tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620834777625441122024-03-15T18:09:31.677-07:00Young and Restless.A lady just writing about new experiences, drama and life in general.Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.comBlogger513125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-8401131171204139252014-10-23T08:05:00.000-07:002014-10-23T08:05:12.220-07:00The Best I've Ever Been.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You know what they say, the night is always darkest before the dawn. And my night was dark. And it was long. But now, here I am, in the dawn. And it's bright, and it's beautiful and it's wonderful.<br />
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I just went and scrolled through my recent blog posts <span style="font-size: x-small;">(the ones for the last year and a half, two years, because I haven't blogged much in a long time) </span>and what I thought I knew was confirmed – I was in a bad place. Ever since about junior year of high school, I've battled being angry and insecure and sad and really just struggling.<br />
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I mean truly, if I think about it, anyone probably would have felt that way.<br />
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My parents divorced between my freshman and sophomore year of high school and my Nana, my best friend, died my freshman year. I got cut from the varsity cheerleading team my senior year and I had really identified myself as a cheerleader up to that point – it's just who I was. Immediately following high school graduation, my Granddad got really sick and had to move to Columbus with only us to care for him which caused a whole shift in our family and in the relationship I had always known with my mom. Junior year of college, he died and my mom got so sick I thought she also might die – a combination of stress and real health issues; she now admits she thought she was going to die too. And then finally, things relaxed a bit.<br />
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But you know, even when when outside things calm down, after they have been that stressful for so long and also when you're a senior in college, it takes awhile to bounce back. Last year, I handled a normal load of college classes while also holding an on-campus job, an internship and running a full-time business. There wasn't much time for <i>me </i>to relax, even though things were looking up.<br />
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<b>Then, this summer happened. </b><br />
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In the spring, my mom got engaged to a guy who had all but been my step-dad for the last five years, Donnie. Right away, he began making his bachelor pad <span style="font-size: x-small;">(he had been divorced 25 years at that point) </span>into a home for all of us. I didn't skip a beat and moved my entire room at Butler which I loved, to his house on the lake. If my mom and dogs were going, I was going too and my room at the lake would be much bigger than what I had at our other house. I actually moved in before my mom did. Of course, it's taken some getting used to for all of us, but this home is so peaceful and happy and light and I have always felt welcome. Plus, <i><b>hello,</b></i> it's on a lake and what is not to love about that?<br />
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For about the first six weeks after graduation, I'll be honest, I was a total <i style="font-weight: bold;">bum. </i>I still ran my photography business, but I drank too much wine and I did too little. It was probably necessary in the whole story, but not productive that's for sure.<br />
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Then, in July, after the wedding, I decided it was time to do something about myself. I had gained a lot of weight and wasn't doing anything about it and <b>plus</b> I was working from home all day every day, not really having much personal interaction besides with Donnie who is retired. <b>So I hired a trainer.</b> I started going twice weekly to this really amazing trainer who has now become a great friend. I lost some of that weight, I started to feel better, I had a set friend date twice a week. It was a great start.<br />
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Soon after that, my best friend moved home from an hour away and we've started having weekly girls nights with a bunch of really fabulous girls I once was only acquainted with, but have come to love. We also started a book club with basically the same group. I finally feel like I have a huge group of girls to hang out with all the time.<br />
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And, just two weeks ago, I accepted my dream starter job at Toyota Material Handling – I'm the Content & Communications Administrator. Now, my degree means something and I know I didn't waste my time busting my booty for four years at Butler. Now, I have the start to a fulfilling career and a steady paycheck.<br />
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I feel like, since May, I've been progressively getting better. Every single day, I'm excited to wake up and excited for what lies ahead.<br />
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Right now, life is so good and not just for me, but for everyone in my family. My mom is happy, my brother is living at home with an amazing job, my step-dad is thrilled to have us here and we are a real family who for once, is all doing well.<br />
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Life is good and I couldn't be more thankful. Actually, I think I might just bust all over the place with happiness, so be careful.<br />
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<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a></div>
Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-47083811612153895402014-05-11T09:12:00.001-07:002014-05-11T09:12:12.932-07:00I graduated.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, you guys, yesterday was the day. <b>I graduated.</b> </div>
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Yesterday, I walked amongst around 500 of Butler University's finest to accept the thing we've all been working so hard and waiting for: a diploma.</div>
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And it's kind of weird. Like, for all my life there's been something next. After kindergarten, there was first grade. After high school, there was college and now, after college, well I'm just not sure.</div>
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My degree is in integrated communications which is the fancy way to say Public Relations and Advertising. It's a degree I love. It's basically like, I got a degree in working with people, making them happy and helping. It's perfect for me. But, as of right now, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it.</div>
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I know a lot of people leave college without a job lined up; I'm certainly not the only one. And, I have a photography business that is growing by the month and I just stepped into the world of Mary Kay. My possibilities are endless, but that's kind of what's weird. Like I feel like I just stepped into the world's largest Forever 21 and I don't know what to look at or where to go first.</div>
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Yet, even though there haven't been this many unknowns all at once, there have been many unknowns in my life and I've made it out mostly unscathed so I know it will all work out.</div>
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We've got a busy summer 'round here with at least three photo shoots a week, Drew's cousin's wedding, my mom's wedding & me trying to rock out a Mary Kay business, so I'm actually in no rush to find traditional employment. It just makes me a little unsettled without it.</div>
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So if you think of me, say a little prayer for peace, because not waking up in the middle of the night wondering would be awesome.</div>
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ps. I'm hoping to do more writing this summer, so hopefully you'll see me around here more. </div>
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Until then!</div>
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<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a></div>
Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-67561761413754766392014-04-30T08:15:00.002-07:002014-04-30T08:18:45.461-07:00A Sugar Overdose<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I don't even remember when it started, really. Probably two years ago.</div>
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This fog inside me that could not be lifted - this utter exhaustion I could never overcome. And after such a long period of exhaustion, I got depressed. I got frustrated thinking my roommate probably just thought I was the laziest person in existence - only getting out of bed for scheduled obligations, like class and photo shoots and retreating back there as soon as I returned. I got sad that I could no longer cross off my to do list like I used to and ultimately, sadly, I got fat, because I barely had the energy to go to work and class, let alone workout and make proper food for myself.</div>
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I went to the doctor last summer and he wanted to test me for Fibromyalgia and some other auto-immune diseases, but I had, had so many expensive tests that all turned up negative, I was skeptical to take such a drastic measure. Plus, I wasn't sick, I was just tired.</div>
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I went to a natural healer in a town nearby mine and complained of being tired and she'd always chalk it up to a virus that would get better soon, so I'd wait, never actually getting the energy I wanted.</div>
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Finally, about three weeks ago, a girl in one of my classes told a story about being gluten intolerant and how she had been so tired before the diagnosis, her mom just thought she was a lazy kid. <i>"Ok, I thought, maybe I'm gluten intolerant too"</i>.<br />
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So, I started researching and asking Facebook if anyone was gluten free. Miraculously, a girl I know from church messaged me saying she had just gone gluten free at the recommendation of a holistic nurse here in Indianapolis and felt amazing.</div>
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I made the appointment.</div>
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I called and did the usual, <i>"hi, I have these symptoms, can you see me next week?"</i> To my dismay, she told me she was booked up a year and a half in advance and could only get me in on cancellations. <i>AND </i>the two dates she had the soonest were days right before two very important weddings in my life - one out of town and one being my mom's. So, the soonest I could get in would be July 14. <b>I felt discouraged again.</b></div>
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Hours later, I called her on a whim asking that if maybe she had a cancellation sooner she would let me know. <i>and a miracle happened .... </i>she called the next day saying she had a cancellation the next week and could I be there. <i>"Um, yes, no matter what is on my calendar, I'll be there."</i></div>
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At that point, I was suffering from all day stomach aches that could not be relieved and kept me in my bed even more than usual, if that was possible.</div>
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It wasn't long after I arrived that the diagnosis was made: <b>Candida Overgrowth.</b></div>
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I'll be honest, many less qualified people had told me I probably had Candida Overgrowth, but I was so afraid of the diet, I didn't want to believe them. And plus, it <i>had </i>to be something more.</div>
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Nope, just simply too much sugar causing yeast to grow in my body at a rapid rate which made me exhausted, my body inflamed causing sore joints, depression & anxiety and more.</div>
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So, we did the holistic treatments <span style="font-size: x-small;">(which I'll save for another day ... it's a long story, but <i><b>I KNOW</b></i> it worked)</span> <span style="font-size: small;">and she sent me on my way with strict instructions to have absolutely zero sugar for the next 25 hours - not even toothpaste - and then the Candida diet. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">The Candida diet Excludes this: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> - Dairy products (excluding unsweeteened yogurt which is allowed )</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">- Yeast products such as bread, baked goods, pastries, crackers, beer and wine. </span>(Ezekiel bread and pasta products which are of sprouted grains are allowed) </div>
