tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52437790651697229192024-03-14T07:26:09.365-07:00CA GirlLouriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.comBlogger946125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-86653815732969183332019-06-07T11:17:00.000-07:002019-06-07T11:17:00.957-07:00Why I Don't Want a Straight Parade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't want or ever need a pride parade as a straight person. I am actually disgusted that there is going to be one in Boston. Straight people do not need a pride parade. It's redundant. We get to tout it EVERYDAY! I will say it again, and LOUDER for those of you in the back. As straight people we get to celebrate our straightness EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE YEAR. I really shouldn't have to elaborate this point but I will. </div>
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In all my years, during the worst of all the times I was bullied, I never once was bullied for my sexuality. I was bullied for the color of my skin. Yes, I am white. I was still bullied. I had mud thrown at me, rocks, dirt, and I was spit on. All because of my skin color. I was never once harmed because of my sexuality. I am straight. I like men. I married a man. From a very young age I felt attraction to the opposite sex. I understood my sexuality. It is entirely possible to understand attraction to a gender same or otherwise. You might not fully understand the feelings, but as an adult they make total sense. I have always felt attraction toward males. And lucky for me, that is fully accepted by society. Also lucky for me, if I had come out as gay or bisexual, I would still have had a home with loving parents willing to accept me for who I was without trying to change that one aspect about me. But that was not the case. I am already straight. I do not need a pride parade nor will I ever.</div>
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Children all over the world live in fear not only of what society thinks, that they might get beat to almost death, left for dead, but they also risk being thrown out of their own homes that they have known their whole lives because up until a certain point they have kept this part of themselves secret. As a parent, I would not ever, turn my child away. I would not tell them they were sinners, and I would not force them to change and live according to my ways. I would simply love them for who are, because that is what I have been all along right? The only difference would be new information.</div>
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I do not want or need a pride parade as straight person. I have never lived in fear of what others might think or do as a result of my sexuality. I have never doubted that my family would stop loving me. As a parent, I can honestly say that if a child of mine ever came out to me nothing would change. They would still be my sweet child I have always loved. As a religious person, I have been taught my whole life to love one another and to be kind as Jesus did. I do my best each day to follow His example of loving everyone. I don't take into account how you live your life before I decide if I love you or not or if you are worthy of kindness. That's not how it's done. Everyone is worthy of kindness and love because that is what Jesus taught, and I follow His lead.<br />
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I love all my brothers and sisters alike no matter how they love. Love is love is love. I do not want or ever need a pride parade. It is that simple. I will celebrate with those who do. I support and love you all.<br />
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<br />Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-85099573346895654032019-03-19T13:39:00.000-07:002019-03-19T13:39:26.556-07:00The Ugly TruthRight now in Southern CA there are wonderful and beautiful things happening. There is the migration of the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/travel/2019/03/14/butterflies-california-super-bloom-newsource-orig.cnn" target="_blank">Painted Ladies</a>. I can't remember the last time I have ever seen so many butterflies in my lifetime. It is almost hypnotic! Thankfully, the entire area seems to be transfixed by the travelers and we all are driving(YES) slower as we watch them pass by in droves. I just wonder with so many of them flitting their wings, what will happen on the other side of the globe! These butterflies are stopping by or through our little spec of town due to our unusual and copious amounts of rains which have brought forth the poppies.<br />
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They are in abundance. As result, countless people are turning out to come and see the blooms. So much so that parks in the surrounding areas had to close off access for the poppy gawkers. My Instagram has been overloaded with Poppy posts. I love them. They are beautiful. They are the state flower. (FYI: It is illegal to pick the poppies in CA because they are the state flower.) I love to see the smiling faces among the blooms. But it got me thinking about the ugly truth behind the things we post.</div>
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How much realism do we actually put out there? Some put none, some let a leak through, and others are not afraid to share the burden and crosses they bare. When a person is sick or a loved is sick then we seem to be able to reach out more. The loss of a pet. But there is so much more that people go through and don't talk about.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6ZVBCq_m-PgPJBNK-ftv59qhrAU5dQmLWs-zVG0vwLTkEzC8BoPropj7NAhOe-8QL_CThl_bIuHT2L1bYhxs7CWbTtY_bH56sgy0aSZVr-eMKfyitxt2OCBvh1YVcZaFtNmTxJSQMJPv/s1600/cool-inspirationaldepression-brain-storm-love-sorrow-sad-memes-dark-people-mood-widescreen-768x498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="768" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6ZVBCq_m-PgPJBNK-ftv59qhrAU5dQmLWs-zVG0vwLTkEzC8BoPropj7NAhOe-8QL_CThl_bIuHT2L1bYhxs7CWbTtY_bH56sgy0aSZVr-eMKfyitxt2OCBvh1YVcZaFtNmTxJSQMJPv/s320/cool-inspirationaldepression-brain-storm-love-sorrow-sad-memes-dark-people-mood-widescreen-768x498.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We all have trials that we face. We put on our brave faces and smile brightly saying all is well. Perhaps a few know the battles we face daily, on going, or at this time but we don't always know what is going on for the poppy gawkers, the rainbow posters, or the selfie. We don't talk about our personal battles nearly enough. I believe the more we talk about them whether it be via text, face to face or (GASP!) on the phone (hey you do you) it might not create a solution, but it will definitely create a support system which something every human needs. What if I can't relate to their problem? It may not be your cross to bear, and that is okay. Example: My husband is on peritoneal dialysis which is done at home. I set it up each night and make sure he is connected to the machine. It's a huge commitment. A commitment that I am at peace with. Someone else might look at me and think they could never shoulder that care, think I am stronger than they could ever be. Here's the truth: You don't ever know until you are there. Thank you for your support. I appreciate it. Be my cheerleader. I need it. Someone else may have crippling depression where getting out of bed is the most challenging thing in world for them. The right words might be as simple as: have you eaten today? Make sure you drink some water too. Remind them they are worthy of self care.</div>
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The list is long. We could be here for days and weeks. The truth is we truly are not alone in this life. We are surrounded by friends and family who will be there for us during our difficult times. If experience has taught us anything, it teaches us who we can turn to when the times are rough. Our humans are out there, just as we are for them. The key for each one of us, is to reach out to our humans (friends and family) when there is good, bad, and ugly. </div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-27964930472807061922019-03-08T14:16:00.000-08:002019-03-08T14:16:35.192-08:00National Women's Day I don't need a day to talk about women I admire. I need a month, a year, a lifetime. Whether they are fictional or real it would take me more than a single post to log in all the women I admire as there are countless women out there whom I admire for their strength, spirit, and ability to uplift one another at all times. First, I want to talk about all of the fictional women simply because they give a performance of what we aspire to be or something we wish could be real.<br />
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<u>Dorothy Gale</u></div>
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I fell in love with The Wizard of Oz at a very young age, I mean who didn't? But mostly, I loved Dorothy and her absolute determination to get back home. She was completely terrified of the witch, but she still fought back. She was afraid of the Wizard (at first) but she still spoke her mind. Remember she is supposed to be TEN not nineteen (as Judy was in the film). She was a little girl. I always saw it that way. She's a little girl, like me, lost, far from home and a witch was chasing her. She was afraid, but she still took care of herself. Let's hear it for Dorothy!</div>
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<u>Pippi Longstocking</u></div>
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Pippi Longstocking was the coolest of the cool. She lived by herself! She had a pet monkey and a horse! Let's not forget that she was super strong. She didn't abuse these gifts. She was smart, funny, and took great care of all her friends furry and human alike. If anyone tried to hurt them; well heaven help them. I always wanted to be her!</div>
