tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17369793895976440882024-03-12T22:29:27.444-07:00Blazers and BabiesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-65241751476433845392014-09-30T09:39:00.002-07:002014-10-03T21:03:36.719-07:00Friendship Courting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj63xnXUKKSZN9aPu3cPBy8541URWbQsRpKD908-HJ4gHHdNykS2qMf_fOJV_ihEe9QDfGj8g4Yo1ftbkheHMr0BqC7lrcw_uTH271lgJJz8ZYiHqMb71rZclpgoMpHKONJBxQX46qGFM/s1600/Bestfriendships.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj63xnXUKKSZN9aPu3cPBy8541URWbQsRpKD908-HJ4gHHdNykS2qMf_fOJV_ihEe9QDfGj8g4Yo1ftbkheHMr0BqC7lrcw_uTH271lgJJz8ZYiHqMb71rZclpgoMpHKONJBxQX46qGFM/s1600/Bestfriendships.png" height="166" width="200"></a></div>
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When I was younger I never realized how much energy goes into creating a friendship. Early in life the opportunities to create new friendships are abundant. School, sports and other activities constantly push kids and young adults into new relationships and opportunities to create a friendship. College is like a friend frenzy with dorm life, fraternity parties and class study groups. </div>
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Later in life, finding new friendships is hard. Kids open the door sometimes but finding a connection with a mom takes time. Between sippy cups, screaming toddlers and endless interruptions finding <i>real</i> common ground is basically impossible. It takes spark. I swear it is like dating.<br>
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One of my most successful adult life friends is Stacie. We met in the street. She was walking with her baby boy and I was chasing Hadley around. I'm not even sure where Harrison was. Maybe in my belly? Maybe napping? Regardless, we had a fleeting exchange in the street and exchanged phone numbers. I gave her my number and took hers. Secretly I thought it would be like any other park phone number exchange, a dead end. Sure, they were all nice moms before and I would have loved to see them and their kids again but the reality is none of those park phone number exchanges turned into anything.<br>
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With Stacie it was different. That night she did something bold. She asked me to be her friend on Facebook. Whoa! Now this is a woman who is serious about becoming friends. I accepted because I was serious too. I loved the idea of raising kids together with a like minded friend who had kids the same age. I really yearned for that relationship. But a Facebook friend request from a basic stranger was a pretty bold move. Go Stacie!<br>
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Years later we have managed wine nights to actually talk with one another. Our husbands clicked right away and the kids are all within a year of one another. Sometimes we happen to see each other at the donut shop and other times we plan a vacation together. The families just work together and it is awesome!<br>
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So the challenge for today... if you are interested in meeting a new adult life friend, be BOLD. Take the extra step like Stacie did: Facebook, avocado delivery, cul-de-sac wine invitation.... make the effort and maybe it will be just the spark a friendship needs! Lesson learned: Life=long friendships don't start with dead-end phone number exchanges.<br>
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<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-64026639435019946502014-09-25T10:54:00.000-07:002014-09-25T10:54:56.108-07:00Fall - Scarfs are BACK! Okay, so let me just be clear I have no idea what the runways say are back for Fall. I just know I LOVE scarfs. A friend shared this awesome video with a million ways to wear a scarf. Just had to pass on.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzCCPctq8YXsXfPFkFGSuBeWvZkLEfgo9HfOub_fqhEPh2cL2UP8Wmo41y8QNBEqpCFX5-UycrkF7H8RirNoA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-82425312276419916162014-09-23T10:08:00.000-07:002014-09-23T10:08:02.426-07:00Rain Lover <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apparently there is a word for people like me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pluviophile:</b> (n) a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP17rxwxLccuKF8cTplYyT2Rt3lVDWVdCaUZCqxDLvStcKsVQ8EK0NfDEnfXDNE-VriYJRqPqiSdCx-MdW3CT_RhXWX1ut9WJQz41KSAlGqsYEitthN9oZhjWiBoK9P05Rr-bxzRWakGg/s1600/Rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP17rxwxLccuKF8cTplYyT2Rt3lVDWVdCaUZCqxDLvStcKsVQ8EK0NfDEnfXDNE-VriYJRqPqiSdCx-MdW3CT_RhXWX1ut9WJQz41KSAlGqsYEitthN9oZhjWiBoK9P05Rr-bxzRWakGg/s1600/Rain.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Found on <a href="http://weheartit.com/dashboard">We Heart It</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rain drops are like magic and serenity all wrapped together. Sunshine and snow are lovely too but rain is what I crave. When I was little, my mom used to encourage me to dance in the rain and talk about how it was kisses being showered down from the heavens. We used to watch it drip on the windows in the car. She would share how she was waiting to use the windsheild wipers as long as possible. She cultivated a love of rain in me. At my core. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am begging the rain gods for a rainy day. A rainy day, a rainy night are my favorite. Snuggles. Warm fire and cozy jammies. Probably my all time favorite. Thanks Mom. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-53690874040836488612014-09-22T09:38:00.001-07:002014-09-22T09:42:24.125-07:00Part 1: Mentoring - Purpose<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The industry I work in is dominated by men. This isn't a bad thing, it is just the reality. The industry and the major firms in the market have all tried to evolve this fact but it is going to take more time. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqB8O0BDvcS_eE57jlahbaqiOax3Pi8VoHFzJeIm3yOYg9A_u7eVN95UyOnABV66YstgXBC5w9n8K2ZRt3eA2_9euoQ3juxTy8onPGHxkBSPI7IjRAaz5Jomwqz7OtV-meFoA15MHrwg/s1600/Mentoring_Purpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqB8O0BDvcS_eE57jlahbaqiOax3Pi8VoHFzJeIm3yOYg9A_u7eVN95UyOnABV66YstgXBC5w9n8K2ZRt3eA2_9euoQ3juxTy8onPGHxkBSPI7IjRAaz5Jomwqz7OtV-meFoA15MHrwg/s1600/Mentoring_Purpose.jpg" height="233" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Super cool definition and image by <a href="http://www.unitedpurpose.com/">United Purpose</a>. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So throughout my career I have actively sought out mentoring relationships. Some have happened very naturally with senior partners who took the time to show interest in my professional growth and development. Others, I have had to seek, stalk and continually build. Those ones take a lot more energy but are still fruitful. In my 10+ years at my firm, I have had a few really solid mentors and two of them are women. Considering 93% of my peers in San Diego are men, I am very lucky to have any female mentors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I progress in my career, I still need coaching and guidance. Recently I enrolled in an <a href="http://www.womenevolution.org/">online mentorship program</a>. With hesitation but also with hope. The program is more general about key milestones in any solid career and typical challenges women have in pursuing a corporate career. It isn't specific to what I do, but I think that actually might be a positive thing. So for the next few weeks I am going to be doing this online program and sharing my major takeaways from the experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first week's lesson is all about Purpose. There were some specific videos and exercises to cover including values, self awareness and support system. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Defining personal values and seeing how they align or don't align with the corporate values. This exercise has been really positive. We all know we have values and beliefs at our core but taking the time to write them down, reflect and apply those values to how I spend my time was very beneficial. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The program also talks about this concept of self awareness and being honest with yourself and others about if we are living the life we want to. Hmmm. Now that one slowed me down a bit. We all have a myriad of inspirations, motivations and selfish ways we want to live our life. The key is to identify those very personal motivations and incorporate them in an authentic way into our career. Fascinating. After some time, I see I have naturally done some of this, but there is a lot more I can do to achieve purpose professionally while still satisfying my personal purpose. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The component about creating a support system seems so obvious yet </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">absolutely</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">necessary. That support system can't just be a list of people who help you, it has to all tie back into your purpose. That link is what makes it all click. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am looking forward to week 2. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Monday!!! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-2229028074334728652014-09-19T08:43:00.000-07:002014-09-19T08:43:12.233-07:00When the day chases me... Why do some days just chase me?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBKbp-04FOFZFry189M8E2VUqwz8tOWW_Kr7qxOheir0Aq0F4BNOVcsmKs5RZ3mqff0LepZY_izZeQ6m6SNXT9KqXf0Z_tzynXLqo5EcLhEU8g8p40Jp-TyU9N2NPT0bHOuRXCMey6Mo/s1600/Keep+Running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBKbp-04FOFZFry189M8E2VUqwz8tOWW_Kr7qxOheir0Aq0F4BNOVcsmKs5RZ3mqff0LepZY_izZeQ6m6SNXT9KqXf0Z_tzynXLqo5EcLhEU8g8p40Jp-TyU9N2NPT0bHOuRXCMey6Mo/s1600/Keep+Running.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">No viable credit found via Insta.</span></td></tr>