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- Substitute lard, Crisco, margarine, hydrogenated vegetable oils, sunflower oil, soybean, cottonseed and corn oils with EVOO</div>
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- Fruit or juices (except berries)</div>
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- Peanuts, peanut butter & other seed (nuts & nutbutters are permitted as long as they're roasted)</div>
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- Mushrooms</div>
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- Marbled meats, all processed meats, bacon, corned beef & ham</div>
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- potato chips & all fried foods</div>
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- all simple sugars - sucrose, fructose, malt sugar, honey, date sugar, molasses, turbinado sugar</div>
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- Condiments such as soy sauce, catsup, mayo, bbq sauce & MSG</div>
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- Leftover food in general</div>
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-Regular coffee, instant coffee & teas of all sorts including herbal teas </div>
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<i><b>... Whew! ...</b></i></div>
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So, it kind of seems like I can't eat <i>anything </i>but I can. I eat a lot of meat, vegetables, eggs, berries, almond milk & butter & ezekiel bread. </div>
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<u><b>And, would you believe me, the sugar addict, doesn't even really miss it?</b></u></div>
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<i>ok, let's be real, I miss wine.</i></div>
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But honestly, it took about four days of "cleaning out" and I feel absolutely amazing. I have energy I haven't had in years. I haven't had one day of achy joints. My clothes already fit better. My stomach is not bloated.<br />
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<i> </i></div>
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<i>oh, I added a probiotic too.</i></div>
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All this after one week of doing this. <b>one. week.</b> <i>Oneweek. </i></div>
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I really only have to follow this Candida diet strictly <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and yes, sometimes I throw some shredded mozzarella on my eggs or add salsa to them) <span style="font-size: small;">until the Candida is all out of my body, which could take up to 2 months, but honestly, I have no desire to turn back.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am beyond thankful that the stars aligned & God intervened and </span></span>I found the holistic nurse <span style="font-size: x-small;">(who is an RN)<span style="font-size: small;">, Jude, and found a simple, holistic cure for my ailments.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Feel free to ask me any questions you have, recognizing I'm a rookie at this! I think everyone could probably benefit from cutting sugar from their diets. </span></span></div>
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-84914064775781481452014-03-25T09:00:00.001-07:002014-03-25T09:00:33.429-07:00Don't Date Someone You Wouldn't Marry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've heard it so many times, <i>"don't date someone you couldn't see yourself marrying"</i>. I even saw it on Pinterest just now pinned to a young girl's "quotes" board.<br />
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For a long, long time, I lived by that. I didn't want to date anyone I couldn't see myself being with forever. And you know what? That kinda screwed me up.<br />
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No, I'm not saying you should go date weirdo, bad boy Joe Schmoe for the hell of it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(but really, why would you do that anyway?)</span>, I'm just saying that puts so.much.pressure. on a relationship.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhyphenhyphen6ZrE5sUBZqphoPe-dngyC4LZccFCnJQAl6ImqMPyAlQfnrEZH7fIXn-tYdEgfmiuWNi_3jOC61PK0AJyAGtmcIVSZYfaDGia-Y5qg8kAoRfRHiM4SOXkZ7ATPJxi52TbkQlU3bfXo/s1600/0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhyphenhyphen6ZrE5sUBZqphoPe-dngyC4LZccFCnJQAl6ImqMPyAlQfnrEZH7fIXn-tYdEgfmiuWNi_3jOC61PK0AJyAGtmcIVSZYfaDGia-Y5qg8kAoRfRHiM4SOXkZ7ATPJxi52TbkQlU3bfXo/s1600/0001.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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As many of you may know, Drew and I started dating in 8th grade. Yes, 8th grade. Like, our dates consisted of movie nights at our houses or walks to the park. We couldn't drive, didn't have money to go out and were mostly bound to our homes.<br />
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Anyway, as many of you also know, our relationship has hit <i>many </i>rough patches. Honestly, I didn't see myself marrying him until probably about a year ago. Yeah, for seven years, I didn't see myself marrying him. I knew I liked him a lot, but I wasn't sure we would be compatible forever.<br />
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Growing up ... life from ages 14-22 is hard. I mean, we left the school we went to for nine years, we went to high school, we played sports, we chose a college, we went to college. We grew up and the whole time, we were trying to stay together. That's not easy for anyone.<br />
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And one reason it was much harder than it needed to be, was because I was <i>so </i>focused on whether or not he was the <b><i>one. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Like I said, I knew I liked him, but would he be a good dad? would be be a hard worker? would he love me forever?</span></b><br />
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Let's be real, it's really freakin hard to tell if a 16 year old is going to be a good dad, it's hard to tell if a 18 year old is going to love you forever. I wish I would have spent a lot more time just having fun and a lot less time worrying about if he was going to be my forever - <i>and breaking up over me thinking he wouldn't be.</i><br />
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If I would have never dated the 14 year old I thought might not be my husband, I wouldn't be with the person I'm pretty confident is going to be my forever now.<br />
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All I'm saying is, don't put so much pressure on yourself. You don't know if the person you are going to date will be your forever. And if you're lucky, if you're like me, you may be surprised.<br />
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a></div>
Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-36220465311711831472014-01-06T09:46:00.000-08:002014-01-06T09:46:00.238-08:00Hello in 2014.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ahhh ... it's been awhile since I've posted here and somehow, I let 2013 slip away without a goodbye so I thought it would be only proper to welcome 2014 with a hello.<br />
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Man, 2013 was a good year. Like really good. Of course, there were some dark spots like losing my Granddad in April, but mostly the year was good.<br />
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I traveled more last year than I have any year ever and that was fabulous. I visited the Carolinas four times and Florida once which meant seeing my extended family more in one year than I ever have. You can't beat that, you know? I also had the amazing opportunity to work from home all summer doing things I love which was the only way I was able to travel so much.<br />
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But also, I worked my butt off.<br />
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I had over 100 photo shoots in 2013, which if you're counting, means I had a shoot every 3-4 days. So not only does that mean a photo shoot, but it means scheduling and invoicing and editing and sending off and lots of communication in between. Of course, I reaped the benefits and the benefits were nice, but it certainly was not easy.<br />
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And, I had my highest GPA ever at Butler this last semester which I will probably talk about for my entire life, because I'm really proud.<br />
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I finished up my last semester as the advertising manager on Butler's newspaper last semester too.<br />
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So all this is to say ... <b>I'm feeling kind of burned out.</b><br />
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And I hate that, because I love photography and promotions and PR and getting good grades. But, I'm feeling like, little to no inspiration for 2014.<br />
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Every year, I make goals and I feel super motivated by a new year and a clean slate, but this year I'm just rolling with the punches so far and not making too many lofty goals.<br />
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I do have some exciting things on my plate for 2014, like spring break with friends in Cabo and a graduation and hopefully a job and a move, but I'm not doing high kicks and toe touches yet.<br />
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Maybe I'll feel more excited when it isn't -6 degrees outside and when the light at the end of the tunnel starts getting a little brighter.<br />
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Anyone else feeling a little lackluster about the new year?? Tell me I'm not alone.<br />
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<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a></div>
Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-68959053937933638982013-11-20T09:34:00.001-08:002013-11-20T09:34:23.963-08:00When the holidays change ... Until I was about fourteen, every Thanksgiving was spent at my aunt's house in Indianapolis. It was a tradition that never changed. It was as comforting as a familiar blanket. We watched the Macy's parade at home while we got ready and then we loaded the car just before noon to go to my aunt's gorgeous home which she had always spent weeks preparing for Thanksgiving company.<br />
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The dining room where we ate was massive. I mean, it was like as big as my house. The hunter green carpet sticks in my head almost as well as the people who were always there, the foods that were always served and the routine we always did. Arrive. Eat appetizers. Eat dinner. Sit and talk. Make Christmas lists. Go home full and happy.<br />
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Every year it was the same and I looked forward to Thanksgiving equally as much as I looked forward to Christmas. Even though there were no gifts, my family was together, everyone was happy and it was fun. I loved it.<br />
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Christmas Eve had its own routine much like Thanksgiving.<br />
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We always held our Christmas Eve festivities at my Nan's house which she worked for nearly a month to prepare. It was as if a gingerbread man threw up all over her house. In a good way, of course. The presents were always gorgeous - each bow hand made and each wrapping and ribbon combination carefully thought out. The presents were always fun but even then, it's not really what mattered. The excitement, the happiness - that's what mattered.<br />
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But when my parents divorced and my Nan died, everything changed.<br />
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My aunt got deeply depressed and moved out of that big, gorgeous house and Thanksgiving was no longer there. I refused to leave my mom home alone on Thanksgiving, so we started having Thanksgiving with her side of the family at our house instead.<br />
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Since my uncle is agnostic & my aunt is jewish, we stopped celebrating Christmas Eve.<br />
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Suddenly, the holidays had lost their magic.<br />
