tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75194836790911629642024-03-04T22:43:41.167-08:00Saranity FitnessHelping you be the best version of you, inside & out: physically, mentally, emotionally, & spiritually. I'm no guru, but I'll share what's workin' for me!
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-86662353845093690372014-09-22T08:20:00.000-07:002014-09-22T08:20:36.306-07:00New Schedule, New Habits, New MindsetChange is on my mind!<br />
<br />
There are a LOT of changes going on in my life right now. Good changes.<br />
<br />
For the last five years or so, our life has been pretty flexible. Since I am a salaried, work at home employee, I have been blessed to be able to get to work, pretty much when I get around to it (within limits, of course). It's been a nice ride. As a family we would wake up, snuggle for a bit, then get up and have breakfast together. I got the little one ready for day care, then pre-k (pretty much still day care with a little more structure), and the hubs dropped her off a little bit before 9:00.<br />
<br />
I pretty much would put on my yoga pants and a tank top, put my hair in a pony tail, wash my face, brush my teeth, and sit down at my lap top and get to work. When I could tell I was getting stressed out, that's how I knew it was time for my work out. Sometimes I just stressed right through it. I may or may not take time for lunch. Sometimes I would just eat at my desk.<br />
<br />
Depending on my work load, household chores may or may not get done. Loads of laundry might get changed over between conference calls, but may or may not get folded. If it DID miraculously get folded, it most likely did not get put away.<br />
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All this lead to feelings of inadequacy as a wife, mother, and a person. I mean, are there REALLY people who ACTUALLY get themselves up in the morning, bathe themselves, dress themselves and their children, feed the family, get everyone out the door, dropped off to school on time AND get themselves to a real life JOB on time? Seriously? These people exist? I mean I know I did that when I was SINGLE, but come on? PARENTS do that? HOW???? I just couldn't fathom it because of this horrible habit (ok more like a RUT) I had gotten myself into.<br />
<br />
Then, along came Kindergarten. I knew it was going to be tricky when I read somewhere that the child had to be there by the ungodly hour of 7:45. I mean what on EARTH??? What kind of masochist came up with THAT plan? Sure enough, it was not easy wrangling the child into her clothes and out the door after the novelty wore off that first week.<br />
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As for my own personally habit, I found myself plopping down to my desk as soon as the child and hubs walked out the door, just as I had always done. Then it hit me:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WAIT a gosh darn MINUTE! You have like almost TWO HOURS! Sara, you have time to: </b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Work out</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Empty the dishwasher</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Have devotional time</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Fold and put away a load of laundry</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Take a SHOWER</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Get DRESSED (like, in real clothes) </b></span></li>
</ul>
So....that is my epiphany. That is my new routine. I'm still working on it. I still have to remind myself that I have all this extra time and I need to use it wisely and not get sucked into FaceBook or something. It takes discipline, but I CAN do it.<br />
<br />
As the season changes (at least we're told it's supposed to, right?), I encourage you to take a step back and re-evaluate your schedule. What can you do to make your life less stressful and more efficient and effective? You don't have to overhaul anything major. Would making lunches the night before making your mornings run more smoothly? What about setting out clothes before bed? <br />
<br />
I realize these aren't earth shattering, life changing, new ideas. I'm just throwing out some brain storming to get the juices flowing. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-60532341473281783522014-07-07T11:11:00.000-07:002014-07-07T11:11:14.135-07:005 Things I've Learned About MigrainesI have suffered from horrendous headaches off and on since my 19th birthday, when my brakes failed and I rear ended another car at the bottom of a hill. For the most part, Chiropractic care kept the pain under control. About 18 months ago or so, my headaches changed...dramatically. Chiropractic care was no longer effective. Acupuncture only made me more nauseous.<br />
<br />
Looking back, I think I had my first official migraine the Monday after returning from my honeymoon. I found it completely ironic that the hospital and urgent care wouldn't provide migraine medication due to my lack of history of migraines. Well, you have to have your first one at some point, right?<br />
<br />
Anyway, in the last 18 months I have missed out on activities with my family and missed days at work because of the unbearable pain, which often came with its buddies: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, etc.<br />
<br />
The healthcare system where we live now requires new headache patients to attend a headache class prior to scheduling an appointment with the neurologist. Here are some things I learned at the class last week:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Why they have these classes:
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They found they were
telling new patients the exact same thing over and over again. Getting
us together all in one room to tell us stuff before our first
appointment “improves outcomes.” I’m all for that!
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What I learned: </b></div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Migraines are
not about not coping with stress well. At the same time, coping skills
can help reduce frequency and intensity of migraines.
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Migraine
Patients (MPs) have genetically hyper-sensitive brains. All brains have a
sort of “filter” of stimulation that directs traffic of all the
signals. Ours gets clogged and stops working properly,
kind of like an air conditioner filter getting super clogged. <br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>MPs brains need
to be maintained like a Ferrari instead of treating it like a beat up
Pinto. No skipping oil changes, no cheap gasoline allowed. Hand wax it.
That translates to getting plenty of sleep,
but not too much (7 hours min. no more than 9), eating regularly (most
of us had not had 2 actual meals by the time of class, which was <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1818539867" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:00-5:00</span></span>, which follows statistics of MPs).
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We have to take
responsibility for our care by following some rules such as the eating
and sleeping stuff. We are also expected to do 10 minutes of “Thermal
Biofeedback*” each day, do something fun
or relaxing at least once/week, read up on migraines, etc. between
appointments, maintain the headache journal they gave us in between
appointments.
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The number 1
side effect of most of the drugs prescribed for migraine is headaches.