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<u>Jo Polniaczek</u></div>
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Jo Polniaczek (Pol-nee-check) was introduced on The Facts of Life. She literally rolled on scene on a motorcycle. She was not a girlie girl. She was tough, she rode a bike, didn't care about make up, and could punch a boy in the face. She was super smart and could match words with Blair Warner, the popular queen B of the school, without breaking a sweat. She had flaws. She had a lot of them. She stole, she used fake IDs, but she grew and learned from the mistakes of her past. She kept the motorcycle, and her tough girl attitude. No one messed with her.</div>
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<u>Julia Sugarbaker</u></div>
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Julia Sugarbaker of Designing Women, was the sassiest, classiest powerhouse of her time and I loved it when she would just steam roll people with her words. I simply dreamed of being able to take people down the way she did. Here is a link to <a href="https://www.southernliving.com/culture/little-women-movie-2019" target="_blank">13 of her best takedowns!</a> Enjoy.</div>
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<u>Belle</u></div>
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I grew up between all the Princesses. Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella had already happened. The gap between princesses was pretty big. I was not a wide eyed little girl anymore. I was a young woman, but Belle spoke to me. She was smart, independent, and most of all she had a love of books. What's not to like about a girl like this? I wanted to be her friend. And did you see the library she got? Hello! That's a dream come true. She's still reading in there. She was also non traditional. She wasn't blonde, she didn't have lips like the red rose, or skin that was white and fair (Think Snow White) she was plain, but in reality she is not. She is quite beautiful. I remember the first time seeing the movie as she appeared on screen in the yellow dress there were audible gasps in the theater. Yep. Pretty cool for a cartoon. You go, Belle.</div>
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<u>Wonder Woman</u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIKWwSmfF0nwmrSmEjV0R_Uf72YeOlxONM7H3DBOOxoHi4W4mZXck1TYLbxTdN0Zqx4LtP7xDwXlf2__O43hFgUU6Du4x74Ru9DNIPiiEkQhyphenhyphenl_pHDGGOXm4c9fe3zdjrnLUVLeVJYTsz/s1600/Wonder-Woman-Young-Boy-Backpack-Crown-Gal-Gadot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="798" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIKWwSmfF0nwmrSmEjV0R_Uf72YeOlxONM7H3DBOOxoHi4W4mZXck1TYLbxTdN0Zqx4LtP7xDwXlf2__O43hFgUU6Du4x74Ru9DNIPiiEkQhyphenhyphenl_pHDGGOXm4c9fe3zdjrnLUVLeVJYTsz/s320/Wonder-Woman-Young-Boy-Backpack-Crown-Gal-Gadot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course I'm going to talk about Wonder Woman! Now I grew up on Lynda Carter as Woman. She was and remains my Wonder Woman. She was classy, smart, gentle and well she's beautiful. Lynda Carter is stunning. And Wonder Woman is an Amazon! Who doesn't want to be her!? I wanted to be her. When Gal Gadot was cast, I had my doubts, but they were quickly obliterated by her remarkable portrayal of the goddess. She brings a new tenderness alongside the ability to kick ass in a way that will take your breath away. She brings my inner child to the surface wanting to be WW all over again. </div>
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While all of these characters, are remarkable, funny, strong and independent. They lack something. They are not real. I have real women in my life who constantly inspire me. It would be a book and not a simple blog post about each and everyone of them. </div>
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For all the women who have cried, fought, struggled, acted tough when they thought they would shatter, this is for you. You are all beautiful, smart, lovely and most of all strong. The strongest people I know, and hope to know. You make the world wonderful because you are in it. Each one of us is a super hero! </div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-58617084948952580442019-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:002019-03-01T08:00:18.101-08:00Age is a Number, Nothing MoreI have been looking for work for eight months now. In eight months time, I have been graced with two interviews. One interview, I completely tanked.<br />
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I was fine with them telling me no, because I knew I tanked the interview. I was out of practice. I actually looked good on paper and was a good fit for them. It was a marketing company; a small one and since I majored in English with a minor in marketing it looked nice. I stumbled and fell flat on my face. Well when that happens we brush ourselves off and get back up, right? I even had coaching through my <a href="https://www.lds.org/?lang=eng" target="_blank">church,</a> at no cost to me. This was an immense help. I applied for months before I got another interview. Then, when I finally got one, I was given a refresher course in how to interview so I would be sure to sell it. I did great! (In my mind.) I did a phone interview first, and then an in person interview the next day. I felt it went well. Sadly, I never heard back. I have applied many other places. I honestly have lost count, and forgotten the amount of places I have applied to. If they are hiring, I applied to it.<br />
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The problem I am running into are two things: The gap in my work. I chose to stay home and have babies; not only that...I chose to stay home and raise them!<br />
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I know it's crazy, but there are women out there who do this.I am in no way knocking my beautiful sisters who go to work. I do not know their circumstances and I do not know who they are. I love my sisters no matter who they are, and support their choices because that is what it is: their choice. But due to unforeseen circumstances in my life, I now have to become the bread winner in the house. It is not just my gap in working that is causing a hindrance, honestly I think employers welcome women who want to come back to the workforce, but there is a caveat. You must be a certain age; otherwise they feel -- without actually saying it that you have piqued and gone past your prime.<br />
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That's right, according to anybody hiring, I have one foot in the grave. Hell, I might be standing in it! I am ancient. Some applications ask if the person is over 18, now I see this as a necessary question. Children under 18 require a work permit and may only work limited hours. The employer needs to know legally if they are hiring a minor. The question that typically follows is this: are you under 40? Does this mean if I am over 40 (which yes I am) that I am too old to do a job? Please, then I invite you to come to my house and see what I do on a daily basis and see if you can keep up. Do not put a label on me because of a number.<br />
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You would not dare do that to this woman! And heaven help you if you ever said a word to this one...<br />
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Sadly though, ageism is something that continues to happen and gets swept under the carpet. Employers want people who are 25-36 with 3-5 years experience. I am not sure how someone without any experience is supposed to gain it, and I know for certain someone older; possibly changing careers will have an even harder go at it.<br />
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Do you believe ageism is a real thing? Is it easier to get that first ever job than to find work if you are "over 40?"<br />
<br />Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-890748339360026072018-10-01T11:48:00.000-07:002018-10-01T11:48:58.883-07:00Getting My Spooky OnFour years ago, according to my daughter's FB memories she was listening to Christmas music at the end of September and I was praising her for it. Fast forward to present day and I am so bombarded by Christmas that I am ready to protest its very existence. I'm looking at you <a href="http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/" target="_blank">Hallmark Channel!</a> Don't let their website fool you with their autumn foliage! It changes to Christmas on a click! They are counting down to Christmas beginning October 26th! What!?<br />
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I'm not just picking on Hallmark though. I am also calling out personal friends who keep reminding me how close it is to Christmas. Everyone needs to calm down about Christmas!<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I'm no Scrooge. I actually love Christmas and all things Christmas. In fact, bring it on! Just not BEFORE Halloween or Thanksgiving, and for the love of all things creepy and turkey let's back off a little. Now I understand crafting, I do.</div>
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However... I refuse to count down to Christmas three months before the fact!<a href="https://freeform.go.com/" target="_blank"> Freeform</a> is doing it right by having 31 nights of Halloween. No, they aren't paying me. I just love that they are putting Halloween first!! </div>
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Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get my spoopy on! Are you getting for Halloween? </div>
