
Almost worse is when women who are choosing to build musculature and
working damn hard are being told they “look gross.” WHAT about our society made
this okay?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess I just really don’t get it. As a woman I know the
battle we all face everyday when we look in the mirror. So why would I choose
to pass body judgment on another woman I don’t know? You know all the
complexities that go into why your body looks the way it does any given day
(did I eat 3 bowls of past last night, am I bloated, did I forget to eat dinner
cause I was studying, etc.) so realize before you make a judgment call, or
worse a hateful comment, that their body is complex too! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the whole “real women” thing. There is absolutely no
body type that makes someone a real woman. Perhaps it is when we stick up for
one another, embrace what makes us feel feminine individually, and celebrate womanhood
that we see what <i>real</i> women look like. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
End Rant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-69373779939025013592013-05-22T14:23:00.003-07:002013-05-22T14:23:50.220-07:00Perspective. Get Some.
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<br />
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I’ve decided a few things lately……<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The song <i>Africa</i> by Toto is my all time favorite. This
was only solidified when at a volunteer event this weekend they dedicated it to
me. Boom. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. My life is basically a movie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Girl from small town moves to the city.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Graduates college.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gets dream job.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Uses her vast savings to move cross country to pursue dream
job. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh wait, not a movie. My vast savings include a collection
of Harry Potter books, a mixer, homemade pottery, and a cat named Peaches.
Unfortunately, these do not pay for a 1,500 mile move. Fortunately, they all
make me very happy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So as I prepare to move, I find financing this venture is
incredibly overwhelming. In addition, I have found myself realizing there are a
lot of boxes to pack. More than that, there are many car rides to be taken with
Peaches so instead of hearing “MeeeeeeeeOOOOOWwwwwww” for 24 hours cross
country I hear a gentle, soothing purr. (Not. Likely.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been so easy for me to feel stressed about this new
job that I really haven’t taken a moment to celebrate it. With the tests, the
costs, the adult paperwork, and the whole “get your life together because
you’re about to move it 1,500 miles away,” I have been less than thankful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And just when that lack of thankfulness hit me I watched a
series of videos yesterday that gave me some intense perspective. This intense
perspective hit me in a wave of tears as I watched a woman find her dog after
the storm, teachers comforting students whom they had protected, families
dealing with loss, and a boy who faced a diagnosis of terminal cancer with a
spirit I had never seen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have an apartment full of beautiful things, a family full
of wonderful people, a career I can be passionate about, and I have my health.
By all accounts I have more than I need, even if it doesn’t always feel that
way. It is so very easy to forget this and instead focus on a Uhaul bill, or
any other stressors. Instead I should focus on my new career, the support I
have around me, and all the things that go right. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many of you who know me know that the past few months have
been filled with a few “downs,” but there have been “ups” too and that is what
should be focused on. Find the positives, and work with what you have. Things
work out. They do. It takes a little time. Sometimes it takes a really good
cry. Sometimes it takes intense perspective. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re interested in watching one of the videos I have in
the last 24 hours here is a link. Be prepared with tissues and chocolate. In addition, you can find the music video for
<i>Africa</i> by Toto. It is just that good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9NjKgV65fpo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is Zach. He will change your outlook.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Exg_VRYfEz8/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Exg_VRYfEz8&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Exg_VRYfEz8&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is Toto. He will just help you dance around your living room.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much love. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-85810493431011627462013-05-12T05:52:00.000-07:002013-05-12T05:52:15.096-07:00A Letter to my Mom
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today is one of those days where it is overcast, cold, and
just windy enough to make the wind chime on the patio swirl around. It reminds
me of the days you would wake me up with Nag Champa, and Annie Lenox/Sarah
McLachlan/Alanis Morissette echoing through the house. I remember walking out
and the entire living room would be taken apart, and all the furniture would be
in mid-rearrangement. These were the days we spent cleaning, singing, dancing
around, and debating the finer points of moving the couch to a new wall for the
4<sup>th</sup> time that month. Days like that make up some of my sweetest
moments from childhood, especially the days where the couch stayed half-moved
for a week or so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today also happens to be Mother’s Day, and, like last year,
we are about 200 miles apart. Soon that number will be about 1,563 (but really
whose counting?) Perhaps the thing I’m looking to forward most in Utah is when
you come to visit and we can spend 8 hours in IKEA, and about 4 hours driving
through the mountains, windows down, listening to CCR/America/Fleetwood Mac,
and not thinking even a little bit about the gas mileage, sorry Dad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The last 23 years I have not had a single person in my life
more dependable than you, more supportive than you, more loving than you. I
have called you at literally every hour of the day for reasons ranging from a
cute outfit, to a tough test, to a “should my cat really be making this noise
right now?” Your ability to always come up with a plan of attack never ceases
to amaze me, and 99% of the time they are great plans. The other 1%? That is
when you call me the next day having looked at the caller ID and you don’t
recall our 10 minute talk at 4 AM. Those are usually fantastic conversations
too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Those things aside, the most important thing you have taught
me is how to embrace life in so many ways. How to try the sushi, buy the shoes,
walk the log, take the job, and give the boy a chance (I’m sure Matt is
grateful). You are one of the only people I know who <i>truly</i> lives. You have a spiritual wealth, a joy that radiates to
others, and a passion for the everyday-the things I strive to bring to the
world too. Where I would find monotony as a teen you would find an opportunity.