They are not meant to be taken more than periodically. This explains
why so many people’s headaches increase in frequency
and intensity over time. It’s the ()#&)@#*)@ #@ DRUGS! <br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>She even showed a graph of a study that was done:
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span>o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>One group was taken off their meds cold turkey, with no preventive or “rescue” measures in place.
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span>o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Another group got to keep their meds.
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span>o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The last group was taken off their meds, with preventive measures in place.
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span>o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>ALL groups
increased frequency of headaches in the beginning of the 12 week study.
The last group had the best outcome: lowest frequency and intensity of
headaches.
</div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>They do not
treat the headaches here…they treat the person who has a migraine
condition. Much like a diabetic patient isn’t simply given rescue
medication, but instead the condition is managed with
a combo of meds and lifestyle changes. Same applies here. We are MPs,
we will always be MPs, whether it’s a pain day or not. I thought that
was interesting.
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>*Thermal
biofeedback: they gave us a thermometer to hold between thumb and
forefinger. Deep breathing exercises while holding the thermometer. We
will be able, with practice, to increase our temp by
as much as 4 degrees. The warmer the hands, the more relaxed we are.<br />
<br />
I'm sharing this because I know there are so many people who suffer from migraines. Odds are, you or someone you know has this condition. Please share this information with them. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-68019567819126877852014-06-06T09:15:00.000-07:002014-06-20T15:37:21.826-07:00What is Younique?As part of my mission to help people (including myself!) be the best they can be, inside and out, I have partnered with a company called <a href="https://www.youniqueproducts.com/SimplySara/business/younique" target="_blank">Younique.</a><br />
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First of all, you can see that their Mission is right inline with mine! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgS7Yz_gWQg/U6S3mJQHluI/AAAAAAAAZc4/4axUe6zH_8U/s1600/YouniqueMission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgS7Yz_gWQg/U6S3mJQHluI/AAAAAAAAZc4/4axUe6zH_8U/s1600/YouniqueMission.jpg" height="131" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found out about Younique from my friend, Mandy. She was having an Online 3D Lash Party on FaceBook. I kept seeing these posts with incredible eye lash transformations! Check out this one!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA80J4qcvhZaCMcMjzD96D7tkv5Q1WXVUvpfCGewoGkicpJ_2KcfnZcjt5w5AVDmB7FdPWlo_-KaGLCf43jlYifpEjBIRF77yxJwjISz_QTS_cND3W5VwL-y_me_G6mna9FRqSRI6T9nzq/s1600/Younique3DBefore-After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA80J4qcvhZaCMcMjzD96D7tkv5Q1WXVUvpfCGewoGkicpJ_2KcfnZcjt5w5AVDmB7FdPWlo_-KaGLCf43jlYifpEjBIRF77yxJwjISz_QTS_cND3W5VwL-y_me_G6mna9FRqSRI6T9nzq/s1600/Younique3DBefore-After.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
When I was working at Studio nine Salon in Chico, I thought about learning how to do eyelash extensions. After consulting with she salon owner about it, I decided it was a huge investment for a service I would have to charge a lot for. I also spoke with my own aestheticism about it. She shared with me that it takes her three hours to do a set of extensions. <br />
<br />
I was thrilled to discover I could get the same look, and share it with others, for just $29 and the time it takes to apply a few coats of mascara! Wow!<br />
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I decided to buy a set from Mandy's party. I couldn't believe the difference in my lashes! My husband even thought I was wearing falsies! <br />
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It's one of those things that just gives your confidence a little boost. Most people probably don't even look at me close enough to see my lashes behind my glasses. But, I know they're there. I feel like my normally somewhat squinty eyes look a little brighter and more open.<br />
<br />
Younique offers more than just 3D Fiber Lashes. I didn't think a moisturizer could make a difference, but one of my dark spots on my face is less noticeable now that I've been using Brilliance morning and night.<br />
<br />
I'll share more about the Younique products and business opportunity in the days and weeks to come. For day, I just want to introduce it to you. You can check out my <a href="https://www.youniqueproducts.com/SimplySara/presenter/myparties" target="_blank">current parties,</a> or <a href="https://www.youniqueproducts.com/SimplySara/account/newparty" target="_blank">book one of your own</a> and <a href="https://www.youniqueproducts.com/SimplySara/account/rewardschart" target="_blank">earn free and half off product</a>s.It's all run through FaceBook, so you don't even have to clean your house or make plans for hubby and kiddos to leave the house for a few hours! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-4308318486285578742014-06-05T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-31T13:56:11.238-07:00New Online Bible Study With Proverbs 31!Online Bible Studies (OBS) are a great way to participate in a study when getting away for a consistent weekly, in person get together is not an option. Even if you are able to attend a small group in person, OBS is a good way to enrich your own quiet time.<br />
<br />
I previously participated in <a href="http://saranityfitness.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-confident-heart-online-bible-study.html" target="_blank">A Confident Heart</a>. I didn't blow my way through it because I felt I could dig a little deeper if I just journaled my thoughts along the way.<br />
<br />
This time the study is called <i>Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future. </i>We started on May 25, but it's never too late to join. I'm a little behind myself, what with migraines and all. This week we are reading and discussing (or blogging or journaling) chapters 3&4.<br />
<br />
The verse of the week is: <b>"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the things He planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:20) </b><br />
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The challenge this week is to do one or more of the following:<br />
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<span id="goog_1230187565"></span><span id="goog_1230187566"></span><br /></div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<i>“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”</i> (Ephesians 2:10) - See more at: http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/current-study/page/2/#sthash.wQTXvmJ1.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<i>“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”</i> (Ephesians 2:10) - See more at: http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/current-study/page/2/#sthash.wQTXvmJ1.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Limitless
Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future - See more
at: http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/#sthash.BBsTmXit.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Limitless
Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future - See more
at: http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/#sthash.BBsTmXit.dpuf<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Limitless
Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future - See more
at: http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/#sthash.BBsTmXit.dpuf</div>
</div>
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<br />
I'm going to share how this verse resonates with me today.<br />
<br />
God is moving in me lately. It started when we discovered our new church home. It has progressed as I've been spending more intentional time with the Lord, in the Word, and in prayer. I believe that He has given me Zumba and a few other things as tools...tools to improve my inner and outer STRENGTH. They're also tools to help others.<br />
<br />
Obesity is now a <b>world wide epidemic</b>. Obesity is more than being a little chubby, overweight, fluffy, or whatever other euphemism we want to apply to it. Obesity cause a variety of other health complications that can be prevented. Dear readers, I am speaking from the heart. I am speaking from experience. I have topped 200 pounds and picked up a few of the obesity side effects along the way. It's not fun. It's expensive. <br />
<br />
Let's break this verse down and do a little mapping..."For <b>we </b>(that includes ME) are God's <i>masterpiece</i>," that means<b> I </b>am perfect in His sight. I am beautiful. To borrow from another verse, I am <i>fearfully, wonderfully made</i>. I wasn't born fat. God didn't intend for me to become obese. I've done this to <u>myself.</u><br />
<br />
I'm not beating myself up over this, don't get me wrong. There's no point in that. If you're doing that to yourself right now, I want you to STOP IT! This is where "He has created us ANEW in Christ Jesus" comes in. "Us." That means ALL OF US. You, me, anyone who wants to accept this gift of a new life!<br />
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Let's keep going: "So <b>we </b>(this includes ME again!) can do the things he planned for us long ago." He has plans for me. He has work for me to do. He has given me gifts, talents, abilities...that He wants me to use! More and more lately I feel like it is more than just "my idea" to help people become the best version of themselves, inside and out. I can't help but feel like this is God's plan for me.<br />
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What about you? Do you believe this verse? Do you believe and embrace the fact you are His masterpiece? That he has plans for you and work for you to do? I'd love to hear more about it! Please comment below, drop a comment on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaranityFitness" target="_blank">FaceBook page</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/SaranityFitness" target="_blank">Tweet me!</a> <br />
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Next
Study: Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your
Future - See more at:
http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/#sthash.9zB3iFd2.dpuf</div>
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Next
Study: Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your
Future - See more at:
http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/#sthash.9zB3iFd2.dpuf<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Next
Study: Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your
Future - See more at:
http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/#sthash.9zB3iFd2.dpuf</div>
</div>
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COMMUNITY
– What does community mean to you? What do you need from community?
What can you give to community? - See more at:
http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/2014/05/22/blog-hop-101-community/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+P31OnlineBibleStudies+%28P31+Online+Bible+Studies%29#sthash.666FG8u6.dpuf<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
COMMUNITY
– What does community mean to you? What do you need from community?
What can you give to community? - See more at:
http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/2014/05/22/blog-hop-101-community/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+P31OnlineBibleStudies+%28P31+Online+Bible+Studies%29#sthash.666FG8u6.dpuf</div>
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<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
COMMUNITY
– What does community mean to you? What do you need from community?
What can you give to community? - See more at:
http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/2014/05/22/blog-hop-101-community/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+P31OnlineBibleStudies+%28P31+Online+Bible+Studies%29#sthash.666FG8u6.dpuf</div>
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<a href="http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/category/obs-blog-hop/" target="_blank"><img alt="P31 OBS Blog Hop" border="0" src="http://proverbs31.org/images/OBSBlogHop.png" /></a>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-1683447710550968162014-06-04T08:56:00.000-07:002014-07-31T13:57:25.270-07:00Migraine & Headache Awareness Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I do not personally need help becoming more AWARE of migraines. I am reminded approximately once a month now of how painful and debilitating migraines are. Sometimes they're migraines, sometimes I'm not so sure. I'm participating in Migraine & Headache Awareness month so that others who suffer won't feel so alone. I also want to help spread awareness to those who love or work with a migraine sufferer. There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about this condition. I am still learning a lot myself.<br />
<br />
I was in a car accident on my 19th birthday. Happy Birthday to me! That messed up my neck pretty badly and caused headaches off and on for several years. About 18 months or so ago, I started getting a new variety of headaches. These were 10 times worse than the "my neck is out" variety.<br />
<br />
I haven't quite figured out what triggers these unpleasant events. Red wine is definitely one. Soy sauce may be another. I feel like the headaches are part of a bigger problem as I get other symptoms too that I think are abnormal. I feel it is important to educate myself and get support from others going through the same thing.<br />
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If you or someone you love suffers from migraines or other headaches, here are some support resources I find helpful:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NationalHeadacheFoundation" target="_blank">National Headache Foundation Facebook page</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/MAGNUM-The-National-Migraine-Association/299016606780515" target="_blank">MAGNUM - The National Migraine Association Facebook page</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/voicesoffibromyalgia" target="_blank">Voices of Fibromyalgia Facebook page</a><br />
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My personal <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/simplysarasue/headache-info/" target="_blank">Headache Board on Pinterest </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.migravent.com/blog/migraines/35-things-you-should-never-tell-a-chronic-migraine-sufferer/" target="_blank">What not to say to a person with migraines</a><br />
