tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27479548383417484432024-02-21T10:02:34.348-06:00Life's Simple Pleasureskamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-76859287970169209172013-12-15T21:30:00.001-06:002013-12-15T21:31:27.214-06:00Seasons of Simplicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Life is full of different seasons and those seasons are packed with experiences. While some seasons are wonderful, others would be better completely avoided. Some, we'd like to relive again and again, and others are painful enough we wish we could forget. Regardless, there is a valuable gift for us in each experience of every season if we are willing to look. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For me, this has been a season of change. Unfortunately, I've found myself numbly going through the motions waiting for the next big moment. I'm tired and restless. As I often remind us, it isn't about the big moments, it is the simple pleasures that bring forth the most blessings. This season, I am thankful for the precious memories I am making each and every day. I am thankful for the moments that catch me by surprise and bring a smile to my face. And I anticipate so many more in the seasons to come. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Event of the month: Sammy turned 16 today! My, how time has flown. This girl has grown into a beautiful young lady and I am honored to spend so much time with her. She had the most wonderful party with live entertainment and more friends present than at any of my own birthday events. Her special friend, Jowon, got to join us for the festivities. If only I had captured her joy with him around in a photo! She truly felt loved and special this weekend and exhausted herself giggling so much. Sammy's spirit is her most beautiful asset. She brings joy to those around her and reminds us how beautiful life really is. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">No one I know loves to dance as much as her.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What a party! Sammy and the sisters were the happiest :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy Sweet 16 Sammy Love! We are so thankful for you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As a kid, I remember how exciting the holiday season was. Waiting for Christmas Day was the hardest and greatest reward of the year. The Christmas season was full of hussle, bussle, and excitiment. As I got older, the holiday season became more of a stress. Though it was still fun, buying for everyone, making the holiday rounds, and being ready for Christmas Day became more of a chore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">What happened to the waiting? The whole point is there is something amazing worth waiting for! So, the waiting game is back on. This year, I am really trying to get back to enjoying the joy of the season. I am maximizing my time with loved ones and looking for beauty all around, even in the mundane. <strong></strong></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I look forward to </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PureBarreLubbock?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pure Barre</span></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> everyday. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A great workout and a nice change of pace from running all the time. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="url" cmimpressionsent="1" data-params="p+cp=12586994.12936210.16111446" href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=24386436" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img alt="Frosted Cranberry 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Slatkin & Co. - Bath & Body Works" border="0" class="photo" height="200" src="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-16894980v600.jpg" title="Frosted Cranberry 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Slatkin & Co. - Bath & Body Works" width="132" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Frosted Cranberry Candles from</span><a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=16111446" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Bath & Body Works</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img alt="Blueberry Muffin Coffee" class="product-group-lineup" height="200" src="http://www.dunkinathome.com/images/products/bakery-series-coffee/blueberry-muffin-flavored-coffee.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="78" /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Blueberry Muffin Coffee from Dunkin Donuts.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I know, I know, it sounds weird, but it's tasty.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My dear friend Taylor has the cutest </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TaylorMadeWithCare" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Etsy Shop</span></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">! </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She is so talented and has an eye for everything cute and customized. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am obsessed! Best gift EVER!</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Etsy of course...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Find it at your local Wal-Mart. Stock up, it's seasonal. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh </span><a href="http://lindsayletters.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lindsay</span></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...so talented! I made some </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This week, I was reminded by someone very wise that happiness is a choice. We have the ability to make that choice each and every day despite the pain and brokeness aroudn us. It isn't always easy to choose to be happy, but I know for a fact that it is a choice worth making. So, find the happiness in Life's Simple Pleasures this holiday season and make the most of each and every moment.</span><br />
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kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-19363442227412924812013-12-01T23:42:00.001-06:002013-12-04T20:32:45.242-06:00Playing Catch Up<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Welp, I did some much needed updating to the blog. Got my background from </span><a href="http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/category/backgrounds/page/7"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/category/backgrounds/page/7</span></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. I like it much better than the last one. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know, I know, it has been much too long since my last post. So, finally, to appease the wondering, I will quickly catch up on the last six months of life. So much to report, but I will recount the highlights. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As is true with me and all possible forms of communication, I fail to be consistent. However, sissykins has a most excellent blog to view at </span><a href="http://www.mismatchedsimplicity.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.mismatchedsimplicity.com/</span></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and she is always keeping it updated. Her life as a newlywed is far more exciting, check it out! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is an accurate depiciton of my living room on a typical Tuesday/Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday. Grad school has taken over my life! Whoever decided that teaching full time and getting a graduate degree was NUTS! I never realized how much I would have to sacrifice for this...I sincerely hope it is worth it. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgIJPhlCjAgxsNh32q7K4JbNH2IKc737UC7n8RwnqNaIxuk7oJk5ygpcVRWbr6q82adQcatcK3tkCwAakkX0z3bCQLsg5Ec3ClfCYZuVXMytHc50g7dgWMpaSFSqh-YAVGW72zNmUykdB/s640/blogger-image-670083809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgIJPhlCjAgxsNh32q7K4JbNH2IKc737UC7n8RwnqNaIxuk7oJk5ygpcVRWbr6q82adQcatcK3tkCwAakkX0z3bCQLsg5Ec3ClfCYZuVXMytHc50g7dgWMpaSFSqh-YAVGW72zNmUykdB/s320/blogger-image-670083809.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Working hard, one stack of reading at a time...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These girlies and their parents have been in my life since I was 11. Sweet Sammy Love has cerebral palsy and I have been blessed to work with her since she was 2. Her sixteenth birthday is just weeks away! I cannot believe how quickly she has grown and how much progress she has made over the years. These girls call me sister and share their lives with me. I am so proud of each of them and all of their accomplishments and thankful for the opportunity to watch them grow into amazing women of God.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGT8aEKuY6Uy6F5AkxGFua50ppcSD4GqEeR0crc7_fA4g9OjvmqMl7PYR5EoVEhrGLjaw4UupGHqIFUzpTwqviQPRkLkOituY5VotHQqpRvt7vNj4yppJPTspMXoYknFMCqEz3uk-JEZ80/s640/blogger-image-141788367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGT8aEKuY6Uy6F5AkxGFua50ppcSD4GqEeR0crc7_fA4g9OjvmqMl7PYR5EoVEhrGLjaw4UupGHqIFUzpTwqviQPRkLkOituY5VotHQqpRvt7vNj4yppJPTspMXoYknFMCqEz3uk-JEZ80/s200/blogger-image-141788367.jpg" width="172" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl3yRoOwKKSm0snMW_w4RCdKDyk-ygX6ksOnPHpD3vldHCJboU5k3zX10IwokuU87fcQ6giSY5sSmiA58nPOaWhy8Rnt4TeVHz4BlyJhceuJq2w82c1Aw4tNEM6VnPWlccRIlAQsOpimY/s1600/sammylove2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl3yRoOwKKSm0snMW_w4RCdKDyk-ygX6ksOnPHpD3vldHCJboU5k3zX10IwokuU87fcQ6giSY5sSmiA58nPOaWhy8Rnt4TeVHz4BlyJhceuJq2w82c1Aw4tNEM6VnPWlccRIlAQsOpimY/s200/sammylove2.JPG" width="150" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-oGiJpJ9D9mj61Yoj4fXaEokdFFnvOZ4kwFH6GhC0wlq00B5O8yhYWRoGtb9Yxr8pypM6PNdYePNbi_VfLmSsaXtuFRnGXFr6U2ZFHJJGnXqs3pZbcgbUISU7qcK7VJ5DMgEHWnh0IHP/s1600/girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-oGiJpJ9D9mj61Yoj4fXaEokdFFnvOZ4kwFH6GhC0wlq00B5O8yhYWRoGtb9Yxr8pypM6PNdYePNbi_VfLmSsaXtuFRnGXFr6U2ZFHJJGnXqs3pZbcgbUISU7qcK7VJ5DMgEHWnh0IHP/s200/girls.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Moments with My Girls!</span></h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmAyAI5eV8Fkrgs8qI7JBk4GRZxmTuZVvgtemMRUnMVTp4zPRtKqCaE53Uy89DgP8H0ypcABMH6Y3fGUlOny_Nw-AgXQ_LebFrhzfAFB_a6c2gHNaM9F66cTdM9RoekMHrf_ZinXNkScx/s640/blogger-image-1014873009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmAyAI5eV8Fkrgs8qI7JBk4GRZxmTuZVvgtemMRUnMVTp4zPRtKqCaE53Uy89DgP8H0ypcABMH6Y3fGUlOny_Nw-AgXQ_LebFrhzfAFB_a6c2gHNaM9F66cTdM9RoekMHrf_ZinXNkScx/s640/blogger-image-1014873009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmAyAI5eV8Fkrgs8qI7JBk4GRZxmTuZVvgtemMRUnMVTp4zPRtKqCaE53Uy89DgP8H0ypcABMH6Y3fGUlOny_Nw-AgXQ_LebFrhzfAFB_a6c2gHNaM9F66cTdM9RoekMHrf_ZinXNkScx/s400/blogger-image-1014873009.jpg" width="299" /></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> </a><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Pops and I have continued our running streak, although our consistency has started to dwindle. With grad school and added stress on the work front, for both of us, running has proven to be quite a challenge this season. Pops informed me his long distance running days are coming to an end. That news was tragic...doesn't he know he isn't allowed to abandon me on the road until I have another long term running buddy?!?! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spooky Science Day in my classroom. <br />
Students created and observed chemical <br />
reactions themed around Halloween.<br />
I guess I'd think that was pretty fun too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEHdHog0pjqYDID6WbyjUB4hZgyT3GDwfFflUoETFMuPUg3xevDaA2PkCjiTwSrTN0MgsUiSCFQRE6wcBoxo3vsl1Qy12XWsw53aj0QWqdengh3GlnbqyztLa4-eS69u0IGTqkKWF8bs5/s400/blogger-image-1209992473.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'm a party dude so that's why I like your class u make it fun." </td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, to reference my friend Jessie, I have 'taken a seat on the struggle bus' this year! Gah, teaching is not the thrilling experience I hoped it would be. I love it, don't get me wrong, but the fun has really been sucked out of this career. If you follow the fabulous Love, Teach Blog, <a href="http://www.loveteachblog.com/2013_08_01_archive.html">http://www.loveteachblog.com/2013_08_01_archive.html</a>, you know what I mean when I say it is not a year of puppies and rainbows. This year has been a challenge! I got this note last week and it made me giggle. No matter how tough the days are, I know God has placed me here for a purpose and there is beauty in His plan. This kid gets something out of my class each day and finds it relatable. I must be doing something right. Thankful for treasures like this...and yes, I will keep it for the future book. </span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; color: purple; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbIY0_T0qKrAULiOSzAFphfJ_NRLmFYjl7UUKG7WtCO0M7E8NfcXZopN3lFzdVoh24euCA95XQIX60hsARAJcCIlcQV1IV2pePbk62sKWl4kAYH4HWPGMOedpJl3p7hto8D-iMv9RJGBS/s320/blogger-image--1724831786.jpg" width="240" /></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But for the exciting part, CHRISTMAS IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!! I have waited all year for this! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the holidays! It can't get here fast enough! We got to be completely selfish with Annie and BoPants during Thanksgiving...and I must say I loved every second of it! I wasn't sure if I was prepared for how holidays would change now that they are married, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much things stayed the same. They are just fabulous and I am so thankful lil BoPants fits in our family so well. </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color: purple;">If you are a lucky recipient of The Ayers Annual Christmas Card, you know you have the legendary Bear Picture to look forward to. That's right, another glorius Ayers Family Tradition! This white bear stud has been around longer than I have been. My parents shot our first family Christmas card with that bear the year I was born. Every year, we take a 'Bear Picture' and include items nostalgic to what we are involved in for that year. I won't post the real deal photo in fears momma might be uuber upset that I spoiled her grand photo, but I thought you might enjoy the outtakes. And yes, BoPants has officially made the Christmas card this year! I was particularly uncooperative this year. Eh, we have to have at least a little fun with it. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw7kmGBTwLPZhXqtd-5H0dQuY8OuHbStU_VyaScgD51Ack-MsSX-qA3tMZReqxz686w_fe06VvcabJOV_dAu8A11dP4FtmPxAfZXhySJL5rHp713sh0l6K1rH97TQHosCCQYY2xq-iqdQ/s1600/blogger-image-956596747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw7kmGBTwLPZhXqtd-5H0dQuY8OuHbStU_VyaScgD51Ack-MsSX-qA3tMZReqxz686w_fe06VvcabJOV_dAu8A11dP4FtmPxAfZXhySJL5rHp713sh0l6K1rH97TQHosCCQYY2xq-iqdQ/s640/blogger-image-956596747.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4iVYaFcXlPdDRkNj3GI2ZW-qZQHGnYFFFr-19K3IcyNQgXEDapKeITBpaEYkPlijqlSuKxMYW6-KOPqQjWPy3LiqsjnslDuvO2RJ8ALI4dp9wahDaq1Y7yWjOJAatOfF42LZOkeCUuAD/s1600/bear+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4iVYaFcXlPdDRkNj3GI2ZW-qZQHGnYFFFr-19K3IcyNQgXEDapKeITBpaEYkPlijqlSuKxMYW6-KOPqQjWPy3LiqsjnslDuvO2RJ8ALI4dp9wahDaq1Y7yWjOJAatOfF42LZOkeCUuAD/s400/bear+2.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Every year, for my mom's birthday, I purchase momma some unique holiday decorations and help her decorate her house for the holidays. We got quite a bit accomplished on Black Friday. BoPants even got a stocking to add to the mantle. However, we are still in search of the perfect stocking holder. Best part about the coming month is ALL of my Christmas shopping done. That's right, all presents purchased, and most of them wrapped. Yes, it is a remarkable feeling!! I cannot wait for the blessing of this holiday season! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EKz0ZfL4S-Ds2oNBW5f6OgwGyWe7GJYeLyRwiG3cUA1Mf7qv3RasBaxXclFblbL7oYzx46QVvUZotx0CbypGZJEn3g121c80r5U1m4NUgFlm68io8u2W8HQAI6HDCZZxRWf6H__DzYY4/s1600/take+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EKz0ZfL4S-Ds2oNBW5f6OgwGyWe7GJYeLyRwiG3cUA1Mf7qv3RasBaxXclFblbL7oYzx46QVvUZotx0CbypGZJEn3g121c80r5U1m4NUgFlm68io8u2W8HQAI6HDCZZxRWf6H__DzYY4/s320/take+time.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIgdV_NGc6t0RRzuXfUDqLPQEEizzxaJj5wFCUFXzrB9e7gDysd3e9l20kVb-TX0yI55HVTu2jqEXhL2ckQF6N8HtmsqXnensVD6uEHSxkdohdkV9BVT6ijctxcQcg47N4IzGephqWIek/s1600/momma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIgdV_NGc6t0RRzuXfUDqLPQEEizzxaJj5wFCUFXzrB9e7gDysd3e9l20kVb-TX0yI55HVTu2jqEXhL2ckQF6N8HtmsqXnensVD6uEHSxkdohdkV9BVT6ijctxcQcg47N4IzGephqWIek/s320/momma.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">One last thing...my inspirational nugget until next time! I always forget how much joy I find in writing. It is so easy to get caught up in the pressures of the world and the expectations today brings. But, there is more to life than living out the agenda. Take time out for you this Holiday season and do what makes you happy. Find joy in the small things and do something special to bless someone around you. After all, it's all about </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Life's Simple Pleasures </span></div>