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Is it because of that old saying: Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Well, maybe. Maybe because it has been freak'n HOT. Hot, hot and hotter.<br />
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But it's true, sometimes I just can't catch a break regardless of the weather. Instead of the morning being filled with cuddles and reading books in bed it starts with kids fighting over who is laying next to me. I'm sure I should be thankful they want to be that close...<br />
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The day becomes a full sprint dash trying to escape/catch up/survive when it starts with that negative energy. I try to slow down, pause and reflect and redirect the energy forward. To let that morning go. To move on and embrace what is now and ahead. Sometimes that works, but sometimes it just doesn't and I struggle.<br />
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I guess some days you just have to keep running.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-6906636798457547272014-09-17T09:32:00.000-07:002014-09-17T09:32:34.788-07:00One-on-One with Hadley <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike took Harrison and Hannah up to San Francisco last week for a couple days so I had the opportunity to be one-on-one with Hadley. What a joy. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3Mx0PBV4ilzEEyguftpdaQ_zxdNt9mBSv-xSYG88Mi107F2-xpxtvdhKio4dCPMm8GjuPS5F6rhGWTfBFLW6RJRVkUXUxKOwMPhE6X0QC-9ngxdiADMJX9-qeBZzXoKP2XvpHXtPhf0/s1600/Hadley.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3Mx0PBV4ilzEEyguftpdaQ_zxdNt9mBSv-xSYG88Mi107F2-xpxtvdhKio4dCPMm8GjuPS5F6rhGWTfBFLW6RJRVkUXUxKOwMPhE6X0QC-9ngxdiADMJX9-qeBZzXoKP2XvpHXtPhf0/s1600/Hadley.png" height="150" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was in those moments just the two of us, doing ordinary things, I could see the amazing little girl she has transformed into. Most the time life is flying by so quickly I get caught up. Too busy to see it. Sad really. But this unique opportunity to enjoy her came and I did just that, I enjoyed her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I asked her what she wanted to do and she rattled off about 35 little things she wanted to do with me. I kind of expected her to say something like Sea World, the Zoo or Disneyland. Instead, she said she wanted to draw, shop for food, roller skate, read books, play, decorate for the baby (meaning a baby shower I was hosting), go to the library and the list went on and on. How sweet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we did just that. A million little things. On our own time with no one else interrupting or setting our agenda. We just floated along. She kept track of our list at the grocery store and loved it. She helped me pick out pretty flowers and arrange them. We played. We read. We cuddled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total joy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so grateful for this mini glimpse into this amazing little girl who is my daughter. I am so grateful I had the chance to enjoy her. To slow down and BE with her. I am proud of the person she is. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-26969979776491662412014-09-09T09:26:00.000-07:002014-09-09T09:26:46.061-07:00Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7pCB49sylAkAoA21d-5db8x6oJhpWu5EfHhaR0zFVgzWBA2w8ZGdOveDBImLkaS3P5nKmq4itsKYXXu0J5da1cAb7vzpIf6XegcbO9sdcrB0dQBhjOdRvzjKscdY6xn23mngKAGSd38/s1600/Audrey-Hepburn-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7pCB49sylAkAoA21d-5db8x6oJhpWu5EfHhaR0zFVgzWBA2w8ZGdOveDBImLkaS3P5nKmq4itsKYXXu0J5da1cAb7vzpIf6XegcbO9sdcrB0dQBhjOdRvzjKscdY6xn23mngKAGSd38/s1600/Audrey-Hepburn-2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey Hepburn is a woman I have always adored but recently I have come to admire her. Not only was she a classic and timeless beauty, she quietly lived a life behind the camera devoted to others. Ms. Hepburn was a fearless advocate against childhood hunger and a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. She was recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her advocacy work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few of my favorite quotes from this amazing woman. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G9nTfM_0UtheonByzgpoP_pLVzEMlch3CgN4UwC0-UiLwAv0iIsRbNlBOfpTNbAwoh7tE9sAvR_xVHu0W0cnxj1UtxBHBBsszUlXdmjrkbHrKuzJMaYu1_oCrDaZkaROfxIt2UrW934/s1600/audrey-hepburn-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G9nTfM_0UtheonByzgpoP_pLVzEMlch3CgN4UwC0-UiLwAv0iIsRbNlBOfpTNbAwoh7tE9sAvR_xVHu0W0cnxj1UtxBHBBsszUlXdmjrkbHrKuzJMaYu1_oCrDaZkaROfxIt2UrW934/s1600/audrey-hepburn-4.jpg" height="308" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">"The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, </i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“People, even more than things, </i></span></div>
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restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>never throw out anyone.” </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“I don’t take my life seriously, but I do take
what I do – in my life – seriously.” </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“It’s that wonderful old-fashioned idea that
others come first and you come second. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This was the whole ethics by which I was
brought up. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Others matter more than you do, so ‘don’t fuss, dear, get on with
it.’” </i></span></div>
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-51685491816861036772014-09-03T09:57:00.001-07:002014-09-03T09:57:19.464-07:00What would you do if you weren't afraid?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't that question great? It always makes me think. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZZHvygMLLebdRqLvAdYmAMuGN1OfIG3j1vleLyZYXuWDO6H1bwutBrA99tEQyzyfz2RyPfVsgAs4tv9y0Ni5WEKyc0pxvPuepPESCl-y0t_-Sv37yj2987jyq8X854KhTCjBUoRLNqw/s1600/Stopwishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZZHvygMLLebdRqLvAdYmAMuGN1OfIG3j1vleLyZYXuWDO6H1bwutBrA99tEQyzyfz2RyPfVsgAs4tv9y0Ni5WEKyc0pxvPuepPESCl-y0t_-Sv37yj2987jyq8X854KhTCjBUoRLNqw/s1600/Stopwishing.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Found this at <a href="http://www.pinkchocolatebreak.com/"><b><span style="color: blue;">www.pinkchocolatebreak.com/</span></b></a>. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here
are some of my ideas:</span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jump off a waterfall </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Run</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write more</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open a flower shop</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get Botox <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://blazersandbabies.blogspot.com/2014/08/botox-or-no-botox.html">(more of that here) </a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Skydive </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS - Why am I afraid of running. That is just silly talk. As Nike says... Just Do It! So... I just signed up for a 5K. Kaboom. I am a runner! Anyone want to run with me? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the details... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.sanfranciscoturkeytrot.com/2014">San Francisco Turkey Trot:</a> </b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;">Where: </b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Golden Gate Park</span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"> </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;">How Long: </b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">5K, or 3 mile walk or kiddo gobbler chase </span></span></li>
</ul>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-4963145003122876112014-09-02T09:21:00.001-07:002014-09-02T09:21:14.441-07:00Time Contamination<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a long while, I have been slowly reading this book
<i><a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/18-9780374228446-1">Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time</a></i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rw/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/03/15/Outlook/Images/97803742284461394927705.jpg?uuid=QWseBqydEeO4yhl-81aJWA" height="400" width="268" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One concept that really rings true to me is this concept of “time
contamination.” So true in my world. No matter what I am doing, even the spa
with girlfriends, I am still actively engaged with my head on all the stuff I
need to do. Work deals and intricacies that take time to think through, grocery
lists, errands for the upcoming baby shower, must do items before the board
meeting, etc. All mixed in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During my normal work day, my focus is very
compartmentalized. My task lists are in
the same place but separated. This is how I can actually function in so many
roles. I must have specific time dedicated to specific types of tasks. This
context helps me be the most productive. It takes organization and dedication
but it works for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The challenge is my leisure time. That time that is supposed
to be for me, to decompress, to actually relax gets crowded. Contaminated. I
have tried lists, brain dumps, quiet breathing, etc. No luck. My mind still