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There were no more gatherings of my dad's family in Indianapolis or Columbus and we didn't make Christmas lists with them anymore, because Christmas wasn't going to be celebrated.<br />
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I was devastated.<br />
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For years, Thanksgiving and Christmas pretty much just seemed like another day filled with more work. I tried to be happy, but all I could think about were the traditions we didn't have anymore and the family that wasn't there.<br />
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I cried. I cried a lot.<br />
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It wasn't fair that a time that was once so happy was now filled with dread and sadness.<br />
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But then, all of the sudden, things changed.<br />
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Suddenly, I took my mom's advice and started making my own traditions. I stopped dreading the holidays and started realizing that even though things have changed, that doesn't mean they're over. I stopped wishing we could just go to Mexico and forget Christmas all together.<br />
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This year, finally, I'm excited for the holidays.<br />
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I'm excited to start new traditions with our family. I'm excited to visit my boyfriend's family for the first time ever on Thanksgiving. I'm thankful we have good friends who can join us on the holidays so not only do they have a place to go, but our home feels more full once again.<br />
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I'm ready this year.<br />
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And I write this not because I'm sad, I'm not anymore. I don't write this for pity. I write this because I know <i>everyone </i>goes through this at least once.<br />
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Divorce is rampant in families which inevitably changes traditions that were once the only thing we knew. Death is inescapable which leaves our homes feeling empty even in what should be the happiest times.<br />
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I write this, because I want you to know that if you're feeling this way, it <i>does </i>get better.<br />
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For more than five years, my mom tried desperately to get me excited about the holidays. She proposed new traditions and fun things we could do. I wasn't interested and none of it really made me feel better.<br />
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You might be in that same situation, and that's okay.<br />
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Because, someday, like me, you'll wake up and feel better and be ready to get back into the Thanksgiving & Christmas spirit.<br />
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I know, because I did.<br />
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<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-20804157190293230902013-09-26T09:39:00.003-07:002013-09-26T09:39:37.413-07:00Why I think being "confrontational" is good.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Con.fron.ta.tion.al.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">tending to deal with situations in an aggressive way; hostile or argumentative.</span></div>
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Whoever decided to start using "confrontational" as the synonym for upfront and honest, should consider googling the term and then stop.</div>
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Somewhere along the line, in our culture, we've decided that it's better to feel feelings and assume things without any basis for our assumptions, instead of having a respectful conversation with whomever we are having those feelings or assumptions about. And I'm here to say, <b>I hate that</b>.</div>
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Somewhere along the line, we've decided it's rude and wrong to talk about things <b>and it's better to just hold them inside or talk to other people about them.</b></div>
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<i><b>Wrong</b>.</i></div>
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Look, talking about things doesn't have to end in an argument. It doesn't <i>have </i>to be hostile or argumentative. In fact, being mature means that you can have a respectful conversation even when you don't agree.<br />
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Personally, I think talking about things solves <i>way </i>more problems than not.<br />
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I've always been one to be like, <i>"Hey, did you say that about me? Why?"</i> or <i>"okay, something is really bothering me and I need to tell you about it". </i><br />
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<i></i>True, some people don't like that. But also true? the issue almost always gets resolved quickly, no one's feelings get hurt and the truth comes out.<br />
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And on the other side of the coin, I would <b><i>much</i> </b>rather someone come to me and be like, <i>"hey Ali, something you did really hurt my feelings", </i>than go around talking about it to a bunch of people. I mean, maybe I'm just bad at saying what I mean and the thing came out wrong. If so, when that person comes & asks me about it, I apologize, say I didn't mean it like that & then it's over. How easy is that?<br />
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So what do you think? What do you think about all of us just saying what we mean & feel <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(in a polite respectful way, of course) </span>instead of talking about it to one-hundred other people or letting the bad feelings just simmer?<br />
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<b>I think we'd all be much, much happier.</b><br />
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-15080037887114867422013-09-08T19:52:00.005-07:002013-09-08T19:52:50.749-07:00Let's all just stop.<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's all just stop thinking we're better than everyone else.</div>
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Let's all just stop caring if someone <i>thinks </i>they're better than everyone else.</div>
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Let's all stop being rude</div>
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and forgetting the golden rule</div>
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and fighting about stupid stuff </div>
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<b>and not respecting other people - </b><i><b>at least for the simple fact that they're people too.</b></i></div>
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How about we all stop being so critical?</div>
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Let's all just stop arguing before we research.</div>
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Let's all stop being ungrateful and selfish and hateful.</div>
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What if we all start thinking more about how we treat others than how they treat us?</div>
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<b>What if we all </b><i><b>really </b></i><b>think about whether or not what we have to say has any value before we say it?</b></div>
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How about we consider that God made <i>everyone </i>and he loves <i>everyone?</i></div>
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How about we take <b>five</b> seconds to try to understand something before arguing about it?</div>
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Let's value being respectful more than being right.</div>
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<b>Let's be so busy bettering & loving ourselves that we don't have time to judge others.</b></div>
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Let's remember the golden rule.</div>
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Let's be kind.</div>
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Let's be classy.</div>
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<i><b>Let's be better.</b></i></div>
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-89493340530529232042013-07-25T11:45:00.000-07:002013-07-25T11:45:11.174-07:00Stop feeling guilty.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>A letter to myself ... and to you too.</i></div>
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<i>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</i></div>
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Ali,</div>
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Why do you feel so much guilt over such silly things? Don't you know guilt is not an emotion from God & therefore, an emotion you should try to wipe from your mind? Guilt is bad & frankly, there's no reason for you to feel guilty.</div>
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Listen, you work hard. You really do. You have <i>four</i> jobs, for pete's sake & you do them all well. Yes, sometimes you don't start work until nine in the morning or maybe even ten, but you often work until seven or eight too. See, it's okay that you sleep in sometimes. </div>
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It's okay that you want to have nice things. You shouldn't feel ashamed for wanting nice things or even buying them for yourself as long as you're not going into debt to do it. When you work hard, you can have nice things.</div>
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And for the love, quit guilting yourself every time you take a nap. You can take a nap if you want. Some people watch t.v. in their free time, some people smoke or drink ... you nap. <i>that's okay. </i></div>
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Ali, if you constantly think about how much better you could do things than you're doing now, or how much more you could do for people than you already do, you'll wear yourself out. <i>You are wearing yourself out. </i>We are all humans, we are not perfect & if you want to go lay in the sun instead of unload the dishwasher one day, do it! If you want to buy something for yourself instead of spending <i>another </i>$100 on a birthday gift, treat yourself.</div>
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Stop the guilt & start loving yourself. You're doing the best you can do & that's all anyone wants! </div>
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a></div>
Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-33254441658027518892013-07-23T05:40:00.001-07:002013-07-23T05:40:10.575-07:00The truth about weight loss<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's hard because food is good.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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The end. See ya. Bye.</div>
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Alright, alright, I have a little more to say than that, but basically it's that. I mean, when you have a lot of weight to lose, it's easy to change a few habits and say hasta la vista to a lot of weight because your body is freaking out that you're actually treating it right for once. <b>But, when you're like me & have twenty stupid pounds to lose, it's hard.</b> Twenty seems like a lot, but really it's only about 1/7 of my body weight and it's not enough for my body to just start tossing weight to the sides when I change a little bit. No. I have to change <i>a lot</i>. </div>
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Two weeks ago, I did a no cheese, no white flour & no sugar diet. It worked fabulously. I lost about six pounds that week. </div>
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But then our seasonal-only, locally-amazing, mexican restaurant opened down the street and, okay this is one of those exceptions I make.</div>
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And then the Luke Bryan concert happened and Limaritas just found their way into my mouth. <i>seriously, I don't know how.</i></div>
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But, at the wine festival I didn't have any wine, only half of a beer and I got a salad instead of a burger. I didn't think having sweet potato fries on the side would be a <i>huge </i>deal, but here I am two pounds heavier after all that. </div>
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Like, I feel like I've tried to make decent decisions ... <b>bad lunch? healthy dinner. Beer? Salad.</b> You know? I try to make it balance out. <b>& I wasn't doing that before</b></div>