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kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-18161778653341254142013-07-07T23:09:00.000-05:002013-07-08T00:10:25.642-05:00Endings As New Beginnings<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">As I was reading from my Kindle app on the airplane back to America, I noticed I had not actually finished any of my downloaded books from cover to cover. I start reading three at a time and never finish any of them! I have a history of this problem. I always start book and never finish them. I will listen to the same song 150 times in a row. Usually, I will restart it before the song actually ends. I do this with movies too. I don't often watch movies at home, but when I do, I usually don't watch them all the way through. Or, I'll watch only the first part every single time. The question is 'why'? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I could deduce that I just get bored or distracted. I have so much going on all the time, it would be easy to have other things to do. Or maybe, I want to savor the excitement to come back to later when I have nothing better to do. Perhaps I would prefer to create my own endings in my mind as they tend to be better than the author's ideas anyways. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">In all honesty, I think it's because I don't like things to end. This disdain for ending continued upon my return to The States. I didn't want the trip to end. I wasn't really ready to come home, I was just ready for a change of scenery. I added on addendums to my trip to make it last longer visiting a few more friends, my college roommate and my grandparents. Because, ending that trip meant 'now what?' until the next adventure. And the in between is not near as fun and exciting!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOB1o18y5d0S09SeRZTHEMO4KCwXkOneFq_y2aI16UDVc_BeeKeITkjmk6E3rOw-zAUA7uEXhPQkMJPxvqTMTYgiSRzjEswmGzOH0n62FoCKtdQEAU48lZWltXQw5_BijWW6BF7JYzQf34/s1600/iPhone+373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOB1o18y5d0S09SeRZTHEMO4KCwXkOneFq_y2aI16UDVc_BeeKeITkjmk6E3rOw-zAUA7uEXhPQkMJPxvqTMTYgiSRzjEswmGzOH0n62FoCKtdQEAU48lZWltXQw5_BijWW6BF7JYzQf34/s200/iPhone+373.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All my baggage...literally.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">I have been home a week and my suitcases still lie in the living room awaiting to be unpacked. In fact, even as I pack up everything else in my house to move, I haven't touched those bags. I have been looking forward to moving, however, I am so not in the mood to pack that I have considered staying just to avoid closing out this lease. However, today, I made too much progress (thanks only to a friend who should consider being a professional packer), so it makes more sense to move than to stay. Again, it goes back to this fear of things ending. Moving means change and change means adjustment. Adjustment means stress and stress means running...lots and lots of running. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ_emnqYEEbU3Cf1E3UpnZCy2qK1NZXyuuFQG-klHcCizKsEangmq8LsEfy5K7g8h8teUsFoXARLct5GdKVQ5WYc1Gj7P9TPUDOyb2BrjNAAutAAa5zNvcRtkQr5lPXiZUIjgTw4_SOoj/s1600/iPhone+317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ_emnqYEEbU3Cf1E3UpnZCy2qK1NZXyuuFQG-klHcCizKsEangmq8LsEfy5K7g8h8teUsFoXARLct5GdKVQ5WYc1Gj7P9TPUDOyb2BrjNAAutAAa5zNvcRtkQr5lPXiZUIjgTw4_SOoj/s400/iPhone+317.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Underground tunnel tag job in Canterbury</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Running leads to over thinking. At this task, I am an expert! I never realized how much I over think things until I started talking through my thoughts with others and stressed them out by all my thinking. So here is what the over thinking has revealed. </span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px;">Some things have to end. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px;">Without endings, there cannot be new beginnings. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px;">The end of good things leads to great things. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px;">We would miss the magnitude of the great things if there weren't merely good things along the way. </span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tzgNVHFWyX0gLhLGPLe0ORsLw-ihzyCju2cxLtkn2n7tHtgXNUFWoonXCG4-5Mtu91R-jyY8WtPVB6-F0gEOsYTgL8dvy-c3J37PtVWBf8j5W5P6yu-V86RdE9AA37eOLYZtqPiXCPoo/s1600/speed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tzgNVHFWyX0gLhLGPLe0ORsLw-ihzyCju2cxLtkn2n7tHtgXNUFWoonXCG4-5Mtu91R-jyY8WtPVB6-F0gEOsYTgL8dvy-c3J37PtVWBf8j5W5P6yu-V86RdE9AA37eOLYZtqPiXCPoo/s1600/speed.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It shouldn't be about speed</span></td></tr>
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<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">And maybe it isn't about endings after all. Maybe it is more about the means to an end. I ran into a friend this week at a coffee shop and we started talking about our hobby of running. We both admitted we haven't been so great about doing it as of late. We started talking about speed and how it would be good to work on speed before working on endurance. In most areas of my life, I'm a bit of a speed demon. I am in a hurry to get everywhere, achieve everything, and get everything accomplished. I rarely slow down to smell the stinking roses...which could be because I don't like flowers! Anyhow, as much as I don't like things to end, I rush through the process to get to the end for closure. Yet, then, I am wondering what is supposed to happen now? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">So, the application: </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">I recognize I am in a season of many new beginnings. I can continue to dread the endings and miss out on the beauty of the present, or I can try to appreciate the present. I can block out the parts I don't like and replay only what I do like. Or, I can recognize the importance of all parts of the process leading to the end and find significance in the present. One step at a time, one day at a time, one chapter at a time, one full track at a time, I am working on endurance of the journey.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuSP-VfrsMkWyFw89zJGfC3IVYchvMbQ2afdYtPA2UYGfcQRr3BKdDlgzb2l1lUtnWfWbqkvPt8e2vBud3qFrDQIGdtHeFIe0KUF44L8qkmLGQp7eJ6qMxrHpHaSuHhMUZejUbUWecwG_/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuSP-VfrsMkWyFw89zJGfC3IVYchvMbQ2afdYtPA2UYGfcQRr3BKdDlgzb2l1lUtnWfWbqkvPt8e2vBud3qFrDQIGdtHeFIe0KUF44L8qkmLGQp7eJ6qMxrHpHaSuHhMUZejUbUWecwG_/s320/cookies.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-55450494520228735312013-06-28T14:39:00.001-05:002013-07-08T00:16:08.602-05:00The Land of Tea and Crumpets<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfNeldneRyEzIO5b6oLug8EJ-uChGpZdrITXjq-4M0B5mvJ933xT5cWYgMOyPaRqaXNrLBUaA2fnqEbM5GwJ-YjGtA7rhGKTbQd_IVFudCgqLiEfyEeXdZwLNUiQJus1x8HAY4B-uZ0nU/s640/blogger-image-147747665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfNeldneRyEzIO5b6oLug8EJ-uChGpZdrITXjq-4M0B5mvJ933xT5cWYgMOyPaRqaXNrLBUaA2fnqEbM5GwJ-YjGtA7rhGKTbQd_IVFudCgqLiEfyEeXdZwLNUiQJus1x8HAY4B-uZ0nU/s200/blogger-image-147747665.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mom, pops, and I in our hotel room. <br />Who was the monkey in the middle??</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Mom and pops have arrived! It was so exciting to see them. It's like a sudden sense of comfort came over me when I saw them. I enjoy exploring by myself, but it's nice to have them along as companions. I have moved from the teeny tiny flat into the hotel with the parents. I am quite the nomad theses days. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1byquemzbLMVzFvs6DBwgo_YXFfsw9I1JxEmA9-ubZmqrtln6Un_yip_Sz7KMDXxTP1NgMUiMu4qCBKBoreQoCVlkvbGZaRgTTfE7q-3KHeOWwmbIlhWKEaZYxlTr4dAkAQ5tGX9QB_SB/s640/blogger-image-2122821517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1byquemzbLMVzFvs6DBwgo_YXFfsw9I1JxEmA9-ubZmqrtln6Un_yip_Sz7KMDXxTP1NgMUiMu4qCBKBoreQoCVlkvbGZaRgTTfE7q-3KHeOWwmbIlhWKEaZYxlTr4dAkAQ5tGX9QB_SB/s200/blogger-image-2122821517.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thumbs up for basement Thai restaurant!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">We lucked into a disabled hotel room which happens to be huge! In fact, I'm pretty sure the bathroom alone is the size of Annie and Bo's entire flat! Best part, I don't have to shimmy sideways to get in the shower...enough said. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Best part about mom and dad being here is they were able to bring us some items we were missing. Mom brought me my favorite night lotion. I already feel more at home. They also brought my favorite pillow case, which makes sleeping on the floor a bit more homely, and a couple packs of gum. FYI, gum is not cheap in Europe and tastes funny here. Never thought I'd be so happy to see Extra! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I rarely travel with my mother without her having a plan. But, for the first evening, she didn't, so it was left to me to help us stumble upon a good supper venue. That, I can handle! We came across a Thai restaurant tucked away in the basement of a building. I know, what you're thinking...sketch. But, it was affordable, and delicious. Fastest and best service I've had in Europe. The jet lag was getting them, so it was an early night for us all. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVfCMNOz-hWmYlhMXb_HmqeprlF0AtPY_jvmb6giWVsR8Mus1kjGYhDW4AU_R18F6oNjQc4NnmAJVlBLhfkiX1OD4eq9vL4V1nLmRGSCqQ9oC9mgmxh8GGYfyt6VERSx8xHKZFxBc8tEX/s640/blogger-image--1095541275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVfCMNOz-hWmYlhMXb_HmqeprlF0AtPY_jvmb6giWVsR8Mus1kjGYhDW4AU_R18F6oNjQc4NnmAJVlBLhfkiX1OD4eq9vL4V1nLmRGSCqQ9oC9mgmxh8GGYfyt6VERSx8xHKZFxBc8tEX/s200/blogger-image--1095541275.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Flash,Bang Wallop! Blowing things up at The Science Museum!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The following morning we embodied every aspect of tourism. I swear my parents snapped pictures of Big Ben from every possible angle. We went to Trafalgar Square, toured the Supreme Court of London, and walked along the river. Mom pulled out the map at every other corner. I shunned her for looking like a tourist and she said, "I think I'm obviously a tourist by the way I am dressed...I'm not worried about the map." </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVOQXLK9ZaXIJULt2RfvWw_w6yReynwHnDeSRozQW9sB6IA_R6d4z-5XUED6OvxKWpLRJzmJkW-pvqOtsgJjEWGsNgm56spEk9s5VpzDdkYVCIOJj0JUrHJy-oraw_LbpTf_jVVmpd-F0/s640/blogger-image-1179659173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVOQXLK9ZaXIJULt2RfvWw_w6yReynwHnDeSRozQW9sB6IA_R6d4z-5XUED6OvxKWpLRJzmJkW-pvqOtsgJjEWGsNgm56spEk9s5VpzDdkYVCIOJj0JUrHJy-oraw_LbpTf_jVVmpd-F0/s200/blogger-image-1179659173.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Entering the Natural History Museum via the Earth's Interior Escalator!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We ate Mexican food for lunch (again), walked through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and went back to my favorite destination...The Science Museum. This time, it was even better! We went to a show in the kiddie zone where they did demos that exploded. I'm pretty sure we were the only participants above the age of 12. But, I was loving it!! Then, we went through the medical exhibits. I spent forever in the gift shop, and both my parents were great sports about it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7mtUNrc8wQWmM9QhxGHLdk6f2MMBJ7WTkR4HmK3gLAeHzC-H5lYX6Y4XqzNYGZMZprMbnUrhRSGNlItg61c_UR7VWAeBta4aszZV07FrNgsDgB7g2-IM0WHonDOVJ-UiEFRXhngA8u3I/s640/blogger-image--1012870719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7mtUNrc8wQWmM9QhxGHLdk6f2MMBJ7WTkR4HmK3gLAeHzC-H5lYX6Y4XqzNYGZMZprMbnUrhRSGNlItg61c_UR7VWAeBta4aszZV07FrNgsDgB7g2-IM0WHonDOVJ-UiEFRXhngA8u3I/s200/blogger-image--1012870719.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our annual flower picture...always mom's favorite.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmknGNlNLZHr_4bM-A3yy0mJsiP1jSaYyuZq4-OGGDavWAP92yg20bgpF2hRtHmfZTo_LevRc3uEOpot-2Pfhuil_TAQwZdXmXYDb0276StMWD4ft9ODiXHVMnegGkPJ1Xg3BP3219srv/s640/blogger-image-381393748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmknGNlNLZHr_4bM-A3yy0mJsiP1jSaYyuZq4-OGGDavWAP92yg20bgpF2hRtHmfZTo_LevRc3uEOpot-2Pfhuil_TAQwZdXmXYDb0276StMWD4ft9ODiXHVMnegGkPJ1Xg3BP3219srv/s200/blogger-image-381393748.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">High Tea Gluten Free set-up just for me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What a treat! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Friday brought with it lots of walking...in the rain. That's more like London, but thus far, I have been lucky to miss the rain. Don't get me wrong, rain is my favorite, but I like it when I can stay inside and drink coffee and read, not walk all over the city. We went to the Natural History Museum where my family allowed me to do more scientific research. This time pops became a nerd with me! We met Bo for lunch at a delicious British restaurant and saw St. Paul's Cathedral and Harrod's before relaxing at High Tea. I think we all agreed that High Tea was the trip highlight so far...aside from the science museums of course! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tomorrow is the surprise excursion that momma and a family friend planned for us. The end of my trip is quick approaching so I'm living every experience to the fullest! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sissykins and I <span style="text-align: start;">pretending to be rulers of our prospective <br />countries in courtroom 3 of the London Supreme Court.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Imitators of the swan. We were tired of the serious pose.</span></span></td></tr>
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kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-62774475255053016512013-06-25T03:10:00.001-05:002013-06-25T03:10:51.402-05:00Welcome to London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have been overseas a little over a week! The time has flown by since I've been here. There is so much to do and see. People everywhere! The weather has been perfect, overcast but sunny with the perfect amount of chill. Perfect cardigan weather...which is always my preference. However, I am looking forward to my beach trip when I get home! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Annie and Bo have a teeny tiny flat. I'd say 500 sq feet is a generous estimate. They created a nice makeshift bed for me at the foot of their bed. They graciously gave up their mattress pad, which I have doubled over for a pallet. I am using a mattress pad cover and a towel as a blanket. But let me just say, it is rather comfortable! I sleep better here than I do at home. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On a typical weekday Bo goes to work. He has a great internship that he really seems to be enjoying. He is full of facts about the city from all the reading he does. Annie and I appreciate having someone who likes to do the research around as neither one of us keeps up with current events or the local interests. Annie and I patiently wait for Moneybags to get home and then we head off to explore. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This past week sister and I took a trip to Ireland. I have been dying to go there and finally got my chance! We decided on the cheapest travel option, a 12 hour overnight coach ride. We thought that would be an easy 12 hour sleep in the bus...but we didn't think about Ireland's island status which would require us to cross by water. We were awoken in the middle of the night to go through customs and board a ferry. We sleepily arrived at 6 am in the Land of Leprechauns. We had the whole day to explore and we were starving. However, the Irish don't wake up that early. In fact, breakfast places don't even open until 8am. Guess they have too much fun the night before...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, we decided to work on our Old Glory list while we waited. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0bDTMoc60PhyphenhyphenESPL-o6yHQPd5ng_WTppQOGjLUl0UkZ0G6P5GwYBLKntbBc60bPd5ZJ1xDyQ0D46xi7X5nKapl7A2YBtgMClGN7pR4titJ9O-KFkrX54E6QDHYssv8rMm9sPq4faE3us/s1600/IMG_0700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0bDTMoc60PhyphenhyphenESPL-o6yHQPd5ng_WTppQOGjLUl0UkZ0G6P5GwYBLKntbBc60bPd5ZJ1xDyQ0D46xi7X5nKapl7A2YBtgMClGN7pR4titJ9O-KFkrX54E6QDHYssv8rMm9sPq4faE3us/s320/IMG_0700.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We stayed in a hostel while in Ireland. Believe me, I had my reservations, but it really wasn't bad. It was very affordable and clean. We were in an all female room with 7 other girls from all over Europe. We made conversation with some of our bed mates, one from Holland and one from Australia. It was really cool to hear their perspectives on things. They know so much about America, and we know so little about their countries. We all spoke English, but it was fun to find differences in our words. We discussed cultural differences and social norms in our countries. Very enlightening conversation, but it made Annie and I that more aware of how great America is. I'm not ready to come home yet, but I'm thankful for the freedoms we have in our country.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh7YSdYA_JfBhLe5L3xyuPaPgPuQYsRgGb6zJ4kfGot6HpLFrOBqOgcKNPVu_qGze0HgDO9rC_Q9yyjRCGavp9qaVeuF-KpR1Sh2lxokvDyuyl_A2DGH_5d4WfHFm06kb6KjCmvRVHPm1/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh7YSdYA_JfBhLe5L3xyuPaPgPuQYsRgGb6zJ4kfGot6HpLFrOBqOgcKNPVu_qGze0HgDO9rC_Q9yyjRCGavp9qaVeuF-KpR1Sh2lxokvDyuyl_A2DGH_5d4WfHFm06kb6KjCmvRVHPm1/s200/IMG_0775.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I longed to run along the coast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz0D9c_vggHASUQTLeTNuKVz3hameEe6RqhCobfm5-WN54-Np_huj3WvGfAzZKznPaOEBwSHZABi9t39ZYlCf1GhEbtkW6-IkAIh7ohyphenhyphen2USLCsj1VfeNxGOEZL2E62sLLrd1Sw5rI54yY/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz0D9c_vggHASUQTLeTNuKVz3hameEe6RqhCobfm5-WN54-Np_huj3WvGfAzZKznPaOEBwSHZABi9t39ZYlCf1GhEbtkW6-IkAIh7ohyphenhyphen2USLCsj1VfeNxGOEZL2E62sLLrd1Sw5rI54yY/s200/IMG_0784.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malahide castle</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our favorite experience in Ireland was going through the countryside to Northern Ireland for a castle tour. Such a welcomed change from the hustle and bustle of the cities. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Back in London, we have enjoyed some relaxing time. Yesterday was Bo's birthday, so we went out for mexican food at a restaurant that had been recommended to us. It was delicious! Best meal we've had yet, I'd say. No matter where we go, we can't survive without the mexican food! We have seen some of the great sights of London, but we are saving most of our sightseeing for the arrival of our parents. They will be here tomorrow and they want to see everything. We are resting up now knowing it will be non-stop exploration once they arrive. They have planned a surprise day trip away for us on Saturday. That should be a blast! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The last time I was in London was four years ago. I was studying abroad as a college student. It's amazing how different the experience is when you are traveling for leisure. A lot has changed in my life in those four years, however, the city remains very much the same. I went back to the place I lived last time and walked the streets reminiscing of those experiences. In many ways, that trip shaped my love of travel. It gave me the confidence to go off on my own and make memories for myself. So, fast forward four years, and I am doing just that. One day at a time, documenting new memories for the future to come.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwI0SY97q9xDnPGXc1W3vQKEoMJk61lSBROQZyrartnnaAdIksZJ7MjeCcYYQqgIf7UT_SOlYefw83HLmcweIzWpbNynUc3l6rrOrr1KmkLuWBoZVQfzuaqqEm8x78Wy87lQeyVndnUvDC/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwI0SY97q9xDnPGXc1W3vQKEoMJk61lSBROQZyrartnnaAdIksZJ7MjeCcYYQqgIf7UT_SOlYefw83HLmcweIzWpbNynUc3l6rrOrr1KmkLuWBoZVQfzuaqqEm8x78Wy87lQeyVndnUvDC/s400/IMG_0617.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trafalgar Square</td></tr>