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<br />Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-23726254902592094142018-09-24T12:55:00.000-07:002018-09-24T12:55:36.104-07:00Little or Grown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My baby turned 21 yesterday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not sure where the time went, but she is now 21. Her eyes are still crazy big just like her heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's true what they say, blink and they are all grown up. There are times now and then when I long for the days of kiddie shows and barbies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, as it was told me to recently, the trade off is quite nice. They are right. We share secrets--it's true. We laugh...a lot. I have spent years building this relationship and I would not change it; even if it meant I could have her little again. Nope. They are such a pure treasure when they are little, but who they become is an even greater one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have truly enjoyed the first 21 years, (and yes I have two others) I cannot wait to see what comes next not only for her, but for each of my kids as they forge their way.</span></div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-65330503210403116412018-09-17T10:31:00.000-07:002018-09-17T10:33:08.677-07:00One Super Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm going to take you back about 16 years and all the way back east to VA, when a certain Barbershop Quartet was formed. It was known as: 66 West! The above picture isn't the original 4, but it is darn close. Not only is the picture close to the original group, they were also close and remain close to this day. Our families do as well. The lead left first (for work) and moved to CA. It was a sad day. But the remaining three insisted on staying together so they found another lead. 66 West carried on and our families celebrated together throughout the years. The quartet was annually invited to the Little League World Series to sing the National Anthem and was also regularly invited to sing it at the minors at our local team. I may or may not have downed two and half hot dogs while pregnant with my son at one of the games.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After 5 years, my family was the next to go. It was a bittersweet day as we left VA. I had become so close to friends in the area, and leaving our quartet family was hard as well. Thank goodness for Facebook which had literally just been born as we become reconnected with all of our friends that we had just left; including our quartet family. We were able to keep tabs with one another over the years and it is like we never parted ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fast forward to the present and the original members contacted me wanting to surprise my husband for a weekend. For one, this would be easy as he lives a couple hours away. For the other two it is a cross county journey and no easy feat. It was sneaky talks in FB messenger among the three of us for several weeks. We had it all worked out and Rich was none the wiser. It was meticulously plotted. These sweet men flew across the country, while the other had been out of town and made special plans to fly in one day sooner so that they could come see their long time friend. (Shout out to the wives who fully supported this effort!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rich simply could not fathom that these two would fly across the country just to see him. And yet, that is exactly what they did. Sadly, the original had an emergency-- his wife became terribly ill and ended up in the hospital so he was unable to be there personally. He did, however do a live video chat with us. He was sorely missed and we are all praying for his lovely wife. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All in all it was an incredible day filled with laughter and singing and good times. I am so happy to have been a part of the planning. All I did was agree to the terms and conditions. It was a great surprise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What was the best surprise you ever pulled off?</span><br />
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-29851626350363002882018-09-10T15:06:00.000-07:002018-09-10T15:06:36.170-07:00Inhale the Future, Exhale the Past<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm dusting off my blog! It really needs a makeover. That will come in time. For now, I will just stick with writing and trying to remember how things work around here. I miss blogging and I think I need to get back to it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will start with a quick recap: A few years ago, I made the decision to go back to school. It was a scary decision to make, but I did it. I was able to obtain my degree online. I had moments when I just wanted to throw the towel in--particularly when I was in math classes--but I soldiered through. I earned my Bachelor's degree in English. I am proud of that accomplishment. During my time in school, I took a break from blogging as it was too much to keep up with both. Education first! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During my time away we had a total of three graduations counting my own. While I chose not to walk, I still have the honor of holding the degree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kristin graduated in 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emily graduated this past June</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I completed school May of 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On November 17, 2017 our lives changed forever when Rich had a stroke. Thankfully we were at the hospital when it happened. I am not sure what I would have done if we would have been at home. Some might say it was a terrible thing that happened, but for us this thing was a blessing. Rich was given a new chance at life, one that he had previously been missing. He was extremely lucky in that the stroke mostly affected only his balance and his dexterity which has been moderately corrected through therapy. He is happier now, and works hard everyday to be more stable on his own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just when you think life is going forward you are hit with a roadblock, and by roadblock I mean severe tire damage. You seriously were not paying attention. Honestly neither were the doctors. See, Rich is diabetic and his kidneys were already in trouble back in November. By early June, they were failing. He ended up hospitalized just before Emily's graduation. Don't worry, he made it! He even went to Universal Studios! He was put on emergent dialysis where they removed 11 pounds of fluid. I have since heard of patients having upwards of 40 pounds of fluid removed! How were they functioning!? After a few rounds of hemo dialysis (through the blood) Rich was looking better and had ankles again. We began training for in home peritoneal dialysis. This is done through the abdominal cavity and much easier on the body. I do the hook up and disconnect each night/morning. When we first started training, I had panic attacks and sweated through my clothes during the training sessions. There was no way on earth I was ever going to be able to do this without killing him. Our nurse assured me I would be able to do it without thinking. He was right. I now know the procedure without thinking about it. It has become second nature. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Our lives took a dramatic shift back in November, and then another in June. I think we will stay the course now. We have life jackets, spare tires, food and water! In other words, it is all good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">What will I write about next? Caregiving. Peritoneal Dialysis. Something totally random. A product I like. A gripe. Who knows. Come back next week!</span></div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-56831060928279939392016-09-16T13:36:00.000-07:002016-09-16T13:36:04.880-07:00Five Things: Five Brains, Cars, and Cosplay<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.6px;">AWOL or MIA call it what you want, but I am back. Life throws curve balls, crap storms, and all other things horrible. When it does, you just have to look for the rainbows and silver linings. Today I am playing along with my bestie <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy</a> and her Friday Five link up!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">1. My van started acting funny. It had no giddyup. I took it into a shop recommended to me. I thought it was the transmission. It wasn't. Instead, it turned out to be the catalytic converter. These are very expensive because they are made up of precious metals such as gold and platinum. However, it still didn't explain the $1,000 price tag on the labor. My niece's boyfriend is a mechanic he explained that they probably would have to take apart the suspension to get to the cat. He also said that the car is likely not worth saving. Oh goody. Silver lining and rainbow: he is looking at some places to fix it cheaper, and he knows a dealership that is taking any car no matter what condition for 3K. I have two cars I can offer. Does that mean 6K? Doesn't hurt to ask. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">2. My son is afraid of cops. I blame the media. We see these images of cops abusing their power, shooting people, beating them and it is terrible. I love cops. My BIL was a cop. He is a teacher now. It just saddens me how they are portrayed. How any person is portrayed through the media.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">3. Sometimes I have too many brains. I think of things I would like to write. I worry about everything. Especially stuff I don't have any control over. I guess I like that. The stress you know.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">4. Kristin is officially in BYUI now. It is online. She is starting with two courses as that is all we could afford. After she receives her Associates Degree we are going to work toward sending her to the actual university to obtain her Bachelor's. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">5. We celebrated "Supernatural Day." Supernatural is our favorite TV show. It's been on the air for 11 years and is headed into year 12. It's a good show with everything. I mean everything. They push the boundaries whenever they can. This show had God in it! Plus the main characters have died thousands of times. Literally. It's quite a show.</span></span></span></div>