You also may be the only human who doesn’t worry. Like they always discuss a “mother’s
worry.” I think your Iron Woman because you’re cool as a cucumber, constantly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You have also told me many times before in moments where I
typically said something really weird, “How did I wind up with an amazing child
like you?” The real question is how did I end up with exactly the mother I
needed to learn about life, and all the beauty it contains? How did I get the
mom who just gets me, in all of my oddities? How did I get to be the luckiest
girl in the world, truly? Thank goodness Chafonda stepped aside because I don’t
know how easy it would be for me to share you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
can’t really keep writing because at this point I can guarantee the both of us
are crying (I get that from you, you know.) I’m also hungry, which you can
understand only too well (I’m hungryyyy). I am so grateful for you mom, for
every talk we have ever had, every argument I have ever lost, every chore I was
forced to do, every fear I was encouraged to face. You are the type of woman I
can only hope to be like someday, and I love you more Meemaw. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBx5hp2tGT32qgdHoVMFljDXzrObd1d_rlSh2hDEA5leAm0PbZVi4dFjSr4wmcOEEAufmXHd4itCk7CDib4fAvUj8MyGQ4buhjJ1-w9lnC_HcJ_O3CJuCOTVT04Yz47BnrHgTV0l4O6SJ/s1600/Mommyy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBx5hp2tGT32qgdHoVMFljDXzrObd1d_rlSh2hDEA5leAm0PbZVi4dFjSr4wmcOEEAufmXHd4itCk7CDib4fAvUj8MyGQ4buhjJ1-w9lnC_HcJ_O3CJuCOTVT04Yz47BnrHgTV0l4O6SJ/s640/Mommyy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." -Abraham Lincoln</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy Mother's Day Sheila</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">XOXO </span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-62581829902309040192013-04-29T19:06:00.000-07:002013-04-29T19:06:11.794-07:00Struggle Bus
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I could rename my blog today. I really could. And what would
I call it you ask? The Struggle Bus. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turns out that’s taken. Someone beat me to it. Shucks. Why
Struggle Bus you ask? Because I’m officially on it friends, join the party. We
have free kittens. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now for the most part I don’t discuss what situations I’m
facing on my blog, instead I just dole out my feelings and censor all those
gory details. Today, you get the gory details. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m a certified teacher in the state of Michigan (GO
MITTEN!) I can teach any science 6<sup>th</sup>-12<sup>th</sup>. I love being a
teacher. Recently as you all may know, I got a dream teaching position in Utah
which I accepted. I move on July 29<sup>th</sup>. In order to teach in Utah (or any other state
that isn’t Michigan) I have to pass a test. No biggie right? All of college
coming down to one 120 question test that is the most failed of its kind in the
country, easy peasy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I signed up for the test in late March and studied for a
few days before. I felt pretty confident since I passed the Michigan test the
first time that this would be no different. Turns out I passed the test in 47
states. The three I didn’t pass in? Arkansas, Massachusetts, and you guessed
it, Utah. BY ONE POINT. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second time around signed up for April 29<sup>th </sup>(today)
and got a prep book. Spent the last few weeks studying and practicing. Then I
had surgery this past week. I figured I would hopefully feel okay by the time I
took the test. So today arrived and off to the test I went. And guess what
happened? I passed the test in 47 states. The three I didn’t pass in? Arkansas,
Massachusetts, and UTAH. BY ONE POINT. AGAIN.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being my own private day with
giraffes and 1 being anything awful you can think of, I emerged from the
testing center feeling about a -3. Now I would have to take the test again, and
wait over a month, cutting it a little close for my comfort in terms of getting
certified in Utah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Obviously I responded the way any normal 20 something would,
I called my mom crying, ate a bowl of chocolate rice krispies, cried some more,
and took a hot shower (please tell me if you have any other self pity methods I
can take part in, I’m on a time limit….see below). Needless to say, it has been
a rough evening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It was so easy for me to feel awful after. Easy for me to
lash out, and cry, complain, and generally wallow in my own self pity. We have
all been there. Whether it be a test, the loss of a job, a dream opportunity
turning out much differently than you thought, or a variety of other problems.
On top of my surgery, this test seemed like the end of the world tonight. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And I could continue to wallow for a month waiting for the
next test date. I could let it stress me out everyday, frustrate me, and
generally wreak havoc on my health in what should be a time of healing. But I
think there was a reason this happened to me today, April 29<sup>th</sup>.
Because April 30<sup>th</sup>, is a big day in my family. A sad day. It is the
day two years ago we lost my cousin Matthew Noble. And you know what one of the
first things I thought of tonight once I ate the entire box of cocoa krispies?
That if Matt were in this situation he would grab a drink and relax. He would
know this is just a hurdle, a small one. His dreams were so much bigger than
hurdles. He would tell me to “chill little cousin cause life is too short.” He
would be so calm it may actually bug me, but I would know he was right. He
would also tell me that the third time is the charm. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And even though Matt isn’t here to tell me I know that’s
what he would do. And it might seem like a rough few weeks for me, but in the
scheme of my life and my dreams? This is so very small. So two years later, I
think of my cousin today, and everyday, as he reminds me that sweating the
small stuff gets me nowhere. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stressed about finals? Graduation? Family stuff? A teacher
certification test in Utah? Life is too short to stress. Give yourself one good
cry and then move forward. I also recommend the cocoa krispies. Truly