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</span>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-34673287515202340952013-06-12T09:05:00.000-05:002013-06-12T09:05:02.372-05:00I'm Back! In response to multiple requests, I am getting back to blogging. It has been FOREVER! Maybe this time I will be a little more consistent, but don't cross your fingers. I get distracted from blogging easily!<br />
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I am amazed at how quickly time goes. As I reflect over my journaling over the years, so much has changed, yet so much is exactly the same. Things that I have been 'working on' for years still have yet to be fixed. Places I plan on going still need to be visited. Goals I plan to reach are still in the being set stage.<br />
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Last week, I visited a friend and went to church with her family. It was senior Sunday and all the graduates were receiving a gift. Each student was introduced to the congregation and a synopsis of their life plans was shared, including where they plan to be in 10 years. Without fail, all the girls mentioned that they planned to be married with kids in 10 years. My friend and I giggled as it sounds so cliche. Yet, I'm certain that was my plan when I graduated too. It hasn't been 10 years, but it sure feels like it some days! However, with each year that passes, I get farther and farther away from that vision. I don't think I knew what would be possible for me when I created <i>my</i> life plan. But, life just happens and those plans change for the better. And, now, I'm content knowing there really isn't any sense in planning because God's got a way better planner than I do.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granny and Grandpa Fred...love them so much!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OlAR9Wd2uU3CQgOEV3Oj1r1fVdXS-xMpRzqQei_zXmxHnyNFmYWSMXmxPHhxX2U3oUMbFJ3KerTAwWnnwf6xCXtQnH3BWaxRGMhjq13Z_j1_tj4AMnTA8_XcN2_Cicym68fTHp-zU_UI/s1600/iPhone+253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OlAR9Wd2uU3CQgOEV3Oj1r1fVdXS-xMpRzqQei_zXmxHnyNFmYWSMXmxPHhxX2U3oUMbFJ3KerTAwWnnwf6xCXtQnH3BWaxRGMhjq13Z_j1_tj4AMnTA8_XcN2_Cicym68fTHp-zU_UI/s320/iPhone+253.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and his babies on wedding day!</td></tr>
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Sissykins is married now! I can't believe they just got engaged in November and walked down the aisle in May. It went by so fast! I am still elated for them. I may be more excited than they are. They left the day after their wedding for Europe.<br />
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You can follow their adventure at <a href="http://mismatchedsimplicity.blogspot.co.uk/">http://mismatchedsimplicity.blogspot.co.uk/</a>. I will be joining them on Saturday for a few weeks! I CANNOT wait! I studied abroad in London in 2010 and loved it. I have been dying to go back, and now is the perfect chance. Bo, Annie, and I are all in countdown mode. Three days to go!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">England 2010...we'll compare here in a few weeks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who knew we'd be education partners in crime?!</td></tr>
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Today, I am starting grad school with a dear friend of mine. This opportunity took both of us by surprise and acceptance seemed a bit of a long shot. We both got accepted and will be embarking on this journey together! I'm already ready to graduate! That's right, haven't even been to the campus yet! That pretty much sums up my issue with patience in all areas of my life.<br />
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I am so thankful for summer! I love getting to travel...well, let's be honest...I do that all the time, so summer doesn't really change that. I think I am in Lubbock for less than 13 days in the months of May-August. Wouldn't have it any other way! The world was meant to be explored one adventure at a time.<br />
<br />kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-29565521587343960592012-11-11T22:16:00.001-06:002012-11-11T22:16:58.120-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What a crazy week this has been! I drove in from Annie’s engagement weekend late Sunday night. With no energy, I showered and crashed, awakening to yet another busy week. My students did experiments Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday we played “I Spy a Chemical Reaction” making real world connections to physical and chemical changes around our campus. Wednesday afternoon, my parents and I hit the road for Corpus Christi for the annual Conference for the Advancement of Science Teachers (CAST) where I would be receiving my award. We stopped in San Antonio to spend the night with the grandparents. Thursday morning, we arrived beach side for a day of geeky excitement.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pops and I after a successful presentation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">My amazing co-presenter, Ashley</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thursday was memorable for so many reasons. I forget how much I enjoy going to conferences, but each experience is better than the last. I run into so many friends that are on the same crazy, educational adventure as myself. My dear friend and I got to catch up over lunch. We reminisced over all our college memories. My, how things have changed in two short years! My Texas Tech CISER family was there in science style with support and smiles. I definitely miss those days. I presented two workshops, one with a friend and one with my dad. Both presentations went quite smoothly. My friend is an impressive presenter. I cannot wait to see where her career takes her. She is going to be very successful in the classroom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The best part about the experience was having my Knight support. My principal arranged for the science department to come to CAST in support of my award. I was more excited for all of them to get the CAST experience in all its geeky glory! I had no idea how special it would be to have all of them there. I still can’t believe they orchestrated that on my behalf. I am so blessed to work at a school with such strong community among co-workers and a supportive infrastructure.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">The Knight Science Department was there to support...<br />Principal not pictured as he was in transit.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I absolutely love working with kids and being in the classroom. I recognize my passion for teaching and my gift for communicating with children; however, there is a part of me that enjoys teaching teachers. I get a high from sharing my stories with other teachers in hopes that, they too, will have success with their students. I get excited to present and could see myself making a career of it in the future. The question is, could I do it without missing my kiddoes? What would I do without the hysterical daily comment? I’m sure the answers to those questions will come in time.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">The 2012 award winners for the state of Texas</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the meantime, I am eager to get back to my kids. I am excited for them to test this week and prove to themselves that they know this material. I am thankful to have a calm weekend ahead to relax and rejuvenate. I am grateful to have a job I look forward to working each and every day. </span></div>
kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-59695593882824961432012-11-11T22:00:00.003-06:002012-11-11T22:01:13.806-06:00They're Goin to the Chapel!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_A__z5_Cu1PZxEBm7iuDmZDoky8mYYXPA7II3npUdEJCZcUVR4dr2Lohyphenhyphen8gz6SS6E62X9la5AMBf7BBZXi918g5Y2O_5ekIgMjuz6o1Q-sOS5jronyUPMgw-eq8meJfQ59ufFlmL30gR/s1600/IMG_0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_A__z5_Cu1PZxEBm7iuDmZDoky8mYYXPA7II3npUdEJCZcUVR4dr2Lohyphenhyphen8gz6SS6E62X9la5AMBf7BBZXi918g5Y2O_5ekIgMjuz6o1Q-sOS5jronyUPMgw-eq8meJfQ59ufFlmL30gR/s400/IMG_0604.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Happy Engagement Lovebirds!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We often make the joke that my life is a lifetime movie. There is always a good story and unusual occurrences in my world. Not to worry, no kidnappings or murder weapons, just out of the ordinary laughable stories that are not fit for the Hallmark network. As I drove to College Station for my sister’s surprise engagement, I thought to myself, “I’m taking a break from the Lifetime Network and venturing into the land of Hallmark.” Smiles, kisses, tears, and most obviously, love. The real kind of love that makes your heart warm, not the infatuation we have demoralized love to be.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Torn out book pages hung on twine with hand painted letters</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was my favorite Hallmark movie yet! Sissykins was so excited. Yes, she was surprised. She knew it was coming, but was uncertain of the actual moment. She had no idea Bo would bring an entourage. Nor, did she know it would be in College Station in order for her to share the moment with her closest friends. For me, the best part was the preparation. Once Bo told me his plan, I began planning my portion, food and decorations. Now, that I can do! I scouted out the perfect decorations and carefully planned the menu for their engagement celebration. Everything fell together perfectly.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Modgepodged book for letters from friends, old record decorated with fabric paint on a vintage record player</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Cake ball stand made with old book ages, <br />ribbon and twine atop vintage books</span></td></tr>
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The sweetest part for me was speaking with Bo the days leading up to the big moment. He asked my advice on whom to include, what to wear, and how to get Annie distracted. I think he wins the award for Best Bro-In-Law, and he isn’t even official yet. I have been part of multiple weddings, but never in the planning of a proposal.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Table set-up with hand painted 'love' sign</span></td></tr>
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The proposal was perfectly them. No other couple would do it quite the same way. It was wonderfully sweet and they were precious to watch as they retold the story to friend after friend. Annie was extremely pleased with the ring Bo selected and his decision to go with rose gold. It looks stunning on her delicate fingers.</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Annie and Bo have an unusual relationship. Though they have been in a long distance relationship for two years, in many ways, they are closer than other couples I know. I couldn't put any two better together more perfectly. They encourage each other and support each other in ways no one else can. Bo treats Annie as a gentleman should. His affection for her is proof that Godly men do exist and a man like that is worth the wait.</span></div>
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I didn’t think plans for a wedding would come together so quickly, but she has frugally amazed me thus far. In less than a week, the biggest details are settled. Dress shopping has commenced and it was so much fun to see her dressed up in gown after gown. I wait with anticipation for May 24, a day I will always remember as a special day for our family.</div>
kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-91782572385365428552012-01-29T21:44:00.000-06:002012-01-29T21:44:31.419-06:00Cease To Speak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL26V59-N-GmEnnO4M5cTW2-ueAMDIosGrVflkwBUxGpORzdRZ_6-P86NrGXaBe_ian5-PuIF2rvC-ylRoJDEsUMLOJowtWsNOIiQSoNEGPNxK9-H95-cqf2iujLqI-KUxKXn-2bjv1Je/s1600/vintage+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL26V59-N-GmEnnO4M5cTW2-ueAMDIosGrVflkwBUxGpORzdRZ_6-P86NrGXaBe_ian5-PuIF2rvC-ylRoJDEsUMLOJowtWsNOIiQSoNEGPNxK9-H95-cqf2iujLqI-KUxKXn-2bjv1Je/s400/vintage+books.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At some point, we all learned the art of storytelling. We share the details of our life in vivid color, over and over, for listening ears to hear. There is so much to be heard; the rhythm in a song, the laughter of a child, the crying of a soul, the longing of a heart. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't doubt that we all have intriguing stories to tell, but we didn't weave these stories together by ourselves. We needed an author. The Author of all our stories is the same, we just experience Him in different ways. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are common themes in our stories; ones of happiness and hurt, success and failure, companionship and loneliness, courage and weakness. Sometimes we know what comes next in our storyboard, and sometimes it comes as a total shock. Our lives are full of cliff hangers and twists. After all, isn't that the best part?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unfortunately, there is a point we come to, when we think we are qualified to be the author. We take the pages of our lives into our own hands and try to craft a "perfect" story with all the elements we love most. Yet, somehow, we are never quite satisfied with the book we put together. There is something missing. The ending just doesn't seem right. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_pzUQaVLpoXoZwLlTtY_fKKFcU3jjx5KMoFQAScpp8ITch2dnM2Ur3-P-WdjknIvScHotInXCSygb4KVt62eFZCMc8OnCggmLDhK8R51G3dxhRXr17VlH0XARgdSsIBcJEjdV7bWKusN/s1600/comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_pzUQaVLpoXoZwLlTtY_fKKFcU3jjx5KMoFQAScpp8ITch2dnM2Ur3-P-WdjknIvScHotInXCSygb4KVt62eFZCMc8OnCggmLDhK8R51G3dxhRXr17VlH0XARgdSsIBcJEjdV7bWKusN/s320/comparison.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We gaze upon the story of other's and wonder why there story is better than our own. We promote our book like it's better than it really is and can't understand why no one else wants to read it. We seek inspiration to improve our story, and end up coming back to The Author. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The secret is in The Author's whisper. He knows a better ending of which we could never even dream. He knows how to inspire the audience and has a way of letting our story speak for itself. So, why try and take over a perfectly good story when our own would be mediocre at best?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm letting The Author write, edit, and illustrate my story. It will be just as much a surprise to me as it is to everyone else. But, I have no doubt it will be the best book I have ever read. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YoTtsrIQt9ZLgMEl50gYN_dQs_blO9jOEo834qT9u5WA6zF0v3aHZORKQkPVRRGGvUPzPMUHmAL7BxmThhMgqeZMqr3hHNoMIjhhqAxECCoyAoR6WTd_RHcvggUWBm_4PpJ5QFifZMJ7/s1600/author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YoTtsrIQt9ZLgMEl50gYN_dQs_blO9jOEo834qT9u5WA6zF0v3aHZORKQkPVRRGGvUPzPMUHmAL7BxmThhMgqeZMqr3hHNoMIjhhqAxECCoyAoR6WTd_RHcvggUWBm_4PpJ5QFifZMJ7/s320/author.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-85112904522868250962012-01-16T20:29:00.001-06:002012-01-16T20:32:13.053-06:00Ahh, Rejuvination...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV7gkhPTmDuUVQ4-JdSC6cmBaC-66imFti1n8WgppqHl0lexLpnb3M69tq4T0UIXo93O3_kgVhE21hbJdayMoyRoDyYoiwTHQyiYqZ5s4BlTf1i4eOfAVgdTQ5fLHAMbACTn8AEn7qDhj/s1600/MLK_day.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV7gkhPTmDuUVQ4-JdSC6cmBaC-66imFti1n8WgppqHl0lexLpnb3M69tq4T0UIXo93O3_kgVhE21hbJdayMoyRoDyYoiwTHQyiYqZ5s4BlTf1i4eOfAVgdTQ5fLHAMbACTn8AEn7qDhj/s200/MLK_day.gif" width="188" /></a></div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My goodness, this three day weekend was uneventful, relaxing, and fabulous! I think it may have been more rejuvenating than the Christmas break I had from school. Though I wish it would last longer, I'm glad it was short and sweet.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sisssykins and I got to see each other Friday, after work. We went to a couple vintage boutiques and discovered a new gluten free bakery. I can't even begin to explain what a treat it is to eat something safe I didn't have to bake myself! The only problem, it's reeeaaally close to work...DANGER! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinENobpchHKGEwynS6caQjb2PzWhojSQ_4RtmFj12wdAD0nDp62tk4J9k_HCrnjfBuhQDCeYT-qqCv37tb31Oae4BBGs3GBoWSHeIlpKQsI-zm3r2RDK1m_pFTqAO7WD4VANf_eyzAJgW0/s1600/peanut-butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinENobpchHKGEwynS6caQjb2PzWhojSQ_4RtmFj12wdAD0nDp62tk4J9k_HCrnjfBuhQDCeYT-qqCv37tb31Oae4BBGs3GBoWSHeIlpKQsI-zm3r2RDK1m_pFTqAO7WD4VANf_eyzAJgW0/s200/peanut-butter.jpg" width="194" /></span></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Saturday morning was our last breakfast together before Annie left to go back to college. I forget how much I enjoy those moments of family time. The weather was beautiful and made for a great afternoon run. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I went to see Joyful Noise, which was phenomenal. Not to be misconstrued, but sometimes I think I am tri-racial. I LOVE seeing movies with a multicultural audience. They say out-loud all the things I'm thinking in my head...and I love it! In fact, just this week I had a student ask me, "Ms., can I calls yuz peanut butta?" I asked, "Why?" He replied, "Cuz, you not really daak chocolate (black), you not really caramel (mexican), and you certainly ain't just white chocolate (white), so I think yuz should be peanut butta!" Haha, gotta love the thought process of middle schoolers.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sunday was church and I made it to the Bus Station for Sunday morning this week. I miss getting to go with my friends and it was a treat to be there together. I deep cleaned all afternoon, did my juicing for the week and cooked dinner. I even had time to paint my nails! Best part, I didn't have to get up for work on Monday!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Instead of going to CrossFit at 5:30am, I mosied in at 9:00. I did some unexpected shopping and had a relaxing afternoon catching up with a friend. Now, it's back to the normal routine of preparing for the week. My lunch is made, my clothes ready to go, my lessons semi-planned...ok, still have yet to do that part :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzn4Q_FJ3yHhtpb1EHVpZXeJjDFWrmqkXZ5hIi0w9EHxYAOpzOcttGUWvO5vtYoa2euR2vz-6itLo2e98yNY0gecrW7JlWESvlNTIbURk4C3KFEael2V-neaNUj88CMGJczPPVc0V4q7T/s1600/fill+the+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzn4Q_FJ3yHhtpb1EHVpZXeJjDFWrmqkXZ5hIi0w9EHxYAOpzOcttGUWvO5vtYoa2euR2vz-6itLo2e98yNY0gecrW7JlWESvlNTIbURk4C3KFEael2V-neaNUj88CMGJczPPVc0V4q7T/s1600/fill+the+page.jpg" /></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've done a lot of thinking this weekend. I've been seeking clarity in some areas of my life, and found that which I was seeking. I have a peace of mind for which I have been waiting. Therefore, I've moved onto other thoughts. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">According to Martin Luther King Jr...</span><br />