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Our tribute to Supernatural</div>
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I made pie on Supernatural day because one of the main characters love pie and because PIE!</div>
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Poor Kristin being crammed into the back of the Mercedes. No room for a tall person.</div>
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Spa day at home. Man that stuff was sticky!</div>
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Kristin's latest cosplay. "Harlequinn" from Suicide Squad.</div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-30933126941384431332016-08-19T11:51:00.000-07:002016-08-19T11:51:20.064-07:00Friday FIve: Anxiety and Red Dye<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I made it back! If I only blog once a week, it is a start. Of course, it is <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy</a> who is bringing me back. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Anxiety is a terrible thing. It is very real. You cannot see it, and it is also hard to describe. I want to write about this more. I have a feeling I would either go off on a tangent or I would derail...a lot. I still want to talk about it here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. School is back in session and we are finishing up week two. No major dramas so far. The hardest part is pick up because it has been so hot and there is space of about 30 minutes between the two pick up times.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. The Olympics are winding down, and I am still just a couch potato while they excel to the absolute extreme. I do get excited for the ones who medal for the first time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. I have been in a funk lately, and I am working to turn that around. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Ryan's schedule has changed at least three times in these first two weeks of school. Not really a drama, more of a bother. However, he has taken it like a champ and has been able to adapt to it well. This is huge for him. </span></span></div>
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Always Keep Fighting. This campaign is championed by Supernatural star Jared Padalecki who deals with anxiety and depression himself. He launched the campaign after losing a friend to suicide. </div>
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I got to be one of the girls! They even wanted me to go to the mall with them. Sadly I had to decline as I had to pick up kids.</div>
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When your Weight Watchers Leader plays Pokemon Go, she will doodle on the poster of her meeting room! She is awesome.</div>
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My cat thinks he is human. He wanted was I having. At least he was polite.</div>
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When your daughter does cosplay there is a high probability for Rit Dye to be in your sink. Her latest creation is Harley Quinn, and my sink looked like a blood bath. </div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-37337627382696061752016-08-12T09:00:00.000-07:002016-08-12T09:00:17.978-07:00Friday Five: Back to School <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So it is Friday and I am playing along with my bestie, <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy</a> and her Friday Five where you share five thoughts and five pictures.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. School is back in session for the kids and it feels like summer just started. My oldest is in the process of registering for BYUI (online). We have a few more steps before the process is complete. As for me, I am still trucking along to earn my degree. I want to be done so bad. The finish line is coming up.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Been watching the Olympics. I like diving, gymnastics, swimming and that is about it. What are your go to events?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Finding work is hard when you haven't done it in almost ten years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. We have only been to the beach once this summer. That is unusual for us. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. I need time to stand still for a while so that I can catch up on things like sleep.</span></span></div>
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Sometimes I see weird stuff when I am out and about...this was one of the weirdest. </div>
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Now that's a roll back!</div>
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Hello Darkness my old friend...(back to school)</div>
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He really got brave. The water was mostly calm so that helped.</div>
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Signs by my artist Emily. I can't believe how much they have grown. </div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-47299283397048753052016-08-02T09:58:00.000-07:002016-08-02T09:58:18.799-07:00Ten Things to Smile AboutI am linking up with my bestie <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy</a> to share Ten Things that made me smile in July!<br />
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1. </div>
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Two zoo trips in one month! Season passes! </div>
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35 pounds down and counting!</div>
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Walking a 5K with my church on the 4th. Look at all those steps!</div>
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Bittersweet as we always laughed and smiled with our hairdresser (Center) She is moving away. </div>
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If this doesn't make you happy, you are not living.</div>
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6.</div>
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This moment from the cats. </div>
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This girl completing the Pathways program. Next stop: BYUI</div>
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This handsome devil</div>
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Walking and capturing this sunset.</div>
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A weekend getaway with my bestie--you know the one I am linking up with today. We had a blast!</div>
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What made you smile this month?</div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-73189394430561177532016-07-08T14:23:00.000-07:002016-07-08T14:23:51.657-07:00Friday Five: Zoo, Virtual Reality and Big Wine<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I am linking up with my bestie (again) because <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy</a> will get me blogging again. Today is Friday Five where we share five thoughts and five pictures. That's easy right? Well then, let's get this rodeo started.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. We went to the zoo. It was for Emily's birthday. Originally she wanted Disneyland, but that was way out of our budget. Thankfully when I mentioned the zoo her eyes lit up and we bought (through the military) season passes and we can go back. It covers the regular zoo and the safari park. Good investment.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">2. I learned about a new cooking show. Worst Cooks in America. Oh my goodness this show is hilarious. For me, not knowing how to cook--and these people do not know how to cook it is sad--is a </span></span><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">foreign and unknown concept. How can a person not know how to cook? </span></span><span style="color: #282828; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;"> One person actually sent her spouse to the ER because she didn't realize you could not leave food out all day. All right, my mom worked in a hospital so I got all kinds of food pro tips, but come on that one seems pretty easy.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.6px;">Can you cook? What is the extent of your knowledge?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.6px;">3. I made a discovery today. My brand new belt which I bought to hold up my shorts/jeans that are loose but not too loose is now too big even on the smallest notch. I need to add notches! Go me! 33 pounds down and counting! I am such a LOSER! hahahaha.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.6px;">4. My week overall has been mostly uneventful...this is a good thing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.6px;">5. The 4th of July I did a 5K with my church and made a nice BBQ dinner and stayed home. No fireworks for us. We watched all of the Back to the Future movies on Netflix instead. It was great!</span></span></div>
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One of many zoo pictures. I had fun.</div>