swims on. Loaded with sh*t from the week or the upcoming week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-21645003855790541082014-08-28T09:30:00.001-07:002014-09-02T09:19:04.858-07:00Rad Bag Organizer<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lifeinplaycompany.com/#!product-info/cxp1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Check this out!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyMUP2LtfvUcF75rgzi0dX3ubVPcVmEQvBdFdUSNAeTqKd7okNZcevNZScy0scfi6nw4bJTuSJ6RT_-_deV31uCXKw1Uq-LmmdZ3B1esc5Gi2ITrGEUKxBKOuj359IgkbDEUWgy9dKPY/s1600/LifeinPlay_organizer_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyMUP2LtfvUcF75rgzi0dX3ubVPcVmEQvBdFdUSNAeTqKd7okNZcevNZScy0scfi6nw4bJTuSJ6RT_-_deV31uCXKw1Uq-LmmdZ3B1esc5Gi2ITrGEUKxBKOuj359IgkbDEUWgy9dKPY/s1600/LifeinPlay_organizer_3.png" height="336" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Life in Play bag organizer looks like the jackpot. It fits into all sorts of bags including my most recent <a href="http://blazersandbabies.blogspot.com/2014/08/someday-wish-list.html">wish list purchase</a>. So cool. I love how they show you how to use it
for a diaper bag, a work bag (aka a Dad Bag) and a pool bag. Multi-purpose and can fit in
multiple bag styles depending on the occasion. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-91261311263511030852014-08-27T09:43:00.000-07:002014-08-27T09:43:04.125-07:00Kindergarten: Day 1 Down; Day 2 Reality <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday was Hadley's first day of Kindergarten and it went great. Mike and I walked her down to school, spent some time in her classroom and said our good byes. She was so happy and excited to be there. I also had the opportunity to pick her up which was AWESOME! I swear, those smiles at the end of the day are better than any other. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULiIQw88CkCPphAyoiERAhn2vuT0gW-ZZAn3vgj92Q8SfuaG7vMKHmD_v_m6HRLrPwA6ajmQgaU8SBKxG0QsYpl7tmUUaiEmsb8JwyIHFmmpBHUBEcDXKMAvvU61NuhSVlUlrkYtKmoo/s1600/Hadley_Day1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULiIQw88CkCPphAyoiERAhn2vuT0gW-ZZAn3vgj92Q8SfuaG7vMKHmD_v_m6HRLrPwA6ajmQgaU8SBKxG0QsYpl7tmUUaiEmsb8JwyIHFmmpBHUBEcDXKMAvvU61NuhSVlUlrkYtKmoo/s1600/Hadley_Day1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoD0s4cBpQfXYORYlkrk17K_RO6d1Gg3cfMwOygWQMZ5BGx0IuX0ozYNJyCZo6tqqA2SQcp1Kw5ZsAu9D5sxT4apG5WR88L9MRU5PHHCTRNsrDMWKSSl5G65RLCUqROpUnNGKhsY6CWc/s1600/Hadley_Day1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoD0s4cBpQfXYORYlkrk17K_RO6d1Gg3cfMwOygWQMZ5BGx0IuX0ozYNJyCZo6tqqA2SQcp1Kw5ZsAu9D5sxT4apG5WR88L9MRU5PHHCTRNsrDMWKSSl5G65RLCUqROpUnNGKhsY6CWc/s1600/Hadley_Day1_2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was Day 2. Mike and I carpooled to work so we both got to drop her off. This was the strangest thing. Day 1 had so much excitement, preparation and special time. Today was very strange. Our sweet little girl hopped out of the car, put on her backpack and approached the gate. Mike got out to give her a hug which was adorable. I stayed in the car and observed. Wow. This is happening. This is real. She is a big girl. Now. Not tomorrow. Now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike got back in the car and we both watched Hadley. She looked back at me and asked if I would pick her up again. I reminded her Yara would be there this afternoon with baby Hannah and Harrison. She slowly replied "Okay." Then she went on to ask "What about tomorrow? Can you drop me off and pick me up?" Hmmm. I looked at her for a moment, took it in and replied, "We'll talk about it tonight. Have a great day at school." It took all I had in me to hold back the tears. I wish I could. I wish I could pick her up from school every day. I love that end of day smile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we pulled away from the curb, Hadley walked down the stairs and Mike asked me "Should we circle the block?" and I grinned. He was having his Daddy moment too. He was reflecting on this Day 2 milestone in his own way. He wanted to make sure she did okay. So we did just that, we circled the block and when we got back to the gate, our sweet baby girl had hung her backpack on the hook and was approaching a group of little girls. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There it is. She is off. She is a Kindergartner. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-8508125857816654552014-08-26T10:14:00.000-07:002014-08-26T10:14:28.189-07:00Botox or no Botox?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vanity is everywhere. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpgdGGtY_ZozCZH72xO5gi97CBq-Sdpm_SiBj_lSel9VFIaFh9bY_lrQ6Q-000RqYQ9W2OgLSOCl3EBvnANz6BV_I4-DKKnlJTEbpp0ELXAQD4vSOiAQzYEaePa9dI9MknjgdNzZNbEA/s1600/Anthro_candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpgdGGtY_ZozCZH72xO5gi97CBq-Sdpm_SiBj_lSel9VFIaFh9bY_lrQ6Q-000RqYQ9W2OgLSOCl3EBvnANz6BV_I4-DKKnlJTEbpp0ELXAQD4vSOiAQzYEaePa9dI9MknjgdNzZNbEA/s1600/Anthro_candles.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-candle-candles/31471725.jsp#/">Go Be Lovely Candle</a> </span></b>can be found at Anthropologie. <br />My scent pick is the Coconut Milk Mango. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Southern California is particularly
vain. I grew up here so in a way I am used to it. An ordinary morning at the
grocery store you are bound to see a woman with all of the following
enhancements:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beautiful perfectly shaped and sized breasts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long eyelash extensions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smooth forehead</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plump lips</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manicured nails</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tan skin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shaped brows </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highlighted hair</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hairless bikini area</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The list goes on…</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Physical appearance is valued very highly. Not only do people
spend a lot of money improving their appearance they also work-out a lot and
eat healthy. Single ladies have some serious competition when it comes to
finding a man! I think I was really lucky to meet Mike when I was 23.
Looking good then was much easier (and cheaper!) than it is today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Years later I try to keep my vanity in check. Looking 23
again sounds really great in theory but in practice it isn't what I want to
spend time or money on. So far, I have avoided most of the beauty enhancements
available. My hair is turning grey and I am letting it be. I shared more about
that<b><u> <a href="http://blazersandbabies.blogspot.com/2014/04/am-i-brave-enough-to-embrace-grey.html">here</a></u></b>. I do get my nails done pretty often and
really enjoy the time relaxing and the pretty results. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One beauty enhancement I
really do want to do is Botox. My forehead lines and brow lines are already
deep and I am young. In college, my roommates would post Botox ads on my bulletin
board. Rude! My face lines in that area started early from the way I use my
facial muscles. The way I express myself. It is something that just happens.
Botox seems like such an easy thing to do with limited risk. The results are
instant and the effect lasts long enough, but not forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am very tempted. Then I think why would I risk putting any
sort of foreign substance into my head? Into my face? Into the area where my
brain is? Scary! For vanity. Botox doesn't appear to be a smart choice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet, even with that logical evaluation of the situation, I
still want Botox. I would love a smooth forehead. Maybe if I do it now, I won’t need to do it later?
Maybe I can prevent these lines from getting worse? I shared this with Mike
recently and he just sort of rolled his eyes at me and was like “Really?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many women I know do this and don’t tell their husbands. I’m
not sure if the husbands see the change and just ignore it and don’t say
anything or if they don’t even see it. I wonder. This is something I couldn't
do without talking to Mike about. Mike isn't adamantly against it but I think
he sees it as a waste of money and silly vanity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmmmmm. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-75946872450915169122014-08-25T09:24:00.002-07:002014-08-25T09:24:26.524-07:00Sick Men <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why are men such babies when they are sick? Is it because they
yearn to be taken care of. Is this the real opportunity for them to show vulnerability
in a safe way? I have always wondered why men generally really are babies when
they are sick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvDWnP2GWdKaL7G3NJanCOQqmeRDrzoljITTOWTWiK_-P2t1aMPopGTAY2Y9ymjopRnOEcNJgYLsAQMyLTE_NEc-BQ4ECnUuqef4sz2l5Eor-qmARtFak1WfbygZ4Dbgxx7_r6r0vnEg/s1600/TissueBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvDWnP2GWdKaL7G3NJanCOQqmeRDrzoljITTOWTWiK_-P2t1aMPopGTAY2Y9ymjopRnOEcNJgYLsAQMyLTE_NEc-BQ4ECnUuqef4sz2l5Eor-qmARtFak1WfbygZ4Dbgxx7_r6r0vnEg/s1600/TissueBox.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/lacquer-tissue-box/?initial=8062&xid=fe148b67faf95098aebfba5eb120d035#"><b><span style="color: blue;">Jonathan Alder Lacquer Tissue Box</span></b> </a>- Simple is so good! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It isn’t just my hubby. I have noticed this with my dad,
coworkers, clients and the average man you bump into. When a man is sick, they