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But no ... my body is like, listen Ali ... you go big or we're goin' home. <b>And usually it goes home.</b></div>
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Do you find that you have to get super crazy to lose weight or is this just me being stupid?</div>
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I really want to get these twenty pounds off because I'm happier that way & frankly, at 21 I shouldn't be carrying around 20 extra pounds.</div>
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Here's two pictures for comparison </div>
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<i>I was 15 in the first one ... spare me your judgements please! </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1bqFrOwASddnrdsI84prCh156okCImJtP-DOLkWn_F4w7F8EBD5dBGrJ-Vh9dxDVSsPQTqmAp49Lkx7efEW0Y_rikt_W3PVMDK3D__IChyZAGarmteIEdc3yJLRpM2900mf9duPgF_g/s1600/20+lbs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1bqFrOwASddnrdsI84prCh156okCImJtP-DOLkWn_F4w7F8EBD5dBGrJ-Vh9dxDVSsPQTqmAp49Lkx7efEW0Y_rikt_W3PVMDK3D__IChyZAGarmteIEdc3yJLRpM2900mf9duPgF_g/s640/20+lbs+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i></i> <i>then </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqmEhNnHUDf7xZ0mhUIkdWPH_DdCGp5PHc22s_auqoDS9_u9TfcBeQAxf5LJz8_cS2EKe_WVaBdMQl1iZDvH1f5mj8-9EFxVMrOdEBTzXjt0WJllu1MHfI4CQdZn6q5o9yg0bVq61ccE/s1600/20+lbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqmEhNnHUDf7xZ0mhUIkdWPH_DdCGp5PHc22s_auqoDS9_u9TfcBeQAxf5LJz8_cS2EKe_WVaBdMQl1iZDvH1f5mj8-9EFxVMrOdEBTzXjt0WJllu1MHfI4CQdZn6q5o9yg0bVq61ccE/s640/20+lbs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>now</i></div>
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<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a></div>
Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-72289984110745729192013-07-19T05:28:00.002-07:002013-07-19T05:30:20.595-07:00Favorite Frugal Finds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm guilty of thinking the higher the priced item, the better the quality, but that's not always true. I'm working on learning and remembering that. It takes some time to figure out which things are worth the splurge & which things aren't, but luckily, I've started working on it & I have some things to share with you. <b><i>You're welcome.</i></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Elf Eyeliner Pencil: </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I know some people are all about the Elf products, but I have not found that they're </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">all </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">the best option. Actually, I bought like ten different makeup items from the Elf line about a month ago & the only one I really like is the eyeliner pencil. But, for $1, I could try out some things to find one I liked & I really think this is one Elf product you can save with. It has great color & it lasts all day with my Urban Decay primer underneath.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBNI0JAr_OiIzczg9hPsVUREsUYp2rX1AZv0NP6fwy6I5cYrfA1EX1dBaIulr29EZTpdVBBT7Q49MM_G7LH8zzHq6NCI9MS6vAZP35s3hDlH8oqkRlkmyAhiajuSWrxr8HmSNcCLQ8Vg/s1600/eyeliner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBNI0JAr_OiIzczg9hPsVUREsUYp2rX1AZv0NP6fwy6I5cYrfA1EX1dBaIulr29EZTpdVBBT7Q49MM_G7LH8zzHq6NCI9MS6vAZP35s3hDlH8oqkRlkmyAhiajuSWrxr8HmSNcCLQ8Vg/s1600/eyeliner.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">TJ Maxx Bras: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Okay, I don't know about you but Victoria's Secret bras, despite being really pretty, are just not in my budget. What I should say is, I would rather spend that $60 on something else, like maybe something people actually see? If you have really large ta-tas or are looking for something special, maybe you should spend a little more at a lingerie retailer, but I have pretty average sized boobies & mostly, I just want something that will keep my girls perky & covered, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">if ya know what I'm sayin. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">always </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">find bras at TJ for between $5-$10 and I've really liked every single one I've gotten. This week, I got a Jessica Simpson brand bra for $10. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Score.</span></i></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>H & M Jeans: </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I've always thought seven jeans look fabulous on people, but I've tried them on and they do not look fabulous on me. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">And for $200 they better make me look like freakin' JLo.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> Now, I do like a good pair of Lucky Brand jeans but I also like to have a lot of options and you know, having a lot of Lucky Brand options isn't in my budget either. What </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">is </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">in my budget are these H&M Super Skinny Super Low Jeans I got for $20.00 yesterday</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">These are going to be perfect to tuck into jeans in the fall & actually, I think they would look great with heels to go out in now. Of course, I know they will probably fade quickly so I'll be extra careful with that but shoot, I could buy like eight pairs of these before it added up to one pair of Lucky Brand jeans.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6KNK6dPVUX-gcxoIa9y0gjM5AjJUse7OecXedtmX2-bF-Oc7KdZ6g271gpuIb1FpOjcQN2zJHvfLNHRfqqcdnkrvyv2SQ5Zrtcku3w3HqmUDl4CFg7kA7uNGZ4eOe7iVrEcxHp4tCQg/s1600/HM+Jeans..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6KNK6dPVUX-gcxoIa9y0gjM5AjJUse7OecXedtmX2-bF-Oc7KdZ6g271gpuIb1FpOjcQN2zJHvfLNHRfqqcdnkrvyv2SQ5Zrtcku3w3HqmUDl4CFg7kA7uNGZ4eOe7iVrEcxHp4tCQg/s320/HM+Jeans..jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">A high price doesn't always mean high quality, as much as I'd like to argue that, and as a college student, I have a budget to work with. Or, I should say ... I </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">should </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">have a budget to work with. I'm not very good at it. But, I'm working on it, so if you have a similar post with things I could save on, please leave a link to it, because Lord knows I need all the help I can get! </span></div>
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-65149047632456517092013-07-17T05:20:00.004-07:002013-07-17T05:20:56.800-07:00Do what you love.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last summer, I had a traditional internship. I worked at a Fortune 100 company 8-5, Monday - Friday, and <b>it was </b><i><b>so </b></i><b>not me</b>. People weren't really friendly, they were all <i>super </i>stressed & had plates that were overflowing & as a Public Relations major at Butler, I did not enjoy all the number crunching and excel spreadsheet work I had to do.<br />
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I left work crying a lot of days.<br />
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<b>I feel like I have a lot of gifts and none of them were being used in that position.</b> However, the money was great, and if they would have needed me in a communications role this summer, I would have gone back and done the same thing again just for the money.<br />
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But they didn't re-hire me <b>& what a blessing that was.</b><br />
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<b>It was a blessing, because I realized how much more important it is to do something I love than to chase money.</b><br />
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and you know what else happened? While doing what I love,<b> I've made almost one-and-a-half-times what I made at that internship last summer.</b><br />
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I never dreamed it was possible.<br />
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When I didn't get re-hired at that internship for the summer, I decided I would just do my best to rock-out at my photography business. <b>People were skeptical, but I knew I could do it with a lot of work. </b>Also, I worked <i>really</i> hard to get the <i>perfect </i>summer internship writing blog posts for a PR company in Indianapolis for which I could work from home. I got it.<br />
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<b>Now, I make my own schedule & I make money, </b><i><b>good money</b></i><b>, by doing what I love: photography & writing. </b><br />
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I got to go on a two-week vacation, because I make my own schedule & I had the means to do it. I get to have lunch with friends when I want to and take the day off to go to the lake when I want to too.<br />
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<b>But I bust ass sometimes.</b><br />
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Sometimes I'm working until the wee hours of the morning, or I start at the wee hours in the morning. If I mess up, it's my whole business' reputation ... messing up isn't a joke - it falls on my shoulders.<br />
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But you know what, it doesn't matter if I'm working in the early morning when I'm doing what I love. It doesn't matter if I have to miss an event for a shoot, because I'm doing what I love successfully.<br />
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So what am I saying? <b>Don't give up on your dreams because they're scary</b>.<br />
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<b>Doing what you love is so much more important than chasing money & when you do what you love well, the money will come.</b><br />
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-61958025035842882842013-07-16T05:21:00.000-07:002013-07-16T05:25:22.914-07:00Catching up in bullet points .... & there are a lot.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Over the last year or so, I've seriously neglected this blog. I've talked about that before, I know. But the thing is, I <i>like </i>my blog and I <i>love </i>the friends I've met through blogging, so I try to just come back over here & write whenever I feel I have time. Hopefully you guys don't feel like I'm the super annoying rando blogger & if you do, please just keep that to yourself & act like you like me ... kapeesh?<br />
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So since it's been way too freakin' long since I've blogged & a lot has happened in the meantime, I thought I would just update you in bullet points. Sound fab? Okay great.<br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Good people exist. </b></span>Sometimes its easy to forget that good people <i>do, </i>in fact, still exist & only remember the bad stuff. B<b>ut this weekend I had an instance where I was smacked right in the face with how good people are.</b> I had a boudoir marathon at a hotel in my town <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I'm a <a href="http://www.alielizabethphotography.com/">photographer</a>) </span>last weekend & usually, I have people pay me via PayPal but time got away from me & I forgot to send invoices. So, a couple people just gave me cash. Well, as is all too typical with me, I took the cash from the two while I was talking & without thinking, put it somewhere. When I got to the lobby to leave, I realized I was missing $250.00. Now, I had an extra lady sign up last minute so I was making more than I had planned on anyway, which meant I didn't really <i>need </i>that money but $250.00 is a lot of money and I didn't want to just leave it. Well, a lady and her two elementary-aged children were sitting in the lobby of the hotel and saw me frantically searching and offered to come to my room and help me look for the money. I thought it seemed a little strange but I wanted the money and couldn't find it anywhere so I took them up on the offer. Wouldn't you know, I found $100 in the trash & the little girl found $150 in a book on the desk of the room. I nearly cried and hugged them & thanked them & now I have a lot of good karma to repay.</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I didn't win the face search. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">If you saw my <a href="http://youngandrestlessblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/pick-me-pick-me.html">post</a> last week, you know I auditioned to be the face of a local television station. </span>Well, I didn't win<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, but it was a really scary, awesome experience. Luckily, one of the finalists I <i>love </i>and am rooting for hardcore. </span></b></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I actually have the best boyfriend in the world. </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">It's weird dating someone for as long as I've dated Drew - almost 8 years to be exact. Since we've dated since 8th grade, it almost seems like he isn't the same person now, because we've both grown up so much. What I mean to say is, it's not boring because we've changed over time. But, his growing up has been <i>amazing. </i>Yesterday, I was stressed. It was 10 o'clock and I hadn't done anything for the day yet <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(& I had a lot to get done) </span>and I finally told him I just needed to at least go get a shower so I felt like I had done <i>something. </i>So while I showered, he made breakfast & then when I got out, I came to clean it up. Well, when I get stressed, I clean like a mad woman. <b><i>Dishes away! clutter in piles! Everything wiped down</i></b><i>!</i> And clearly, he could tell the shower hadn't done me enough good so he came over, took the dishes from me & told me to just go get ready, he'd take care of it. And while I was getting ready he cleaned up all the dishes, took out the trash <i>and </i>picked up my shoes and things out of the living room. <b>Now that's a good man. </b></span></span></li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">My boyfriend can't breathe. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Hmmm stress seems to be a common theme 'round here. After a two-week vacation, I was ready to come home & pedal to the metal, get work done. I have a bunch of photo stuff scheduled & I still haven't finished my internship so I had a lot to do. Well, wouldn't you know, Mr. Drew became unable to breathe last week so we spent our days at three different doctors last week. We're still unsure if it's just stress or if he may have a heart issue, but by the time we got to the last doctor, I told her she needed to either figure out what is wrong with him or give me some xanax. It sucks not being able to help the one you love and all that meant I got about zero work done.</span></b></li>
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I could go on and on and on with updates, but I'll stop here & try to come up with some full posts in the near future. Is anyone even reading anymore??</div>
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-60165806993561746142013-07-08T12:33:00.001-07:002013-07-08T12:33:08.448-07:00Pick me, Pick me!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I tried out for cheerleading five different years & every time was the same - I would stress for weeks before the tryouts about whether or not my jumps were high enough, if the fact that I didn't have my back handspring would matter or not, and if I'd be able to pick up the cheers and dances we were expected to learn.<br />
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Every time, my mom would drop me off at tryouts saying, <i>"You can do this!! Be confident! Smile! You've got this!!"</i>, and despite being so nervous I could just pee my pants, I made the team four of those times. <s>I got cut my senior year of high school, but that's neither here nor there.</s><br />
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Well, cheerleading tryouts are the only thing I can compare the tryout I'm going to tomorrow to: <b>The Face of WNDY.</b><br />
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Two weeks ago, while I was on vacation <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I'll blog about vacation soon) </span>I got a text from an old friend suggesting I try out for the face of WNDY in Indianapolis - a local TV station. I had heard of the contest before, because a friend of mine did it last year but I hadn't ever considered doing it. Well, after some encouragement from her and some research into the position, I've decided to go for it! What do I have to lose?<br />
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So, tomorrow, I'll put on one of my cutest outfits - not too sassy, not too boring - and walk into a tryout for a <i>huge</i> promotions position in Indianapolis amongst a bunch of other no-doubt qualified & beautiful women. I'll sit in front of a camera for a minute and tell the judges why I'm the best choice for the face of Indianapolis - I'll tell them making friends is cake for me & that going to new events is one of my favorite things to do. I'll tell them I love my city & as a Butler Bulldog, there's no other place I'd rather live. I'll tell them I'm the best choice & hope they believe it as much as I do.<br />
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I'll walk in with a smile & confidence & hope that my momma's right ... <b>I can do this!</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Headshot & full body shot for the judges.</span></div>
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-5835316642344232532013-06-19T06:07:00.001-07:002013-06-19T06:07:18.704-07:00Happy Things.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I got up early & walked this morning before my mom went to work, which consequently, made me really <i>really </i>happy. A morning walk, before it gets too hot & before the hustle and bustle starts, just always stats my day right. <i>Always </i>when I do it, I mean - which is rarely. But anyway, since I woke up on the very <i>right </i>side of the bed, I thought I'd write a little post about things that are currently making me really happy.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">I'm going to Disney World in three days!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMrjXZrZ4xjlSo_828GBVOtceGs8k-eRvey9q8NQp00xusVBFKxVDjH-djV3Q4G01X3tS0XQenijooFMP9Q61okUq1zM5ZWr2K24sBfbmlt2FiIbS07fcCvtIKmFfZg6DhNmnTAvcgYc/s1600/happy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMrjXZrZ4xjlSo_828GBVOtceGs8k-eRvey9q8NQp00xusVBFKxVDjH-djV3Q4G01X3tS0XQenijooFMP9Q61okUq1zM5ZWr2K24sBfbmlt2FiIbS07fcCvtIKmFfZg6DhNmnTAvcgYc/s640/happy1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While Drew & I were hanging out yesterday, I asked him what he thought of me wearing a dress to Disney World one day. You know, not anything fancy, just a cute little cotton dress. To me, that sounds like a great idea for a 100 degree day. To him, apparently, that sounds like a terrible idea. But, after all, I'm going to be in the presence of princesses, I need to fit in. I will never, ever, ever be too old for Disney World & I'm so excited to be leaving to meet Drew there in three days. It will be our second trip together & even better than the first, I'm sure.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Sunshine.</span></div>
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I was so, <i>so </i>not meant for Indiana in terms of the weather we get here. For May, June, July, August & a bit of September, I love it here. But, winters are <b>hard</b>. I thrive on sunshine. I need it like a person needs air. So thank God for the sunshine we've been having lately, because it has made me one happy camper.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">A shopping trip by myself today.</span></div>
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Last week, I fit four shoots in, in three days & then flew off to North Carolina to shoot a wedding on the weekend. I bounced from house to house <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(and was so thankful to my family for letting me stay with them), </span>slept on couches & rarely had a moment to myself. While I was gone, my puppy, Lucy, had to have her tail amputated which means this week, we can't leave her by herself even for five minutes because she has to have the stitches in for at least a week & she will rip them out. So, I'm with her all day every day while my mom is at work and then when my mom gets home, I leave for a shoot & come home to edit. Needless to say, I'm so thankful I'm going to get some fun, alone time today. My mom's boyfriend is going to come stay with Lucy while I go out. Sometimes, having a puppy is like having a child & my love for alone time is why I'm childless. <s>among other reasons, obviously</s></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">A happy, back-to-normal mom.</span></div>
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For awhile before Granddad died at the end of April, I really questioned whether I would ever get my old mom back. She was stressed, depressed & always sick. It was awful and I was truly scared. She was at her lowest weight ever <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><s>scary low</s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and she rarely seemed happy. But, as sad as it is to have lost Granddad, having him finally at peace has been such a stress relief for my mom. And, she got really proactive about getting into all natural supplements and finally, <i>finally</i>, she's not sick anymore. She's even so healthy, she's started selling the supplements. When she feels good, I feel good.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">This guy.</span></div>
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I've said it before and I'll say it again ... growing up with someone is <b><i>hard</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, but Drew & I are finally getting it. We're getting compromise & what it means to be in a really good, intentional relationship. I'm really, <i>really </i>looking forward to our trip together next week to Disney & the next week to North Carolina.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.alielizabethphotography.com/">Ali Elizabeth Photography.</a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Business is thriving. Moreover, my clients have seemed <i>thrilled </i>lately, which just makes my heart sing. I've worked my booty off getting this thing going & the fruits of my labor are abundant. When you've worked really hard for something, success feels even better.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I think I could go on all day about things that have made me happy lately, but I'll stop because you're probably bored. But anyway, what has been making <i>you </i>happy lately? Have you thought about it?? I promise, just thinking about the little things makes life so much sweeter.</span></b></div>
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-62748032080534149962013-06-14T07:06:00.003-07:002013-06-14T07:20:23.153-07:00A lesson in patience. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I got a lesson the other day I don't think I'll be forgetting anytime soon, because although the lady probably had no clue she was teaching me something, she was & it has made me think <i>a lot. </i><br />
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So I'll paint the picture for you.<br />
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It was a gorgeous, sunny afternoon & a day our little puppy Lucy went to daycare. We let big ole' George stay home with me though - he doesn't need much attention & would much rather stay home than go to daycare while Lucy <i>loves </i>daycare and <i>needs </i>to release energy. But even though I know he prefers to stay home, I get "mom guilt" if I don't do something "fun" with him during the day so I was taking him on a long walk about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, just before I knew my mom would return home with Luc.<br />
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George and I were on the middle of the walk which meant he was tired and had <i>finally </i>stopped pulling me <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(a 90 pound dog pulling you isn't any joke) </span>so I was really starting to enjoy it. Like I said, it was a pretty day & we were strolling along when we passed a house I've always admired. This house is a one-story that looks like it's probably really big inside. It's really inviting and well kept and has a gorgeous large shade tree in the front yard. I've just always liked it.<br />
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And when we walked past, a lady was out front working with her little dog working with her.<br />
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I don't know, maybe I was just in a really good mood or maybe it was just because the weather was perfect but the setting just seemed so happy.<br />
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"Your yard is so pretty!", I said. "I've always loved this house!"<br />
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"Thanks!," she said. "I went from a tiny apartment, to a bigger apartment, to this, so this feels huge! I saved for 20 years for this!"<br />