<span class="body" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"></span><span style="color: purple;">I've been pondering this. It's so easy to look around at all that is going on around us, and turn the other way. We get caught up in our own needs and wants. We forget how much we already have in comparison to over 50% of the world. We have been blessed with so much for a greater purpose. It is our responsibility to be good stewards of our wealth, in all aspects of life, and share it with others. </span></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5dSrr9hQRAWbGBCWWXXtHrO6ruEhyphenhypheno_F38q81J7uBih7MtZcwvdLXjy9Dh72zdDYI590AwXEzLObsyD8raj4zrOYWBT1qdKTS_rpb5qPLn23WxY7RPz4-IazSX6cO8noEIyouWXMSECk/s1600/love+makes+the+world+go+round.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5dSrr9hQRAWbGBCWWXXtHrO6ruEhyphenhypheno_F38q81J7uBih7MtZcwvdLXjy9Dh72zdDYI590AwXEzLObsyD8raj4zrOYWBT1qdKTS_rpb5qPLn23WxY7RPz4-IazSX6cO8noEIyouWXMSECk/s200/love+makes+the+world+go+round.jpg" width="157" /></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have been rejuvenated. I needed it, but others do too. I am committing to invest more of my time in others, to serve more diligently, and give with a cheerful heart. It may not be the New Year anymore, but anytime is a good time to start being more conscientious. You don't have to look that far to find need. </span></div><span style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If you're looking for a good place to start, visit </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.kiva.org/">http://www.kiva.org/</a>. </span>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-46580702439604000932012-01-08T22:24:00.000-06:002012-01-08T22:24:45.157-06:00Closing Out the Old, Bringing In the New<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I cannot believe I have completed a full semester of my first year of teaching. I can honestly say I love my job, even on the days I think it's ridiculous. I've learned so much from these children, and have seen the fruits of my efforts. For those of you who like to see updates, here are a few...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhyciIvkWRK3gZzdVhPu-36ikpWuqE5bX2TWKJAysRhCRVLfXj7BuyLoV6WB9GDbnbXt-VsrQD_EU_q28ICfTnm1coToSTFxnj_JeIPtLeVbTGK6Oc8cixs8SjodlqSFjIVX_roLT-24b/s1600/fall+2011+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhyciIvkWRK3gZzdVhPu-36ikpWuqE5bX2TWKJAysRhCRVLfXj7BuyLoV6WB9GDbnbXt-VsrQD_EU_q28ICfTnm1coToSTFxnj_JeIPtLeVbTGK6Oc8cixs8SjodlqSFjIVX_roLT-24b/s320/fall+2011+118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spooky Science Lab Day on Halloween. <br />
The students all got a baggy of oobleck to take home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhkfQLrGexHXe-owSfjM8bkRNyVn6ulV-MNtInGjyLE5073ghbrCBMVNZDK3xA8Tk8VEAUhRAqjxgbHK1afr2qERrCspth-hQVN4eYYfjcheEnjc7b8wRhvdpPEs3VZrBXIoYVc8KjNlL/s1600/spooky+science.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhkfQLrGexHXe-owSfjM8bkRNyVn6ulV-MNtInGjyLE5073ghbrCBMVNZDK3xA8Tk8VEAUhRAqjxgbHK1afr2qERrCspth-hQVN4eYYfjcheEnjc7b8wRhvdpPEs3VZrBXIoYVc8KjNlL/s320/spooky+science.jpg" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We explored a non-newtonian fluid...FUN!<br />
I had to cut the kids out, but their reaction<br />
was truly heart-warming.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUBvePmDp832lJNol1BoFNVdC-508tkRx5oyjAdpi6edZBP5knh1jFNJIGbekkVhyphenhyphenWs7zu-Yx_BuBcvrULjU8IimLwqT6JLNalCYnSlVH5bWkxEL4RF2FqrfPTX5Kin5KWP8FhTg8_WZT/s1600/fall+2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUBvePmDp832lJNol1BoFNVdC-508tkRx5oyjAdpi6edZBP5knh1jFNJIGbekkVhyphenhyphenWs7zu-Yx_BuBcvrULjU8IimLwqT6JLNalCYnSlVH5bWkxEL4RF2FqrfPTX5Kin5KWP8FhTg8_WZT/s320/fall+2011+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My homeroom class made the wreath and enjoyed helping with the door.<br />
All my classes made snowflakes and other decorations for the classroom.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My favorite thing about this semester was watching my students transform. I watched them learn to work together, and appreciate each other for their strengths. I witnessed them become more interested and aware of their future career options. I encouraged them to think critically, and many complied. I see their potential each day, even when I'm losing my mind, and that makes it all worth it. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wfZLVPvTnGPRcziVNX6uPYAWUm57iWViEWflqsiezYk4i7KKU7NNU14eZmFTvUe9hzVV-Yc3UvuIENvVC3IIVEe5LgEUsKnVpq6fAxQIy7thSstym49oWTYC4pM52krY83ljcW8hGazV/s1600/fall+2011+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wfZLVPvTnGPRcziVNX6uPYAWUm57iWViEWflqsiezYk4i7KKU7NNU14eZmFTvUe9hzVV-Yc3UvuIENvVC3IIVEe5LgEUsKnVpq6fAxQIy7thSstym49oWTYC4pM52krY83ljcW8hGazV/s320/fall+2011+004.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jena and I presented at the Conference for the Advancement <br />
of Science Teaching in Dallas, TX. We have been accepted <br />
to present at the National Science Teachers Association <br />
Conference in Indianapolis, IN in March!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This job has not been a walk in the park. I have definitely had my share of stress and bad days, but I would do it all again for the successes I've seen, small and large. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgD5Hk7QHb__BqMrHITXPaWiIEWof0dNu_Vdlele5t6X3R9TUqUMqhadztzBTXK2pIB2gEB-RI1djvZJBggeqR8A4op5__FJ5lOBLUgJoyBUos7Wkj-iRMNvO_rQ8rRf9QE-jo-UyLh6n/s1600/fall+2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgD5Hk7QHb__BqMrHITXPaWiIEWof0dNu_Vdlele5t6X3R9TUqUMqhadztzBTXK2pIB2gEB-RI1djvZJBggeqR8A4op5__FJ5lOBLUgJoyBUos7Wkj-iRMNvO_rQ8rRf9QE-jo-UyLh6n/s320/fall+2011+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Student pictures are on the door. <br />
We are "Having a Rockin' Time in Science" <br />
to go with the theme for Magnet recruitment.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The holidays have come and gone, and it's like they never happened. Everyone knows I absolutely LOVE everything about the holidays. I collect three things in my life...Christmas decor, crosses, and mugs...I may or may not have an extensive Christmas mug collection in addition to the rest of my Christmas decor. I did quite a bit of entertaining at my house this year during the holidays. I really enjoy having people around, and my house has been perfect for that. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqi8jtmB2cXRiPWNCkMOvqfa3AM3v4shBQIjTtcEYdSYB_jnz_dv7B3Xh_joFLaPhEaRqpXwoG4S7LbEOnBUWmz_rhm0I6QdRO1XmAQduu_9S13VV06kzT6yDih5Ttb-mCAujsfmRikcd/s1600/dsc01938_0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqi8jtmB2cXRiPWNCkMOvqfa3AM3v4shBQIjTtcEYdSYB_jnz_dv7B3Xh_joFLaPhEaRqpXwoG4S7LbEOnBUWmz_rhm0I6QdRO1XmAQduu_9S13VV06kzT6yDih5Ttb-mCAujsfmRikcd/s320/dsc01938_0195.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockings we grew up using. Each year, we added a piece that described us. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguabMsyU4ROOTkf2U42f5B3VK_Xltm7cXEXeW2yl5iqIDlHm5DzgdL3q0j4Z1mc9t-S3I261KQeHFzcaFRzcti_qZwENGBdg3-nYsY_N0YyifSeK4OMozlGTmaPF39XOwUBBcdU_kLmVJw/s1600/dsc01945_0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguabMsyU4ROOTkf2U42f5B3VK_Xltm7cXEXeW2yl5iqIDlHm5DzgdL3q0j4Z1mc9t-S3I261KQeHFzcaFRzcti_qZwENGBdg3-nYsY_N0YyifSeK4OMozlGTmaPF39XOwUBBcdU_kLmVJw/s320/dsc01945_0199.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorative stockings and mantle decor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUBxDnKYca7-iUT3AgbyQ6xdCFXWhIYJ7QduOrHvzsezBRqoKxy5EFKRfyU56wlPETCFke09nNjRaPsSv8dXJnuPh9529h7A4xQcVnruwzEa3gLnXaF6iA0-w5RKq1M1R_mO6ErKFRWlC/s1600/dsc01939_0196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUBxDnKYca7-iUT3AgbyQ6xdCFXWhIYJ7QduOrHvzsezBRqoKxy5EFKRfyU56wlPETCFke09nNjRaPsSv8dXJnuPh9529h7A4xQcVnruwzEa3gLnXaF6iA0-w5RKq1M1R_mO6ErKFRWlC/s320/dsc01939_0196.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infamous bear and his friends. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDfdlDGUPALNlaOrE8gHet167zZFPTjhyphenhyphentJFtbfWTbhLFxOJtJRl5waJdqGBm5VNYjWMXyJ-bYiZj_Ldmgc260C22Oe_NrKP4JmcgQO37Sz0G03LnGcBLeUH-SdDibqeT6ZHGC06xJnG6/s1600/dsc01946_0200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDfdlDGUPALNlaOrE8gHet167zZFPTjhyphenhyphentJFtbfWTbhLFxOJtJRl5waJdqGBm5VNYjWMXyJ-bYiZj_Ldmgc260C22Oe_NrKP4JmcgQO37Sz0G03LnGcBLeUH-SdDibqeT6ZHGC06xJnG6/s320/dsc01946_0200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frame I made to display the annual card.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl0mdB24zCPHH6fWWulPtkVw_0lqae-qeU96uaYEajXCHQjPD9W0Hvb0l2JibAUKK9kFNwC2950YB8V8Q4EJXGXmeeCHlu49y4aztHfB1tITn73Y59vl-oq3rBzcNXGr8MVaQG25X44lR/s1600/dsc01942_0197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl0mdB24zCPHH6fWWulPtkVw_0lqae-qeU96uaYEajXCHQjPD9W0Hvb0l2JibAUKK9kFNwC2950YB8V8Q4EJXGXmeeCHlu49y4aztHfB1tITn73Y59vl-oq3rBzcNXGr8MVaQG25X44lR/s320/dsc01942_0197.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jkp_dRlFJjhtzwYP7CwAKoP6c1uU5ZzL6pstNuhZ9bwrwteFkFHNPDheYvTrRNsmloL1JscSAm5qdUvY_wXjtCX_reNSaTQih_svsDI0Ku3kABlqkmIdOQnw8lcTBCYMRdKx-kbfmkVu/s1600/IMG_7926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jkp_dRlFJjhtzwYP7CwAKoP6c1uU5ZzL6pstNuhZ9bwrwteFkFHNPDheYvTrRNsmloL1JscSAm5qdUvY_wXjtCX_reNSaTQih_svsDI0Ku3kABlqkmIdOQnw8lcTBCYMRdKx-kbfmkVu/s320/IMG_7926.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Card 2011. Each year, we put things in the picture that are<br />
relevant to what we are doing this year. </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We took the Christmas card at my house this year. My family has a Christmas card tradition. The year I was born, my parents bought a big, white bear. Every year since, we have taken our Christmas card picture with that bear.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The poor bear is starting to sag a bit these days. Who knows how many more years he will last. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours! The New Year has brought with it many opportunities to spend time together as a family. I spent most of this weekend with my family. It is so nice to have the 4 of us together. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My mom asked us over dinner the other night if we made New Year's Resolutions. I quickly admitted that I hadn't as I prefer not to do so. My reasoning was that it just gives us one more opportunity to make a commitment that we, most likely, will fail to keep. Quite frankly, I don't need to feel failure anymore than necessary. I don't think they really liked that answer. I admit, it might be a smidge bit negative. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To me, the New Year is the sad realization that the holidays have come to an end and mushy gushy February is on it's way. The joys of winter aren't as exciting when Christmas spice tea is out of style and coffee can't be drunk in a Christmas mug. It's the time I have to box up all my Christmas loves and deep clean. It means the big breaks from school have passed and the next relief isn't until spring break, my least favorite season. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, there is beauty in the newness. It is time to reevaluate where we stand spiritually, physically, mentally, and relationally. It is a chance to put our priorities in perspective and make necessary changes. It is a chance to find balance and refocus our hearts. This new year has brought more excitement than years past. I am excited about new possibilities. I am exploring life outside my comfort zone and trying new things. I still have yet to declare a New Year's resolution, but maybe it's because I have too many thoughts to put my finger on just one? </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-31196446732985839012011-12-05T21:16:00.000-06:002011-12-05T21:16:42.006-06:00Contentment vs. Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySrupxY8ED8wLsbzoTp8YJx2lg5EZ_NDSlOZmYj6pjq-D-QX-KuRqU7K-ClOBkIlzf_Qnxd9Jvr8TGURz2NYnzDQMJBGkQI-_uMy2TypbcF0YmAVEs1hRxiAhDAt9xe4QszCgIOzXWeFE/s1600/Where+I+want+to+be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySrupxY8ED8wLsbzoTp8YJx2lg5EZ_NDSlOZmYj6pjq-D-QX-KuRqU7K-ClOBkIlzf_Qnxd9Jvr8TGURz2NYnzDQMJBGkQI-_uMy2TypbcF0YmAVEs1hRxiAhDAt9xe4QszCgIOzXWeFE/s1600/Where+I+want+to+be.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">Some people despise exercise. It is an unpleasant thought, and an irritating process. I have never felt this way. It has always been something I have found interesting. Growing up, I was never athletic. I didn’t play on sports teams, and I wasn’t very active. But, one day in high school, my life changed. Exercise became an escape, a release for me. It helped me to channel my stress, organize my thoughts, and improve my self-image. Was I a bit obsessive at times…absolutely! Was I doing it for the wrong reasons…sometimes. But, I can honestly say it improved my quality of life. I needed to push myself and be in control of my body. Exercise was the best way to fulfill those needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">My outlook on exercise has not changed. In fact, I think I have become more adamant about doing it over time. I still enjoy it, and cannot live without it. When I do not get the chance to work out, I’m cranky and uncomfortable. I feel better, work harder, and love more when I’m taking care of myself, and that includes exercise. I’ve learned a lot about myself, my abilities, my strengths, and my weaknesses through fitness. I’ve pushed myself in ways I never thought possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtJTGzzw17motlnk747lSoSWEwCJTOYnmr58JkY9gOyYQMfUOewBabqdZYCRTzMYDe7AmDHE_Q6lGkv2fyht_Ma1b7F4EmH9cdMP7wQvQeWfua9pla0TCqOUUJfrKXkpJcAoUTsGy3ZUw/s1600/health+and+contentment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtJTGzzw17motlnk747lSoSWEwCJTOYnmr58JkY9gOyYQMfUOewBabqdZYCRTzMYDe7AmDHE_Q6lGkv2fyht_Ma1b7F4EmH9cdMP7wQvQeWfua9pla0TCqOUUJfrKXkpJcAoUTsGy3ZUw/s1600/health+and+contentment.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">I started training for a marathon in May. I have always been a runner, but the increase in running called for cross training. I took up yoga, and it changed me for the better. Now, in recovery from my marathon, it has only become that much more vital. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">One of my favorite things about exercise is the opportunity it gives me to think. I do not have much downtime in my world. I’m always busy and going from one place to another. When I get home, I’m too tired to reflect on my day. My time exercising is when I do that. Yoga is the best place for deep thinking. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">Today, my instructor said something that really summed up something that has been on my mind for a while. Her comment was something along these lines; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“We get so caught up in being happy. We keep telling ourselves if ‘this’ happens, we’ll be happy….if ‘that’ works out, then we’ll be content. And yet, we never are. Maybe, the problem lies in our way of thinking. Maybe, if we change our way of thinking, we’ll find happiness. Instead, we should take the outlook that we are content where we are, as we are. Then, we will attract happiness and our outlook will become our being.” Ok, maybe this is too “yogi” for you, but it falls right in line with what I have been thinking about. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">For as long as I can remember, I have been future oriented. I’ve always looked forward to the next stage in life, and have neglected to make the most of many experiences just waiting for the possibility of tomorrow. It was a year ago that I remember consciously deciding to change that. I made an effort, daily, to enjoy every experience; to appreciate every opportunity. I put more value in my relationships, gave more time, and took time for myself. I have continued to do so, and for the first time, I think I am truly content. I love my work, enjoy my freedom, and have a balance in work and play. I am feeling better than I ever have and I have a passion for life no one can take away. I am living for these moments. I still have a plan, hopes, and dreams, but these moments are being cherished in the process. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUOsz9WCOYUYHlnLdrKpHWnPzwCfHKATPtnVTDcHsoIMTO9sKBi3z8fVpVvp6glSmTaQWyUxdmPyAyFhH7bDQBLK_bzY-F5KSrfATGJYhTjcg4oBXUArB2cYPFJqkr-xkpvw0VBky-ESD/s1600/living+in+the+moment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUOsz9WCOYUYHlnLdrKpHWnPzwCfHKATPtnVTDcHsoIMTO9sKBi3z8fVpVvp6glSmTaQWyUxdmPyAyFhH7bDQBLK_bzY-F5KSrfATGJYhTjcg4oBXUArB2cYPFJqkr-xkpvw0VBky-ESD/s1600/living+in+the+moment.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guilty, guilty, guilty!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">I started my first official job post college graduation in August. It has been most exciting, fulfilling, and wonderful. I have felt every possible emotion over the past few months. I am right where I am meant to be, and I wouldn’t trade these days for anything. But, not everyone my age feels that way about their jobs. It doesn’t seem to matter in which field we work; there are always feelings of frustration that cloud our perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">I have had many discussions about happiness lately. I’m not really sure any of us knows what happiness really is. We have all these notions that it is wondrous, yet no one seems to really know what it feels like. So, why do we want it so badly? What do we have to gain from it? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">I think the point of my instructor’s comment is that shooting for such an unattainable prize will disappoint us over and over again. Instead, we should live in the positive. We should look at what we do have, what is fulfilling us, and things will come together in time. We must realize that happiness is not a rite of passage…it is part of the ebbs and flows of life. When we least expect it, we will be surprised if we are in the right mindset. But, if we focus only on the possibility of this perfect happiness, we will miss all the imperfect replicas in our midst. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">Enjoy life for where you are with whom you are with. Cherish the victories and the road blocks. Set your sights high, but leave room for failure. Life will amaze you with all the opportunities it holds if you let it. One day you may wake up somewhere different than you ever dreamed. We get one shot at this life…spend it wisely!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h2HSuUEqk3EbrzOeW5m1GZS8QVrSVJeadBd7n7Yb-xW1e8Q8rMnM209v6sfxkhPzRgAMgE4BeeQ0hzHWBMTgVZo4LG5Bcf3poIfocLVtB59aQtonYhLX4vSZg5VbR4Kp0pndrEMHqFxv/s1600/happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h2HSuUEqk3EbrzOeW5m1GZS8QVrSVJeadBd7n7Yb-xW1e8Q8rMnM209v6sfxkhPzRgAMgE4BeeQ0hzHWBMTgVZo4LG5Bcf3poIfocLVtB59aQtonYhLX4vSZg5VbR4Kp0pndrEMHqFxv/s1600/happiness.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Blue Highway Linocut"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br />