exquisite. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4VkY7cvohY_kPledV9q9ORt_Uk9_t_U7cStRlhj7eOgBepz2qOrxGiCuVMNXpf89aEODBPjd0lDo3jzyAIVkGdQVsyb8HsWRFeb_dYAzhHwNcaBU9Ex6N6CdzBGyt85XW_LKXw63Jb53/s1600/matt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4VkY7cvohY_kPledV9q9ORt_Uk9_t_U7cStRlhj7eOgBepz2qOrxGiCuVMNXpf89aEODBPjd0lDo3jzyAIVkGdQVsyb8HsWRFeb_dYAzhHwNcaBU9Ex6N6CdzBGyt85XW_LKXw63Jb53/s400/matt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love & Hugs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love you Matt. To read a blog I wrote about him last year,
check here: (<a href="http://natalieofallon.blogspot.com/2012/04/noble.html">http://natalieofallon.blogspot.com/2012/04/noble.html</a>) <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-15134070799482596432013-04-16T11:32:00.001-07:002013-04-16T11:32:22.533-07:00Mitten Love <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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As I prepare to move, I have 5 or so To-Do lists strewn
about my apartment at any given time with tasks ranging from “SPAY PEACHES”
(Thank you Bob Barker) to “Remove Chafonda” (only me I swear…) I’m also adding
new things every single day.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
And of course, as I figure out where I'm living, and the lay of the land in Utah, I also think of all the reasons I love my motherland (Not Ireland in this case but Michigan). I love where I'm from and here's just a small glimpse why....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I get to show off my <i>complete </i>wardrobe every day from my coat, to boots, to capris, to
flip-flops. In Michigan we call that April. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyoGkez4rHf70gasBuO6tvQdnyMAlzj-W8vaNHRCzfuRs-Hchjmqowehga1OwYlyRxbpVstwvDD_kaVEKy2otiyJUlX_YiIcd4GWLvUwEheuMc6TDC8167MznNz0bNJ-aEF_zRgmgYV2Z/s1600/easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyoGkez4rHf70gasBuO6tvQdnyMAlzj-W8vaNHRCzfuRs-Hchjmqowehga1OwYlyRxbpVstwvDD_kaVEKy2otiyJUlX_YiIcd4GWLvUwEheuMc6TDC8167MznNz0bNJ-aEF_zRgmgYV2Z/s400/easter.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is Easter. That is snow. And leggings. And flats. </div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I don’t need a GPS. I have a hand. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8bMsNlIm8__DyJ8jsMhJ5ddoeafqT4fjmBuVVnI2NtXoz6H39A9qGGc04dIcnRqw0InJMAiTqY6cWeOTHNO2vgHlMOY3QxVpzX1Cwbu75oDwOxL22qA6f9ZtORvVO3FxQBKhz5jyn-Jb/s1600/Photo+on+4-16-13+at+1.34+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8bMsNlIm8__DyJ8jsMhJ5ddoeafqT4fjmBuVVnI2NtXoz6H39A9qGGc04dIcnRqw0InJMAiTqY6cWeOTHNO2vgHlMOY3QxVpzX1Cwbu75oDwOxL22qA6f9ZtORvVO3FxQBKhz5jyn-Jb/s400/Photo+on+4-16-13+at+1.34+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The dot is my hometown. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIgU5-SirZij2vSSaZzPzd71XaxYjcbdJra48HeK9z-oTIphfCbnnUD18lsT3b4khsB-D5ZiGQmUSM53zhL38wuVJhTf8hUBbK2buH2Yer8FYcsh2GT5fPdnJdFWC9EJMl99p0tS7Aee7/s1600/mi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIgU5-SirZij2vSSaZzPzd71XaxYjcbdJra48HeK9z-oTIphfCbnnUD18lsT3b4khsB-D5ZiGQmUSM53zhL38wuVJhTf8hUBbK2buH2Yer8FYcsh2GT5fPdnJdFWC9EJMl99p0tS7Aee7/s400/mi.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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Da Mitten </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because only in Michigan do you get views like these:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MAPrEaZiCxx_o2qI6KKeZdlDe09vprqaMFHabkkHMQlcyUsI02TGlYT7404OT9PER_Y5EXiBN3-5z2f1HwqiYg1BY6ni1H9KCp9U-9rh7iDv-92_a94fAU4a5KFBWVrNNGuLCM86XY5O/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MAPrEaZiCxx_o2qI6KKeZdlDe09vprqaMFHabkkHMQlcyUsI02TGlYT7404OT9PER_Y5EXiBN3-5z2f1HwqiYg1BY6ni1H9KCp9U-9rh7iDv-92_a94fAU4a5KFBWVrNNGuLCM86XY5O/s400/IMG_3670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My experience gliding over Frankfort, MI. Lake Michigan as far as you can see.</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because we celebrate cherries and lilacs amongst many other
inanimate objects in weeklong festivals with thousands of attendees.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8gOheM7Z3VBSwePsWPC0DcKC9NgXJ62cgXSlaIOVnWunq19Fdp55weHk0br8O2OP-nG0DjwF0DyVxZ6H8WJDxC1gqUHhSvrjIIGpyMBAk6YbmH5FBTrOGAOqXAmyh643e678Ght-4mmq/s1600/198781_10150246871555194_693410193_7770201_7548483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8gOheM7Z3VBSwePsWPC0DcKC9NgXJ62cgXSlaIOVnWunq19Fdp55weHk0br8O2OP-nG0DjwF0DyVxZ6H8WJDxC1gqUHhSvrjIIGpyMBAk6YbmH5FBTrOGAOqXAmyh643e678Ght-4mmq/s400/198781_10150246871555194_693410193_7770201_7548483_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And we take our cherries very seriously. </div>
<br />
<br /></div>
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Because we’re Bipeninsular and proud.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDgZd6qD2wtDtMeLeLJ5BL1vr7jWrPolLBtktvGQuofgpgmDC7XaFfrKdrxa0jwmpGTqtLEIj2DKh4PmmBn0MMTIUe7nq6YdnD72JwzzPVHnu7EVaT0zKxmFqDYSLHiptsY9UAsXN13dG/s1600/IMG_5476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDgZd6qD2wtDtMeLeLJ5BL1vr7jWrPolLBtktvGQuofgpgmDC7XaFfrKdrxa0jwmpGTqtLEIj2DKh4PmmBn0MMTIUe7nq6YdnD72JwzzPVHnu7EVaT0zKxmFqDYSLHiptsY9UAsXN13dG/s400/IMG_5476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Proud Yooper sign at the Garlyn Zoo from my trip there!</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because we use our 60,000+ lakes in many different ways. Our rivers too.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStWoPaV1XQu7mMr2bfRhy7zuFDYwKtptpdwltf2CsNHwJKsEAztwIdv0HYthc2Zb_yDqOxQPG-94fRP1yNFqq5nUNnMSza6xxvk8NpDfvcaRgJbC2oD2B8fk6Pd_T2qW_o_rtf9L_wWir/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStWoPaV1XQu7mMr2bfRhy7zuFDYwKtptpdwltf2CsNHwJKsEAztwIdv0HYthc2Zb_yDqOxQPG-94fRP1yNFqq5nUNnMSza6xxvk8NpDfvcaRgJbC2oD2B8fk6Pd_T2qW_o_rtf9L_wWir/s400/IMG_1391.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Enjoying Pere Marquette with Miss Michigan!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKX27Qg8IsSVzHO5M-r8NEy-s4SjQMfZIx_WPrWTgS_FVmXhruUnJBvcPwdVjTVxT4hE6FCANnvV7_lyLUG7htdia2mLTFZAWJtAN6FltfqrFNegPAZDe_WF9sMetZuYJWZKMkctciM_g/s1600/268298_2252747119532_1273908725_32766693_5093773_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKX27Qg8IsSVzHO5M-r8NEy-s4SjQMfZIx_WPrWTgS_FVmXhruUnJBvcPwdVjTVxT4hE6FCANnvV7_lyLUG7htdia2mLTFZAWJtAN6FltfqrFNegPAZDe_WF9sMetZuYJWZKMkctciM_g/s400/268298_2252747119532_1273908725_32766693_5093773_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baptism in Lake Michigan</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQaz8GFCgY1oPF53sNOKslYYPFQd_8ygsruCcUJAnkM7I6hyAY6RKuxfFS0IvvZ0A1hOherMR1t_88dEocnGGTsJjzrzKHQL_zNlwub9W4QFo5r_bWduB99RumIow8f-QBIjymsCggqG7/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQaz8GFCgY1oPF53sNOKslYYPFQd_8ygsruCcUJAnkM7I6hyAY6RKuxfFS0IvvZ0A1hOherMR1t_88dEocnGGTsJjzrzKHQL_zNlwub9W4QFo5r_bWduB99RumIow8f-QBIjymsCggqG7/s400/IMG_1125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Excellent family photo backdrop.