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<b>And right in that moment, I learned the lesson of patience.</b><br />
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You know, this house isn't a huge house. It's a modest house in an older neighborhood. It's beautiful, but not fancy. And yet, this woman saved for 20-years to be able to afford it. It's her pride and joy.<br />
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And that's why she works so hard to make it beautiful. That's why she adores it. Because she worked so hard to have it.<br />
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All too often I want things <b>right.this.minute. </b>I think we all do, ya know? That's why we have credit cards. I don't want to save. I don't want to wait. I want it <b><i>now. </i></b><br />
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But on that day, I saw how great the reward is when you wait & work for something and I want to do a little more waiting and a lot less being impatient.<br />
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a></div>
Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-67555757419609885562013-06-05T06:21:00.003-07:002013-06-05T06:22:56.439-07:00People I Want to Makeout With<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, this post isn't actually about wanting to makeout with people, I just think it's a really funny word so I like to say it. Saying I want to makeout with someone or something <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(sometimes I even say it about like, the weather) </span>means I just like it a lot but it kind of amps up the like, you know?</div>
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Alright, glad I got that out of the way.<br />
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Now onto bloggers I would love to <s>makeout</s> hangout with ...<br />
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<b>Number One, </b>without a shadow of a doubt, is <a href="http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/">Kate</a>.<br />
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Have you seen Kate's blog, <i>The Small Things Blog</i>? If you haven't, get on over there right now and remove yourself from the rock under which you've been living. Kate is the cutest, seemingly sweetest thing ever & she has really awesome fun tips for hair, makeup & clothes. What more could you want, really? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(oh, you want some baby talk? Well now that's going to be there too!!)</span><br />
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Actually, when I went to North Carolina for my cousin's wedding, a girl came to do our hair & makeup and I asked her if she reads Kate's blog. Well, that one question caused an instant bond between the two of us because it turns out, we <i>both</i> love Kate. I was really sad when she told me Kate doesn't take any new clients because during one of my four trips to North Carolina between May and September I was hell bent on getting an appointment with her.<br />
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Someday, we will meet. I'm sure of it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qbYvCZCjhNy1Vd26CP10D8Wq2Rpd1txrZdlUsIyKj3zDMpbRpvN_3TP-DanX1Um_gWlNpt-JA944Amrb4Hwl5VmQQX1NXcOCtqvJZh12h7Fl6d5IMxYbWQ2K2XNZybxQmJD6SehoVNU/s1600/makeout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qbYvCZCjhNy1Vd26CP10D8Wq2Rpd1txrZdlUsIyKj3zDMpbRpvN_3TP-DanX1Um_gWlNpt-JA944Amrb4Hwl5VmQQX1NXcOCtqvJZh12h7Fl6d5IMxYbWQ2K2XNZybxQmJD6SehoVNU/s400/makeout.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I mean f'reals, it doesn't get much cuter/sweeter looking. Also, I stole this from her blog.</span></div>
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<b>Second, </b>but in no purposeful order, is <a href="http://www.iloveyoumorethancarrots.com/">AP</a> .... <i>duh</i>.</div>
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Are you reading <i>I Love You More Than Carrots</i>? More importantly, are you following AP on Instagram? If you're doing either of those things, you probably fully understand why I want to be Ashley Paige when I grow up. I mean hellloooooo two of the cutest kids in the world, hot husband, cute outfits, sassy personality. Yep, she's who I want to be.</div>
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I have no doubt that someday in this life, we will hang out and we will be instant best friends. It's meant to be, I know it. </div>
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I would steal a picture from her blog but she's smart and has them all protected so, you'll have to check her beautiful family out for yourself. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Plus, AP, no new family pictures?? How about you hire me to come there & take some? Heck, I'll do a week of shoots for ya!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<b>Last, but certainly not least, </b>is <a href="http://www.Frommrstomama.com/">Becky</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oypW-WP2RCXB1yGak5qHOLSbdSUCLHUzTrOmeZ-lrHxjgtODgbJrwAdGO55-rk6kRGjxx_zAAnJslWLiscX2eR-FD5IClq-Rn7d9UsfGOqE-nIIqiax9jB1B7AYx_pi4rs00xtHPQ38/s1600/makeout2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oypW-WP2RCXB1yGak5qHOLSbdSUCLHUzTrOmeZ-lrHxjgtODgbJrwAdGO55-rk6kRGjxx_zAAnJslWLiscX2eR-FD5IClq-Rn7d9UsfGOqE-nIIqiax9jB1B7AYx_pi4rs00xtHPQ38/s400/makeout2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I stole this from Becky's blog.</span></div>
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Go check out <i>From Mrs. to Mama</i> right now & you'll understand why I want to hangout with Becky.</div>
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I've hung out with Becky once in real life when E was super little and I didn't know anything about her. Of course, I thought she was adorable & sweet, but I didn't get to really <i>love </i>her the way I would now after reading her blog for years. Yes, another meet up is in order.</div>
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Actually, we were planning on meeting up almost two years ago now and I had <i>just </i>moved back up to Indianapolis to school and was beyond stressed so when I got very, very lost, I couldn't hold it together. I knew she and E were already at Panera waiting for me and it had taken her work and time to get them there and I was way, way late and wasn't going to make it so I called her crying hysterically. I mean like, couldn't get it together crying hysterically. </div>
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So there's a <i><b>large</b></i> possibility Becky thinks I'm absolutely batshit crazy, but what she doesn't know is <s>she's only half right</s> I'm actually pretty sane most of the time. </div>
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Look at this list of these three gorgeous, strong, smart women ... I pick pretty great <s>imaginary</s> friends for myself, don't ya think?</div>
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What bloggers would you love to <s>makeout</s> hangout with?</div>
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<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-40710486510463623342013-06-04T13:28:00.003-07:002013-06-04T13:29:49.490-07:00My Summer Wish List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I decided to dive into photography full time this summer with some little babysitting/swim lesson gigs on the side, I guess I didn't really think about not even having enough money to buy the occasional $20.00 dress from Target. I should have considered that.</div>
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No, really, I'm really happy about having all this time to do what I love before I get into the real world next summer, and I'll have plenty of time to buy new dresses at Target. But, this new little venture of mine means I have no money to spend anywhere and quite the list of <i>"fun things"</i> I can't afford to buy myself but would love to have. </div>
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Let me share ... </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Zoku Popsicle Maker</span></div>
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I was just thinking how nice it would be to have one of these and be able to make fruity popsicles in seconds. mmmm sounds so yummy! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuwVML6CZjbLNQPG4U-iXnY6YBwpobe4TnPm6lavz9l9TvXgu6uFTwJkPvR3BRLzsKYBg-6xaBKR-pj0h3j0dsP_EG7r9nczvYBRNebk2Sin39BD_judcFiLUd4rTkmW2O3jbV1BlpeA/s1600/wishlist1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuwVML6CZjbLNQPG4U-iXnY6YBwpobe4TnPm6lavz9l9TvXgu6uFTwJkPvR3BRLzsKYBg-6xaBKR-pj0h3j0dsP_EG7r9nczvYBRNebk2Sin39BD_judcFiLUd4rTkmW2O3jbV1BlpeA/s640/wishlist1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">FujiFilm Wide Angle Instant Camera</span><br />
How fun are these?? It's like a polaroid but new. These aren't cheap though and the film is super, super not cheap so I don't think I'll be seeing it in my bag anytime soon, sadly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAkDhRNY1Jv8CL6XvDJes2fiKHKGAigCiJCk8lrm3dO9eHzra7Y3vbCzaEpeuiv6dgOTYbkeSJZu92L9nPRmt86rqc0Zw8UkGSaj4qL2L6tiKUy8U52g2reJWWy_MkIUJ54hNSdjf524/s1600/wishlist2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAkDhRNY1Jv8CL6XvDJes2fiKHKGAigCiJCk8lrm3dO9eHzra7Y3vbCzaEpeuiv6dgOTYbkeSJZu92L9nPRmt86rqc0Zw8UkGSaj4qL2L6tiKUy8U52g2reJWWy_MkIUJ54hNSdjf524/s640/wishlist2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">MAC Face & Body </span><br />
I've got this love for trying new makeup products and my newest favorite is MAC. Everyone I know who wears MAC always looks flawless. Right now, I still have some of my BareMinerals left so I don't really need this but I would like it. It looks so pretty on skin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AMPRW9SZY4HudNbbvrGQBvYOpHCZGXC4afMh6if44ypc_dDh6xKTKhPwiGZnAPJK6MA6PCmyxSaEjiiJiHUQYtGRQazAE3_KWVqpsQ-qyVFrhdBi3XALaufbzUEn4t2XIzOnMr6WNVc/s1600/wishlist3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AMPRW9SZY4HudNbbvrGQBvYOpHCZGXC4afMh6if44ypc_dDh6xKTKhPwiGZnAPJK6MA6PCmyxSaEjiiJiHUQYtGRQazAE3_KWVqpsQ-qyVFrhdBi3XALaufbzUEn4t2XIzOnMr6WNVc/s640/wishlist3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Tory Burch Flats</span><br />
These things have been on my wish list for like two years now but at over $200, I just can't sensibly spend that much. Also, I don't have that much to spend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8MBOa3RMg0R158uE-E45NVhcC0Hh61ghuWP9Cm8kcnO8ZxvJEzIBWELa8q6Pcf9npz6AgWuCof8ETQbZUrf6T4nTNrBNV__PN95aJFST3TCw3Oa163ba4lz_gu_ahyjB-7HgG-DaBRY/s1600/wishlist4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8MBOa3RMg0R158uE-E45NVhcC0Hh61ghuWP9Cm8kcnO8ZxvJEzIBWELa8q6Pcf9npz6AgWuCof8ETQbZUrf6T4nTNrBNV__PN95aJFST3TCw3Oa163ba4lz_gu_ahyjB-7HgG-DaBRY/s400/wishlist4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not having a ton of money to spend really has been character building for me, I think. I can't buy whatever I want, whenever I want like usual - and trust me, I'm not low-budget babe, either. I guess you can probably tell that by my wish list, list.<br />
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What's on your summer wish list? Or are you making more than a starving artist so you don't even have one?<br />
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<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-86454472047080396962013-05-31T18:04:00.002-07:002013-05-31T18:04:18.099-07:00Just let it go.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have kind of a hard time <i>"just letting things go"</i>. I guess this is really stereotypical of me but I really do think it's a girl thing. I mean girls <i>feel </i>when they feel and I think that's part of the reason letting go is so hard.<br />
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When I've had plans with a friend for a week & last minute, she decides she can't go to dinner? <i>I'm sad. </i>When someone says something to me that kinda hits me in the gut? <i>it hits me in the gut hard.</i><br />
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<b>But not being able to let go is such a bad, bad habit.</b><br />
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It's bad for other people but mostly, it's bad for me. You know what they say, <i>hating someone is like swallowing poison and expecting the other p'serson to die. </i>Well, sometimes the things I can't let go of aren't even just not liking someone but like I said, it could be just something someone said to me or even ... <i>even </i>a look they gave me.<br />
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There's one thing in particular ... one <i>instance </i>... one part of my life I just can't seem to let go of. I'm holding on so tightly, I can tell you exactly how I felt when one thing or another happened and even, most likely, where I was at. It's bad. I'm holding on <b><i>tight.</i></b><br />