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Personally, my next steps, medically speaking, are to take a headache class at my local neurology center (cha-ching), which is not available until mid-July. They will instruct me to keep a headache journal for six weeks, then we'll go from there. Meanwhile, I am to take 500 mg of Magnesium and 400 mg of CoQ-10 every day for prophylaxis. I'll take a healthy scoop of prayer with that!<br />
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I recognize that my headaches were fewer and farther between when I was exercising regularly. Hopefully, now that I'm <a href="http://saranityfitness.blogspot.com/2014/06/todays-theme-song-is-tub-thumping-by.html" target="_blank">leading Zumba again</a>, I will get to enjoy more pain free days in the near future. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-72215015306378510462014-06-03T13:53:00.000-07:002014-06-03T13:53:48.285-07:00Exciting News!Today's theme song is "Tub Thumping" by Chumbawumba. For those of you who need help getting that song stuck in your head for the rest of the week, please view the video below:<br />
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Yes, yes, it's been a couple of weeks since I said I was back to blogging again. I even touted my blogging calendar! Ha! Well, life has a way of getting in the way. By life, I mean work, family, visitors, and a three day migraine.<br />
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Enough about that! My 1 year Zumba-versary is this Saturday! Yahooo! I'm so excited! Not only have I been licensed for one whole year, but I am <strike>teaching </strike>leading Zumba again! That's right...ain't no migraine gonna STOP me! Well, at least I will introduce some steps, take measurements, weigh in, and talk about goals, etc. Hopefully we can get a few songs in at least.<br />
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This is exciting for me for so many reasons. Last year, I wrote my commitments on a white board and posted it on Facebook as my profile pic. Each time I accomplished one of them, or it became invalid (no longer need to paint the exterior of a home I no longer owned), I crossed it off and re-posted it. I got through most of the list:<br />
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This year, I wrote on the white board again, but never got around to posting it. That's probably in part because I don't have bills paid off (in fact have more thanks to a sky high deductible), nor am I close to a size 9. Anyway, my white board currently reads:<br />
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<li>Teach Zumba again</li>
<li>ACE cert (nationally recognized group exercise certification)</li>
<li>Zumba kids license</li>
<li>(a couple of Avon related goals, which are now void, to be covered in another blog post)</li>
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So I've got #1 covered. #3 is coming in July! I'm not sure how long #2 will take, but I WILL get it done by the end of the year...possibly the end of the summer! <br />
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What else is new? Oh yeah! My blog name! You like? You can also find Saranity Fitness at <a href="https://twitter.com/SaranityFitness" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and on <a href="http://facebook.com/SaranityFitness" target="_blank">FaceBook</a>! <br />
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Maybe today's theme song should be "I'm So Excited" by the Pointer Sisters! Both are apropros, so here you go!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-31981727705194567442014-05-19T09:58:00.000-07:002014-05-19T09:58:06.022-07:00Back in the Saddle Again!Feel free to queue up "Let's Here it for the Boyyyyy" from the movie Footloose to listen to in the background while reading this post. Only swap out Girl for Boy in your head.<br />
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So I haven't blogged in a while. Well, it happens. But now I'm back and super excited. I even have a blog calender created with some ideas for posts. I don't want to ruin the surprise...plus, I reserve the right to change my mind and post about something else at any time.<br />
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You can look forward to posts about:<br />
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Spirituality - What I learned from my time in the Word for the week; Tips for spiritual growth, and more.<br />
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Craftiness - I'll share what I'm working on, amazing patterns and craft ideas I find online, and more! My hot craft of late is crochet, but there are lots of other crafty things to share about too!<br />
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Fitness stuff - My own accountability for my fitness, which will in turn, inspire you to make small, sustaintable changes to improve your health and well being too!<br />
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Book reviews - Sometimes it takes me a REALLY time to finish a book, even audio books! I will still share what I'm reading and discuss how I feel about it so far. Sometimes I hold myself back, waiting for everything to be perfect to do something, like finishing a book for a book review.<br />
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Funny stuff - Life can suck sometimes. Humor helps! Humor heals! <br />
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My official blog schedule starts June 1, but I'll be posting here and there between now and then as sort of a warm up.<br />
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I'm also working on plans to rename this thing and move it to my own URL. Baby steps, baby steps!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-29104368036213162952014-02-07T12:32:00.002-08:002014-02-07T12:32:41.071-08:00Fitness Friday: Fitness Challenge Starts in Two Weeks!It's GO time! With school closures due to ice and snow, it's hard to believe Spring and Summer really are right around the corner! Forget about New Year's Resolutions, which may or may not have already been broken. Let's not beat ourselves up about it! <br />
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Instead, let's join forces and get into an accountability group! I am looking for <b>FIVE</b><b> </b>people to join me in a Turbo Hotties Challenge group. My long time friend and Beachbody Coach, Korri Nelson, will spur us on through 90 days of concentrated dedication to our health and well being. There will be prizes along the way too! Water bottles, Shakeology Samples (the most nutritious meal of the day), and more! <br />
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This is a preview of the program we will use transform our bodies over the next 90 days:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's time to Decide, Commit, and Succeed!</b></span></div>
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Why I chose Turbo Fire as the challenge workout program:<br />
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<b>Chalene Johnson - </b>Chalene is the instructor and creator of Turbo Fire, Turbo Jam, and ChaLEAN Extreme. She is positive and upbeat without being a barbie doll cheer leader. She kicks your butt and she knows it. Chalene knows exactly when you need to be reminded that you are NOT dying, your legs are NOT falling off and to keep PUSHING yourself! I simply love her and I think you will too!<br />