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Ryan did this pose on his own. I love this kid.</div>
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I played monopoly against Kristin. She said I would lose. She was wrong.</div>
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I do not drink, but I have friends who do. This struck me as very funny.</div>
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Ryan got to try virtual reality. He really liked it.</div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-88894214145258366592016-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:002016-07-07T08:00:26.272-07:00Charlie Brown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Peanuts Gang is quite possibly the most iconic pop culture group of kids after The Little Rascals, and I am talking about the original ones not the movie that was made. Raise your hand if you remember them! Yes, I am too young for The Little Rascals (in their original run) but I know who they are because of syndication. What a ridiculous show about the battle of the sexes between little boys and little girls. However, this post is about The Peanuts Gang. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I was thinking about good old Charlie Brown the other day. I remember how much I could relate to him as a child. He is so disregarded and yet filled with hope. I sure felt picked on. I never had my head drawn on for what a pumpkin should look like, but probably faced some similar humiliation in my time. Haven't we all at some point or another been just like Charlie Brown? I believe I even landed more than one kite in a tree. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Charlie Brown is insecure and full of anxiety, which is why I can relate to him so much. Despite his insecurities and anxieties he keeps going. He always tries to kick the ball. He went ahead and bought the sad Christmas tree because it touched his heart and felt like what Christmas really meant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The next most relatable character for me is Lucy. What a crabapple she can be, but let's be honest who here hasn't had a cranky day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lucy isn't just crabby though. She can be kind of...well...she is bossy or she can be thought of as the </span>quintessential mean girl. Think about it for a second. Yes, she gives advice (usually to Charlie Brown) but she charges him for it. And like most older siblings she uses her overbearing personality to push her little brother around. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After Lucy and Charlie Brown, I found my comfort with Peppermint Patty. She was is so cool. She didn't care what anybody said or did. She was fierce, and she was good at baseball. I wanted to be cool and fierce like her, and I was really good at softball. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How about Linus? Linus with his blanket and deep thoughts. I always admired this character. He is deep and seems to be the one that keeps the group grounded. Are you that person in your circle? I'm not. I wish I was. To be so thoughtful and insightful. I used to think no kid is that insightful. I am amazed at how insightful kids can be. It isn't any wonder that the Linuses of the world keep us grounded and thinking on that spiritual plane.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Schroder. Lucy's cursh. He has no clue whatsoever. By today's standard that kid would likely be labeled as </span>Autistic<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Please do not send me hate. My own daughter is in the spectrum. Let's think about it. He is a child prodigy who is an absolute genius on the piano. He rarely, if ever talks to anyone and especially not Lucy. When he does communicate with her it is about his passion, the classic piano and his favorite of all Beethoven. I just enjoyed watching Lucy spend countless hours throwing herself at Schroder when he clearly had no designs on her. It made me the mean girl I guess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sally Brown. The little sibling to our anit-hero. She gushed over Linus. She was going to marry him. I say she did. I think secretly Linus likes the attention, but being a little boy he is too embarrassed to admit it, plus he doesn't want Charlie Brown to know because that's his little sister after all. Sally Brown was the first official fan girl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then of course, there is Snoopy. Charlie Brown's best friend. Lucy's </span>nemesis<span style="font-family: inherit;">. And Peppermint Patty's crush because apparently when a dog walks upright, it is hard to tell if it is human or not. Maybe she needed glasses more than Marcie. Snoopy was good at everything; everything except being a dog. Think about it. Snoopy is more human than canine. He writes, has adventures as the WWI flying ace, cooks full thanksgiving dinners, he is afraid of cats, his best friend is a bird;about the only thing dog-like he does is eat bones and dog food(</span>occasionally<span style="font-family: inherit;">.) No matter what you think Snoopy is, he is the coolest dog out there, and at the end of the day he is Charlie Brown's dog. </span></div>
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My mother told me that as a child I reminded her of Pigpen because I carried a cloud dust with me wherever I went. Pigpen was another one of those great characters who didn't seem all that interested in the opinions of others. He was proud of his dirt.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For me the most relatable and lovable character is Charlie Brown because he never gives up, he hates no one, and all this despite overwhelming social anxieties and fears. I relate more to Lucy as an adult because as a mother I get cranky faster and I do tend to get bossy. I don't even have to give FIVE reasons for the kids to do things, I can do it with a look. Beat that Lucy. Though I bet adult Lucy could easily do so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Who do you identify with? Are you a Lucy? A Charlie Brown? Maybe you are a Snoopy. Or are you a Pigpen?</span></div>
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<br />Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-23867744596633821192016-07-01T12:56:00.002-07:002016-07-01T12:56:59.297-07:00Five Things: If One Person Can Get Me Blogging...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If anyone can get me blogging again, it will be <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy</a>! Yes, you will. It will happen. Stop shaking your head, woman! Today is Friday Five with Emmy and that is where you share five thoughts and five pictures. Okay this could be interesting...</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Summer vacay so far has been mostly uneventful. No major dramas--knock wood. Ryan and Rich did Cub Camp and the weather was fantastic! The weather overall here has been HOT! He and Rich both had a good time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Rich's brother and sister-in-law and daughter came to CA for a visit. Their visit was short but we were happy to spend time with them just the same.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. My sweet Emily turned 16! I just can't believe it. She had such a rough beginning born three weeks early and not breathing! YOu would never know it. She is a brilliant artist and incredibly sweet and funny.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">4. I am </span></span><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">continuing</span></span><span style="color: #282828; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;"> on with college. It's hard! I will not quit. I am going for the finish! Sometimes I think about going for a Masters Degree, but I shudder at the extra school! Sigh.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. I want a million dollars....wait...let's make it Ten Billion. I mean if I am going to be greedy let's do it right! </span></span></div>
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1. I Snapchat! And one of the things I snapchat is when I watch Supernatural. Why? Because that show is as hilarious as it is serious. Yesterday, I discovered an Easter Egg. Forest wallpaper when they were dealing with fairies. Yes, fairies. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ummm...Come on....admit it...you want this!!</span></span></div>
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Ryan and his friend. Selfie and such a good job!</div>
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When will I blog next??? </div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-19083299136459618772016-06-28T14:29:00.003-07:002016-06-28T14:29:49.555-07:00Ten Things to Smile AboutYes, I know it has been far too long. It may be a long time again, but here I am linking up with my bestie, <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy</a>.<br />
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1. This kid and his silly ways always make me smile everyday of the year.</div>
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2. Trying on a Medium shirt and having it fit!</div>
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3. Seeing this shirt at a thrift store and finding it oddly amusing.</div>
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4. This sweet girl being abundantly pleased with her birthday cake</div>
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5. Spending time with family even if it was short.</div>
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6. An impromptu one shot "photo shoot" for Father's Day</div>