just sort of seek dotting. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-58602980892853023502014-08-22T14:14:00.001-07:002014-08-22T14:14:55.097-07:00Kinder OrientationToday was Hadley's kindergarten orientation and it was awesome! She is beaming with excitement. She doesn't have any best buddies in her class but that's okay. In fact, I think that is best. She is social, creative and ready to learn. Learning to make new friendships will be good for her. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuLu5o3rg6nnOqtJ3oi1GW-alLAVJ0H1vGis3x-ibj_NsPPtgHRShDE3pKcOyLfdw6EzyEq-ysKUt4wV9lR8CKc75GIA5DTSkAG282kPb4C9aqBQP45WvQwGjvTKmkkxBnRyWG64m6Vs/s640/blogger-image--944080180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuLu5o3rg6nnOqtJ3oi1GW-alLAVJ0H1vGis3x-ibj_NsPPtgHRShDE3pKcOyLfdw6EzyEq-ysKUt4wV9lR8CKc75GIA5DTSkAG282kPb4C9aqBQP45WvQwGjvTKmkkxBnRyWG64m6Vs/s640/blogger-image--944080180.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Mike and I both got to attend the orientation to meet her teacher, Mrs. B. She is a joy. I have a feeling this year will really propel Hadley in new wonderful directions. </div><div><br></div><div>xoxo my sweet baby girl is growing up. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-48020610864441495222014-08-20T09:44:00.001-07:002014-08-20T09:44:26.426-07:00Someday Wish List <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For years I have kept a note on my phone with a "Someday Wish List." The list is reserved for special things I would love to have some day. The list isn't too long, but the items are completely unnecessary or hard to find. When Mike and I were in Portland (no sales tax in Portland, big plus!), I bought the first item off the list. A Louis Vuitton bag. Not, just any bag, the specific bag I have coveted for years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It sounds simple, right? Wish list. Save up. Go to store and purchase item. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, if you are like me, when you walk in to Louis Vuitton with enough money and permission to purchase a fancy handbag, it is impossible to just buy the one you came for. You must explore! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first bag I saw when I walked in was this lovely cream and navy monogram bag with a gorgeous clasp. The clasp is what caught my eye. I love this bag. It is beautiful, a great size without being too big and a simple shape. The lining feels good too. Love it. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkkkfZSwejR44d1LVYYRhzRMBfM0sj2Kos9O9Q-VHwDdIbp2Aj6nuCwAC3IgwcqWFAj1ksEa6VguQTbiPZO8WdtywC7tiKca1VNKVgR_U8gzWxUsNXX3NVIaWXuv9_GUI0nNmZrfLUZI/s1600/LV-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkkkfZSwejR44d1LVYYRhzRMBfM0sj2Kos9O9Q-VHwDdIbp2Aj6nuCwAC3IgwcqWFAj1ksEa6VguQTbiPZO8WdtywC7tiKca1VNKVgR_U8gzWxUsNXX3NVIaWXuv9_GUI0nNmZrfLUZI/s1600/LV-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apparently difficult to find, because is it impossible to find on the LV website. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next stop was a costumer service person who pulled out the specific bag on my wish list. I explored it in detail. Mike watched me with curiosity. Then he asked all sorts of questions I hadn't anticipated. Pretty cute. He was shocked at the price of course. Then we he found it wasn't leather he had a moment. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OrPT6h85Pa6sb04blpL6MXHaG0SBxkmC5fGsL5-YVYbjA43ul_7PboAvJc-JDREk8nHgTQpJGqLl6LXwoCkPqwhi-gsTRIuv24sn_BA3Dtkoqqmn1X-3cRBcmrNQDsT8FEquc1EawXg/s1600/lv-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OrPT6h85Pa6sb04blpL6MXHaG0SBxkmC5fGsL5-YVYbjA43ul_7PboAvJc-JDREk8nHgTQpJGqLl6LXwoCkPqwhi-gsTRIuv24sn_BA3Dtkoqqmn1X-3cRBcmrNQDsT8FEquc1EawXg/s1600/lv-2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/neverfull-gm-lg-monogram-007652#M40990"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neverfull GM Monogram</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we were talking about the new bag I spotted this one. Nice. Love the substantial handle. It is big but not as wide as the Neverfull which is actually a plus. Definitely a great option. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcdcs6eXa9fpUEshSfp4Cb8clSbXggGnkWNqwSXKSnj6kYWSw6SQXX13H_GnzjU-jnu_j1qRSQWTC0phYhrbjZ6FrmRnK869kmWlf7Kh8vj8MhMXQbqsk5V4XUrHJn2GtPlJoVN3xyDk/s1600/lv-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcdcs6eXa9fpUEshSfp4Cb8clSbXggGnkWNqwSXKSnj6kYWSw6SQXX13H_GnzjU-jnu_j1qRSQWTC0phYhrbjZ6FrmRnK869kmWlf7Kh8vj8MhMXQbqsk5V4XUrHJn2GtPlJoVN3xyDk/s1600/lv-3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/artsy-mm-monogram-000392"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Artsy MM Monogram</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After about an hour of exploring, I bought the bag I came for. The Neverfull is just classic. I love the iconic monogram. I chose the fuchsia lining for a bit of color. If the first bag would have come in the classic monogram, I would have been even more tempted to stray from the wish list. But in the end, I would have still wanted this bad boy. I used it for the first time on Friday and loved it! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSNmU93Fa_lm5xPF__l2BieaW7rKyQi3aCzIJVKimp89EEmbVq98n7dtByhCP7WwzU8mqeYQoN4JVFWJlT6khe3IFERd13D1pSOCj587bRRDD1ErIVYIjtLbsZhPN_sinZUirluJ8DSI/s1600/lv-mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSNmU93Fa_lm5xPF__l2BieaW7rKyQi3aCzIJVKimp89EEmbVq98n7dtByhCP7WwzU8mqeYQoN4JVFWJlT6khe3IFERd13D1pSOCj587bRRDD1ErIVYIjtLbsZhPN_sinZUirluJ8DSI/s1600/lv-mine.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My LV. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If anything ever had dual purpose, it is this bag. Just this weekend I used it for a lunch and spa day with women who work in my industry and a pool party with my family. Score! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-81419701585601045132014-08-19T09:21:00.000-07:002014-08-19T09:21:32.826-07:00A New Pursuit: Optimism <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really respect optimistic people. I have never been one of them. Since I can remember, I have always been looking multiple steps ahead to prepare for the worst. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why? </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIyqKZaziaU_l3GKMjQNuo6ZdsFUoSzjCJEssaFIg4JCTn5bRqz9958KoFI4NGPDIKVJP1O1BavIqHED3gTc0rBZzNzHZiveWODjRffQl8faBJvHbPXQDnPiDMD0nPqxzd-4u-RUUO8E/s1600/luckyduck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIyqKZaziaU_l3GKMjQNuo6ZdsFUoSzjCJEssaFIg4JCTn5bRqz9958KoFI4NGPDIKVJP1O1BavIqHED3gTc0rBZzNzHZiveWODjRffQl8faBJvHbPXQDnPiDMD0nPqxzd-4u-RUUO8E/s1600/luckyduck.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/96361888/lucky-duck-greeting-card?ref=shop_home_active_12">Awesome card</a> </span>from an <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/remarkdesigns?ref=l2-shopheader-name">awesome card shop</a> </span>remarkdesigns on Etsy. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Generally, life has treated me pretty well. In fact, life has always turned out pretty great. I'm not trying to brag here. I am just sharing about a recent self exploration. And it kind of starts out this way. So if you read on, know this is an exercise for me. Not a brag session. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the past, I have always gotten what I wanted. Well, maybe not every single thing... but anything important. I got into a great college. Graduated in four years while working. A great job. A wonderful husband. Nice car. Traveled the world. Beautiful home. One, then two, now three amazing kids. All angel babies. All slept through the night before three months old. Sunshine more than gloomy days. All in all, life is pretty rad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So why am I always anticipating the worst? Always stressed out? Always ahead instead of present in the now? If it has all worked out in the past, it will work out in the future, right? Or maybe not? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it might be catching up with me. It is time to change. I need to enjoy. If I don't start to enjoy now, when will I? When I am 85? Nope. I want to enjoy life now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfect example, just yesterday I posted about my stress on Hadley's first day of kindergarten. This big debate in my head: pick up or not to pick up? What??!! Am I crazy? I might just be. Either way, it will still be Hadley's first day of kindergarten. Either way, I will get to be apart of it. Why am I stressed out about it a week in advance. That is the silliest thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing is, that is just how my mind has been wired. To project into the future. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In many ways, I think this foresight and extremely detailed thoughts about the possibilities ahead of me have allowed me to seize opportunities. I have used this pessimistic and cautious outlook on life to help me get what I want. In a way, to manipulate the future. It has worked. But it is exhausting. I am so tired of feeling stressed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently my best friend and I were chatting about this realization. She made a comment that really stuck with me, "You are always a 12." And I replied, "You mean on a scale of 10??!! I am a 12. Always?" and she confirmed. Hmmm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I am working on being more optimistic. Seeing all the good around me. Having gratitude. I hope that doesn't lead to a boring blog... yikes... there i go again. Rewrite: I'll have to find a way to make this interesting for the blog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wish me luck, for your own sake! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:-) </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-51459079353306512002014-08-18T09:11:00.000-07:002014-08-18T09:11:19.653-07:00Kindergarten: Big decision for me... <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So next week is the big week. Hadley starts kindergarten on Tuesday. Deep breath. I am so excited for her. She is pretty nervous which is so sweet. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55LK9JKE9jh25JXEu6-LqJNLAV6kXzrgb6Qv9BOVQNzwfiuKNsM6RT52F-eGK2hanLjl8edj1yMT2jEsorlOSaHQykUBahLmymT-2Lf3CeTzeSc3HIQ9pBA6j6ITUML0MOD7ZF3thXr0/s1600/hadleyandcolette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55LK9JKE9jh25JXEu6-LqJNLAV6kXzrgb6Qv9BOVQNzwfiuKNsM6RT52F-eGK2hanLjl8edj1yMT2jEsorlOSaHQykUBahLmymT-2Lf3CeTzeSc3HIQ9pBA6j6ITUML0MOD7ZF3thXr0/s1600/hadleyandcolette.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hadley and one of her best friends, Colette. Adorable.