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB15l2wwg5emgPRXKX-mPAR2jpj0ATKu1YeJNToEAQJKLFPAdh0paItQjZe-ON1onHeky33vT9Ay2GDoLLqi4pgy2I87r6xT_gh3ZQUns_NPuTeakKzpAQp9WP423E8BcFz3-s26O_ssGL/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB15l2wwg5emgPRXKX-mPAR2jpj0ATKu1YeJNToEAQJKLFPAdh0paItQjZe-ON1onHeky33vT9Ay2GDoLLqi4pgy2I87r6xT_gh3ZQUns_NPuTeakKzpAQp9WP423E8BcFz3-s26O_ssGL/s400/IMG_1253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because we have the prettiest people. I mean really. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPhVZWmLgu5eS9rw8BjhkJPcWsXdsBe3CgGTRxZDdGtS94ExhTCsiFhCgjfmiW7ZzzWWsqdKuo8xnnixo7PwMDPD73bO7dnJzW-JMKwEKLX2utZjsarK-oD1clveTXFuvvp50Q81_Lw4P/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPhVZWmLgu5eS9rw8BjhkJPcWsXdsBe3CgGTRxZDdGtS94ExhTCsiFhCgjfmiW7ZzzWWsqdKuo8xnnixo7PwMDPD73bO7dnJzW-JMKwEKLX2utZjsarK-oD1clveTXFuvvp50Q81_Lw4P/s400/IMG_1156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP611MfA0HXtkFz6KOoN3SC6OFzkR5jdUYabSLeGh1XU9tl1o9_EJD_Zx6v_dIHra-y0XggPdO95gft1vXWd4w-as-ybr3BRI2RpSzfEJ_f0i7mYQAftCF82Uj0iR8swNSiR_pYy9wxudA/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP611MfA0HXtkFz6KOoN3SC6OFzkR5jdUYabSLeGh1XU9tl1o9_EJD_Zx6v_dIHra-y0XggPdO95gft1vXWd4w-as-ybr3BRI2RpSzfEJ_f0i7mYQAftCF82Uj0iR8swNSiR_pYy9wxudA/s400/IMG_0890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Because we have giraffes in the wild. Here's proof:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zh8zyEIqLV0TPwIj-4NwLTSEclMn3msED6yxOC4sNiFCLpuBMPF-hIkmIIwBNp3wmHCTjPf6kuAdEPWJlArJ9WG_rxUg8NSC9p_ol_rC4Ycp-pGJYV3YqAVYbkWYsymDecPhL0SybhNt/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zh8zyEIqLV0TPwIj-4NwLTSEclMn3msED6yxOC4sNiFCLpuBMPF-hIkmIIwBNp3wmHCTjPf6kuAdEPWJlArJ9WG_rxUg8NSC9p_ol_rC4Ycp-pGJYV3YqAVYbkWYsymDecPhL0SybhNt/s400/IMG_1286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
Because even our ice is shaped like a mitten.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIMPVyEL0RDp1q_jjF0uIK6mj1BjZlBXIepK4a3zLHvb96Bwrn46pVvhXZBdi62ZUOCpcGz1LkFYpH-vV5-b1hPgd5-szqKd01IYNIzRiyAg0bsqm9rJ6tfMitcRiz7pYDPBlW45dxHxi/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIMPVyEL0RDp1q_jjF0uIK6mj1BjZlBXIepK4a3zLHvb96Bwrn46pVvhXZBdi62ZUOCpcGz1LkFYpH-vV5-b1hPgd5-szqKd01IYNIzRiyAg0bsqm9rJ6tfMitcRiz7pYDPBlW45dxHxi/s400/IMG_0575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Because how many other states can have a title called "Miss Tip of the Mitt?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7PX0Cs2dHVTDRfhSsXp0k1uhu9dPJcf6fJamoTJ_S2kE5a_wxYr9eDm6j6vCurRUq5ewC-6KfHHGpKyWwAGmjiYLU6mguNvbVVo-1Mza7j7r3dcEQDEpn2ZOH7gKDeWLaNjz1__ftl-5/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7PX0Cs2dHVTDRfhSsXp0k1uhu9dPJcf6fJamoTJ_S2kE5a_wxYr9eDm6j6vCurRUq5ewC-6KfHHGpKyWwAGmjiYLU6mguNvbVVo-1Mza7j7r3dcEQDEpn2ZOH7gKDeWLaNjz1__ftl-5/s400/IMG_0385.JPG" width="237" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Because in Michigan it's easy to feel like you're in the most beautiful place in the world. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PDEhTjfV1bdbyoytMbv7JrhZCqxbT8jlaL3yRJKwkKxODRW9BXh5M_eZGw-q1e9OjQG9VWVER0wesbCbp8rzIpmloPGodonFC1x-oRFK942HoIvXFu-OKOfkim14zd4lJB3wii6dS8AB/s1600/IMG_6094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PDEhTjfV1bdbyoytMbv7JrhZCqxbT8jlaL3yRJKwkKxODRW9BXh5M_eZGw-q1e9OjQG9VWVER0wesbCbp8rzIpmloPGodonFC1x-oRFK942HoIvXFu-OKOfkim14zd4lJB3wii6dS8AB/s400/IMG_6094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pyramid Point, a little slice of Heaven.</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the state that has made me who I am. I will always be
a Michigander at heart. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJRohyphenhyphenCYKfMBpen4EQ8YKCxolaNcyTHfJmkQjNgsn91X4YigIDkZAeC9mPT8Kn7UtnS-coTxHNrxm2ds8LgMMOwJzDFNCycMwF1M4SCqA1_RygD7XYDniUpJwKQMz21NReC8e5nZQWkO_/s1600/IMG_5459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJRohyphenhyphenCYKfMBpen4EQ8YKCxolaNcyTHfJmkQjNgsn91X4YigIDkZAeC9mPT8Kn7UtnS-coTxHNrxm2ds8LgMMOwJzDFNCycMwF1M4SCqA1_RygD7XYDniUpJwKQMz21NReC8e5nZQWkO_/s400/IMG_5459.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Why do you love Michigan? I'm sure it's because of the pretty people. They suck you in. </div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-6730247143364560492013-04-07T18:15:00.000-07:002013-04-07T18:15:03.370-07:00Utah
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<br />
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For the first time in what feels like a millennium I went on
a sort of vacation this past week to Utah. Of course you’re thinking, “My how I
would love to see photos of that!” Yeah well me too. It wasn’t until I was half
naked in front of the TSA I remembered I forgot my camera to which I replied,
to myself, out loud, “I FORGOT!” At that point the TSA thought I forgot to
mention I was secretly hording some illegal cargo, and they took no short cuts
to make sure this wasn’t so. Therefore, the photos at the end of this blog are
literally the only poor quality camera phone photos I have (and for those of
you wondering, I don’t have an iPhone).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anywho… I went out to Utah because I was recently offered a
middle school teaching position for the next school year. They gave me an
opportunity to tour the school, see my potential classroom, and explore the
surrounding area (and by this I mean eat In and Out while driving through the
biggest mountain I have ever seen in a rental car that was significantly nicer
than any I had ever driven, skill challenge accepted!) It was 75 degrees in the
valley, and I was surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Needless to say, three
days was not enough time, I didn’t even get to go shopping! (This is where my
boyfriend mumbles “First World Problems.” True.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So after my visit, I hopped on board a plane to return to
the Mitten having been offered my dream job, months before I had expected, that
would be a wonderful introductory opportunity, at a great district. The
challenge? It’s only about 1,563 miles from home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1,563 miles from my family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1,563 miles from my friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1,563 miles away from my last season of competing in MAO in
Michigan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1,563 miles from my hot yoga studio.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1,563 miles from the Great Lakes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Normally, making this kind of decision would drive me crazy.