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7. When my mom and I dressed alike without even trying. It happens a lot.</div>
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8. When Ryan invited his Dad to talk at Scouts as a hero. Just look at that face!</div>
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9. In a moment of weakness, Spencer put an arm over his brother.</div>
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10. I am actually on the fence about this one. But he sure is a happy kid.</div>
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That is what made me smile this month. What made you smile?</div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-5758583905338078782016-02-26T12:05:00.000-08:002016-02-26T12:05:11.746-08:00Friday Five: Sick, Sponges, and Trains<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">It is Friday and you know what that means!! I am linking up with <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy</a> again. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">1. It's been a rough week. I got sick. I woke up in the night with a wicked tickle in my throat. I tried to ignore it. I laid low. I went to bed early. (Hmmmm...you would think I should do that anyway!) but it was too late. Now I am just hoping the cold goes away and doesn't turn ugly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">2. I am almost done with my math class. I have a low C which I can possibly boost to a C+. Trust me when I say this is perfectly acceptable for me. Math has never been my strong suit. I will be ecstatic if I can pass and be done with math for good! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">3. Kristin is working! Someone in our church needed someone to spend nights with their mom who recently fell and broke her foot and dislocated her shoulder. This woman is 99. Yes, you read that right...99. She is a pistol! Kristin stays with her over night in case she needs to get up to go to the bathroom. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">4. Yesterday there was a big black cat in our yard. We lost a black kitty about 5 years ago. I slowly approached this cat just wondering. Well it wasn't ours but it was a very friendly kitty and wanted to adopt me right then and there. My two present kitties watched from inside the house in complete shock and horror that I would betray them in such a way. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">5. The Oscars are this weekend. I haven't decided yet if I am going to watch. I have always watched. However, this year there is so much griping and bad politics that I feel the fun, glamour, and the real climb to excellence has been slighted. </span></span></span></div>
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I feel so much better than this. Though I do wish my sinuses would clear.</div>
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I missed the Blue and Gold dinner since I was sick. </div>
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Ryan was revisiting some old childhood friends</div>
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My "friend." </div>
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This sponge caused a lot of excitement. My mom and I both buy this brand, and after weeks of it being out we were thrilled to see it back in stock. Yeah, we need to get out more.</div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-57514193567093142672016-02-19T11:14:00.002-08:002016-02-19T11:14:27.672-08:00Friday Five: A+B=C<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Friday is here! Some weeks just drag on and on! I am so thankful <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy's</a> weekly meme to keep me in check, but to also help me write at least once a week. I thought I had been slacking lately, but honestly I am not. Here's the deal...A+B=C....</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. A+B=C I am taking an intermediate math course right now and it consuming my time and energy. Not to mention it is plaguing me with doubt and anxiety. If I could hire a tutor I would, but that is not an option. Don't feel sorry me. Pray for me, send good vibes or whatever you want because I need it all!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. A+B=C.... I have been told for years by doctors that walking will help my knees. Well, I have been walking and now my left is swollen! It hurts a lot. Where's my happy knee that I was promised!? I feel so lied to! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. A+B=C When you go to your best friend's house, hilarity will ensue! I got to see <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy</a> again! What a treat that we saw each other twice in a 30 day span! We played a gambit of improv games compliments of Kristin(my oldest) and there was a lot of laughter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">4. A+B=C... Verizon is the devil, but their service/product is stellar so I am a slave to it. I am still sorting out a huge mess with them regarding payment </span></span><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">arrangements</span></span><span style="color: #282828; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;"> and auto-pulls from my bank. What a mess. Don't switch to Verizon. Stay with whatever devil company you already have. They all suck for one reason or another.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #282828;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">5. A+B=C We had a full turkey dinner on Valentine's day. It was a lot of work, but it was oh so yummy. Plus it came in handy for leftovers! </span></span></div>
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We played Ticket to Ride...Our Ryan won....Did you know that Kristin's boyfriend is also named, Ryan!?</div>
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Miss Alex, <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy's</a> girl, did the hoola hoop for 6 minutes 16.28seconds! She even read a book!</div>
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As I said, we did some improv games.<a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank"> Emmy </a>proposed to Lucas but quickly rejected leaving her in a heap. Kristin came to the rescue!</div>
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It is REALLY hard to drink a pop this way! Yes, I tried to.</div>
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My brother is getting really good at photoshop. So I sent him a picture of me and told him to work his magic. He said, he didn't do much. Awww. Looks cool though!</div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-23616043921153132052016-02-12T10:50:00.001-08:002016-02-12T10:50:38.409-08:00Friday Five: Slacking, Haircuts, and Diet Coke<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been a bit of slacker this week. No week long migraines, though I did have yesterday. I am in an intermediate math class which I am determined to pass. I DO NOT want to repeat it! I really do not. I digress, I am happy to participate with my <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">bestie Emmy</a>, in her Friday Five meme! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">1. I had a battle with Verizon...I won. It was short lived. I made a payment </span></span><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">arrangement</span></span><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;"> with them that I would pay the bill on a given date. The bill was then paid with a different card, however Verizon took upon themselves to automatically pull the money from the card on file. Unfortunately there was not enough in the account to cover it. This is why we used the other card. As a result, we were also charged $29 for non </span></span><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">sufficient</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;"> funds.To shorten this story we spent about 90 minutes and two disconnects we have been reimbursed. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">2. This week, Kristin started volunteering in Ryan's class. It will be an interesting experiment for her. I look forward to seeing the results.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">3. Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Is it just another day? We are having a nice fancy dinner that involves the whole family. As a couple, not so much. Here's the deal, most if not all of our first several Valentine's were sidelined by other things such as: a </span></span><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">laparoscopy, moving, duty, deployment, among other things. We just decided it didn't matter. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">4. We have an outdoor kitty. Well...not really, but it sure comes around a lot. We named it. "Tiger." I don't feed it. <strike>(yet) </strike> Although my son wants to. Tiger comes and goes, I am not sure if she/he belongs to anyone but she/he seems fairly healthy. She/he cannot come in though. Spencer would be too butthurt.</span></span></span></span></div>
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5. It is a 4 day weekend. This is good and bad. Extra days to sleep in, and extra days of "I'm bored!" It's a mixed good/bad. We shall see. </div>
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Okay so it is two in one...but we will count it as one. I decorate my antenna with ribbon. I can find my car easier that way! haha. Emily got her hair colored. She went dark. It makes her eyes pop, and her freckles! hehe.</div>
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Finally Coke got it right! I don't share!</div>
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This actually came from my Snapchat. We had fun making it.</div>