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the first day of school I am going to walk her to class. We live about 7 minutes away down a little dirt path. One of the reasons we bought our house, was so we could use that little path to walk our kids to school. Tuesday we get to use it for that purpose for the first time. Exciting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My big dilemma: do I pick her up from school? I want to pick her up BADLY. Pick up is one of the things I get jealous of stay-at-home-moms about. That's the fun one! The kids are always so excited to see you. They are ready to share all about their adventures. I rarely get to experience pick up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">School drop off is always hard. Hadley is bound to be excited to finally be at kindergarten, meet new friends, her teacher and to learn new things but she will also be clinging to me. Asking me to stay longer. It kills me. It kills me every time and pulls at my emotions. I usually start off thinking it is cute. Then I get annoyed. Then I get kind of angry and start thinking "enough already... its time for me to go." I'm sure my therapist would tell me it is that way, because I allow it to be that way. Whatever. It's hard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So pick up on the first day of kindergarten seems like it would be the golden ticket. One of those special moments. A day that happens once. Selfishly, I really really really want to be there. I want to see her excitement. Hear all the immediate details of the kids, the classroom, the teacher, everything. But when I think about what is best for the long run, I think establishing her new routine from the get go would be better for Hadley. It might also be better for me. The reality is, I can't do pick up very often. So maybe I should let her first week be the week to set the tone for the reality.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of me says F*ck it. Pick her up. Enjoy it. She will love it. You will love it. These are the moments life are about. But then I hesitate... hmmmm. What to do? </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-20102646200018606322014-08-12T10:00:00.002-07:002014-08-12T10:00:40.123-07:00Inspiration from Buddha<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YPQxKM-Qd6GDaIDYbgzhaO-4KS_t93ZN9lipuYUNB4QO83HrHCO04FVL81FY4dRLaVwijJEBLPZkiUG7xP-3m19yiRe-Ta9V5qybZiSXRi2suYlpLerpCTw2TEU7sLwWxtl5xDnRIAE/s1600/Buddha2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YPQxKM-Qd6GDaIDYbgzhaO-4KS_t93ZN9lipuYUNB4QO83HrHCO04FVL81FY4dRLaVwijJEBLPZkiUG7xP-3m19yiRe-Ta9V5qybZiSXRi2suYlpLerpCTw2TEU7sLwWxtl5xDnRIAE/s1600/Buddha2.jpg" height="367" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Available on Etsy at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195271637/spiritual-typography-wall-art-print?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=buddah+poster&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_view_type=gallery"><span style="color: blue;">Lilly LaManch</span></a></span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-72037875093486678522014-08-11T11:24:00.002-07:002014-08-11T17:41:19.539-07:00Portland Adventure aka Foodie Journey<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend, Mike and I went up to Portland for an adventure just the two of us. It was wonderful. If you have ever heard anyone say "You'll just eat your way through that city" they must have been talking about Portland. The food is just incredible. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the two nights and three days in Portland we traveled approximately 55,095 steps. Mike did the math and that equates to about 27.5 miles. Needless to say, we packed in a lot. I'll do my best to summarize the highlights. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hotel: </b><a href="http://www.thenines.com/"><span style="color: blue;">The Nines</span></a> in Downtown </span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPS6eN64-WwOUuvsGniLJtiLNOCH_oPls-DmMLYaNJFAlCkK2KGaMqg5X84h_MhrYWUr8ThlPeWOPCm4G_6J3mW-9a5Qvg-PDj3xmRftSnqN2e1UyaBbC03jDoHJ4d2jBEDp7rw_n_Y-4/s1600/Portland_TheNines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPS6eN64-WwOUuvsGniLJtiLNOCH_oPls-DmMLYaNJFAlCkK2KGaMqg5X84h_MhrYWUr8ThlPeWOPCm4G_6J3mW-9a5Qvg-PDj3xmRftSnqN2e1UyaBbC03jDoHJ4d2jBEDp7rw_n_Y-4/s1600/Portland_TheNines.jpg" height="400" width="400"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfect location. It is directly across the street from the MAX light rail stop which runs to the airport and many of the main attractions of the city. The hotel is modern, hip and the rooms are nicely decorated. Typical of any city hotel, not totally spacious, but plenty of room for two adults. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After checking in, our first stop was a well known food cart. They only serve one thing... poached chicken and rice with a spicy ginger dipping sauce. The line tells the story. The food is simple yet crave worthy. a little more abou<span style="background-color: white;">t <a href="http://khaomangai.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Nong's Khao Man Gai </span></a></span>and other great food cards in Portland <a href="http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1975826_1975753_1975582,00.html"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After lunch, we headed straight over the <a href="http://www.powells.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Powell's</span></a> City of Books. It feels just like that, its own city. The place is an entire city block and they have approximately 1 million books available to purchase. Plus another million books in the process of being evaluated for sale. They have every book you can imagine. Some new and some used. Really cool place to explore, slow down a bit and find something new to tickle your fancy. In my case, I picked up something old, <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9781906462024-4"><span style="color: blue;">Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day</span></a>. The book seller accurately fulfilled my request for a lighthearted easy summer read that is written well. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next stop, the bike shop. We went to <a href="http://pedalbiketours.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Pedal Bike Tours </span></a>and rented bikes to really get out and see Portland the way the locals do, on a bike. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They gave us a great tip to ride the Sweetwater Trail through the Oaks Bottom Wild Refuge. It was beautiful. We happened to see this fawn on the side of the trail with her mamma just a few feet away. They were happily grazing as we admired. Then we passed by a small lake surrounded by beautiful purple flowers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After our bike ride... which ended up being about 5 or 6 miles, we went over to a small little neighborhood on the South East side of the city. There we had a great meal at <a href="http://www.avagenes.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Ava Gene's</span></a>. This place is another notable Portland foodie haven. It is called "Italian" but the combinations of flavors used are usual and surprisingly delicious. For example, the waitress suggested a celery salad and said it was her favorite. Really, celery? We came all the way here for celery? Well, let me tell you, that was the best celery I have ever tasted! It was paired with dates, almonds and Parmesan cheese. The dressing must have been some magic maker, because I have no idea what was in it... but it rocked my world. That was just the salad. I would definitely go back if I was a local. Great food. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYA0YPsR2yRkEwXguQb19SSZ0pTk2DZQR-tvylzEWmgM_a_pFUTFGnYlWARuUfIij1RBuyJnmHlh6fNizBbbzKrSUWAUgE-6KKKnh_MwfOSMyLtw2LXP68P23sPWYEbx-01wfvXiaKQFc/s1600/Portland_AvaGene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYA0YPsR2yRkEwXguQb19SSZ0pTk2DZQR-tvylzEWmgM_a_pFUTFGnYlWARuUfIij1RBuyJnmHlh6fNizBbbzKrSUWAUgE-6KKKnh_MwfOSMyLtw2LXP68P23sPWYEbx-01wfvXiaKQFc/s1600/Portland_AvaGene.jpg" height="260" width="320"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sure dessert at Ava Gene's would have been fantastic. But I was told by more than one friend and more than one foodie website a must do is<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://saltandstraw.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Salt & Straw</span></a></span>. Salt & Straw just happens to be right next door to Ava Gene's so we went there. Well, first we waited in line. For a long time. It was worth it. I went back to this ice cream wonderland every day of our trip. They are known for small batch unique ice cream flavors. They let you try as many as you like before you pick your scoop. Yum. Yum and Yum. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrrnearMkUAlSDAdpLRg_orKn-eN3zqPKa_APyvvW1sMKmYleLJ9ih3wSdczajk-Fygscz8ZZud28UJr7F0x8Ok1QpcblOlabU_JX9xUddjyYx75PLGD150ZfGilJEjcWK3RC_k7x6_w/s1600/Portland_icecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrrnearMkUAlSDAdpLRg_orKn-eN3zqPKa_APyvvW1sMKmYleLJ9ih3wSdczajk-Fygscz8ZZud28UJr7F0x8Ok1QpcblOlabU_JX9xUddjyYx75PLGD150ZfGilJEjcWK3RC_k7x6_w/s1600/Portland_icecream.jpg" height="320" width="320"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 2 started with food again. Yep. We just kept eating. Mike went to a coffee shop called <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.heartroasters.com/">Heart</a> </span>while I slept in. Then we headed over to <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://tastyntasty.com/alder/">Tasty n Alder</a> </span>for brunch. I got a very simple breakfast: eggs, bacon and a biscuit. Let me be clear. That biscuit was the best I have ever tasted. Then they gave me this honey butter that made it even better. If you talk biscuits in Portland, everyone will tell you to go to <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pinestatebiscuits.com/">Pine State Biscuit</a>s. </span>I tried those too... good but not like the Tasty n Alder biscuits. The Pine State Biscuits are only really the vehicle to serve their amazing gravy. When we were there, I got the mushroom gravy and it was a good reason to get an okay biscuit. Just my opinion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After brunch we rented a car and headed out to see the Columbia Gorge. We went to Multnomah Falls for a hike. The falls have a view deck at the top, about a mile up a lot of switch backs, that is worth the climb. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R38n3V3MD-J64XUw4CWuPWgd7lOTd9fQKhOgfhN3Fud99BTQ_OXSjn1CXsO8iXL_xayuZEgLaly2MMqsTPYdZ5tSEv7uHNg6JvK4rOl3GhR9Lwf9AVgqJ3rnjCzIY74ZAGDhTBDENrk/s1600/Portland_Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R38n3V3MD-J64XUw4CWuPWgd7lOTd9fQKhOgfhN3Fud99BTQ_OXSjn1CXsO8iXL_xayuZEgLaly2MMqsTPYdZ5tSEv7uHNg6JvK4rOl3GhR9Lwf9AVgqJ3rnjCzIY74ZAGDhTBDENrk/s1600/Portland_Falls.jpg" height="400" width="298"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpftU8WCW4xxbdIZCcuDT60MPnAq73rDqs_AC-0_kN5aiOwfe9FEj58k-6tiS9nk3ty1ZVU5znSiDtteoQmYyYREr8HPaOpjDdqq7c9PEbobsP7IQZ3rytoFAyMBASL7eLO4A32uLO1s/s1600/Portland_Fallsview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpftU8WCW4xxbdIZCcuDT60MPnAq73rDqs_AC-0_kN5aiOwfe9FEj58k-6tiS9nk3ty1ZVU5znSiDtteoQmYyYREr8HPaOpjDdqq7c9PEbobsP7IQZ3rytoFAyMBASL7eLO4A32uLO1s/s1600/Portland_Fallsview.jpg" height="298" width="400"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After our hike, we rode bikes down to NW 23rd Avenue. This is a charming little street with local and mainstream shopping mixed in. My favorite shop, <a href="https://www.atthemeadow.com/"><span style="color: blue;">The Meadows</span></a>, sold salt, chocolates and bitters. A shop like this could only survive in a city like Portland or on the web. They do remote orders, so if you are a salt lover, check them out. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb4-oZPSEO86bTyKB6uUNFbcYn-NETNYv4-9LFgJ4qqmxb6LKZwLA4YUT4v3Vb_HbhyAe8xZzaeCq07wJkkYA_Yd6kRrsiEmCurp4D2L8tb9BPF7x2UeJ15OywBngrQxZjLiDuasHmoI/s1600/Portland_Salt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb4-oZPSEO86bTyKB6uUNFbcYn-NETNYv4-9LFgJ4qqmxb6LKZwLA4YUT4v3Vb_HbhyAe8xZzaeCq07wJkkYA_Yd6kRrsiEmCurp4D2L8tb9BPF7x2UeJ15OywBngrQxZjLiDuasHmoI/s1600/Portland_Salt.jpg" height="300" width="400"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr23JrGaPa58h9UwHCO-bIO7U3z-vQMf5OPm0vDOLZdu-UJSjw8fi17a9Bfm7-aqV1mBHTMBP5mfMCbtB3TKm3iMG9czK8l6NL6TBRN5lu9HEyAuG_gPG1UZ42foxjkO5Oa_DqLw1fjI/s1600/Portland_Salt+and+chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr23JrGaPa58h9UwHCO-bIO7U3z-vQMf5OPm0vDOLZdu-UJSjw8fi17a9Bfm7-aqV1mBHTMBP5mfMCbtB3TKm3iMG9czK8l6NL6TBRN5lu9HEyAuG_gPG1UZ42foxjkO5Oa_DqLw1fjI/s1600/Portland_Salt+and+chocolate.jpg" height="400" width="300"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">My purchases. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That night we went to <a href="http://expatriatepdx.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Expatriate</span></a> for cocktails and <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.beastpdx.com/">Beast</a> </span>for dinner. Expatriate was one of Mike's favorites. The passion in this place is alive. The owner is an ex-bartender who now is the DJ. he is also married to the chef at Beast. The bartenders shake cocktails with purpose. The walls are black and the noodle dishes smell delicious. A rainy night in this place would be just right. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beast is a culinary prize. Chef Naomi Pomeroy was awarded the <a href="http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/eat-and-drink/eat-beat/articles/naomi-pomeroy-wins-2014-james-beard-foundation-best-chef-northwest-award-may-2014"><span style="color: blue;">James Beard Best Chef Northwest in 2014</span></a>. She is also a <a href="http://blog.opentable.com/2014/chef-naomi-pomeroy-of-beast-in-portland-on-motherhood-running-a-restaurant/"><span style="color: blue;">mom of three </span></a>which is pretty freak'n rad. Beast is a restaurant with a set menu of six courses and wine pairings. You know what you are getting, but you really have no idea what you are getting. Each course heightened my senses. While the food is pretty remarkable, for us, the highlight -- it is all communal dinning. It is so warm to be at a large table with wonderful food, wine and company interested in meeting new people. Definitely a unique and special evening.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 3 was intended to be lower key, slower pace. We succeeded. The morning kicked off with a nice long walk to the Portland Farmer's Market at Portland State University. The market is huge and has a great variety of produce, flowers, people and of course food. We meandered through the market, got light breakfast bites and then we headed to the coffee shop. </span><br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSY2bvUYxmh3DEFCXOIZoPqVrA-L2Sn_bpJmf0QKBo6eDk0ujsRr4xEd2YIaF5XEH49a2WI14awlxdCoow50EJy7_NxCuOA4KKF4MKcapBKJpHbV31v6IVu2SIiZgKLF_NCGRhxu4yh8/s1600/portland_F_Lavender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSY2bvUYxmh3DEFCXOIZoPqVrA-L2Sn_bpJmf0QKBo6eDk0ujsRr4xEd2YIaF5XEH49a2WI14awlxdCoow50EJy7_NxCuOA4KKF4MKcapBKJpHbV31v6IVu2SIiZgKLF_NCGRhxu4yh8/s1600/portland_F_Lavender.jpg" height="400" width="400"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh lavender bundled. </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl8jKOPeVLr4-dunV-ZhDdu1Va9C6r8A81eR7XTWAxhR6MW5ZHlKvZrMvCsGMr7gSDzIqV07ltRhvAyhrQ1U2NE__yD21x-7A2coX4qG8NrwtJ38o2jOE_X5tm4RtEi6LXBaD6uGHW3Y/s1600/Portland_F_mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl8jKOPeVLr4-dunV-ZhDdu1Va9C6r8A81eR7XTWAxhR6MW5ZHlKvZrMvCsGMr7gSDzIqV07ltRhvAyhrQ1U2NE__yD21x-7A2coX4qG8NrwtJ38o2jOE_X5tm4RtEi6LXBaD6uGHW3Y/s1600/Portland_F_mushrooms.jpg" height="298" width="400"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mushrooms, all sorts. </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsnqpR-i1kH5M_pD2vAkX3dFQQPgyRpi13nSmEygKsNLGHAbTmwvYc3yX68XuDIjx_FDlb328ggkma_qmqBQNdMKYgwvqiYaCSaiUOSzyhN382Sg4rA8mPBNFnPEYcg8eAzV9NRpxbPw/s1600/Portland_F_tomatos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsnqpR-i1kH5M_pD2vAkX3dFQQPgyRpi13nSmEygKsNLGHAbTmwvYc3yX68XuDIjx_FDlb328ggkma_qmqBQNdMKYgwvqiYaCSaiUOSzyhN382Sg4rA8mPBNFnPEYcg8eAzV9NRpxbPw/s1600/Portland_F_tomatos.jpg" height="293" width="400"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomatoes so colorful with a sweet smell. </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zm_vZGQKyee8Py1IuGExs5xrTI7ErzMb4l44ETcqvUILShg37sL6UwarVzaHUQ-UJ3HVUaXyGOC6_gIaChvRHwQqzpIN88m5MW3TjIwj5y1VnsFJSSCdvZRfZC_QM7jFpXYagTVTbac/s1600/Portland_Biscuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zm_vZGQKyee8Py1IuGExs5xrTI7ErzMb4l44ETcqvUILShg37sL6UwarVzaHUQ-UJ3HVUaXyGOC6_gIaChvRHwQqzpIN88m5MW3TjIwj5y1VnsFJSSCdvZRfZC_QM7jFpXYagTVTbac/s1600/Portland_Biscuts.jpg" height="400" width="300"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The biscuit place with the great gravy. </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNtNfD_0IMvM1ikOiz5DKchOo_sQ9Xz8Lz_B-U3x3W4cKkyS220q6aJGtPfoCr-tuPh805GjjRtjrxj9euJH-lQaxoqLLrPZK_FcRVd8fOBNLz1UyNtXh6yFt0X_fxG23LfKhN1n0XvQ/s1600/Portland_Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNtNfD_0IMvM1ikOiz5DKchOo_sQ9Xz8Lz_B-U3x3W4cKkyS220q6aJGtPfoCr-tuPh805GjjRtjrxj9euJH-lQaxoqLLrPZK_FcRVd8fOBNLz1UyNtXh6yFt0X_fxG23LfKhN1n0XvQ/s1600/Portland_Coffee.jpg" height="320" width="320"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lemon ginger shortbread cookie didn't last until the picture happened. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After relaxing, reading and stopping at Salt & Straw for the third time, we went to Washington Park. When we got there, everyone was hopping onto a bus to get to the Rose Garden. It was packed to the brim and really was not appealing at all. So we asked, can we walk there? Sure thing. It is a short two mile walk downhill. Perfect. So we walked. We enjoyed the trees. The sunlight sneaking in. Lovely. </span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Q98yMsFxUY0fC8LNPrZTZdC__N5T0J3CoK0ZJ7T4jPJYCNXz1p3M_F3Y4aCEr0GyYraKlMSAKdBijvGgPTPpSJLnQmWP6UI572InOFxAbD_fYT_jHFBC_WeVdTiZ_5m9hnyCnttQQmM/s1600/Portland_trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Q98yMsFxUY0fC8LNPrZTZdC__N5T0J3CoK0ZJ7T4jPJYCNXz1p3M_F3Y4aCEr0GyYraKlMSAKdBijvGgPTPpSJLnQmWP6UI572InOFxAbD_fYT_jHFBC_WeVdTiZ_5m9hnyCnttQQmM/s1600/Portland_trees.jpg" height="400" width="300"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKkacQBU1imZ6qegihJTee_8sPs3IUNdpJiGFL19w6n15ytAr7vbfB9fmJIc8OPV4F4G6G3v4x9Qwh3fK8KqdQ390k7tdak8xsY07SIuaQhCXu4pQq_crG810aP32KF4SnQJhdHjOp5Y/s1600/Portland_roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKkacQBU1imZ6qegihJTee_8sPs3IUNdpJiGFL19w6n15ytAr7vbfB9fmJIc8OPV4F4G6G3v4x9Qwh3fK8KqdQ390k7tdak8xsY07SIuaQhCXu4pQq_crG810aP32KF4SnQJhdHjOp5Y/s1600/Portland_roses.jpg" height="320" width="320"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rose Garden was lovely too. We both preferred the forest walk but the roses were a nice destination. Many people told us they prefer the Japanese Gardens over the roses, but we just couldn't do it all. Maybe next time. </span><br>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-77046543629735484832014-08-07T09:15:00.000-07:002014-08-07T09:15:00.561-07:00New Favorite Blog to Read <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this blog: <a href="http://whatwouldgwynethdo.com/">What Would Gwyneth Do</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLWXbVdhogRKOvrVlTspms7CYzrSJrsBQhyfps4NeFiZp8hKfDxgcQPh8SRFTOWMTFPqbjWiv9crRVExM2RnsHtXjsBfgYcqDMm-HfQasYFwLAbld85hqw1N9d7F-nEMRNYl_Fp9Hw00/s1600/WWGD.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLWXbVdhogRKOvrVlTspms7CYzrSJrsBQhyfps4NeFiZp8hKfDxgcQPh8SRFTOWMTFPqbjWiv9crRVExM2RnsHtXjsBfgYcqDMm-HfQasYFwLAbld85hqw1N9d7F-nEMRNYl_Fp9Hw00/s1600/WWGD.png.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am smitten with the writer Raluca. Her
name, just her name intrigues me. Not to mention how she writes. Beautiful.
Just beautiful. Lately she has been reflecting on if she should keep going.