And by crazy I mean Oreo’s stock would jump 10% in one day. But I actually
found I had an eerie sense of calm about the whole thing. The visit went
amazingly well. I found a wonderful apartment. Peaches is on board, and Chefonda
will be gone before I know it. I have about 200 8<sup>th</sup> graders who will
love my Periodic Table of Peeps. AND maybe I will learn how to ski finally.
Also, as if it weren’t the ultimate sign, IKEA is .3 miles from my new
apartment. THAT CLOSE.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I think of all the decisions I have been coerced into
making lately, and all the decisions I have second guessed, it is incredibly
relieving to feel like the biggest decision yet, is the best one I have made. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That being said, there are many Michigan-only things I will
miss, one of them being my Michigan MAO family. I had expected to compete next
year for my final season of eligibility. In fact, I had already sent in
applications for pageants. Even though I won’t be in the Mitten come August, I
will most certainly still be involved, that I can promise. Yall will probably
get very sick of me commenting on every one of your photos online….be warned.
And I will surely dabble in some Miss Utah locals. My evening gown will seem
brand new out West! For those of us all registered to do the Color Run in GR
together….I will find a way to be there, it is my last hoorah with all you
girls :) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So this is my official announcement of trading in the Great
Lakes for the Great Salt Lake. If I did not call you and tell you personally,
or text you it is only because my brain is so overwrought with the current size
of my to do list it has taken a leave of absence. Look at it this way, if you
ever want to take a skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or National Park vacation,
I can be your tour guide (Also, there is a supercute outdoor mall in downtown
Salt Lake….)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had begun to think that every adult decision I make was
going to be really frustrating, especially in terms of deciding what school
district to work at in the fall. Thankfully, I realized some decisions are
easier than others. Don’t get discouraged, ask the people you love and trust
for advice, and when you make a decision don’t think you’re alone. There are always
people to support you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IL8NDx6jepWTbYN35TgMjA1Z59LfJeG2RubKM9R7Y9Be2W2M9TpbZpWORHUtP8xrx506vRiuBU-XdPuNtvUn10S3HvEQWXME43XYTWdh_csXfpm6UYN1ksK7GjxJvlB8-PYKG2iPBfcZ/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IL8NDx6jepWTbYN35TgMjA1Z59LfJeG2RubKM9R7Y9Be2W2M9TpbZpWORHUtP8xrx506vRiuBU-XdPuNtvUn10S3HvEQWXME43XYTWdh_csXfpm6UYN1ksK7GjxJvlB8-PYKG2iPBfcZ/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
En route to Utah! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqaRbRfs-t7b42SvC4I3LuxBbZKRYhH_zqxnbUHmgdSxCwbzqOmxRodwH-SMqwRpNmuGIJSM-50iEWmrHQyO-_SHXPiXPyvZ9GdiJYkp4QOM5BsAfaX-tB6b2BhQ0kepRFGOpzBP6xkfz/s1600/0404131123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqaRbRfs-t7b42SvC4I3LuxBbZKRYhH_zqxnbUHmgdSxCwbzqOmxRodwH-SMqwRpNmuGIJSM-50iEWmrHQyO-_SHXPiXPyvZ9GdiJYkp4QOM5BsAfaX-tB6b2BhQ0kepRFGOpzBP6xkfz/s400/0404131123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
See, this is the quality we're working with on the photos. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9G7tLCMzgGUUrxY55ymhMHuHK8LGMCtuCjmvH_mxUsgxNc9bZpFP7RbFlGeZfd9haMP2GrKK4VnFYtj9ppqrd5Y31qEraRcNTvaTFNXOxlSZJyj_55Vmky8WMSs_on4YgNa_aad0DeB2C/s1600/0403131633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9G7tLCMzgGUUrxY55ymhMHuHK8LGMCtuCjmvH_mxUsgxNc9bZpFP7RbFlGeZfd9haMP2GrKK4VnFYtj9ppqrd5Y31qEraRcNTvaTFNXOxlSZJyj_55Vmky8WMSs_on4YgNa_aad0DeB2C/s400/0403131633.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Confidently navigating Utah's really complex road system....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjHLlGREV27n2n-EZ7Q_0TL-EkDlzGjo-PzQvoYTwO1HIrn5ZPM-M-RX2nqmzlpDaagXEKs4D1Ls1qJ4_JqBTcH4Pfcl8sPbfjFErA0apYaTjKkwjSk-eVEx29180T51ZUKzV20jr0SJs/s1600/0405131418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjHLlGREV27n2n-EZ7Q_0TL-EkDlzGjo-PzQvoYTwO1HIrn5ZPM-M-RX2nqmzlpDaagXEKs4D1Ls1qJ4_JqBTcH4Pfcl8sPbfjFErA0apYaTjKkwjSk-eVEx29180T51ZUKzV20jr0SJs/s400/0405131418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everyone in In and Out stared at Matt. :) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-10660180986283771482013-03-26T08:02:00.003-07:002013-03-26T08:02:40.063-07:00Twins!