</span></div>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-59157502703322441842011-10-23T23:38:00.000-05:002011-10-23T23:38:26.223-05:00Daddy's Girl<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I may be a teacher by trade, but I learn more and more with each day that passes...not just professionally, but in all aspects of life. If we allow ourselves to be open, our lives can truly be enhanced by all that is around us. </span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have learned the importance of family over the past few years. My family is very tight knit. We have an abundance of wonderful memories of times together. I admit, I have resented the closeness of my family at times. It can feel smothering, annoying, and exhausting. However, the more time I spend with children from broken homes, the more I come to treasure and embrace my family, despite the parts which exhausts me. </span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have always been a daddy's girl. I am like my dad in many ways. I am following in his career footsteps...not just because I admire him, but because I am truly passionate about children and education, and I, too, have been blessed with the gift of teaching. I value health, wellness, and physical fitness. I am an introvert, but can be an extrovert as well. I am an early rising creature of habit who craves routine. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My dad and I have been training together for a marathon and ran a 20K trail run this past weekend. It was truly a blast. The scenery was wonderful, the weather was perfect, and his company and encouragement was superb. I don't think he expected us to do as well as we did, but when faced with competition, I can't help but push for success. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I originally approached my dad about doing a marathon together, he was hesitant. He felt his marathon days were over and the time commitment would be too great. I didn't push him to change his mind, but momma did. She knew how valuable our training time would be. She couldn't have been more right. Every run has been full of conversation, sometimes about things I am very hesitant to share. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GMCaVCt5eTFDGe4kjmsnd3y7L5CYXTgNZjwCnKbiQxXJLjUIEdwMmCwYr9mAsNBETObACig9Usm3_ZyK6eUbFtAjOq4MQJH8t0fuP5V1BVTA0ld3I01QgkryhrYU6N4m7xG22f0jAgS9/s1600/DSC00001_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GMCaVCt5eTFDGe4kjmsnd3y7L5CYXTgNZjwCnKbiQxXJLjUIEdwMmCwYr9mAsNBETObACig9Usm3_ZyK6eUbFtAjOq4MQJH8t0fuP5V1BVTA0ld3I01QgkryhrYU6N4m7xG22f0jAgS9/s320/DSC00001_0152.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We completed the Palo Duro Trail Run together. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease almost 8 years ago. It made for some very tough years for me. I am naturally a go-getter with an abundance of energy. I wanted to experience life the way my peers did, but unfortunately, that was hard for me. I tried many different forms of pain management, and continued to struggle until Fall 2010. I finally had enough and went a totally different route. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A year later, I can honestly say I cannot remember feeling this good. I still have bad days, but the transformation has been remarkable. The other day, my mother reminded me how much of a testimony my running has become. Two years ago, I longed to run, but a 5k was taxing. It would take me days to prepare and I would feel the repercussions of the intensity for days after. And now, I have outrun myself and pushed myself to do more than I ever thought I could. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think this testimony spills over into other areas of life. I think it is really easy for us to make excuses for ourselves and set the bar low because that is what is safe. We have to be daring enough to strive for more! Because, most the time, the battle is in the mind. We tell ourselves we will fail, and our body and actions deliver just as we expected. Winning the battle of the mind is the hardest part. Once won, our actions will fall right into place. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, that brings me to another point. PERFECTION. I think this word is kind of ugly. Yet, it tends to be my goal more often than not. I have realized I am not alone on the journey to perfection. As a society, we have kind of become "All or Nothing" liars. We live our lives aiming for everything to fit the "perfect" mold. And, when that can't be achieved, we typically give up. We start a workout plan, and eat poorly, so we nix the plan and continue our poor habits. We try a career path, and find it unfulfilling, so we quit. We try a relationship, and don't get what we want, so we break it off. We make a friend who lets us down, so we let the friendship die. And, unfortunately, in the midst of it all, we are thinking only of ourselves. We try to tell ourselves it is for the best, and sometimes it is, but usually, it's just easier to give up than to push through. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My daddy and I made time to go see <i><b><u>Courageous</u></b></i> tonight. It was the perfect daddy-daughter date. The only thing that would have made it better was having momma and sissy along. I think this movie spoke right to this point of perfection. There is no such thing as a perfect dad, a perfect mom, or a perfect spouse. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When it comes to relationships, looking for perfect will only let you down. It takes work, commitment, time, and love. And by love, I mean true love. The patient, kind, never rude, never selfish, forgiving kind. It isn't natural, it is HARD! But, that is what makes it beautiful. Unlike many children, I have seen this love modeled well. I have taken it for granted at times, but I am blessed to have it modeled for me. I have high expectations because of the strong man of God who raised me. But, I don't regret that. I deserve that, and so do you.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutVctKsoYLLTWT5kUO6tPBOXwItVmoBMcCHthTreo_YiTj6ajqP0f1dFJeA6u6rmFZWEu8emeb4QD2laECx8ghaUFETbj_OZcWjeg6dRHy4vBS1KIBa-stopEej54rLdmXfgf-rcaj5fk/s1600/roadrunners.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutVctKsoYLLTWT5kUO6tPBOXwItVmoBMcCHthTreo_YiTj6ajqP0f1dFJeA6u6rmFZWEu8emeb4QD2laECx8ghaUFETbj_OZcWjeg6dRHy4vBS1KIBa-stopEej54rLdmXfgf-rcaj5fk/s320/roadrunners.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Daddy had just finished a road run when this picture was taken. I was cheering him on in the cold!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are given the choice every day to accept defeat or push through for more. We are guaranteed trials, struggles, and set-backs. However, the finish line looks so much better when we arrive a little beaten down. We must look toward our goals so we do not lose sight of them. We must constantly reassure ourselves that the journey is worth it.And, we must be confident that our perseverance will be rewarded. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijET2QuMhfvl8bR0PVtBaw0waoq88fSWVpav0ad2zdzmEtqT3pgWOgSYyfel8ePo2N5HceX1x3ePTDTxa1zqvSinD7KNIuYbo0fKNk7KH3Pcrs2fFEyzWtbCvDXnuPKHATTYtTPi2iZiT3/s1600/171475822_3R1YpswN_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijET2QuMhfvl8bR0PVtBaw0waoq88fSWVpav0ad2zdzmEtqT3pgWOgSYyfel8ePo2N5HceX1x3ePTDTxa1zqvSinD7KNIuYbo0fKNk7KH3Pcrs2fFEyzWtbCvDXnuPKHATTYtTPi2iZiT3/s320/171475822_3R1YpswN_c.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The following is a blog post I came across about perfection vs. excellence...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F_LAsSk5S5ooYEQOqsOHjhd-Lb0XJDHq62I1GP0hLTPbeRv3YuiY7fMAjSy31J6KeYVQi8FUck1Ebg28fsZaPnHO8fmbKMXoGkzpgqrMPXWphuiRh0RKhg9z-CRxqhi-mUxpv6IcbpaI/s1600/excellence-vs-perfection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F_LAsSk5S5ooYEQOqsOHjhd-Lb0XJDHq62I1GP0hLTPbeRv3YuiY7fMAjSy31J6KeYVQi8FUck1Ebg28fsZaPnHO8fmbKMXoGkzpgqrMPXWphuiRh0RKhg9z-CRxqhi-mUxpv6IcbpaI/s1600/excellence-vs-perfection.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #323232;"></span></span><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #d52a33; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font: normal normal normal 22px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Excellence vs Perfection</span></h3><div class="post-header" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6394969916733521362" style="position: relative; width: 466px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Excellence vs Perfection: where is the line drawn? We must strive to be perfect, The Letter written to us by The Greatest Author of all time tells us so, but there is a difference between striving to be perfect (excellence) and being perfect (Impossibility).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Philippians 3:12 (NIV)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">Pressing on Toward the Goal</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4;"> <span class="sup" id="en-NIV-29418"><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me</span></span><br />
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<span class="sup" id="en-NIV-30375" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"></span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 Peter 1:16 (NIV)</span> states, <span style="font-style: italic;">"for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">What we must understand is that perfection and excellence have the same goal, we are<span style="font-style: italic;">striving</span> to become perfect, we will not obtain perfection in this lifetime (impossibility)... we will not become perfect until we are in Eternal union with The One who is 'Worth It', but we must <span style="font-style: italic;">strive</span>, we must 'press on' towards this perfection and this <span style="font-style: italic;">striving</span> is what is known as<span style="font-weight: bold;">excellence</span>...<br />
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Perfection is the goal (Eternal Life), excellence is the way to achieve it....<br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4;">No one is perfect... that's why pencils have erasers. ~Author Unknown</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4;"><br />
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So how does this relate to our everyday lives? Here is a list of trying to achieve perfection in the here and now and excellence which is achievable in the here and now...<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Perfection </span>says, "It's partly cloudy"<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Excellence</span> says "It's partly sunny"<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Perfection</span> is throwing one interception and losing confidence<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Excellence</span> is throwing 5 interceptions, yet coming back to lead your team to victory (<span style="font-style: italic;">see Dallas Cowboys vs Buffalo Bills week 5, 2007 NFL)<br />
</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Perfection</span> is performance based<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Excellence</span> is based on improvement<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Perfection</span> can make a victory become a failure<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Excellence</span> can turn a failure into victory<br />
</span></span><span class="k10" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4;">Edison example (invention of a battery): Edison must be ready to quit after having performed some 50,000 tests without success. "You must be pretty downhearted with the lack of progress", the assistant said. Edison replied, "Downhearted? We've made a lot of progress. At least we know 50,000 things that won't work!"</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4;"><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Perfection</span> says, "God I am in control"<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Excellence</span> says, "God I am yours"<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Perfection</span> states intentions<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Excellence</span> creates actions<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Perfection</span> leads to insecurity<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Excellence</span> leads to greatness ( A human being in The Hands of God is an amazing tool for Greatness - Erwin McManus)<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Perfection</span> fears mistakes<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Excellence</span> sees opportunities<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Perfection</span> leads to a mess<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Excellence</span> leads to God creating a work of beauty out of our mess<br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4;">Once you accept the fact that you're not perfect, then you develop some confidence. ~Rosalynn Carter</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4;">A person's pursuit of goodness leads to greatness, but the pursuit of greatness leads to ruin, Pursue goodness and you will achieve great things. ~ John E Kramer Vice pres for communications Institute for Justice</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
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</span></span></span></div></div></div>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-54191511185154684292011-09-13T23:09:00.000-05:002011-09-13T23:09:45.946-05:00The L Word<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh, the L word. I have never really liked the L word. You see, I'm not a mushy gushy kinda girl. Secretly, I'm a hopeless romantic, but first and foremost, I'm practical. If it's not realistic, let's not get carried away! When my knight shows up, MAYBE then we can talk. I don't like to be touched, I'm not a hugger, and I crinkle my nose up when my family members kiss me. Don't worry, my family is very loving. I heard "I love you" everyday as a child and received plenty of affection. Physical touch and lovey dovey just aren't my love language. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've been thinking about this L word though...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can't even imagine how many times a day I say "I love". I love chocolate, I love coffee, I love her shoes, I love that necklace, I love to run, I love, I love, I love! I don't really mean it, though. Chocolate can lift my spirits, coffee keeps me sane, shoes are a collector's item for me, jewelry is fabulous, and running is my therapy. These are all wonderful things that I enjoy, but I don't really love them. I say this word about things all the time, but, I don't really say it to people. And, when I do, it's more like a "luv you"...a passing phrase that sounds endearing, but from which I am emotionally removed. For me, it's a conscious thing. It protects me from getting hurt, it keeps me at a distance, and I like it that way.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This past weekend, Beth Moore came to town. One of her remarks was about love. She challenged us to put the "I" back in our "Love You". Apparently, it isn't just me. I don't know that other people take out the "I" consciously, but without it, it is less intense. She feels that we need to express that love for others strongly, for their good and ours. I have thought about this quite a bit. At first, I thought it was dumb, in all honesty. Does it really matter? I'm set in my ways and I have my reasons. It's one letter that happens to be a vowel. It shouldn't bother me so much, but tonight at church, it came up again. </span><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I left church this evening, I was hoping for a sense of renewal. I was a bit disappointed when I didn't feel that sense of relief after the day I had. As I walked to the parking lot, I heard a little girl telling her mother what she learned in Children's Worship. They are memorizing scripture while the adults are praying in 'Big Church'. She carefully began reciting 1st Corinthians 13:4. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1st Corinthians 13:4</span></td></tr>
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was so impressed with how well she did! It was the most precious moment of my day listening to the pride in her voice. Then, it got me thinking...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is what love is supposed to be. This is how we are called to love. This is why we are meant to say it and truly mean it. As I read the characteristics, I realize I'm not so far off from the type of love this scripture describes. What I've found is I don't know when to let go. I may not say it, but in my heart, I grow attached. I trust too much, I'm too nice, I don't take enough pride in myself, and I hope too much. Where is the practicality in that???</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will come right out with it...I lost my marbles this morning. I, who am rarely emotional, became an emotional wreck in a matter of minutes. It started out with a few tears and turned into a panic attack from being so shocked by my balling escapade. I cannot even remember being this upset in the past. It took me a long while to gain my composure, and I can't lie and say I did it gracefully either. That experience illustrated just how passionate I am about kids and their success. From that experience, I learned that I am human. As hard as I try, I am just as 'normal' as everyone else, and it is ok to shed tears. Ok, I typed that, but I'm still trying to convince myself about the tear shedding! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Most importantly this traumatic experience brings me right back to the L word. I truly care about all of my students. I am doing everything I can for them, and it is wearing me out. I want the best for them even when they don't want it for themselves. But, I must LOVE them the way I have been called to love them even when they don't deserve it. I must be kind and patient. I must persevere. I must be the one who doesn't fail them. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yes, I will fail. I have to let go of that. But, they must always count on the fact that I am their advocate. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, I have taken all of this too heart. I'm still stubborn about my love. It means something when I say it...at least when it comes to people. :)</span><br />