I think she should. I love reading her words. I admire her. I am interested in
learning more. So I just thought I would share my humble adoration for this
fellow blogger who has me inspired. A recent piece I enjoyed is called <a href="http://whatwouldgwynethdo.com/2014/08/03/modern-day-motherhood/">Modern-Day Motherhood</a>, check it out. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-22297614278274115122014-08-06T08:53:00.000-07:002014-08-06T08:53:52.730-07:00Family Fun at the Lake<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lake for our family is easy. We step out onto the sand
and play. The kids mingle with other kids.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They wander over to the doc to fish for crawdads, play, dig in the sand and are happy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtl6ru7xIdsi0snZeg5yR9nT3J9w6zLzomgf-zxm_-RhCs8T6MYUjtB1s5T3E5HpS0-DHkTpJzvv0Y_Jn8r2lNgX7ZCows2U8zUemNSKLMixiTWG5WIZG2w3BQ1188jTkeYQzt5tLW5k/s1600/Tahoe-beach3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtl6ru7xIdsi0snZeg5yR9nT3J9w6zLzomgf-zxm_-RhCs8T6MYUjtB1s5T3E5HpS0-DHkTpJzvv0Y_Jn8r2lNgX7ZCows2U8zUemNSKLMixiTWG5WIZG2w3BQ1188jTkeYQzt5tLW5k/s1600/Tahoe-beach3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_sszIHFgx5hjrAJge_Z_G03_7lxYSJy5-Rify1RTO_7RHLJ6x_LaJuZ51cgoxkC9t4ZMVvE97nW5fXbTaD-V7wzur75NRh-DLR_GS3K4MoTGFM-dRqQIKOxh0nxxZEmMvFLb7YFvrrY/s1600/tahoe-lake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_sszIHFgx5hjrAJge_Z_G03_7lxYSJy5-Rify1RTO_7RHLJ6x_LaJuZ51cgoxkC9t4ZMVvE97nW5fXbTaD-V7wzur75NRh-DLR_GS3K4MoTGFM-dRqQIKOxh0nxxZEmMvFLb7YFvrrY/s1600/tahoe-lake1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5celMx4n2lWe1LbrWMvWmQIBDRoPOT_2ziNzRLDgZWxBSLX_J1ye6_f3hWmcoKby1iZJljw7_pNwMR5aGpRk79ANLJPSiXHU0a1GHADfDpxrGDPigotdrl9C4NxA6ZKDjvUrLSXD0rk/s1600/tahoe-lake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5celMx4n2lWe1LbrWMvWmQIBDRoPOT_2ziNzRLDgZWxBSLX_J1ye6_f3hWmcoKby1iZJljw7_pNwMR5aGpRk79ANLJPSiXHU0a1GHADfDpxrGDPigotdrl9C4NxA6ZKDjvUrLSXD0rk/s1600/tahoe-lake2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MzCBSp7nYSfmCYGvBWHf-B7DU48eXIO5YdnoiP52Tsa2MB9UctZUuPhyphenhyphenJlBrj6_dgjZzwFOlbmAV9mwKXuoY33iqOciQ-IZTf9Oisr-uVSkihI3rR3iugj4nUaysI-AZnwixnvDn1pY/s1600/tahoe-lake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MzCBSp7nYSfmCYGvBWHf-B7DU48eXIO5YdnoiP52Tsa2MB9UctZUuPhyphenhyphenJlBrj6_dgjZzwFOlbmAV9mwKXuoY33iqOciQ-IZTf9Oisr-uVSkihI3rR3iugj4nUaysI-AZnwixnvDn1pY/s1600/tahoe-lake3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year we tried something new with some great friends. We
crashed the Hyatt to roast marshmallows. The Hyatt at Incline Village
has two fire pits. One that is right in the mix of the whole bar and restaurant
and one that is a bit farther removed from the action. With our crew of kids,
the further pit was our plan for the evening. We got the kids all excited about
roasting marshmallows. I think I was more excited than anyone else. I LOVE
s'mores! They are an all-time favorite of mine. I even buy </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s'mores</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ice cream.
Mike rolls his eyes at me every time, but I LOVE it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, it was time to get our s'mores action on. So I
wandered over to scope our spot. To my surprise, the ideal pit was reserved for
a corporate event. So we were going to have to roast marshmallows at the bar
fire pit. I didn't think this was a big deal at all. I reported back to Mike
and our friends. Mike shrugged his shoulders and said “You’ll see.” I was like,
I did, I already saw. It isn't perfect, but it is fine. We already told the
kids, their excited and so am I. We are going to do this. Tonight. Yep.
Tonight. He looked at me and said, “Okay.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So our crew of four adults and seven kids walked around the
Hyatt fence and plopped down at the bar fire-pit. I checked in with the cocktail
server for the area and explained the other fire-pit is closed. I asked her “Would it be
okay if we roast our marshmallows here?” and she replied, “Sure.” So I took that as
full approval. The other mom who was with me, was looking at me like “Are we
really going to do this? Right here? With all these people cocktailing at sunset at the Hyatt bar?” She was clearly not comfortable with my plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is one of those moments where my friends love or hate
me. I just do things. I just go for it. I have permission. I have all my stuff
to do this. I have told my kids we are doing this. So we are going to do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did. It was delicious. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI-A7JIM41qYw_yESL0xrDzbba5jBPEon3_JtLsNtTa2OcU4rLG2hAALVgkV7UoZRX5bjxVyMAQX1sMv00xEB5e0rBVgJQCGF_Zas9I8R90kmFNM344UZ1c2YbJBjy5qdlZciFSf2JIU/s1600/tahoe-steamers4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI-A7JIM41qYw_yESL0xrDzbba5jBPEon3_JtLsNtTa2OcU4rLG2hAALVgkV7UoZRX5bjxVyMAQX1sMv00xEB5e0rBVgJQCGF_Zas9I8R90kmFNM344UZ1c2YbJBjy5qdlZciFSf2JIU/s1600/tahoe-steamers4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-88979878604337747202014-08-05T13:32:00.000-07:002014-08-06T08:28:05.622-07:00Anniversary Reflection: 8 years and counting<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 years or 10 years depending on how you look at it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWRE4XMQxDhPkcFhPpXh7ROKOqqeXmuDlp_MPUD5_Nlqt5kCBTocTYfnn9dEbDw7Ltx_qZSyKP-g_EEEN_-TjCOmBjeR8fI1HahgSccYV3BephnVi7sQgYN-fBU2exgtKOKY8I4s2gf8/s1600/lattees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWRE4XMQxDhPkcFhPpXh7ROKOqqeXmuDlp_MPUD5_Nlqt5kCBTocTYfnn9dEbDw7Ltx_qZSyKP-g_EEEN_-TjCOmBjeR8fI1HahgSccYV3BephnVi7sQgYN-fBU2exgtKOKY8I4s2gf8/s1600/lattees.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anniversary lattes. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of you may know the story of how Mikey and I met. It
was pretty much a whirlwind of excitement and childish joy. We both fell fast
and hard. Both of us broke other hearts to be together. Seven months later we
were engaged. It shocked me. He proposed on next to the cliffs on the beach on
a rainy night. Unexpected. Perfect. Romantic. Very romantic by Mikey standards.
He did good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast forward and we have been married 8 years as of July 22<sup>nd</sup>.
Dating 10 years. In that time, we have lived in three homes and made three
amazing kids. We have also traveled the world, worked hard at the office and
with friendships. We may not have it all just right, but we strive to. We
strive to be people first. Spouses second. And parents third. I wrote more
about this <b><a href="http://blazersandbabies.blogspot.com/2014/05/philosophy-kids-as-part-not-whole.html"><span style="color: blue;">philosophy here</span></a></b>. Many disagree with that philosophy but so far it still serves us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We celebrated our wedding anniversary with a date
night out in Tahoe. These date nights aren't rare, but still cherished. On an
anniversary night there is this inherent pressure to make it special. I wish
that weren't the case. Mike has always hated “dates.” So early in our
relationship, I would just say “Let’s go out dinner” or “Wanna grab a bite to
eat” or some other very relaxed way of lets go out just the two of us, for food
and company aka a date. This small change in the way I requested a “date” made
a big difference and the evening much more successful. I have always wondered
why this was the case. In the end, it really doesn't matter why, it matters
that I figured out a small piece to the puzzle for a good evening, a good life.
Keep it relaxed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the way, I am the furthest thing from relaxed. I am high
strung. I am realizing how high strung I am more and more every day.
Apparently, my normal speed is a 12. I think the scale is supposed to be a 10.
Ooops. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back on track here. Mike has learned about
me too. I’m not sure what tricks he has
come up with to help us make each and every day better, but I know he must have
his too. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The secret to marriage is not so simple. Anyone you ask will
give you different answers. It is fascinating to ask this question to all types
of people. Divorced people seem to have the strongest opinions on the matter.
People married over 50 years tend to answer in a silly joking manor, rarely
offering an actual tip. People in between usually rattle off a list or say
something contrived like “A happy wife is a happy home.” Well what exactly does
that mean? How do you keep a wife happy? For all the women I know, we are all
pretty complex creatures. I wish men luck with that one. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don’t have any wise words on the secret to a successful
marriage. My reflection on the topic is more about celebrating the milestones.
Enjoying the day together. Having excitement for the future together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, Mikey and I are going to Portland for a mini
vacation, just us. Our plan isn’t much. Lots of walking around the city. Good
food. Sleeping in. Maybe a bike ride to one of Mike's favorite brewery. Exploring together. The good life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further in the future, we are thinking about a trip to
Paris. Maybe for our 10 year wedding anniversary. A romantic place to explore. Just us. That sounds pretty wonderful. Definitely
a day I would look forward to. Mike seems to be on board… exciting! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-1079754860713957182014-08-05T09:05:00.002-07:002014-08-05T09:05:31.070-07:00Why does shopping feel good?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right. Don’t you feel good while you’re shopping? It could
be for food, Christmas presents, personal indulgences, anything. If feels good.