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Here’s my forewarning for this blog:</u> It contains <i>immense oversharing</i>, and discussion of
really odd medical problems. If this isn’t up your alley, go get some ice cream
and watch How I Met Your Mother reruns instead, that is a better choice. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Consider yourself warned. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the past six-eight months, I haven’t felt the best. I
have Crohn’s Disease so I was thinking it might be a flare up. I was also
working like crazy, not sleeping, and eating whatever random bits of health
food I could get my hands on. After a while, I began to realize the symptoms
were getting much worse, something wasn’t quite right and no amount of sweets
was fixing it….not even Ben and Jerry’s. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a 20 something female I find <i>some</i> doctors will very easily write off symptoms, no matter the
severity, in someone my age deeming it to be “stress-related.” I don’t know
about you, but if you don’t feel good, or something is off, you know it. Trust
that instinct, do your research (WebMD is not always research, they literally
will tell you of 388,529 obscure illnesses you may have), and visit a doctor.
Being armed with knowledge can help you get the care you need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I made my way to a [wonderful] doctor a few weeks ago.
She recognized that there was something going on so I submitted myself to a few
tests (If you can call one very happy phlebotomist sucking out vial after vial
of blood while she asked me if “I was comfortable with needles” a test.) I was
then advised to wait patiently to see if any of the tests were conclusive of
some kind of medical issue. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I got an interesting phone call the other day…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Doc:</b> Natalie,
after reviewing your tests we have found a dermoid safhsjhfkaf (the second word
was a foreign language to me) that will need to be removed with surgery, likely
along with the organ it is attached to. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Natalie:</b> Uhh
what’s a dermoid asjfhkahfka? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Doc:</b> It is
commonly referred to as an unborn twin. Although medically speaking it cannot
be born.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SAY
WHAT?!?!?!? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After getting off the phone and discussing surgery options I
made a terrible error. I Googled “Dermoid kjahjfahf.” Never again. Then I
called my parents. Let me just say explaining to your parents that you
“absorbed” your twin in utero and now it is inside your body, one would expect
some sympathy. Instead my mom wanted to name it “Sarah” and my dad “Chafonda.”
Guess who won that battle?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here I am. Let me just say I ALWAYS knew I wasn’t meant
to be an only child! I grew up with my friends Mary, Emalee, and Barbara, and
never really felt like an only child. But clearly, any anger I had over being
an only child was clearly stemming from the fact that I ate, er “absorbed,” my
twin. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I told my friend Shelby about my medical discovery her
reply, “Only you.” This is perhaps true. I’m the person you all know who weird
things happen to. That’s me! My body is really good at making odd tumor like
cells, and allowing them to multiply. As a science teacher I can only hope that
someday I can teach my kids about unborn twins. Surprisingly, that is not yet
included in state curriculum…Hmm….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this point in the blog you are either absolutely
terrified, potentially unfriending me on Facebook, or you have Googled “dermoid
ashkahjkfsa” in which case you are still terrified, and still unfriending. Or
you are on WebMD, which I advise against. Because I was convinced I had some
strange disease but instead I have an unborn twin, clearly WebMD is off base.
In all fairness, there is a moral here. If you feel like something isn’t right
with your body, trust that feeling and get some help. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wait patienly for surgery, which will be in 2 weeks, and
every night when I get a goodnight text from my mom it now says, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Goodnight. Love you and Chafonda.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36R3pSUQhVP9_nF5Z1X09kpg4ue5bb91yU67g5TFEFQ8p_hArYy4Ik7uBltfah_zX0zkCNdKZoyv0rdxbnkF3bbpP0wOjVEEwZWfhK6Bzz3fvFl9ULbybTD1Z4h-q9axnWZikCSGPD2Wp/s1600/twin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36R3pSUQhVP9_nF5Z1X09kpg4ue5bb91yU67g5TFEFQ8p_hArYy4Ik7uBltfah_zX0zkCNdKZoyv0rdxbnkF3bbpP0wOjVEEwZWfhK6Bzz3fvFl9ULbybTD1Z4h-q9axnWZikCSGPD2Wp/s400/twin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks Mom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-62735333867546205272013-03-20T12:02:00.000-07:002013-03-20T12:02:13.353-07:00Following my Bliss
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<br />
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Today is the first day of spring! Even though it might not feel like it where
you are….especially if you’re in Michigan.
Maybe if we keep thinking springy thoughts all the snow will melt….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So a few weeks ago I wrote about decisions, and how I either
have 27 to make at once, or none at all. Last weekend was a perfect example of
this. On Thursday night I was offered a position to teach back in my old
college town. I had to make the decision in approximately 3 hours. No big deal
right? End lease. Find new lease. Move. Bring Peaches. Start job in 2 days.
Obviously really simple. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I made a decision, encouraged by others, that I was not very
confident in to move back. And it took all of one car ride to make me realize,
this was not where my heart was. Now, anyone who has made a choice and had a
change of heart knows that telling those you care about can be really
challenging. Calling my mom and telling her to trust me on this one, and that I
was changing my mind, was not a phone call I ever wanted to make, especially at
2 a.m. Lucky for me, my mom is probably the most understanding human in the
world. Peaches is definitely the most understanding cat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are a few important morals here. I made a few
mistakes, and did a few things correctly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mistake 1….Not trusting my gut. I did not ever jump for joy
about moving back or taking this job, and it was something that I knew in my
heart I was not sure about. Instead, I listened to my friends as they
encouraged me, because I have GREAT friends, when I should have been more
forthcoming about my feelings to them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mistake 2…Waking my mom up at 2:00 a.m., clearly I should
have called her before 10….at least.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thing I Did Right 1…Instead of “sticking it out” and doing
something that I knew in my heart wasn’t right I told people how I felt
(eventually), and stuck to my guns. If you have ever had to tell your parents
something that you knew they probably wouldn’t be crazy about you know that it
can be really not fun. Like eating celery not fun. Like sleepless nights not
fun. And like running out of Oreos not fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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BUT <i>it is always
better to follow your bliss, than try to do things to make others happy.