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<b>Challenging Workouts - </b>You WILL feel like have two, maybe three left feet at first. BUT, there is the option to learn the moves at a slower pace first using the Fire Starter class. <br />
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<b>It's proven, it WORKS! </b>I've personally lost inches in the past and I know I can do it again. This time I'm getting my diet in order too in order to guarantee my success!<br />
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Challenge participants for this group are required to commit to 90 days of Turbo Fire. Results are Guaranteed. If you don't like it, simply return it after 30 days. You've got nothing to lose but the weight. <br />
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Connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/slooker" target="_blank">Facebook.</a> Send me a message that you saw this post and want to join the challenge and Korri or I will invite you to the accountability group. Watch for an invite called Turbo Hotties Feb. 2014 <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-32545698397061993412014-02-03T16:43:00.000-08:002014-02-03T16:43:22.063-08:00Make Something Monday: Hello Kitty HatsI learned to knit and crochet when I was a young girl. I don't remember exactly how old I was, but I'm pretty sure it was under the age of 10. I learned some from my mom and some from my grandmother on my dad's side. Back then I didn't know how to follow a pattern. I didn't really make anything, I just kept knitting or crocheting.<br />
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About 10 years ago, I started knitting scarves. I wore them to work and people admired them so much they wanted me to make scarves for them. Some were for my friends/co-workers, others they wanted to give as gifts. I kept pretty busy knitting scarves for a few months!<br />
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Down the road, a friend showed me how to use DPNs (double pointed needles) to make hats. I made a few hats, but that was about it.<br />
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Then I had a baby and put away my knitting needs for a few years. I was afraid she would either poke her eyes out with the knitting needles, or pull one of my DPNs out of a project and unravel whatever I was working on.<br />
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A couple of months ago I decided to make Hello Kitty hats for my munchkin and her cousins. I got some white yarn and started knitting. It was taking a long time, but I knew the girls would enjoy the hats, so I kept at it. I had hoped to have the hats done by the time the family gathered in Carlsbad, California to celebrate a belated Christmas. That didn't happen.<br />
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Thankfully, Jenni from I'm Dancing in the Rain, shared a little secret with me: Crocheting goes a LOT faster than knitting! Man on man! She has<a href="http://www.imdancingintherain.com/2012/11/a-crochet-hat-so-easy-even-i-can-do-it.html#" target="_blank"> a free pattern</a> on her site that I used and got the last two hats cranked out in just a couple of hours each. Whew! I wish I'd know that secret when I started the project. Lesson learned!<br />
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I still have to finish embellishing all the hats and get them in the mail this week, but here's what they look like pre-embellishment:<br />
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This is the knitted version. </div>
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This is the crochet version</div>
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If you're interested in making a Hello Kitty hat of your own, here is a <a href="http://beadwhore.blogspot.com/2007/10/hello-kitty-hat.html" target="_blank">link </a>to the pattern I used for the knitted hats and embellishments. You could probably use just about any pattern for the white hat, then embellish it using the tips used on this blog. Obviously, that's what I did when I decided to crochet the hats!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-51019921266573128862014-01-30T15:23:00.001-08:002014-01-30T15:23:29.001-08:00Word for the Year 2014Hard to believe January is practically over already!<br />
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Now that I'm back home from my <a href="http://simplysarasue.blogspot.com/2014/01/i-can-blog-again.html" target="_blank">whirlwind trip to the West Coast</a>, I am finally getting around to solidifying my agenda for the year. Last year, I wrote some commitments on a white board. I had my picture taken with the list and posted it on Facebook. I then checked the items off as I accomplished them. I missed a couple of targets, and one of them became obsolete (don't need to paint the outside of a home I no longer own). My <a href="http://simplysarasue.blogspot.com/2013/11/fail-to-plan-or-plan-to-fail-part-1.html" target="_blank">PLAN </a>is to do that again for 2014 by January 31st. I don't have all my commitments decided on yet.<br />
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In the mean time, I've read a couple of posts about a word for the year, such as Jennifer (Jenni) at <a href="http://www.imdancingintherain.com/2014/01/one-word-for-2014.html" target="_blank">I'm Dancing in the Rain</a>. She's also a long distance friend whom I only recently met in person at another <a href="http://www.momrocksmealtime.com/2014/01/surprised.html" target="_blank">Jennifer's (Jen) surprise party</a>. She is an amazing woman. In my eyes, she's an <i>incredibly </i>strong woman.<br />
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My word is: <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Stronger</b></span><br />
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My goals this year are around getting <b>stronger</b>, inside and out.<br />
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<b>Physically</b>, this involves strength training in addition to my regular cardio/Zumba. Strength training enables me to burn more calories when I'm working out, and when I'm not. It also makes me, well, <b>stronger</b>, of course!<br />
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I'm also committing to getting <b>stronger </b>and stepping (literally) outside my comfort zone by completing a 5K! It's called Color Me Rad. I haven't decided on the date and location yet. Probably Waco in March, hopefully before it's too dreadfully hot here in Texas!<br />
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<b>Emotionally</b>, getting <b>stronger </b>involves assuming positive intentions (sorry, co-workers, I couldn't help it!) and don't blow things out of proportion. I ask for clarification instead of letting my mind run wild in the wrong direction.<br />
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<b>Spiritually</b>, I plan to grow <b>stronger </b>by attending church regularly, including Sunday morning Bible Study, and reading my Bible throughout the week. I am so blessed that my family has found our new church in Texas! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-58944177355065197812014-01-27T11:38:00.002-08:002014-01-27T12:27:11.833-08:00I Can Blog Again!!!Wow! Where do I even begin???!!<br />