Is that a conditioned response? My curiosity is peaked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone study psychology in college and have any ideas on why we like to shop? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few of my recent purchases: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iLljT0FUfnq0P_-C_b4dp7Ik0ivzlM3Br-BTdNVYVSLa8tljq7vJGjF54ESlA95VzQwrLd_fLKFKUCeLCrq2O3a9caCgH6abR2pyTWofc08ZzJRrp8csWLR25rRMlsDfuZeZa8sTJeQ/s1600/Shopping.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iLljT0FUfnq0P_-C_b4dp7Ik0ivzlM3Br-BTdNVYVSLa8tljq7vJGjF54ESlA95VzQwrLd_fLKFKUCeLCrq2O3a9caCgH6abR2pyTWofc08ZzJRrp8csWLR25rRMlsDfuZeZa8sTJeQ/s1600/Shopping.png" height="400" width="372" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tip from my friend Lori Ann... </span><a href="http://www.sephora.com/narciso-rodriguez" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Her</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by Narciso Rodriguez. The scent is nice and clean but sexy too. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Must have in my makeup bag: </span><a href="http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Apply%20Foundation_Tinted%20Moisturizer%20Broad%20Spectrum%20SPF%2020%20Sunscreen_prod210061"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laura Mercier</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> tinted moisturizer with sunblock. Easy to use and it doesn't feel heavy. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The perfect eye shadow: </span><a href="http://www.trishmcevoy.com/p-32-glaze-eye-shadow.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White Peach by Trish McEvoy</a> </li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-30704045807103010102014-08-04T09:36:00.000-07:002014-08-04T09:36:12.231-07:00The Family Barn and Paper Puppets<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of our good friends have a home in an amazing place
called <a href="http://www.martiscamp.com/">Martis Camp</a>. It is truly a dream place. It is kind of like what The
Truman Show would have created if they were creating a perfect mountain escape.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCT0KDZxnrYA5rwYu3zHzZCF_8kRIKtd40w1vCcDv5bLMkojHtBtYY0dn3ubvUkYuefagFA69cPshJKtiX8-t1KuQfDGAPJ_QjFV3nu3qbaxj6UFGWJ73gTULKqlHmY9vPWTvaO65pJ4U/s1600/tahoe-barn4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCT0KDZxnrYA5rwYu3zHzZCF_8kRIKtd40w1vCcDv5bLMkojHtBtYY0dn3ubvUkYuefagFA69cPshJKtiX8-t1KuQfDGAPJ_QjFV3nu3qbaxj6UFGWJ73gTULKqlHmY9vPWTvaO65pJ4U/s1600/tahoe-barn4.jpg" height="115" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, the best part of Martis Camp is The Family Barn. It
is literally a huge red barn. It is completely designed with the family in
mind. It is decked out with a basketball court, bowling alley, art studio with
a kiln for pottery, a movie theater, a game room, full dinning, lounge space
and full locker rooms. Basically amazing. Simply amazing and every detail is
thought out. Not to mention, you step outside to multiple swimming pools
appropriate for every age child. It is RAD.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we were in Tahoe, we got to hang out at the Family
Barn with our friends. So fun to hang out with another family on vacation. The
part I love most about this place, is it isn’t pretentious. Sure, it is nice
and luxurious, but it is relaxed and casual. The day we went, the kids were
making puppets in the art studio. Once again, so simple. Isn’t that what family
fun is all about? You can do it too… anywhere!!! No Family Barn required. A kitchen table will do just fine. Your kids will LOVE it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9thITqNHjYFqkgbSHYqXb7Zs-IS-9d3MBJrAjgI5SmRF6oW3rQTgoEsuhSQhUDlML1qpEeyRwrKi858eLFrhLkizi52l5nOF0ANrrq5aLWdIsb0xPGJ3KVon07lbcHhUsImI9LoAguw/s1600/tahoe-barn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9thITqNHjYFqkgbSHYqXb7Zs-IS-9d3MBJrAjgI5SmRF6oW3rQTgoEsuhSQhUDlML1qpEeyRwrKi858eLFrhLkizi52l5nOF0ANrrq5aLWdIsb0xPGJ3KVon07lbcHhUsImI9LoAguw/s1600/tahoe-barn2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmtNMvE9PadBwrUg7nXYBAH4ch_vJlPGsKgR4ll205-rF6awQfu3c1ta2a09TKjX84cVmnbDgTE9Q1yMlF1H9ind2e_eEN7ENzJb4yOXhRoOSZgnJEzBRIec2cv4kcmwcSnyt-m2y7fU/s1600/tahoe-barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmtNMvE9PadBwrUg7nXYBAH4ch_vJlPGsKgR4ll205-rF6awQfu3c1ta2a09TKjX84cVmnbDgTE9Q1yMlF1H9ind2e_eEN7ENzJb4yOXhRoOSZgnJEzBRIec2cv4kcmwcSnyt-m2y7fU/s1600/tahoe-barn.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All you need:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brown paper bags</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Markers/Crayons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buttons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">String</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glue</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Optional Items: Construction paper, fake flowers, jewels,
scissors, sparkles… endless options</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adorable and definitely fun. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497951403584339247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736979389597644088.post-30845217533574135682014-08-01T10:35:00.001-07:002014-08-01T10:35:08.805-07:00Driving Adventure to Tahoe... a comedy of errors <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our drive to Lake Tahoe wasn't our first family road trip but it was certainly the longest we have taken and the first with baby Hannah. Boy was it an adventure! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day started with my wonderful morning glory husband hovering over me saying "It's 2:50. The alarm hasn't gone off yet but I'm ready." I rubbed my eyes and was like... okay. Here we go. So I brushed my teeth, double checked my list of last minute items to grab and started rounding up our sleeping kiddos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were on the road and everyone was awake. That was not the plan. The plan was for them to slip right back into sleep. It took about an hour for them to all sink back into dream land. Then I followed (thank you Mikey). Around 5:30, I felt the car coming to a stop so I stirred. Mike was stopping at Starbucks. I get it, I TOTALLY get it. While Mike was in Starbucks each and every one of our darling sleeping children woke up. Woke up for the day. Bummer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good news, everyone got to see this beautiful sunrise! And we had coffee. And pumpkin loaf. :-) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtMZuBagaiWSac3fbTdmAWVN32TgCZRUKXwcr6j4yELXF1P5u_VxAMW34uSGQE0gMnrTCLXjU4fcTktKgBcXUZW2WHHZ__WOqEZ8GkJPyKVIgUJJRoLTQn6i6Ybmsu6xtgbAMFF91cwg/s1600/Taheo_drivenorth1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtMZuBagaiWSac3fbTdmAWVN32TgCZRUKXwcr6j4yELXF1P5u_VxAMW34uSGQE0gMnrTCLXjU4fcTktKgBcXUZW2WHHZ__WOqEZ8GkJPyKVIgUJJRoLTQn6i6Ybmsu6xtgbAMFF91cwg/s1600/Taheo_drivenorth1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not long after morning snacks were finished we were in the middle of nowhere on the 395. Hadley puked. Big bummer. So we spent about a half hour cleaning her up in this glorious little pull off. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOkLdiDp6DDftaJPgBdAmZ06wzLNck4XoUBfe8un7Q0WZlFndxca1aGfF9r5ljFNit7fVCSG1JW8Ou9gw8fD9xTIzRXY1fVUIN2ggsYwm5WkNkv-VOFe3wDy8aMp6RhE7N2EwfZcK4t8/s1600/Tahoe-drivenorth2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOkLdiDp6DDftaJPgBdAmZ06wzLNck4XoUBfe8un7Q0WZlFndxca1aGfF9r5ljFNit7fVCSG1JW8Ou9gw8fD9xTIzRXY1fVUIN2ggsYwm5WkNkv-VOFe3wDy8aMp6RhE7N2EwfZcK4t8/s1600/Tahoe-drivenorth2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kids actually </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">enjoyed the chance to run around in the dirt and breathe fresh air. It was a good break. Hadley felt better so we all hopped back into the car. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then we found out, the battery died. Yep. It died. We had left the lights on. We kept all the doors open when we were cleaning up. We had our cell phones plugged in to charge. We drained the battery. Bigger bummer. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8P7VLumWXhQftJio4r8TCWxMmRXvg3PwXssgy2ohvliJezO7-hHtpajJ378W3TN_WYPA5Uu7BSX7J-udCaFkZ405L2LDnAHG3MIblhrSnhJZkrTH24rJbIeaAXqOYY3zXanOGYgoPZo/s1600/Tahoe-drivenorth3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8P7VLumWXhQftJio4r8TCWxMmRXvg3PwXssgy2ohvliJezO7-hHtpajJ378W3TN_WYPA5Uu7BSX7J-udCaFkZ405L2LDnAHG3MIblhrSnhJZkrTH24rJbIeaAXqOYY3zXanOGYgoPZo/s1600/Tahoe-drivenorth3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So glorious Lisa, in my Lululemon "mom attire," was flagging down trucks on the side of the 395. Thank God (for that moment, I really did believe in God) a nice family pulled over and happened to have jumper cables. They helped jump the car and we were on our way! Hoooray! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Around 9:30 we arrived in Bishop, near Mammoth. We stopped at a great bakery that is like an institution in Bishop, <a href="http://www.erickschatsbakery.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Erick Schat's Bakery</span></a>. It was awesome. We picked up some fresh pastries, another round of espresso for us and juice for the kids. I also got some fresh bread for dinner and fancy beef jerky for the drive. Mike had a conference call with a client at 10, so we headed over to a local park so the kids could run around. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the park, the typical kid negotiating commenced. Hadley wanted to watch the kids swimming in the pool and Harrison wanted to feed the ducks in the stream. Both totally cool options in different locations near bodies of water. No bueno. So just as one would predict, I was convincing Hadley to come to the stream and Harrison fell in. Yep. He fell into the f*cking stream! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was okay. All was fine. But really?!? Totally soaked kid, husband on the phone, and a 20 pound rolling baby. I totally had it under control. I was cool, calm and very collected. Sort of. Actually not at all. I could just feel my temperature rising. In the end, I figured it out and we all got back in the car even thought Mike was still on the phone. Not ideal, but I was done. I was fried and it was only 10:20 am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the trip was relatively calm. At some point we did realize we completely forgot our bakery goods at the bakery in Bishop. So no fancy beef jerky for us. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stopped about 65 more times to get gas, food, diaper changes and potty breaks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived in Incline Village around 2. We made it. It was glorious. </span></div>
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