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<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></div>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-34349157931712928682011-09-05T20:58:00.000-05:002011-09-05T20:58:42.783-05:00Lessons I Learned Over Labor Day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This weekend was a very welcome and much needed chance to get away. It is no secret that I love to travel, but it is not often that I get a chance to relax. This weekend in the mountains was a VERY relaxing vacation with very dear friends. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuavoETWeL7Aby-rQKeBc6cBsbJUHgMiJprOR-BKI9YioU-Dap5vcV7mG49PmmJAVjoDguZ6bFWWYRj0urJJsdnPEVMSo8wf0thppaEVPRj4VQTHQ0TBNq9b0wtuK6AKiwNsYxzsybph4T/s1600/ruidoso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuavoETWeL7Aby-rQKeBc6cBsbJUHgMiJprOR-BKI9YioU-Dap5vcV7mG49PmmJAVjoDguZ6bFWWYRj0urJJsdnPEVMSo8wf0thppaEVPRj4VQTHQ0TBNq9b0wtuK6AKiwNsYxzsybph4T/s1600/ruidoso.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is almost always impossible for me to not think about work. I live for work, and love my job. This weekend, I allowed myself to completely forget about all obligations and enjoy the exact moments I was living. I spent the weekend with three amazing mommas, one husband, two high school teenage girls, my sweet Sammy love, and five children under the age of 10. There was never a dull moment! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Friday night, we had fajitas waiting for us when we arrived at our newly remodeled cabin. We put the kids to bed, and the adults relaxed on the back deck under the stars. The married couple (17 years and counting) danced in the moonlight as if they were newlyweds again. Saturday brought with it cool temperatures and sunshine. I heard the most wonderful story of a widower's new found love. It was absolutely enchanting to watch her sweet face light up with every word. It doesn't matter what age we are, all women want to be cherished. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Later that day, I took the high school girls to get ice cream. Oh, high school relationships...just as I remembered. These girls, too, had stories to tell. Mainly of disappointment and confusion. I gave the best advice I could, but secretly I was glad to be past that stage in life. And, then, the little girls told me of their 'boyfriends'. It's amazing to me they have gone through so many at such a young age. They are still at the 'cootie stage', but boy crazy none the less. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Every story I heard was different, but the emotions were all the same. I've learned love comes in many different forms at every stage in life...the trick is being open to it. Sometimes, I think it's easy to look around and think it can be so easy for other people. But, we don't always know all the details. It may be better right where we are. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Which brings me to the map...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgM-AI8-MIXBdMkgvFVEVtIc2uro4ERPaH3EDe2y4kUDkIiiAV7p1EtHkUqsU__9a_Zzen85Zh33QLSULbHNXhtM7Wgzg8k4hQJkUpu8fStSh2cVrjGMauLNh38DxMfy2pp6lqJNgu5rC/s1600/place+on+a+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgM-AI8-MIXBdMkgvFVEVtIc2uro4ERPaH3EDe2y4kUDkIiiAV7p1EtHkUqsU__9a_Zzen85Zh33QLSULbHNXhtM7Wgzg8k4hQJkUpu8fStSh2cVrjGMauLNh38DxMfy2pp6lqJNgu5rC/s1600/place+on+a+map.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Of course, I found this on pinterest...I mean, where else would I waste/invest countless hours of my time?? </span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think often about the future, but it is also imperative to look at 'the now'. After all, it is the now that gets us to the future we someday would like to see. I've learned, these moments that add up to become days in our lives are valuable. We can remember them forever, but we cannot relive them or change the way they happen. It is up to us to be diligent with our time and spend our moments wisely. Cherish the days we are given, both good and bad, for they are our lives. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've seen the value of working hard for that in which you believe. Sometimes it is easier to get busy with other things, and let the important stuff move to the back burner. But, it can be dangerous to let that happen. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_kcGlsPkNh7DQPJBcc-WK2lyucw08DHMARpgO2cjyF2dCH1uNnAb8ksJpd8yGwGbv5irVPHC9JbuUa6vbuHEty4Vcmo_tWfoscd8lwLZpcQMevaqyulZUatcRWY5EjbL7U9TyJyKCRid/s1600/look+at+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_kcGlsPkNh7DQPJBcc-WK2lyucw08DHMARpgO2cjyF2dCH1uNnAb8ksJpd8yGwGbv5irVPHC9JbuUa6vbuHEty4Vcmo_tWfoscd8lwLZpcQMevaqyulZUatcRWY5EjbL7U9TyJyKCRid/s1600/look+at+life.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I stepped outside in the crisp mountain air multiple times this weekend. As I looked off into the vastness of greenery, I realized how much for which I have to give thanks. I also had to reevaluate where I am going. I know where I want to be, I'm on my way there. But, I can't miss the opportunities right before my eyes just because I am lost in the fantasy of my future.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa1FOpbVNEiM1OJsXbGyjMP5QlDL6RN21eFuZhmwOr0rzeM29lSLDbiEVWNmFW0K0q8gd5p52DfKLvjsVvhGnPUxwNf1_uL-Hb2TGsAjZRSdWWDhnezJNmfdognqhM0pqSc4UOqRxLYMK/s1600/open+road" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa1FOpbVNEiM1OJsXbGyjMP5QlDL6RN21eFuZhmwOr0rzeM29lSLDbiEVWNmFW0K0q8gd5p52DfKLvjsVvhGnPUxwNf1_uL-Hb2TGsAjZRSdWWDhnezJNmfdognqhM0pqSc4UOqRxLYMK/s1600/open+road" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think of life like a race. From the minute I start training, all I can think about is the finish line...how far it is, how hot I am, how tired, beat down, and thirsty I am becoming. The whole way through, I keep telling myself 'You can do it!', 'you're strong enough!' 'Keep going!' When I get to the end, I am so proud of my accomplishment. I am pleased with the payoff of my hard work. A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">t the end of the road, it's great to be proud, but all that really matters is the crowd of people I have to surround me...the ones who have supported me all along and experienced the ups and downs of the run.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have come to appreciate relationships so much more over the past year. I have a great group of friends, but I keep them at a distance. In all honesty, I like to be alone. I value having time to think, and I appreciate privacy. But, life is about more than that. Life is about being open and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. I will be the first to admit I am AWFUL at that, but I am working on it. I am finding it is better for me and for all those I share with to know the true emotions of my heart. It makes the thrills of life more thrilling and the struggles in life less painful.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My challenge to you this week is to look at your life. What do you need to work on to get the most out of life? Where are you going and how will you get there?</span><br />
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</span>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-38728755401087066412011-08-28T22:02:00.001-05:002011-08-28T22:04:12.500-05:00Excuses, Excuses, Excuses<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This past week was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I think I experienced every possible emotion, except for tears...which shouldn't surprise anyone!I LOVE my job...which also shouldn't shock anyone. I don't think I've ever spent my time doing something I didn't love. I wake up before my alarm and lay awake at night thinking about all the possibilities for tomorrow. Yes, I know, that won't last long. But, for now, I am all fired up!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLepLYNQm8pJyeKS3T_28gfc47SzNSbGrmsWoxY6vo8-43-ls9QgYlXWCcUiSK0UmUwzk5SP_oYYSt7o18AKId5bdR-BVEMAVV9xAw2cu_9PUMSQ2wn4mcfXYeUVyLgMwS9Y1DbatKIrfn/s1600/first+day+teacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLepLYNQm8pJyeKS3T_28gfc47SzNSbGrmsWoxY6vo8-43-ls9QgYlXWCcUiSK0UmUwzk5SP_oYYSt7o18AKId5bdR-BVEMAVV9xAw2cu_9PUMSQ2wn4mcfXYeUVyLgMwS9Y1DbatKIrfn/s320/first+day+teacher.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First Day of my teaching career!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, I have had things on my mind besides school. As usual, I over analyze everything and don't know how to turn my mind off. I met up with an old friend this week to catch up on life. We both had tons to say. We were talking about plans, big goals for the future. Mine didn't at all surprise this person. The only thing that surprised them was that I hadn't acted on those plans yet. I had a laundry list of reasons why I hadn't. Yet, every one I mentioned, they fired back a counter excuse. </span><br />
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</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I changed the subject, but I've been thinking about it quite a bit since. Not so much that excuse, but the whole slew of them I create on a regular basis. Today, I admitted to myself I am a master excuse maker and excuse taker. Not only do I make them for myself, but for others, too. I'm forever extending the benefit of the doubt and wearing myself out trying to be the 'be all' for everyone else. And, for what purpose? What do I get out of those excuses? A feeling of authority over myself coupled with a disappointment later. Not worth it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My mini goal for this week is to leave the excuses at home when I leave in the morning. I will take on every situation in stride, and encourage others to do the same. Life is full of opportunities for happiness, we just have to be willing to take them. </span></div>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-69624470631175404442011-08-20T21:42:00.000-05:002011-08-20T21:42:25.936-05:00My Very First Classroom<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing teacher in momma's office. </td></tr>
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This post has been a long time in the making. When I was younger, my parents kept a Norman Rockwell book with an annual rundown of the child we were that year. Every year since 1st grade, my future profession has been teaching. The grade level I dreamed of teaching has changed, but the dream itself is still the same. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have been hoarding classroom necessities forever. Finally, I have a use for them. I am teaching 6th grade science this year. I could not be more thrilled. I really like the first year of middle school, and I LOVE teaching science. I can't wait for what this year has in store. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">People have been begging to see pictures of my classroom. It took much longer to get it ready than I thought it would. I still have quite a bit to do, but this is basically what it will look like. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I used zebra print duct tape to separate the boards. My clock came from Target, and I made the 'Agenda' letters using scrapbook paper. The Christmas tree was left behind by the previous teacher, and I WILL leave it up year around on account of my love for Christmas! I've had these rope lights hanging in my room at my parent's house since I was in 7th grade...they still work.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My Science wordle has been the topic of many a discussion. I created it using the Texas standards for 6th grade science and designed it using www.wordle.net. It's fabulous!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeB9uIZgCqYwloe5m_GrwufAb4eGUl6egL5S1y3af-rbLUsuHFFjH9bIxCtuppQQN6K6DNTKq3EZ91NSk-7vhJlk9k814TQAOUUf_yIrjhSjnwWI-Uu-fQfntdaJpjND-sh3dXm3Y4J0Y/s1600/my+first+classroom+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeB9uIZgCqYwloe5m_GrwufAb4eGUl6egL5S1y3af-rbLUsuHFFjH9bIxCtuppQQN6K6DNTKq3EZ91NSk-7vhJlk9k814TQAOUUf_yIrjhSjnwWI-Uu-fQfntdaJpjND-sh3dXm3Y4J0Y/s320/my+first+classroom+008.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The demonstration table didn't get painted with the rest of the room. I actually like it unpainted...kinda vintage. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2_bOvO64d4T03Cx-QSnLw9vYwRaa_4Rn0L-98kbFogU1SK1vBXqjhobB3HRpK8DOzKzlEH-AMckCIYnhC0P-Rq3QNiVCI2zzzUmmOtyKq2ep8FaFT83VRvswvzAe5t2yxwUnfd2MV-9B/s1600/my+first+classroom+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2_bOvO64d4T03Cx-QSnLw9vYwRaa_4Rn0L-98kbFogU1SK1vBXqjhobB3HRpK8DOzKzlEH-AMckCIYnhC0P-Rq3QNiVCI2zzzUmmOtyKq2ep8FaFT83VRvswvzAe5t2yxwUnfd2MV-9B/s320/my+first+classroom+009.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn3ODzqN55cJCyFvOUAZnn8jHpH4M2bohiME5socSdkLpHsShMnuANq9MwSEcR74EvTvB8s0lnyCSO75X9Qo2fmm9EVFqP7deIJpxquvH35hyphenhyphenzu4RXOaDndeho6OrASGY-koyezmjsJx8/s1600/my+first+classroom+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn3ODzqN55cJCyFvOUAZnn8jHpH4M2bohiME5socSdkLpHsShMnuANq9MwSEcR74EvTvB8s0lnyCSO75X9Qo2fmm9EVFqP7deIJpxquvH35hyphenhyphenzu4RXOaDndeho6OrASGY-koyezmjsJx8/s320/my+first+classroom+011.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I do not know how to sew, but I sure did hot glue these curtains together myself! It's amazing how much of a difference the window treatments made!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The WOW wall is my favorite. My sister modgepodged the letters for me. The Caution idea came from Pinterest...imagine that. The sign says "Under Construction: Awaiting Student Work" Can't wait to display my student work and take the sign down!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Up6hq2Y2rL090TAzLJxo-ywEEetJiCVbQauA_sytBAMdKTyjk65QLlz0KJNcCT-DM94shLsW-xPHACoVHx1NQVuEEgs8pAC6rb4jLt3crF0PqiKpsQoPmJHWNsmTztTTuBRcdluE79yw/s1600/my+first+classroom+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Up6hq2Y2rL090TAzLJxo-ywEEetJiCVbQauA_sytBAMdKTyjk65QLlz0KJNcCT-DM94shLsW-xPHACoVHx1NQVuEEgs8pAC6rb4jLt3crF0PqiKpsQoPmJHWNsmTztTTuBRcdluE79yw/s320/my+first+classroom+013.JPG" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">I feel like this chair speaks for itself!!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4UfiJAwiij4l10IWujRDDlK4PmkTL_Dtf_321F0BPSX9CK7Ns7UJ7JcVhCN-fP3V0VM5x00NurCb6-tZsWSUc-DAwE8HkPMOimfQLZaH9I6sp3QFy5gYYAXD3Frlf06NJYPRBZbjXeTy/s1600/my+first+classroom+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4UfiJAwiij4l10IWujRDDlK4PmkTL_Dtf_321F0BPSX9CK7Ns7UJ7JcVhCN-fP3V0VM5x00NurCb6-tZsWSUc-DAwE8HkPMOimfQLZaH9I6sp3QFy5gYYAXD3Frlf06NJYPRBZbjXeTy/s320/my+first+classroom+014.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I teach regular and Pre-AP Science. Regular and Pre-AP will have separate folders. This wall will help students keep track of their make up work. There is a file folder for each day of the week. Their make-up assignments will be in the designated day folder with their name on it. I had to have my beloved zebra print in here somewhere!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0FrG28GWoZdvOViNa-YhSmJqHRijS-Bl40sMooAs3bCDpGYEHB2W-pxDUPZX00gJCRPD-4qOk04F9uNcAnBe9_bv3LejugzHhT_B9YwqN0PyWlmEHDbf-3Xqepfi3tmzJ1usAoxUsRx8/s1600/my+first+classroom+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0FrG28GWoZdvOViNa-YhSmJqHRijS-Bl40sMooAs3bCDpGYEHB2W-pxDUPZX00gJCRPD-4qOk04F9uNcAnBe9_bv3LejugzHhT_B9YwqN0PyWlmEHDbf-3Xqepfi3tmzJ1usAoxUsRx8/s320/my+first+classroom+015.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Door decor...vital! The letters are elements spelling 'Science Matters'. </span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let's Play I SPY: Can you find all the items I picked up at garage sales?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Lamps...$12 for all of them</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Turquoise Chair...$3</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. Bumble Bees and Butterflies...$5 for all</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. Metal Mailbox...$5</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. White file caddy...$1</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6. Picture frames...50 cents</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are more items not pictured</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also collected an area rug from a teacher friend! Making friends is the BEST resource!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have had so much fun putting my room together. I never would have imagined it would take so long. I couldn't have done it without the help of my sweet friend Ashley. She has done so much for me! She is going to make a great teacher!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now, my classroom is ready, and I am onto lesson planning. There is so much I want to accomplish and so many ways I want to teach the material. I just have to remember what my pops said..."You will never get it all done. You will always think of one more thing you could have done. Do your best, but don't expect perfection"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">After all, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff3399; font-size: 19px;">“Striving for excellence is healthy. Striving for perfection is neurotic.”</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff3399; font-size: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-50109537767219446362011-08-09T23:18:00.001-05:002011-08-09T23:19:49.570-05:00Potential in Everything<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ok, so I haven't been so good at blogging lately. I've been so busy enjoying all of Life's Simple Pleasures!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me tell you, my most recent fascination has become garage sales. My sister and I have been going on Saturday mornings for the past month. We're becoming experts! We know the best neighborhoods to scout and we have even become the creepers who do the slow drive by to decide whether a house is worth the 'park and mosey'. I have found so many great things! All of my finds have already been useful in my new home or my classroom. I've saved so much money, and all my finds tell a story. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My favorite part about garage sale-ing is the adventure my sister and I share every weekend. We anxiously pile in the car talking about the things we would like to find. When we get out at the first few places, we find nothing on our list and tons of useless items that suddenly have a special place in our lives. We rave over the bargains we are finding and plan out the use of our new found treasures. We drive around until there is either no more room in the backseat or until we are out of energy. Then, we drive home and distribute all our loot on the dining room table to show our parents. You'd think it was Christmas every weekend at our house!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've learned a thing or two from garage sale-ing. </span><br />