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I have been absolutely <i>paranoid</i> to post anything on Facebook, Twitter, my blog, etc. for fear of spilling a HUGE secret I've been holding since shortly after Thanksgiving. Around Cyber Monday, I got a text from my BFF's hubby, Joe, asking if Miss M and I would fly out for JHo's (aka Jen's) 40th birthday hurrah. Are you KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW???? OF COURSE!<br />
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It helped that we were already in the state, celebrating belated Christmas with my husband's side of the family. Instead of flying home on Monday, we flew up to Sacramento. My parents picked us up and we hid out with them for a few days. I had the whole family on Facebook lock down! NO PHOTOS! No tagging! It felt like we were in witness protection or something! We had a few close calls, but we made it through.<br />
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We had a nice visit with my folks. My brother came up from the Bay Area and we got to see my other brother who lives near my parents, too. He works out of town, so we don't always get to see him when we're there. We had a little celebration for Miss M's, my, and my mom's birthday as they are all in January. <br />
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On Thursday, Mom and Dad drove us over to the Sacramento Airport. We met Joe at the cell phone lot and transferred all our luggage over to his truck. We said our tearful goodbyes and got in the truck. Jen's other BFF's, Jenni, Hilary and Mr. Hilary were also flying in. I went to terminal A to meet up with Jenni, he went to pick up Hilary and Mr. Hilary.<br />
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The timing was perfect and everything was falling into place. Jen and her friend, Erika were shopping at Ikea while we were rounding every body up. He had given Jen a gift card to Joe's Crab Shack that morning to ensure she would have lunch at the right place!<br />
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We were approaching the restaurant just as Jen and Erika were walking in! We couldn't believe we had such a close call! Thankfully, Erika spotted us and quickly ushered her through the door. Whew! We got parked and headed to the restaurant. Joe went in, gifts in hand. The rest of us waited impatiently outside. Jenni's gift was in her luggage, which was delayed, so we sent her in first. We decided to have her call Jen as if to be checking on how her birthday shopping trip was going.<br />
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Jenni walked in to greet Jen while they were talking on the phone. It was PRICELESS! That had to be the absolute last thing she was expecting to see! Joe then handed Jen a present, which she set down to take it all in. Joe told her to go ahead and open it. Meanwhile, he's texting me to go ahead and come in with Miss M. She just got done opening it, wheels spinning in her head, when Miss M and I started walking toward her. She let out a big "NO WAY!" and gave us the biggest hug ever.<br />
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Jen was just getting used to the idea that Jenni, Miss M and I were there when we moved to a bigger table to accommodate every one. Joe then handed her one last present. This was the grand finale! It was a picture of Mr. & Mrs. Hilary!!! Hilary is another BFF from work, whom Jen has actually never met in person. Now that she'd been through this routine once, she had an idea of what the photo meant. In disbelief, she said "NOOOOOO!" as they walked to the table. At the same time, a waiter was asking if everyone in the party had arrived. He saw Hilary and hubs walking toward us and said, "Oh, I see you have two more." That was seconds before Jen opened the photo and I was about to step on his foot for blowing it! I don't think she heard him though.<br />
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We had some lunch and a couple of drinks at Joe's Crab Shack. We laughed and talked about all of the fibs we'd had to tell her to cover up for what was really going on. Will she ever trust us again? I hope so!<br />
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Then we headed back to Chico for some more partying. We had Chinese and Japanese food and cake that night, where Jenni and I gave her some craftiness we had been collaborating on. More on that later. She also received a "boat load of cash" for the cruise she and Jenni are taking in March. I thought that was pretty clever! It was a toy boat with various cash bills sticking out of the various openings.<br />
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On Friday, Miss M and I got to visit her peeps & teachers at her old preschool. It was so sweet to see all her buddies come over and swarm her with love and hugs. One teacher even shrieked when she spotted Miss M! After that, we headed to a tea bar to visit with a few of our Chico friends. I had the opportunity to connect up with another special friend back at Jen's house before we all headed out for apps and drinks downtown.<br />
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I'm still pinching myself that this all happened. It was such a huge blessing for me to be able to go back home after moving to Texas just a few months ago. It felt good to see the people I miss so much. On top of missing our old friends and family, now I miss our new friends: Mr. & Mrs. Hilary (Mr. Hilary's name is actually Brett, by the way!) and Jenni as well. Even Miss M said she was going to miss them on our journey home.<br />
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Check out the events from <a href="http://www.momrocksmealtime.com/2014/01/surprised.html" target="_blank">Jen's</a> and <a href="http://www.imdancingintherain.com/2014/01/im-lying-liar-who-lies.html" target="_blank">Jenni's</a> perspective on their blogs. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-88180067281733113092013-12-30T15:34:00.000-08:002013-12-30T19:12:37.660-08:002013 In ReviewI started this blog as a way to consolidate and blog about all of the things I am into: fitness, knitting, quilting, scrap-booking,crafting in general, reading, and of course, my family! Like a lot of things in my life, I got sidetracked and didn't stick with it. Hopefully I will be more "faithful" to my blog in 2014!<br />
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Before we head into the new year, though, let's look back at 2013. I was inspired to do this by <a href="http://www.imdancingintherain.com/2013/12/wrap-it-up-and-put-bow-on-it.html" target="_blank">Jennifer, </a>who is an amazing, incredibly strong woman, IMHO! <br />
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Let's wrap up 2013 and put a bow on it, shall we?</h3>
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<a href="http://icansaymama.blogspot.de/2013/12/2013-wrap-up.html" rel="”nofollow”" target="_blank" title="Joy @ i can say mama: 2013 Wrap up"><img alt="Joy @ i can say mama: 2013 Wrap up" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdH9T1DI6a_c3WpCSC3t_H_Snvah9UD5gH-zvh1nQ1ZklBOMIgh7O_SAmj4PkRV_G9Pg1whFv4Ku_I5fDhbQtfjJhjo-g0ZJoshwl-Tnb1RnC_jHEfjqiBOPTna-vN92u-ZZcnRQZIbxn/s320/Wrap+up+2013.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<b>Gained or lost weight?</b> Yes<br />
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<b>Predominant feeling in 2013?</b> Up and down! <br />
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<b>Predominant feeling for 2014?</b> Anticipation! New state, new home, and so many new possibilities!<br />