Always.</i> That is the second thing I did right. Followed my bliss. And that
is something to be proud of. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So here I sit, still in the big city, and currently an
unemployed teacher. Although I am pleased to say I have begun receiving offers
for next year, although none in Michigan so far…patience…. My new resolution
for the next few months? Learn to relax. Yup. That and become an accomplished
pastry chef. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Spring XOXO <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-24568907686498780372013-03-13T17:14:00.001-07:002013-03-13T17:14:50.567-07:00Circumstances
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here is my
list of reasons why my blog is two days late…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. It is
challenging to type when this sits on your keyboard FOR AN HOUR.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN4IUZ7BsEWww1BhEjskzUBpqRXXaoSLh4a52HWmBtLl9U1XlNHNm5yCvUz4e3kDRUe5f2JaI6jT3TOcrrpFfuHejlj_Ni4u0r3Sppht2hzBBXiimiaeot3JNjMQ4p6BBSMw5RVInPRHx/s1600/DSC_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN4IUZ7BsEWww1BhEjskzUBpqRXXaoSLh4a52HWmBtLl9U1XlNHNm5yCvUz4e3kDRUe5f2JaI6jT3TOcrrpFfuHejlj_Ni4u0r3Sppht2hzBBXiimiaeot3JNjMQ4p6BBSMw5RVInPRHx/s400/DSC_0048.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> Meet Peaches Cat</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. I was sorta busy attempting to coordinate a 1,600 mile
trip to Vermont that culminated in utterfailure (but hey, Utah went better). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. I decided it was a much better way to spend my day in the
doctors office for hours….obviously. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you can tell maybe my excuses are really invalid/crummy.
Although I give the first credit because she is cute at the very least. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where to begin? Well the theme this week is your
circumstances. You know those pesky things that you don’t think you have any
control over? The “facts” of your life that are what they are, no changing
them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where you live? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who you surround yourself?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What you’re doing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where you’re working?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What happens to you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those are what many would call your circumstances. And
realtalk, sometimes those are the things that drive you <b>CRAZY</b>. Those are the things you might be mad about, lose the most
sleep over, or get eat-an-entire-pint-of-ice-cream frustrated with. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They also happen to be the things that people so often
preach to you about. “Oh, you don’t like your circumstances? Well change them!”
Now sometimes this is great advice, absolutely change what makes you unhappy in
your life, go for it! I’m all about it. BUT sometimes you and I both know that
you can’t always change your circumstances, so we need an alternate way of
thinking. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are circumstances in my life right now I cannot
change. There are cards I have been dealt that I have to deal with. Now, what
if I change the word “deal” to the word “work?” Then that sentence becomes,
“There are cards I have been dealt that I have to work with. Doesn’t that sound
much better? (Teacher moment right there!) So when you get frustrated, or the
ice cream runs out, remember that you were given this circumstance because you
can handle it, and <i>embrace</i> it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hope your week is full of good news, easy decisions, and a few circumstances worth embracing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
XOXO Natalie </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-80114303022863051602013-03-04T19:14:00.000-08:002013-03-20T11:48:07.886-07:00Decisions, Decisions <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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This last week was one of those moderately overwhelming
weeks full of big girl responsibility; a new job cause I definitely don’t have
enough things to do, many a teaching interview, my final local pageant of the
season, an obsessive need to adopt a kitten, and a myriad of concerns that
could make even the most sane 20-something eat a cheer-me-up-hotdog (Thank you
Yesterdog). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As a 20-something I find there is something universally true
about this age, and it may be true of all ages. Either nothing happens, or
everything happens at once. You either have no life changing decisions, or you
have 7 to make within a 12 hour time span. This can lead to two types of
stress, 1. Severe Restlessness or 2. Severe Burn-out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lately, my life has had modicums of both. The months leading
up to graduation were INSANE. I worked 80-90 hours, slept about 3, and competed
in 6 pageants. The months since graduation? I have had alternating weeks of
equal parts chaos and absolutely nothing.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow I interview for four out of state teaching
positions that if I were to be offered, would create a VERY big decision to be
made. These huge decisions become increasingly more common in college, and
after. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do I live here?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do I take this job?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about that internship?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is this job worth it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if it doesn’t work out?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How cold is it really in Alaska?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These decisions cause me to eat, take bubble baths, go to
yoga, and, as I mentioned, want to adopt a kitten. They have this impact on a
lot of young people my age. The important thing? To realize that you have made
plenty of good decisions before, so trust your instincts. At the end of the
day, some choices are mistakes we learn from, some are the best of our life,
some take awhile to determine, some our parents don’t agree with, and some they
convince themselves was their decision in the first place. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Either way, I promise the world won’t end. I really do. And
here’s a good reminder from Post Secret…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrxB94pA8_pNClhmMZvFLHQdo_qn4v1qbbiq1B7DtA7-Qc4yOeX5buS7BVvTCRrr2Ou_dq1-jda64mYL66s5kA-PDVCXqs70Hom4bNRMKPGWvyWgZqm3zmPBP_87kvReOoVtmj7ljjhmg/s1600/tina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrxB94pA8_pNClhmMZvFLHQdo_qn4v1qbbiq1B7DtA7-Qc4yOeX5buS7BVvTCRrr2Ou_dq1-jda64mYL66s5kA-PDVCXqs70Hom4bNRMKPGWvyWgZqm3zmPBP_87kvReOoVtmj7ljjhmg/s640/tina.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So in my last full month as a 22 year old, I will cut myself
some slack, make many pro-con lists, and make some decisions for my future. I
will also adopt a kitten. Sorry Mom. If you’re reading this I love you :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-75035436242160439102013-02-27T17:23:00.002-08:002013-02-27T17:27:47.231-08:00No Vacancy <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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I know today is not Monday, and therefore not blog posting
day, but today I was inspired to write. Why you may ask? Cause today someone
was not all that nice to me. What made this more interesting? This person did
not <i>really</i> know me at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now all of us, at one point or another, have had our
feelings hurt by someone. Whether it be through an argument, a work or
relationship conflict, or a bully, it all just plain stinks. Sometimes we solve
it with discussion, other times with chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
Usually, given a day or two, we move past the things that hurt us, and maybe
given a month or many, we move past the people who do too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, a person said something hurtful about me. Not about
my character necessarily, or my integrity, but about their opinions of my life,
my dreams, my perspective. Usually, my philosophy for mean people is this….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some people are just mean. And you know the best way to
handle it? Pray for them…and enjoy a glass of wine (Oreos also work very well,
and now they make wine ice cream, whouda thunk?)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A great philosophy I think, but sometimes the wine and
prayer doesn’t necessarily relieve our feelings of hurt over something. So when
that is the case, let me remind you: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I6WpKeJ0jdfbnv8GyoTxT57Nrm-8V0Lab_UsOmY0H0DrzLgtWBg9sLvq2H7qBtufn9w4yyev7BkHb6xh7WAnFsuo490BlRmNttMwO7m93G2wc9nl2jkKxBqjrhI5FGLU9U6fXeaOUF_5/s1600/inferior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I6WpKeJ0jdfbnv8GyoTxT57Nrm-8V0Lab_UsOmY0H0DrzLgtWBg9sLvq2H7qBtufn9w4yyev7BkHb6xh7WAnFsuo490BlRmNttMwO7m93G2wc9nl2jkKxBqjrhI5FGLU9U6fXeaOUF_5/s640/inferior.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
(Princess Diaries represent!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we allow the stinging words of others to make us feel
hurt, <i>we are allowing that person space
in our minds, or hearts. </i> When we
dwell on those things, we are merely taking our own valuable time and <i>dedicating it to the person that hurt us.</i>
That is like going shopping and bringing that “friend” who will merely tell you
that every outfit you choose “is just not for you.” Um hello? Buzzkill much.