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<ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Everything is valuable</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, we just may not see it's value right now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Many of the garage sales we have gone to are overflowing with kid's clothes and toys. We aren't to that stage in life. But, we already have plans to garage sale together when we are at that stage. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Some things take up more space than they are worth, and occasionally, it is time to purge</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I'm the worst at holding onto things...not just material things, but emotional things too. I'm afraid to let them go for 'sentimental reasons.' What if I need them some day down the road? I'm learning that there will always be something else to take that space. It's not efficient to be overcrowded physically or mentally. We have to learn to let go. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Most importantly, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">there is beauty to be found everywhere.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Sometimes we find the most useless items that are worn and dilapidated. However, with a little time and creativity, they can be remade into the perfect pieces. You have to learn to look past the exterior. You have to use your imagination to see potential that isn't always easy to find. You have to invest in the brokenness to enhance the initial beauty. I think this fact is true in life. Often times, we come across people who appear to be worthless, a waste of our time. Sometimes, they just need someone to invest in them to tell them they are worth it. We have to help them see their potential and give them the tools to rebuild themselves. Sometimes, the process is tedious, but in the end, totally worth it!</span></li>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I challenge you to look for the beauty in something or someone that appears broken around you. What can you do to enhance the hidden potential?</span></i>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-66564407122663140562011-07-13T21:02:00.000-05:002011-07-13T21:02:57.930-05:00My Life List...a work in progressI have learned a lot about life in the past few months. My life has changed more than I ever imagined it would. I have always been a planner, type A to the max. I admit my OCD gets the best of me, and my inability to relax wears me out. But, I always seem to think I know exactly what I want, and that I know the best ways to get it. Boy, have I been wrong...but only a time or two. ;) OK, many more than a few times.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisi8-cjNorLm2wHMv_7oXLuxU9bfTbOlTnEab18dveTSPJVrU5vggNBNtuxqra4pyTk3T-BY_cofaYsr1PHXqfFD3BdQ_oOSzsbbGTrR44OeA-ILB4FRXr4UNOuQM0-ok5iIQBZRCHCmDz/s1600/truth+be+told.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisi8-cjNorLm2wHMv_7oXLuxU9bfTbOlTnEab18dveTSPJVrU5vggNBNtuxqra4pyTk3T-BY_cofaYsr1PHXqfFD3BdQ_oOSzsbbGTrR44OeA-ILB4FRXr4UNOuQM0-ok5iIQBZRCHCmDz/s320/truth+be+told.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">A friend of mine tagged me in a posting of this quote. We laughed about it at lunch today, but both of us recognize how relevant these words are to our lives.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YteOQR4sK30camiNGFMW49fo6v3y49WpBuzRpdAHNY4hhCgXT7-on6H4XtkUCaGYRuvgRio32KKNKw3f_Eht38NLuanoo7MKRczE8uSpQZG0X1Z__QLHNJmXjq0qU65vEyzoMx8hWMbu/s1600/Jeremiah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YteOQR4sK30camiNGFMW49fo6v3y49WpBuzRpdAHNY4hhCgXT7-on6H4XtkUCaGYRuvgRio32KKNKw3f_Eht38NLuanoo7MKRczE8uSpQZG0X1Z__QLHNJmXjq0qU65vEyzoMx8hWMbu/s320/Jeremiah.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">There is no telling how many times I have read this verse, claimed it among my favorites, and shared it with others in moments of chaos. Yet, truly believing in what it says and living my life accordingly is easier said than done.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>As a young girl, I played house, mommy, and school. Some of my earliest memories are coming home from elementary school and playing "teacher" to my imaginary students in my mom's office. I wore her high heels, old glasses, and broomstick skirts. I used an old American Flag stick as a pointer, and used her world map as my main education tool. I pretended to type my lesson plans on her type writer and kept track of my students' grades on yellow legal pads. I taught precious little elementary students all the basics of life. I remember wanting nine children at one time. I had a list with all of their first and middle names. I knew the age I would give birth to them and had a reason for spacing them the way I did...as if I had control over that. I could have drawn you a floor plan of my dream house. I would have told you that I was going to graduate college in four years with a degree in education. I would meet the love of my life there, and marry that handsome hunk the following December. I would be teaching in my hometown, and start a family a few years down the road.<br />
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Let me relieve and assure you that I DO NOT think nine children sounds so awesome anymore. I just don't have the energy. Yes, I realize I'm young, but I have probably changed just as many diapers in my 21 years as the Duggar momma has in her entire parenting career. I have no clue what my house will look like or what kind of home I even want anymore. I did not meet that handsome hunk, and there is no wedding in my near future, and children are so far off my radar, it's unreal. Though I graduated from college in four years, and I will be teaching in my hometown in the fall, I will not be teaching precious, well behaved, elementary students.<br />
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I have come to the conclusion that life is just so much easier when I stop making my own plans, and enjoy the natural ride of life. I could not ask to be in a better place right now. I have accepted a job as a middle school science teacher. This job is perfect for me. I love the school, the administration, and my co-workers. I am, admittedly, a science nerd, and look forward to the challenges ahead. I have rented my own home all by myself. I am financially stable, independent, and embarking on a journey of freedom that I have been waiting for as long as I can remember. However, in typical me fashion, I want more.<br />
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A few months ago, a friend and I started talking about Bucket Lists. We regularly share with each other our hopes and dreams, and decided to write them all down. So, we began thinking, jotting, sharing, and now we are publishing. With these goals out in cyberspace, there is a certain accountability to see them fulfilled. I wish I could say this list is complete, but it changes constantly. So here goes...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">My Life List</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span><!--[endif]-->Create a website using html code.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Learn how to use Photoshop.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Start or join a book club.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Take culinary classes, possibly gluten free.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Design and publish a cookbook.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Obtain my Fitness Instructor Certification.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Read the bible cover to cover.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Learn to sew.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Shop at a farmer’s market.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Grow my own herbs.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Own my own business. Right now it will be a café/bistro.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Write my own wedding vows to say at me wedding in addition to the traditional ones.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Publish an article in a journal.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Become a better blogger.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Read one book a month. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Run a marathon.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Compete in a triathlon or duathlon.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->See Italy, Ireland, Australia, and Switzerland.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be a Keva International supporter.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be a mentor to young women.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Keep my health in check and live a lifestyle that promotes wellness.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><!--[endif]-->Be comfortable in my own skin. </div></span><br />
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So, this is what I have, one goal for every year I've lived, and a very important one to grow on with my birthday coming up next week. I realize those aren't grammatical sentences, but there is something final about putting a period at the end of a goal. This Life List is ever-changing. Tomorrow, I may have ten more things to add. I may never cross some off, and I may cross a few off multiple times. I am embracing life for all that it is and opening myself to the possibilities. I won't put limits on how long I have to complete these goals. After all, who knows where life will take me next.kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-71860929763805401842011-07-12T20:14:00.000-05:002011-07-12T20:14:55.408-05:00Chicago, a City of Bliss As a reward for graduating college, unmarried, tattoo, and baby free, my momma planned a family vacation to Chicago! We had the best time. Chicago may not be on the top of most people's travel list, but I thought it would be a neat place to visit. My family does a lot of traveling, so we have been to many of the popular cities. Now, I can cross Chicago off the list!<br />
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We did more touristy things than usual, such as riding up to look out Willis Tower, Navy Pier on 4th of July, Millenium Park for an evening concert, the Art Institute, an architecture boat tour, window shopping the Magnificent Mile, etc. But, we also took some time to see the city for what it truly is.<br />
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My favorite thing about traveling is seeing how the locals live. I love to walk their neighborhoods, eat at the local restaurants and watch as they live their daily life. I enjoy sitting at a park bench watching the young couples walk by hand in hand, families walking their dogs, and old ladies getting in a bit of exercise. There is nothing better than running through the streets at sunrise, and walking home on a full stomach after supper as the sun sets in the distance. Really, the world isn't all that different wherever you go. People are all very much alike. Their environments and circumstances mold their facades, but at our hearts, we are really all the same.<br />
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One of the things on my Life List (don't worry, that will be my next post), is to eventually own my own business. I want to have a bakery/coffee shop/ cafe wherever I end up living. I have spent the past few months creating a style notebook with some of my ideas for decor, menu items, and advertising. On this particular trip, I took lots of pictures of store fronts I like. I have no idea what will actually come to fruition, but these are some of my ideas. Let me know what you think!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehXs7Z5hHD1yCWiS1AH74Rcd9bcgI5qNIPVjxYVQtIKpG66DHukjshnTbgF4HGImog4oBNiyTR7ik78iupUGh8AKQDVzXuMJKqAfW6tbT6vHyLOUtxKGXe1ObDMVsRuBrVfUj6RqG3N4k/s1600/Chicago+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehXs7Z5hHD1yCWiS1AH74Rcd9bcgI5qNIPVjxYVQtIKpG66DHukjshnTbgF4HGImog4oBNiyTR7ik78iupUGh8AKQDVzXuMJKqAfW6tbT6vHyLOUtxKGXe1ObDMVsRuBrVfUj6RqG3N4k/s320/Chicago+105.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE the flower sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenQ4ayT0pFnVyZsqNQmy9i7BTPF7tM8QmhN4bpOYczZ5FXNWc9RnjPvqlEKXfcKetEkUakV2QiZ7IEXrtdx4QMX9WsAh4YKRUm453mAuBZd9GO101cRu7pDXJ5vAGPe5xoa6tJIFHhtWR/s1600/Chicago+129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenQ4ayT0pFnVyZsqNQmy9i7BTPF7tM8QmhN4bpOYczZ5FXNWc9RnjPvqlEKXfcKetEkUakV2QiZ7IEXrtdx4QMX9WsAh4YKRUm453mAuBZd9GO101cRu7pDXJ5vAGPe5xoa6tJIFHhtWR/s320/Chicago+129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG6LngbXnckWPij2bzICAGE7nf6MHoVDTMCvJ1CdvHeYlziQTCAN2JWNRruBVjGGAtSiFKg9Gcl2Y9T_bCvF0zaeqNBmvjDCuve6LZyAKVz-TOByxd7mcy0l_Fj2zgfLFaUgadodoJhmb/s1600/Chicago+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG6LngbXnckWPij2bzICAGE7nf6MHoVDTMCvJ1CdvHeYlziQTCAN2JWNRruBVjGGAtSiFKg9Gcl2Y9T_bCvF0zaeqNBmvjDCuve6LZyAKVz-TOByxd7mcy0l_Fj2zgfLFaUgadodoJhmb/s320/Chicago+087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalkboard menu...mirrors add a nice touch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pIs3O_fQbOaO5oGEx-5MJOw0llsrE5g_xtvHC2gVOvcU6Rs7Zxla9f_vBGDPkYkpbxRmei01Ps3qGXUysr8XhyphenhyphenSqs3jru8CkYDTpBQEhUH8nM7uqi6tsaudPmayp5abZLGlQD4ya4NdI/s1600/Chicago+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pIs3O_fQbOaO5oGEx-5MJOw0llsrE5g_xtvHC2gVOvcU6Rs7Zxla9f_vBGDPkYkpbxRmei01Ps3qGXUysr8XhyphenhyphenSqs3jru8CkYDTpBQEhUH8nM7uqi6tsaudPmayp5abZLGlQD4ya4NdI/s320/Chicago+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rise and Shine, It's breakfast time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTn9gaFiJn4GWyDGy4wbdlzzTpjQk-Q3as8GJtc-q1b-vA2DAgVRfisMqkX65Ke5Jzdy1zh9PxPLvhiYBBDPQ6Lys7ugi801dmTtDnudFwlHb4XSRu_3RhBQ5vdaDgqCWlcW0xAO_kFo-1/s1600/Chicago+082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTn9gaFiJn4GWyDGy4wbdlzzTpjQk-Q3as8GJtc-q1b-vA2DAgVRfisMqkX65Ke5Jzdy1zh9PxPLvhiYBBDPQ6Lys7ugi801dmTtDnudFwlHb4XSRu_3RhBQ5vdaDgqCWlcW0xAO_kFo-1/s320/Chicago+082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menu ideas, I like the lighting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7foXAcbLTODHS39ghqebOWf5-Cfw0F_nnHwLqBSdPlO09ZcG0M8Oi3YTKFHtyD1hqQGGRGWdTmaeYdjeP7_VhMnEUcfaUboWfDfhoIT1vGnKvJ7SjdMNrFuOoVZytbs93NxCMfS8vpmne/s1600/Chicago+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7foXAcbLTODHS39ghqebOWf5-Cfw0F_nnHwLqBSdPlO09ZcG0M8Oi3YTKFHtyD1hqQGGRGWdTmaeYdjeP7_VhMnEUcfaUboWfDfhoIT1vGnKvJ7SjdMNrFuOoVZytbs93NxCMfS8vpmne/s320/Chicago+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, that is my kind of chandelier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQorW-2AhC4eR7OsFDiFCOxpdPLZHTANjGzZO920DcbTFpA_06CYiUTPTjrdc8Mcyn2pZqAZoDLQxF9MVOwzSxkKwERsMD5yfGWD8s9XEKOimIYnDd74eNj63owX3ZPO6ybImfbMcmrcbg/s1600/Chicago+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQorW-2AhC4eR7OsFDiFCOxpdPLZHTANjGzZO920DcbTFpA_06CYiUTPTjrdc8Mcyn2pZqAZoDLQxF9MVOwzSxkKwERsMD5yfGWD8s9XEKOimIYnDd74eNj63owX3ZPO6ybImfbMcmrcbg/s320/Chicago+078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue corner shop with porch dining</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik873thVhaWcUNt7wldUFkzxnB217o3FAMKO1m_ad42ZCghPu-h70S8nyUD5ajL3V81QWyDwbUX1-EPG5k1MlruewazSQujNbHwFzunRffKCsY9RsMQH0bzD8V7zQ2M-X810gkxIP8KMxg/s1600/Chicago+102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik873thVhaWcUNt7wldUFkzxnB217o3FAMKO1m_ad42ZCghPu-h70S8nyUD5ajL3V81QWyDwbUX1-EPG5k1MlruewazSQujNbHwFzunRffKCsY9RsMQH0bzD8V7zQ2M-X810gkxIP8KMxg/s320/Chicago+102.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blissful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC-_lVrPQIUZwOqecGg4PQfNmtDsQAlo7eJh1NWnMcOOWs9rBcfNl6HTQJ5oPF5zvl02TEAsIW3pBpF2-pcNNTnK6paCzGMU1FcP-A6fb3k0cxsuvkJ-kmrcFriPj2HNmcqo28EP8BQhk/s1600/Chicago+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC-_lVrPQIUZwOqecGg4PQfNmtDsQAlo7eJh1NWnMcOOWs9rBcfNl6HTQJ5oPF5zvl02TEAsIW3pBpF2-pcNNTnK6paCzGMU1FcP-A6fb3k0cxsuvkJ-kmrcFriPj2HNmcqo28EP8BQhk/s320/Chicago+022.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Store Front </td></tr>