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<b>Something you did for the first time in 2013?</b> Became a licensed Zumba instructor and taught my first class. I continued for a few months until we moved.<br />
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<b>Something you did again in 2013 after a long pause? </b>I'm knitting and crocheting again! Loving it!<br />
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<b>Something you unfortunately did not do in 2013?</b> Two things did not get crossed of my goals list from 2013: size 9 and
paying off bills. I made big progress on both, though! Mark my words, I
WILL achieve these two in 2014! Watch me!<br />
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<b>Word of the year?</b> Changes! We waved bye bye to Chuck, our 50 year old mental patient and moved from California to Texas, to name a few1<br />
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<b>Hair longer or shorter?</b> Longer and more red.<br />
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<b>Hospital stays? </b>I didn't stay, but I did end up in the ER the night before my daughter's birthday due to getting oils from the world's hottest pepper in BOTH of my eyes.<br />
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<b>(Fallen) In love?</b> Still very much in love with my husband!<br />
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<b>Most called person?</b> I don't talk on the phone much these days. I guess I talk to my mom the most.<br />
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<b>Whom did you spend the most beautiful time with?</b> Wow. That's a tough one. Most of the moments with my daughter are beautiful! I also had a very memorable night out with my BFF, J'Ho of Mom Rocks Mealtime!<br />
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<b>Song of the year? </b>Overcomer by Mandissa<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>Book of the year? </b>1, 2, 3 Magic<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>Movie of the year? </b>Frozen. Proabbly cuz it's the most recent one we saw and the only one I can think of right now.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>TV Show of the year? </b>SCANDAL! Hands DOWN! I don't even want to wait and play catch up on DVR. I HAVE to watch it as soon as it comes on!<b> </b><br />
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<b>Insight of the year?</b> It's never to late to become the person you've always wanted to be.<br />
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<b>Three things you totally could have done without?</b><br />
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<li>The whole oil of the hottest pepper in the world in my eye thing. </li>
<li>Ugliness from someone I love. </li>
<li>Escalation of Charlie's condition.</li>
</ul>
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<b>The most expensive thing you bought?</b> A new to me Chevy Traverse<br />
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<b>The most delicious meal or food you ate?</b> <a href="http://www.momrocksmealtime.com/2013/10/dueling-tuna-steaks.html" target="_blank">Wasabi Crusted Tuna with Ginger-Soy Sauce! </a><br />
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<b>The best party?</b> Girls Night Out with J'Ho! It was EPIC!<br />
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<b>The most important thing you wanted to convince somebody of?</b> Myself: That I can accomplish anything I set my mind to!<br />
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<b>How will you celebrate New Year's Eve?</b> At home. Nothing exciting. <br />
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<b>What will you have for dinner?</b> I need to check the menu and get back to you.<br />
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<b>What drinks will be in your glasses to clink?</b> If I know my hubby, he got champagne.<br />
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<b>Will you ignite any fireworks?</b> No.<br />
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<b>What are you going to wear? Comfy or glamorous?</b> Comfy!<br />
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<b>Did you have any resolutions for 2013? And how about 2014?</b> I prefer to call them commitments. I sure did for 2013. Wrote 'em on a white board and posted it on FaceBook. I then checked 'em off (almost all of them anyway) and re-posted it each time I accomplished something. Definitely going to do it again!<br />
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<b>What are your wishes for the new year?</b> I really hope to start teaching Zumba again. And get plugged in to a church that feels as much like home as our church in Chico, California did. That's a pretty tall order.<br />
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<b>In one word, 2013 was...</b> Dramatic.<br />
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<i>Now it's your turn. Pick a question or two or all, and tell me what your answer would be!</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-20778322999684938952013-12-17T12:26:00.001-08:002013-12-17T12:26:33.331-08:00Fail to Plan or Plan to Fail Part 2When I posted <a href="http://simplysarasue.blogspot.com/2013/11/fail-to-plan-or-plan-to-fail-part-1.html" target="_blank">Fail to Plan or Plan to Fail Part 1</a>, about two weeks ago, I had another post planned out <i>in my head</i>. That post was going to include how clever I was to plan my NaBloPoMo in advance. I used a calendar from Calendars That Work and plotted out all my topics. Ok, not ALL the topics and not one for every day...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And there en-lies the problem!</b></span></div>
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Life just up and got in the way. Between sickness in the home, searching for and buying a house, on top of a sudden influx of actual work to do at the jobby job, my lack of planning for NaBloPoMo really kicked me in the backside. I didn't actually complete the plan. I didn't plan for contingencies like sick kids or sick me or deadlines piling up.</div>
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That's what I get for being smug! </div>
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As we stare down the countdown app which currently reads "8" days, and January 1st hot on the heels of Christmas, I find myself setting some lofty goals. I had some pretty good ones last year, and I've crossed all but one off the list! I didn't even really have a plan when I set those goals. That may explain why that last one is still on there.</div>
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I have goals for my own health and fitness, reading goals, and business goals. What will determine whether or not I achieve them? What is the difference between crossing one off the list and checking them all off completely? You guessed it...it's whether I: </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Plan, Schedule, Plan Some More</b></span></div>
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<b>Plan: </b>This involves taking each of my goals and breaking them into mini goals. For example, take the amount of weight I want to lose over the next 12 months and break it down into monthly and weekly goals. </div>
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<b>Schedule: </b>I can vow to exercise more and eat healthier, but unless I get my workouts on the calendar and plan some healthy meals ahead of time, life is guaranteed to come up again and get in the way. I will put my workouts on my calendar and stick to them like I would a meeting with my boss, a doctor's appointment, or a date with my husband! </div>