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Remember last week when it ws 77? Yeah...this was Monday.</div>
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A new to me shirt! I love our thrift store.</div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-10911241061709174792016-02-09T13:26:00.000-08:002016-02-09T13:26:24.069-08:00Trials and Tribulations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my oldest daughter's favorite scriptures is Joshua 1:9.</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the </span><span class="smallCaps" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> thy God </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">is</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> with thee whithersoever thou goest.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This scripture was a constant reminder to her that she was never alone even during her darkest times and worst trials. Yes, even a teenager can face dark times and trials. We all face dark times and trials. What is curious to me is the way we brave it and put up such fronts to the world at large.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"How are you" Friends will ask. (We ask this too.) And we genuinely want to know. We are sincerely interested in their welfare especially if something is wrong. So it stands to reasons that our friends/family would likewise be interested in our well being. Then why do we always resort to standard answers such as,"I'm doing good," or "Hanging in there." Instead of just once telling them exactly what it is that is going on? In one short answer, we do not wish to burden others with our trials. They already have so much on their plate I do not want to add to it. Sometimes, we need to share those burdens simply because our friends will have a sympathetic ear that is meant just for you. It might be an opportunity for them to open up to you realizing you both have trials and feels good to unload them. It may not resolve anything, but it is certainly good to know that we can share our trials with each other. </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">It's true, we are not alone in our trials no matter what they are. I know that we are not forgotten. I know that Heavenly Father is there through each of these trials that we face, and I know that He places these special people in our lives to uplift one another in these times of trial. </span></div>
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While our trials may seem overwhelming or may seem like little to nothing next to "their trials" it is still our trial and the one that we must face. What a blessing to know we are not alone; ever.</div>
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<br />Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-30666822043002488822016-02-05T11:48:00.001-08:002016-02-05T11:48:58.275-08:00Friday Five: Migraines, Math, Snowflakes, and Divas<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Allerta; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">Well it is Friday and I am happy as can be! Just because it means no homework for the kids. I am also happy to play along with my <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">bestie</a> today with her Friday Five! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Allerta; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">1. If you caught my blog yesterday, you know I had a migraine for over a week. What a suck fest that was. I cursed my kids with those nasty evil things too. What a crime. I know it's not my fault, but what a curse. Enough of that nonsense!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: Allerta;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">2. I got a body scan (by electric pulses) at the doctor's office yesterday. Through this little device they can decipher body mass, water retention, and an assortment of other basic data to give an overall look at your health. Well, as it turns out, I am pretty healthy, but my HDL cholesterol levels are low(you want those ones to be higher...the LDLs or "lethals" are the ones we want lower.) Here's the kicker I am dehydrated. What? I drink water...and *cough* pop *cough* what? Who said that?? I am not drinking enough water! My WW Leader would shake her head at me. How much water do we need??? 6-8 8 ounce glasses of water! Yep. Because I am not getting that in, my body is holding on to about 8 to 10 POUNDS of water!!! WHAT!?? Pass the water! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: Allerta;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6px;">3. I am in a new math class. It's an intermediate algebra class. I understand that math is a daily occurrence. We literally (correct use of literally) use math in our lives on a daily basis. However, for what point and purpose does an intermediate course in algebra do an English major? I am legitimately curious. </span></span></span></div>
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A perfect example of Spencer's diva mode. He was mad at me because I got up. Kristin called him to come to her. He did. He showed me!</div>
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our fence after some strong winds and heavy rains.</div>
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I love me some Diet Coke...especially from the fountain!</div>
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My daughter got "heart-attacked" from the girls at church.</div>
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I possess the power to revoke the status of "special snowflake" from anyone acting in a way unbecoming to a snowflake! In other words, if someone is acting like a #%$hat, I will wave my wand and remove your status as a snowflake!</div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-83469790040937591122016-02-04T09:18:00.001-08:002016-02-04T09:18:53.068-08:00Down for the Count<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have chronic migraines, and anyone who suffers these nasty things can relate to how they can take you death's door. I had been fighting this particular migraine for at least 7 days. Now don't think I was down like this for all seven days, because I was not. This migraine taunted me and laughed at attempts to get rid of its unwanted company. There are levels of migraine pain for everyone, and within those levels pain are levels of functionality. Please understand I am under a doctor's care for these migraines with daily medication to keep them under control and medication for migraines when they do hit. The problem with this last week was I was out of the medication and waiting for the refill. It was on that last day that refill came when the migraine reared its ugly self. What made this one even worse was I woke up with it. That is just not fair. </div>
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This migraine had me at that level of pain where you are either ready to die or simply prefer it. There is no real way to describe how I felt. I will say migraine pain alters your personality(especially after several days). <span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Many people fail to realize that migraine is a neurological disease, like epilepsy. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Migraine ranks in the top 20 of the world's most disabling medical illnesses. Amazingly, over 10% of the population, including children, suffers from migraine"<a href="http://www.migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine.html" target="_blank">(source)</a> I started getting migraines when I was around 8 years old. The fantastic thing was our doctor(at the time) recognized and new that even a child could get them. The bad news, nothing for a kid(at that time). He told my mom to have me lie down in dark room with an ice pack. I don't remember anything beyond the pain of having the migraines. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Migraines are </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">debilitating; not only are physically painful, they make light and sound impossible to bear. Moving is not an option, but that is not all. Migraines have the capacity to disrupt speech. The migraine sufferer has been known to speak jibberish. I have not had this happen--that would scare the life out of me and my family. What happens to me, is loss of words. I literally(correct use of literally) lost words mid speaking. I know what I am supposed to say, but I cannot say it. A word like "lunch" or "flour" is not there. There is also delayed reaction time, so driving is not wise when the migraine is bad. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I am happy to report that as of yesterday, (Wednesday) I have been headache free. Those killer migraines, the ones that "will kill me" aren't all the time and I am so grateful for that. I have learned how to power through the ones that aren't so bad. One medicine will figure out what causes them, but the truth is everyone is wired differently and has about a thousand different triggers per person. It will be a long time before that happens. For now, it's a matter of keeping us with chronic migraines comfortable.</span></div>
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<br />Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-15061527239050200852016-01-29T12:43:00.002-08:002016-01-29T12:43:40.265-08:00Friday Five: Yoga, Snow, Chocolate, and Beanies!It is Friday...time to share some thoughts and pics and link up with my bestie!<br />
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1. I think I need to get me some chocolate. I have been wanting some for a while now. The scary thing about chocolate is once you go there it's hard to stop. I know for a fact, I will not gain 20 pounds from a single bar of chocolate unless the bar is also 20 pounds. I just worry about the effects chocolate/candy has on us. It's very real. Sugar is a dangerous thing! Sigh.<br />