</tbody></table>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-86368765951359330122010-12-14T09:08:00.003-06:002010-12-14T09:13:56.217-06:00Christmas Is Just Around The Corner!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> 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mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I know, I know…It’s been ages since I posted. I’ve been away from Grilla (my computer). Actually, Grilla has been away from me. Seriously, a $10 upgrade ended up costing almost as much as buying a new computer would have cost. I don’t understand my luck with electronics! I always have issues that tend to stump the professionals. I guess that’s kind of just the story of my life. However, I think it is inevitable for the girls in my family to break their electronics. My sister is a freshman in the middle of finals. She spilled coffee all over Oscar (her computer)! She’s afraid to turn him on and I don’t blame her. It brings back tragic memories of my freshman year! I told her if Grilla could stick it out this long, Oscar could too. I guess we’ll see when she comes home…TODAY!!!! I AM SO EXCITED! I miss her so much and it has only been 15 days since I saw her. </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">College is basically over for me. I turned in all of my semester portfolios last week and took one final. All I have left is student teaching and that is more than exciting. I have been looking forward to ST for as long as I can remember. I cannot believe how fast college has flown by! </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I have been so involved on and off campus, but I have officially passed the torch to new leaders. We had officer transition for KD last week. The girl taking over VP-Standards is a perfect fit. I am so proud of her and excited to see what she has in store for members. My year on Council went by so fast! I have so much free time now that it is over and I’m not sure yet if I like that. I will definitely fill it with something else, but it will be strange not being as involved. I am going to enjoy being a senior member though. I’m looking forward to enjoying the fun aspects of the sorority without the stress of being a leader. The last semester is probably one of the most enjoyable!</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Can you believe that Christmas is here??? I cannot believe how close it is. I mean, I haven’t even had time to use my countdown chart! I feel like I’ve missed out! No worries, my home is decked out for Christmas. It was so much fun decorating the house for Christmas. Of course, I have plenty of décor to display and I made an event of it complete with hot cocoa and country Christmas music. I look forward to turning the lights on when company is coming. I’ve had two Christmas parties and multiple friends over for supper. I really enjoy friends gathering at my house. I like the excuse to cook my favorite recipes for a large group. I like the company and the conversation. The holidays are when I make time for this, but I should do it more often. Maybe I’ll work on that with the coming of the New Year. I’m ready for my sissy to be home so it will really feel like the holidays. I like having the whole family together all snuggled in my parent’s house!</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So, I made a huge adjustment in my life. I have been taking A LOT of medication for the past 9 years to control my Fibromyalgia. It has been a roller coaster of a ride and it has been a challenge to cope. Personally, I think I cope quite well. I never let it stop me from getting involved. Most people would never know I even have a problem as I go and go and go. I really hate taking the pills though. I am a bit of a health freak I don’t care to put chemicals in my body, especially when we really do not know the long term effects. My mom and I have been looking into alternative methods of treatment and I have tried a few with no success. I was really ready to give up. This past year has been the hardest I’ve encountered yet. I was getting nervous to start a career in my current state. However, my mom’s faith is stronger than mine, and she kept looking for a solution. She set an appointment with a new doctor the week of Thanksgiving, and that appointment changed everything. I found out I am allergic to wheat. It sounds like it has nothing to do with FS. Apparently, the symptoms for FS and a wheat allergy are similar. My allergy is digestive. My body cannot process wheat products and therefore causes “issues”. He suggested a drastic change in diet with a few other restrictions and a completely holistic approach to management of my FS. That means no more chemicals for me! I’m trying a new regimen with all natural supplements. I cannot even begin to tell you how much better I feel. It’s remarkable! </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Cutting wheat out days before Thanksgiving was tough. Wheat is in EVERYTHING! Things you wouldn’t think of like soup, dressing, soy sauce, seasonings, etc. Everyone knows I am a foodie! I love to eat food, talk food, and read about food…you get the point. To discover I could not eat the majority of things I am used to was a bit devastating, at first. I was hungry all the time and felt like I was missing out on all my favorites. But, it has gotten easier even in the short time I have known. It is much easier to turn down my favorite foods when I feel this good. Realizing I could eat those foods and feel miserable is a pretty good discourager. I have pretty much cut wheat out of my diet completely. I’ve only made a few exceptions…onion rings in Nashville and scraping pie off the crust. But, I have found some good alternatives to my favorite foods. Eating out is the hardest part. Basically, I can have salad without dressing and that’s about it. I hate being obnoxious and asking special questions about food ingredients. I like cooking at home because I can control the ingredients. It is more expensive to eat wheat-free, but it is worth it. </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">If you have any suggestions for eating wheat-free, I’d appreciate your comments! <span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br />I hope this season is a happy one for you and your family. Enjoy every moment and make the most of the time you have together. Don’t forget the reason we celebrate. Remember to give to those who do not have and volunteer your time. We are truly blessed to have all that we do.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; color: rgb(255, 0, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">God bless you and Merry Christmas! </span><span style=""> </span></span></p>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-2505261645170990612010-11-03T06:56:00.002-05:002010-11-03T06:58:25.309-05:00Ouch!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#333399;">November 3, 2010 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#333399;">This morning I woke up and realized I was wrong. Gah!! I hate when that happens! I mean, it happens a lot, but I hate that feeling of realization that my stubbornness and frustration was incorrect.<br /><br />I’m a pretty calm individual. I don’t wear my heart on my sleeve. Even people who know me well often don’t know some of the frustrations that plague my mind. I am very analytical and thought tends to consume me.<br /><br />I’ve been very torn lately about a particular situation. I have experienced a roller coaster of emotions that leaves me feeling exhausted. I realized this morning that the fault is in me. When I truly stop and think about all the events that have happened I have never been misled. In fact, I don’t think I could respect such wisdom more. The issue is in my own naivety. I became impatient. I chose a black and white perspective rather than honoring the shades of grey. I wanted a choice to be made when none was required. As usual, I was getting ahead of myself. I was the immature one. OUCH!<br /><br />Unfortunately, it may be too late to change the outcome of this situation. However, I’m grateful for the learning experience. I can choose to be mad at myself, or I can accept that I make mistakes and grow from my newfound understanding.<br />So, now I will get ready for my day. I will go and be with my second graders who believe I can do no wrong. Ok, that’s a lie; they call me out all the time! I guess failing is part of life. Getting up and brushing your butt off is what really counts!<br /><br />Make the most of this day and all it brings. Look for opportunities to better you. Seek opportunities to encourage others. Above all, recognize the blessings of your day and be thankful! </span>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-2891883422708413162010-10-29T00:03:00.001-05:002010-10-29T00:07:41.323-05:00I've Been Given a Gift<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000066;">October 28, 2010<br />Can I just say how tired I am of looking at this computer screen! I mean, I have worked 13+ hour days this week preparing for an upcoming workshop I am presenting in Houston, TX at the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching. I am so excited, but when my boss moved the deadline for the final product up to tomorrow (Friday), and she did so on Tuesday at 8:30 PM, I got a little overwhelmed. In addition to getting a virus over the weekend and spending 3 hours at IT, then coming home to over 100 emails in 1 of 4 inboxes didn’t feel so good. For the record, I am not a fan of Windows Vista. Seriously, NOTHING BUT ISSUES!<br />Regardless of the process, I completed my write-ups and, if I may say so, they are good! I am really proud of them and think it will be a great presentation. It was annoying to have to do them this week on top of other expectations, but it is nice to not have to worry about it anymore.<br />What I cannot figure out is this strange energy I have. I haven’t been this out of shape in forever, I can’t sleep through the night, I’m eating junk constantly, and I’m stressed! Yet, I accomplished everything and I’m still awake at midnight. My alarm is set for 6:00 AM, and I WILL BE EXERCISING! Mark My Words! I have come to the conclusion that it is because I am finally, after all this time, doing what I’ve dreamed of doing…teaching in a classroom. I am with 2nd graders every day. My goal is to always do my best, model my expectations, and make an impact daily. Each day presents a new challenge, and I meet it with a smile. Tonight, the organization I am President of hosted a Spooky Science Night for 5th Graders. I’ll admit, I did not have the best attitude when we were planning this event. It was one more thing on the calendar with multiple expectations attached. But, I left that school feeling complete. I mean, that is what I dreamed of when I dreamed of making a difference in the teaching profession. The excitement on the faces of those children is stamped on my heart forever. I will remember it when I feel inadequate or uninspired.<br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#ffcc00;">You see, I get overwhelmed and frustrated just like everyone else. But, I realize that I have been given a gift, multiple gifts, in fact. I am thankful for the opportunities to use my gifts and I am not called to sit on the sidelines. I know I am making a difference and making my Heavenly Father proud. And when it is all said and done, that is all that matters.<br /></span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993399;">So, what is your gift? What are you going to do with it? I guarantee it will make a difference and warm your heart. We all need a little heart-warming now and again! </span></strong></span>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-49666678269213973762010-10-17T22:25:00.003-05:002010-10-17T23:05:43.279-05:00The Cure All Weekend<span style="color:#cc66cc;">This weekend was not what I expected, yet it was just what I needed. Friday night, my sorority had a Western event for Parent's Weekend. It was in conjunction with our Academic Excellence Banquet, and we asked my dad to speak. As expected, he did a wonderful job. He knows just what to say and is a natural! When I watch him lead, I am inspired. He is a great leader, and I find myself wishing often that some of his qualities came easier for me. My mom is the heart of our family. She is a lover, just like me (or is it me like her?), and she always reminds me to think of others. Sometimes this annoys me beyond belief! I constantly think of others to the point that I run myself down, but she encourages me to put things in perspective. I took her to the Peddler Show today, a favorite experience for me. We found lots of fun gifts and had a nice time chatting.<br /><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">Life Lesson #1: My mom reminded me that I cannot control situations; all I can control is my attitude and how I react to them. I explained to her that I constantly feel like I am letting others down. I feel like they cannot understand my situation and the exhaustion I feel. I get so frustrated and yet, I can't do much about it. Instead of aching for other's to understand something they simply just can't, I should realize that I know what can and cannot handle. I have to be better at micromanaging and prioritizing all the things I love. You see, the problem is I can't do everything I want to accomplish! I am so ambitious and it is not possible to do all these things and do them well. It is my responsibility to draw the line to the things that aren't as special so I will have more energy for the things that are.<br /></span><br />On Saturday, I slept in until 9:00 am, which happens never and was quite a treat. I went for a 4 mile run, came home and cleaned house and worked on a project in my cave for the rest of the day. This day of going nowhere and seeing no one was absolutely perfect and just what I needed. Scrapbook heaven exploded in my bedroom and I reminisced over the past as I put a book of my life together. I truly have a great, blessed life. I see the gifts I have been given on every single page. The frustrations life brings become so obsolete when I look at all the beauty in my life. I am loved, I have much and I know my purpose. Ok, so I don't fully understand my purpose yet, but I know where I'm headed. The day ended with a roomie date with Mae Mae. We went to Starbuck's and I ordered a Skinny Vanilla, Pumpkin Spice, Chai Tea Latte. I know, it's like a $6 drink, but no worries! I had my birthday coupon for being a Gold Card Member (yep, it's official!!!!), so they gave me a venti for free! Then we went to see <em>Life As We Know It. </em>Of course I wore my pajamas. It was nice to watch a movie and not think about all my obligations. I even came home and read before falling asleep...so never happens anymore!<br /><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">Life Lesson #2: I have GOT to take a chill pill! I feel so much better when I get in a good workout and recharge on my own. I need that time like I need food and neglecting myself only makes life harder. I had the chance to listen to a few sermons too. My spiritual battery needed recharging too. I really struggle with trusting God. I know he is there and I know he will protect me. Yet, too often, I stress out about the big picture rather than enjoying the here and now. Dahlia helped to remind me of this. It was wonderful seeing her this weekend! She and I had the opportunity to talk about some really big stuff. I have always been a planner. I can't wait for the future, and I put everything into preparing me for the best future possible. Unfortunately, I sometimes neglect very important moments because I have spent all my energy on areas pertaining to the future. I always say I am going to work on this and then I get back in my rut. This is one of the greatest periods of life,and I don't want to miss it. So, hold me accountable...I really am going to work on it!<br /></span><br />Sunday was spent with my kiddoes in Children's Church, hangin with the momma and then with my bestie. It ended with Kappa Delta initiation. Ritual events are my favorite as they are a reminder of why we are part of this sorority. I'm not a "sisterhood" type of person. I'm not a touchy, feely, "girl, I love you" kind of friend. But, at events like this, I don't care. It was so special watching the initiates as they nervously awaited instructions. They were all smiles! I couldn't help but think about my own experience as a New Member. How time has flown and how great my experience has been!<br /><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">Life Lesson #3: It truly is about relationships. I get frustrated with the time commitment. I get disheartened by those who misrepresent our principals. I get annoyed with the cattiness. But, those are just facts of life no matter where I go or what I get involved in. I chose this Sorority because I believed in their Philanthropy. I felt a camaraderie among their members. I agreed with their values and principles and I saw a place for myself. All of those things are still true 3 years later. If anything, our bond has gotten stronger and our commitment to service has improved. I am proud to be a KD lady and I am thankful for the experience I have had. My hope is that the new initiates would stay committed to the oath they took and make the most of every experience. I wouldn't change a thing, but I will work on my relationships. I have this terrible problem with trying to do it all by myself. I don't like to share with others and I take the world on alone. It was never intended to be that way. I am trying to learn that, but it is hard to rely on others.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="color:#000066;">This is my beautiful life. It isn't perfect, but it is perfectly blessed. I will take on this week with a fresh start, a positive attitude, an open heart and an eagerness. I will do my best, but stop myself when it is too much. I will make an effort to communicate with my friends and I will value the social excitement of the week.</span>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747954838341748443.post-71952098562693377792010-10-15T22:56:00.003-05:002010-10-15T23:13:00.046-05:00Time..where does it go?<span style="color:#cc33cc;">You know those days when you feel completely, totally and utterly useless? Well, I had another one today. In fact, this whole week has been one of those days after another. One would think this would have been a really relaxing week as I had Fall Break until Wednesday and no real class this week because of work. However, I made up for it with other involvement. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">I was watching the Real Housewives D.C Reunion, and I cued in on one comment, "...she looks very stressed. And, when you get stressed, it's time for a lifestyle change." Now, I heard that and my first inclination was, "Heck, if I changed my life everytime I got stressed, I'd be stressed from all the change!" But then I thought about it...maybe it is time for a change. Not just a change, but a true change. When I really stop to think about it, time has been this way for quite some time. I cannot deny loving most everything in my life and the hard part is prioritizing all the things I love! </span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">I miss working out and eating healthy. I miss doing this daily. I know I feel better when I do, and I have so much more energy. I miss catching up with my best friends in the little bit of free time I have. I think I have been so concerned with trying to keep up with everyone else's social energy that I have been lagging behind in my job mode. I know I cannot physically handle as much as others can, and I choose to use my energy in the workplace and with loved ones. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">I think one of the worst feelings in the world is knowing that you are doing everything good, but nothing well. I am a perfectionist and I like to give my all to everything. I know it is dangerous to expect this much from myself in all aspects of my life, but when I start becoming mediocre in areas I typically do my best in, I know I am off. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Sometimes, being a good leader means letting go of the reins. It's time for me to let go of some things. Letting go will be my goal and inspiration for the change I want to see in myself. </span>kamisunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07707497890850610542noreply@blogger.com0