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And it's only hurting me. It's hurting the way I feel about myself in some instances, it's hurting the trust I have in others and worst of all, sometimes, it's hurting my relationship which is otherwise really fabulous.<br />
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So it's time. I have to get rid of it. I have to tell these thoughts, these <i>demons </i>to go away.<br />
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But how?<br />
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How do I let go of something that hurt me so deep? How do I let something scar over and stop being a gaping wound?<br />
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<i>How?</i><br />
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/cw5790/Signature_zps2b6226d2.jpeg" /></a></div>
Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-66642874085714013462013-05-30T06:45:00.003-07:002013-05-30T06:45:31.754-07:00The HONORABLE Angelina Jolie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Let's get real for a second ... am I the <i>only </i>one who's completely, totally, 100% tired of hearing the tabloids talk about the <i>honorable </i>Angelina Jolie?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6vaW-2YvU5gOCcYLXDhzcO06Iel_-ZROh-g9JZgk0XddLGsiHtjvB1DVvzt2Je8Ck2lehJulYNvZO4xlWqkf0jYepMV-7bS-3LcAd2sT20-fIfHYEY_yBDDiMxy0hEDYObH6zlCx7-o/s1600/angelina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6vaW-2YvU5gOCcYLXDhzcO06Iel_-ZROh-g9JZgk0XddLGsiHtjvB1DVvzt2Je8Ck2lehJulYNvZO4xlWqkf0jYepMV-7bS-3LcAd2sT20-fIfHYEY_yBDDiMxy0hEDYObH6zlCx7-o/s640/angelina.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Angelina got a double mastectomy because she had the gene for breast cancer or whatever ... how <i>inspirational. </i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">said in my best Regina George voice, obviously.</span></i></div>
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<b>BOLOGNA. </b></div>
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Yeah, she got a double mastectomy but she also has enough money to have the finest doctors in the entire world and get new boobies that are probably even prettier than the first. </div>
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<i>but how wonderful you are, Angelina, really.</i></div>
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And yeah, she got a double mastectomy to protect herself from breast cancer and therefore live a longer life for her five hundred children but she also has a <b><i>staff </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">of nannies to help take care of them - I'm sure of it.</span></b></div>
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<i>but you're such a selfless person, Angie, truly.</i></div>
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And most importantly, most <b>hugely</b>, have we forgotten that she's a <i><b>husband stealer?</b> </i>Have we forgotten about the Barbie and Ken that were Jen and Brad before Angelina stepped in, in all her Mrs. Smith glory & stole Brad right out from under Jen?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtITDDQsU-gOZ5F2byRyl1MYsxtaCJdmxy3Up5Tu8y1GzfMCx9e7xKeuPZyknmYtuNKfsbXxJbjZeK6g4XwKfW80OnZIppqX9AriWVHcYzFRSRTT_E4lFARABzvlVn88w3i9xYtVxaeQA/s1600/angelina3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtITDDQsU-gOZ5F2byRyl1MYsxtaCJdmxy3Up5Tu8y1GzfMCx9e7xKeuPZyknmYtuNKfsbXxJbjZeK6g4XwKfW80OnZIppqX9AriWVHcYzFRSRTT_E4lFARABzvlVn88w3i9xYtVxaeQA/s640/angelina3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>HAVE WE FORGOTTEN THAT SHE MADE OUT WITH HER BROTHER?</b></div>
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Just in case we had forgotten, I'm here to remind us all, ain't nothin' <i>special </i>or <i>honorable </i>or <i>selfless </i>about bein' a husband stealer who makes out with your brother.</div>
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End rant.</div>
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-5444135048923926732013-05-29T07:28:00.000-07:002013-05-29T07:28:19.712-07:00My thoughts on working from home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I vaguely remember talking to my friend's older sister about being a contractor and working from home every day and to me, that sounded like the best deal ever. Immediately, I decided I wanted to get out of college, work for a few years in the PR field & then start doing contracting myself. It sounded like the best kind of gig for a mom and Lord knows if I've ever wanted anything, it's to be a mom.<br />
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Well, this summer, I got the opportunity to do an internship blogging for a large company from home and I also run my photography busness. I was stoked at the opportunity to be home full time this summer. <b>I still am stoked, actually</b>. But while I'm still excited, my thoughts on working from home have quickly changed.<br />
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<b>Working from home is hard, you guys</b>.<br />
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It's hard for a few reasons ....<br />
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I guess the most obvious reason working from home is hard is that it's tough to stay motivated. It's tough to<i> get </i>motivated. I mean, when you work outside the home, you go to work at a building and you know you're there for one thing: to work. And you have a boss there checking in on you just in case you've forgotten why you're there. <b>Not the case at home.</b><br />
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And the other reason working at home is hard?<br />
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<b>I never feel like I'm doing enough</b>.<br />
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I mean, on any given day I may edit a session, schedule shoots, send invoices, do a shoot & blog. I guess that may not sound like a lot but it is.<br />
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But working from home means I feel like I need to do <i>more.</i><br />
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My mom and I live in this house alone and that also means we take care of everything ourselves - from the house to the yard, from the dogs to each other. Thats a lot. And since she works outside the home, I feel like in addition to my work, I need to also keep up with the yard and make sure I keep the house picked up and walk the dogs too. Usually, a good workout is also necessary.<br />
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And I want to do that all in an eight hour day.<br />
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I've only been at this for a couple weeks now and it's clear I just haven't figured it out yet. I haven't figured out the <i style="font-weight: bold;">balance </i>that's oh so necessary.<br />
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Have you ever tried working/taking classes from home? Any advice on how to do a better job at this?<br />
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-82246986285079829792013-05-20T15:08:00.000-07:002013-05-20T15:08:31.766-07:00Drew.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When you've been dating as long as Drew & I have, nearly eight years, it's pretty common that you've gone through some shit.<br />
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I mean eight years, from thirteen to twenty-one is a long time & those years are difficult time for even just a single person.<br />
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Think about yourself from thirteen to twenty-one and how you changed and the stupid things you did - I'm sure there were a lot of them. And now imagine trying to be in a relationship for all those years. Imagine trying to pay attention to another person's needs during all those years.<br />
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It hasn't been easy, that's for sure.<b> Actually, at times, its been really freakin' hard</b>. We've both tried to figure out ourselves while holding on to each other and frankly, 'aint nothin' about that easy.<br />
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But we've done it & I'm proud of that.<br />
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<b>And what I'm really proud of is him.</b><br />
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Every single day, I'm excited for the things he's doing. Every day I'm excited for him figuring out where his priorities lie and for making things happen for himself professionally. Every day I'm thankful that he's finally putting me at the top of his priority list & that I finally feel like we're in a mutually beneficial relationship & that we are respectful of each other.<br />
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I'll admit, many of the nearly 3,000 days Drew & I have been together were days I questioned whether <i>this </i>one would ever come. I wondered if I would <i>ever </i>see a mature, consistent, responsible, respectful Drew but finally, I'm seeing it & it's so awesome to watch.<br />
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<b>I'm so glad I get to be the one to experience this day with him.</b><br />
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-12740843650293893012013-05-17T13:34:00.004-07:002013-05-17T13:36:22.427-07:00Maid of Honor here.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been wanting to take a little break from the <i>Blog Every Day </i>in May challenge to talk a little about my trip to North Carolina last weekend & the wedding I was in while I was there, but I didn't really know when a good time would be to do that.<br />
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Well, since today's topic is <i>favorite photo</i>, I thought I'd choose today to talk about the wedding.<br />
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Obviously we took a lot of pictures last weekend & even though they're not my ALL TIME FAVORITE IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD, I thought the two topics went well together.<br />
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When my beautiful cousin Morgan got engaged, I hoped she would ask me to be in her wedding but she has a lot of friends so I wasn't certain I would be in it and I certainly didn't think I'd be the Maid of Honor. Imagine my surprise when she asked me to be the one to stand right next to her on her wedding day! I was both thrilled & shocked. Mostly, thrilled though - she's truly one of my best friends & one of the best people I know.<br />
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Finally, after almost a year and a half of waiting, Morgan married her best friend, Brian, in her parent's back yard in North Carolina last weekend. <b>It was absolutely perfect.</b> Many people at the wedding were super nostalgic because about 30 years ago, her aunt & uncle got married in his parent's back yard too. I know I already said it but, the ceremony & festivities were perfect and everything a southern weddin' should be.<br />
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Morgan's parents, aunts & uncles, friends, brother & she and Brian worked on getting their landscaping perfect from nearly the day they got engaged until the day of the wedding. Five huge gum trees were removed, 50 bails of straw were brought in for around the trees & gazillions of flowers were planted and hand watered. It was quite the feat.<br />
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<b>But it was so worth it.</b><br />
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My mom & I flew in to Raleigh on Friday & although we missed the bridal tea <i>(and mimosas) </i>we made it in time for the rehearsal to which Morgan wore her mom's old wedding dress she had shortened & changed a bit. It was a really cool idea.<br />
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The rehearsal dinner was fun, the food was great & everyone told stories about Morgan and Brian that made us all laugh.<br />
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All the bridesmaids spent the night at Morgan's parents house that night and hit the ground running at 8 am Saturday morning. I slept with Morgan that night so I was up for good at 7:30 when she finally threw in the towel on sleeping because she was too excited.<br />
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<b>The wedding day was </b><i><b>so</b></i><b> fun.</b><br />
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I loved that Morgan chose to only have family in her wedding party. Since all my cousins live in North or South Carolina, I sometimes feel a bit left out & unconnected, but the whole wedding day was truly a bonding time and I loved it.<br />