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2. I want to write for a living. Who doesn't? I guess someone out there does not. I saw a writing opportunity that would be perfect for me. I can do the type of writing they wanted. However, they wanted a year of experience, they wanted it to be within the company itself(why advertise?) and so forth.<br />
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3. Every day you should laugh. We need laughter. It keeps us young at heart. I laugh at myself mostly. My mental age on any given day is about 12, and sometimes I am a boy. I guess that explains my appreciation for a good fart joke.<br />
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4. Yesterday, Ryan had band practice. This is normal and it is after school. I went to pick him up and he did not show up. Of course there was panic. I drove back and forth between home and the school no less than 3 times thinking he walked home. (We live very close). Then I went into the office and asked about his whereabouts. He has been moved into Honor Band, perhaps I missed a note on the form about extra time on band days (though I did see the band teacher LEAVING). What I had forgotten is Ryan had signed up for afterschool programs two days a week. One of the days being Thursday--same day as band. Apparently it goes on beyond band practice because he went after band practice, I scoured the form, no times are given. Ugh! Well. I took him home, and all was well. We discussed the importance of making sure a parent knew where he was. Sigh.<br />
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5. Doing yoga is hard enough, but doing it with a cat is extra challenging. My cat likes to claim me by rubbing my head when I am in downward facing dog or other such poses. He lays on my mat when I am standing making it hard and awkward to get into position when returning to seated or other postures. He kind of goes bat crap crazy, and the funny thing is, I do it every night. Silly beast.<br />
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And here is the cat who helps during yoga. Crazy animal.</div>
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This is my brother's cat, Sumo. Sumo is a Maine Coone. He's big, fluffy, and very friendly. </div>
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I did a photo shoot of my oldest in her cosplay. This is the back of the camera. I have edited 5 of the 48 pictures. </div>
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This one is not my picture. It is a friend's picture who lives back east in VA where I used to live. Yeah, school was canceled that day. Hahaha. </div>
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Stealing my son's beanie and rocking it like a boss. </div>
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<br />Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-16698843014148053212016-01-28T12:37:00.000-08:002016-01-28T12:37:54.312-08:00When the Scale Doesn't Tell the Tale I gained 1.6 pounds this week. I am not worried. It happens. The truth is, our bodies have a natural algorithm which it follows and if you track your weight whether you are losing weight or not you will see a pattern in your weight. Mine is always the same. I lose a little, a little, a little, then I do some big ones and then a gain. Sometimes it's because I ate too many cookies, sometimes it's because I am retaining water...it happens. Then there is exercise. Yes, exercise can actually show a gain. No, muscle does not weigh more than fat. A pound of fat and a pound of muscle both weigh the same. Muscle just takes up less space than fat. Also, when you are exercising your muscles create tears and those tears produce glycogen that will repair any damages. You know when you feel sore after a strenuous workout? That is your body repairing itself, and don't be surprised by a gain at the scale. Once your muscles feel better the scale will go back down. Never give up hope. <div>
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Sometimes we have "Non scale victories." These can be anything from saying no to a food you no longer find "worthy" or clothes that suddenly fit differently. I had such a victory. It was a shirt. A shirt I have to preface is labeled as 2XL. I am not sure in what universe this shirt really is a 2XL but that is what it says! Now I know I am bigger person, I also know that I am busty girl. Shirts are an issue. This shirt was a major want though. I have a <strike>major</strike> mild <strike>obsession </strike> passion for a certain Marvel character. Maybe it's the actor. Maybe it's the portrayal he offers. Whatever it is, I have a soft spot for Loki. So I really got excited about the t-shirt that looked like his armour. Even more when I wore it to Disneyland two years ago and stirred up trouble ala Loki style when I met "Thor" and "Captain America." Any Marvel fan worth their salt knows that Loki caused all kinds of trouble in the first Avengers movie when he wreaked havoc on New York. Thor even asked if I had ever been there. Captain America interrogated me. Oh and my phone case at the time had Loki on it. This chick had a great time. Now, let's get back to that shirt...it was snug...real snug. But I didn't care. I wore it anyway knowing pictures would be taken. Let's be honest, when we are self-conscious about our weight the last thing we want to do is have our pictures taken, but I know about camera angles and I know how to stand and pose so that it looks deceiving. </div>
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If you look at that first one, I am actually just standing there, not posing and it gives a pretty harsh truth. Cameras do not lie unless you make them. The second photo, I turned, sucked it in; to the best of my abilities and stuck my chin out and it made me look about 10 pounds lighter. Standing up straight makes a difference. The last one, is a straight shot, no sucking in and my chin is not held up any higher than normal. That shirt fits a lot better after 30 pounds. Am I upset that I gained 1.6 pounds this week? Nah. I know I am still working toward the big finish. Besides, I have designs on going back to Disney and causing more mischief! </div>
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Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243779065169722919.post-29087539138782215282016-01-26T11:24:00.002-08:002016-01-26T11:24:37.155-08:00Ten Things to Smile AboutIt's not even Friday and I am linking up with my bestie, <a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/" target="_blank">Emmy</a>! She does this beautiful meme once month where we focus on the things that made us smile. It is a reminder that there is still good around us each and every day! Okay enough of the sticky stuff. Let's get on with the smiles.<br />
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1.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UtXSjYCVcJn8oDTkFoITKEYrP5puxT4ENYczMrg1iB7uHV1pPvLprORHkVmzWs97aKUlOIkgwhsW2kYoidlv8DHTyawTsNti6__-WOOscnHjRIIhCtzWwSedSRLzF3uwpeckMHJWY0uu/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UtXSjYCVcJn8oDTkFoITKEYrP5puxT4ENYczMrg1iB7uHV1pPvLprORHkVmzWs97aKUlOIkgwhsW2kYoidlv8DHTyawTsNti6__-WOOscnHjRIIhCtzWwSedSRLzF3uwpeckMHJWY0uu/s320/IMG_1645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tying a bow tie for the first time. Plus the model is super cute.</div>
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2.</div>
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We Californians get very excited about that stuff.</div>
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A much needed haircut. It got postponed 3 times. I was long overdue!!</div>
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4. Going to visit my bestie...it was long long overdue.</div>
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5. Playing Guitar Hero with said Bestie and totally sucking at it. It was sad, but so hilarious! </div>
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6. Kristin and I do yoga at home for a lot of reasons...it's free, it's convenient, and to be honest we would be kicked out of public yoga classes because we are loud, pick on each other, and laugh LOUDLY. I honestly have the best time with her. </div>
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7. Speaking of Kristin, she teaches the 3 year olds at church and when one of them was offering the closing prayer in her class the day she had worn her prom dress, the little girl had said, "thank you for the princess" in her sweet little prayer.</div>
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(Prom)</div>
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8. Bear with me here...there was sadness this month due to a monster called Cancer, we lost celebrities and a friend at church, but despite that there were smiles given. Funny and sweet stories were shared about this sweet sister who was called back home and I was glad to have known her, even for a short time. </div>
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9. We had the missionaries over for dinner. It's always fun, plus I enjoy the spirit they bring. This last visit was especially entertaining as both the missionaries and my children enjoyed conversations about anime. </div>
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10. Is it wrong that I smiled when I found a full bag of brown sugar in my cupboard so that I could make chocolate chip cookies? Because I totally did. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What made you smile this month?</span></span></div>
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<br />Louriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05477223472789865063noreply@blogger.com3