Don’t rent that space out in your heart to hurt, instead rent it out to shoes,
chocolate, a good book, or some really solid girl time. For mean people you have No Vacancy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And what’s more, especially don’t rent that space out to
people who don’t truly know you. What mere strangers say about you should not
be worth an ounce of your time, unless it is Ryan Gosling. In which case listen
up! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Wednesday, and may you celebrate the evening with chocolate! XOXO </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-5328732107822223262013-02-18T18:30:00.002-08:002013-02-18T18:30:55.676-08:00Patience is a Virtue (Blah, Blah, Blah)
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Lately I have realized that I finally think I have a great
grasp on what the Universe is trying to teach me right now: <i>patience.</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Patience in my personal, professional, and pageant life. Now
ask my mother about me + patience and she is likely to say something similar to
this….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Natalie O’fallon wanted braces before she needed them, a
car well before she had her license, and a college degree well before she began
applying.” Hence, patience is not one of my particular virtues (I like to think
buying shoes, eating, and teaching science may be my virtues of choice.) This
has only become more pronounced lately as I feel myself getting frustrated by
my “floundering” post-grad life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As I have said before in my <a href="http://natalieofallon.blogspot.com/2013/01/5-year-plan.html" target="_blank">blog</a>, I had very firm goals that
I was hoping to accomplish by 23. As that age creeps closer and closer, I still
can’t help but feel that sense of stress from having not accomplished that
which I said I would. No full time teaching job, no graduate degree, no pageant
title and no kitten? WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE? Just kidding….sort of. But
in reality, I know that now, more than ever before, I’m being taught patience
because there are other goals I need to accomplish in the mean time (obviously
making homemade laundry detergent today is more important than a career, psh!) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>No full time teaching
job?</b> No problem. I keep following my heart and knowing I will be placed in
the right school, at the right time. AND I apply to positions for next year so
I know I’m doing my part!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>No graduate degree?</b>
Somehow my heart doesn’t totally break for this one. I start at GVSU in the
fall, assuming I’m still in the Mitten. This brings me to my next point…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>No pageant title?</b>
I have much to say for this one. I could not be more proud, or more blessed,
than I have been this year competing. The growth, the love, the opportunities,
the best friends, and the scholarship funds for graduate school, what is there
not to be thankful for? My participation in MAO is about so much more than a
title, and I know there are so very many women who agree. Love all my girls.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbefKtzPcGkorcUvehFPYX3wDZUtEGow24VjgW-5XylL5dnxwAWAnnVxt-luNdffIM7-1QYM6M2lyeD5_aO79ZY9TaeKKHpnpNKPVkBf45k4m65fmhNFI3I8YMQNCqLVPjv8S4enk3nKo_/s1600/DSC_0355+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbefKtzPcGkorcUvehFPYX3wDZUtEGow24VjgW-5XylL5dnxwAWAnnVxt-luNdffIM7-1QYM6M2lyeD5_aO79ZY9TaeKKHpnpNKPVkBf45k4m65fmhNFI3I8YMQNCqLVPjv8S4enk3nKo_/s400/DSC_0355+-+Version+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me amongst celebs (Miss Tip of the Mitt, Miss Capital City, and Miss Greater Grand Rapids)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>No kitten?</b> Win
some, lose some. Tamale the Tuxedo Cat will come soon enough… (Whenever my will
power is particularly low or I’m feeling sassy…)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>So what is the point in all of this?</u> The point is
that sometimes, things are not going the way we planned, and we feel like we’re
just in one VERY BIG waiting game, a chess match with life where each corner you
turn results in check-mate. And there are usually two options, 1. Keep waiting
grumpily, or 2. Keep waiting happily and live your life in the meantime. I vote
you choose Option 2 as I have, as I find it involves a lot less pity chocolate
eating and a lot more victory brownie eating. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Happy President's Day! Follow my blog above for weekly updates!
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218599013224521753.post-63144935948424021172013-02-12T17:28:00.000-08:002013-02-12T17:28:18.415-08:00Courage. Lent. All That Good Stuff.
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One of my girlfriends recently met up with her boyfriend
(who had been having what can only be fondly called a really pathetic
quarter-life crisis ) at which he asked for a few days “break” where they
merely do not text or speak, but are still together. So what did she do? He told her he wanted a few days break and
she said, “You can have 40.” How is this funny you may ask…Here’s a riddle…<o:p></o:p></div>
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What starts Wednesday, lasts 40 days, and ends on Easter?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend gave up her loser boyfriend for Lent. You just
reacted one of two ways, 1. You laughed until you cried (my reaction), or 2.
You don’t really think loser boyfriends qualify for Lent. So allow me to ease
your worries, she also gave up fast food. That totally counts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The moral of this story? Sometimes you have to stick to your
guns, do what YOU think is right for YOU, and go for something, even if it
scares you. For some people this is giving up their boyfriend (and a modicum of
stability) for Lent. For others it is taking that next risk in your personal or
professional life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have courage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Give up something for 40 days that no longer serves you
well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe after 40 days, you will realize you were better off
without it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Tuesday bloggies! -Nat </div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10895956657159593618noreply@blogger.com2