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Finally, at five o'clock, the ceremony happened & besides the little flower girl stepping through the handle of her basket and moving it all the way over her head, everything went perfectly. <i>(and even that was perfectly hilarious)</i><br />
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In good southern fashion, the reception was at an old, refurbished tobacco barn where people shagged & ate barbecue and drank sweet tea.<br />
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Despite coming down with a sinus infection that day, I danced my rear off, holding the little flower girl, Langley, most of the time.<br />
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Around nine, Morgan & Brian left the building to head off to the Virgin Islands for their honeymoon and after a little bit of clean up, I fell in bed and didn't get up until the next day around noon.<br />
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If there are two things I love, they're love & family. <b>That's right, I love love & I love family</b>. Therefore, I love weddings and I couldn't be more thankful that Morgan asked me to be her Maid of Honor and that I got to be there for her through this whole celebration.<br />
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I'm blessed!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">We all helped Morgan go to the bathroom one last time before the ceremony. What a funny task.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">One of the little flower girls, Marley, & I before the wedding. She was <i>so </i>sweet.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The fiance of Morgan's Brother, Justin, & I. I love Susan so much, <b>I </b>would marry her. Good choice, Justin!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A picture of a picture of Langley & I. Poor baby almost had an asthma attack at the reception but didn't want to miss out on dancing so I toted her around the whole time. I love this pumpkin to pieces.</span></div>
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-60288060424783543122013-05-16T13:22:00.002-07:002013-05-16T13:22:19.193-07:00Anxiety.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, I think it's clear I'm not going to be able to achieve the <i>"every day" </i>part of the Blog Every Day in May challenge <a href="http://www.storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Jenni</a> has created, but I have been blogging much more this month than I have in months past so I'm proud of that achievement. </div>
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Today, the topic is asking about a lot in life, or a card you've been dealt that makes life more difficult for you. </div>
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You know, I hate to really even write on this topic because who wants to hear about that stuff? Who wants to hear about gloom & doom? And yet, there is a particular thing that <i>does</i> make my life a little more difficult & I take extra measures to make sure I'm not controlled by it. That thing is? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Anxiety.</span></div>
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I've talked about my anxiety before and it's been recent but luckily, I foresee my talking about anxiety coming to an end very soon because I just quit the pediatrician & went to an adult doctor who said <i>um, hello, the medicine you're taking for anxiety isn't actually for anxiety. </i><b>Well, that would have been nice to know.</b></div>
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I vaguely remember telling my roommate a few months ago, <i>this is what anxiety is - the essence of it ... I feel scared but I don't even know what I'm scared of. </i>Yeah, that's what anxiety is. Anxiety is worrying that something <i>might </i>happen when there is no real evidence that it will.</div>
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It started with separation anxiety when I was in elementary school.</div>
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At the time, my mom was traveling a lot for work and I worried, to the point of making myself sick and crying for days, that she would die in a plane crash and never come back. I worried <i>(I kid you not) </i>that I wouldn't be able to find my hairbrush while she was gone. I worried I would need her help with something and she wouldn't be there to help.</div>
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<b>And now the root of my anxiety has changed but it hasn't gone away.</b></div>
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Truthfully, my anxiety has skyrocketed since Drew out-of-the-blue started dating another girl last fall. No, we weren't <i>technically </i>together but I never expected him to just find someone else, leave me so suddenly & not want to come back. <b>I was blindsided.</b> And no, it's not his fault. <b>My anxiety is not Drew's fault, no way, no how.</b> But that situation made it much worse. Through my grandma dying, through my dad leaving & through lots of turmoil from both, Drew was my constant & all of the sudden, that was gone seemingly permanently and without warning. <b>It was one thing I just never, ever expected. </b></div>
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And so lately, my anxiety has been worse.</div>
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I worry about things like being good enough for him. I worry about being attractive enough and fun enough and low maintenance enough. I worry about him finding someone else, about him getting bored with me & about me being all alone again. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Although, that's anxiety speaking because I know I wouldn't be alone for long & that boyfriend or no boyfriend, I have lots of good friends & family and I'm never truly <b>alone)</b></span></div>
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Luckily, there are things I can do to help with my anxiety & it doesn't have to control me. I workout a lot - thats a huge help with stress & anxiety. I take medicine <i>(hopefully something that will help now)</i>, I have great friends & I'm very self-aware so I know when I need to just take a timeout & breathe. Also, I try to be very honest with myself about things & tell myself when I'm being irrational. So with effort, I can control it.</div>
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Nevertheless, anxiety is bothersome & something I would not wish on anyone. Anxiety is the card I would give back to the dealer if I could.</div>
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08003287925875649802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362083477762544112.post-52296554914974041082013-05-12T16:51:00.000-07:002013-05-12T16:51:08.024-07:00Playing catch up on The Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last night, my gorgeous cousin and first best friend said I do to the guy of her dreams in her parent's back yard in North Carolina. The reception followed in an old tobacco barn. It was pretty sweet. But since the wedding was in North Carolina which meant a plane trip for us and since I was the MOH, blogging took a back seat last week. I'm ready to jump back on the wagon today, though so let's get this party started, shall we ...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Tuesday - something that scares you</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I could have blogged on Tuesday, actually - I had time, but I needed some extra time to think about what scares me. I mean, I could have written about how sometimes at night, I sprint from my car to the house even if it's just in the driveway because I'm afraid of bad guys or I could tell you demons and ghosts are two things I HATE to think about but that all seemed boring so I kept thinking & finally I came up with it ... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I'm afraid of my future kids being bad. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know you're probably thinking <i>"ok, crazy" </i> but for real, that scares me. I know parenting has so much to do with a child's behavior, so being a good parent is something I think about often too, but what about the kids who by nature are just difficult or mean or lazy? What about the people who kill people whose parents are like, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"we did everything we could, he was always just different". </i><b>That shit's scary. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Every time I hear of a kid getting arrested for drugs or alcohol or getting kicked out of school for fighting, I'm always asking what their parents are like. Almost every day I think about how I can be a good parent, what that means & how I can add productive citizens to the world in the future.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Luckily, my mom is the best role model for a great parent so I don't have to look far. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Wednesday - Advice I have to give</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not an expert on much, but I guess if I had to give one piece of advice to the masses it would be: <b>Don't ever let someone tell you not to do something if you really want to do it. </b>Of course, I'm saying this about logical, positive endeavors. I just think about all the things I <i>wouldn't </i>have done if I had listened to people telling me not to. The first thing that ones to mind is blogging.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I vaguely remember sitting in Statistics as a senior and one of the boys was making fun of me loudly for blogging. <i>What did I think I had to say? Who was going to read?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Well, little did he know, that just lit my fire. I had to keep doing it & doing it well after that. Now, here I am three years later with my blog still running & thanks to this site, I secured a blogging internship for Verizon Wireless this summer. <b><i>Winning. </i></b></span></div>
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It's kind of like the quote I shared - when someone tells you no, you tell them yes & when someone says you can't, show them that you can.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Thursday - A moment in my day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I could put up a million pictures from Thursday; it was a crazy but good day. I worked at a Daycare & watched nine, <i>yeah ... nine</i>, babies under three on my own. I started at 8:30 and by noon I was ready to start drinking heavily. At one point, all nine were screaming at me for something whether it was to be held or to have milk. <i>yeah.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But the afternoon made up for the crazy morning when Drew & I went to the lake together for the first time this summer. I mean, no other words are really needed, are they?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Friday - Most embarrassing moment </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, a really embarrassing thing happened recently but truly, it's too fresh & inappropriate to share so let's talk about the time I had a brand new American Eagle skirt right after Christmas - a skirt I thought I looked <i>so cool </i>in & since it was red <i>(and I was too young to know how stupid I looked) </i>I wore white tights. Well, I had just gone to the bathroom & came out still thinking I was really hot stuff when a guy came up beside me and said, "<i>um ... mam, your skirt ..."</i>, and yep, my skirt was tucked into my panty hose in the back. mmmmhmmm. yep. that was pretty embarrassing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Saturday - Sell yourself in 10 words or less</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh man this is hard ... ok ... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>smart, driven, logical, down-to-earth, happy, family & puppy lovin' Indiana girl. </i></span></div>
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There ya go, not as hard as I thought it would be.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sunday - Something I miss</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You know what? I miss things. I miss my Nan, I miss my family being together, I miss my brother since he's living in L.A. I miss some stuff. But I'm tired of writing and I promised myself I wouldn't write when I didn't want to so I'm going to stop. I'll be back tomorrow with the Monday topic.<br /><br />Hope you guys are all having a fabulous Mother's Day! </span></div>
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