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<b>Plan Some More: </b>Once I've got my goals figured out, broken down, and scheduled, I also need to review it all now and frequently. I'll check my progress and make sure I'm on track. These check-ins will go on the calendar as well, or they won't happen. 12 months will slip right by and I'll weigh the same and not have read any more or gotten any scrap-booking done! </div>
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There you have it. That is my strategy for 2014. What about you? Do you have goals? Do you have a plan in place to make sure you'll get there? </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-21123218578416714762013-11-15T15:14:00.000-08:002013-11-15T15:14:04.065-08:00Fail to Plan Or Plan to Fail Part 1Last night was supposed to be ballet night for the girls (my almost 5 year old and her 5 year old 2nd cousin). Unfortunately, time got away from us adults. I picked up my kiddo after work with cousin in tow. After the pre-k pickup, we headed to the pharmacy to get antibiotics for the cousin. This task took way longer than I had counted on.<br />
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By the time I was in the drive through line, it was determined it was too late to get the girls home and fed before ballet. Hubs had gotten waylayed and dinner wasn't started yet. A flurry of miscommunication ensued between hubs, niece, and myself. We decided to cancel ballet and just go out to eat. That plan eventually got canned to. In the end, niece and daughter went home and I took my munchkin to ballet on an empty stomach. <br />
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This story plays out every night in a kajillion households. There's nothing to eat, so we make a bad choice: let's eat. This rash decision is often costly and not very healthy. We plan our dinner menus for the week with the help of my bff, J'Ho at <a href="https://twitter.com/MomRocksMeals" target="_blank">Mom Rocks Mealtime</a>, and a variety of other recipe sites to inspire our taste buds. Unfortunately, life happens and plans get changed.<br />
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Jen posted an incredible <a href="http://www.momrocksmealtime.com/2013/11/freezer-meal-planning.html" target="_blank">blog about freezer meals</a> this week. I am definitely going to check out the book it is based on and get some of those puppies in my freezer ASAP so we don't push the dining out emergency button again. <br />
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I have more to say about the topic of "Fail to plan, or plan to fail," so stay tuned for part 2!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-57376133002380596522013-11-12T15:48:00.004-08:002013-11-12T16:02:05.137-08:00On How We Talk to OurselvesHave you ever heard someone speak and the message just hit you right between the eyes? This past Sunday I attended another church. My family is still looking for our "church home" here in Texas. I posted about the challenges with that before. Anyway, this other church had a substitute speaker. It was a woman, which was different for me. I didn't even realize she was giving the message until she was a ways into it! The church's regular pastor was preaching at his home church, so she was standing in.<br />
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I thought she did an amazing job. She was very well prepared. She had created a biblical time line and put it on the alter. As she spoke, she moved from one end of the timeline to the other, as appropriate for the scripture she was talking about at the moment.<br />
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All that aside, one story she told blew me away. Evidently the gal speaking is a school counselor or a teacher. She talked about a fifth grade student who had been cutting herself. She had old and new cuts up and down her forearms. The counselor had to think on her feet about how to get through to this gal. How could she possibly convey to her how precious she is?<br />
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Well, she approached it by asking the pre-teen what would happen if the youngster had put those cuts on another student? The gal knew enough to realize that would be wrong, and the the counselor would likely call the cops and she would be charged with <i>assault</i>! What an eye opener that was for her, to realize she has essentially assaulted herself.<br />
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There was way more to the message about how we are precious in God's sight, all the verses that talk about holiness and so on. That is all awesome stuff, but what really hit me was how <i>I talk to myself.</i> For goodness sake! I would never, I mean NEVER talk to anyone else on the PLANET the way I talk to myself sometimes!<br />
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The message really stopped me in my tracks. It made me realize how I mentally cut myself day in and day out. I am trying hard to put a stop to it by putting positivity into my brain.<br />
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What about you? What do you say to yourself throughout the day? Would you talk to anyone else the way you talk to yourself? Not just out loud, but those silent whispers, those thoughts that echo louder in our brain that if we'd spoken the words out loud.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-57121180650265711252013-11-10T14:58:00.002-08:002013-11-10T14:58:47.252-08:00Saturday's Blogs of the Week RecapOopsies! I was supposed to post this yesterday, but hubs and I were celebrating our anniversary again. He had taken me out on the town before our anniversary, but this weekend he really wanted to cook me a nice dinner. It was fabulous, as always.<br />
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Now, for this week's best blog posts!<br />
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This one was supposed to make last week's list. I don't know how I missed it! I always turn to Mom Rock Mealtime when it comes time to sit down and plan out the menus for the week. I come up with the recipes, and hubs does the shopping and most of the cooking. I think I got the better end of the deal, that's for sure! Jen, a.k.a. J'Ho, a.k.a my BFF is the author of Mom Rocks Mealtime. You can follow her on Twitter or sign up to receive her weekly, family tested recipes. Whatever you do, do NOT miss this post, <a href="http://www.momrocksmealtime.com/2013/10/dueling-tuna-steaks.html" target="_blank">Dueling Tuna Steaks</a>!!! The Wasabi-Crusted Tuna will change your life forever, I promise! I haven't had a chance to try out the other Jennifer's (blogger at <a href="http://www.imdancingintherain.com/" target="_blank">I'm Dancing In the Rain</a>) tuna recipe, but it's on my to-do list!<br />
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Speaking of I'm Dancing in the Rain, Jennifer has another post that really made me pause and think. Check out <a href="http://www.imdancingintherain.com/2013/10/medical-emergency-preparedness-for-kids.html" target="_blank">Medical Preparedness for Kids</a>! She covers a topic most of us never think about, but really do need to spend some time on!<br />
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I discovered these next two blogs over at the Texas Women's Sweet Tea Link of party. My new faves over there this week were by <a href="http://www.taylorbrione.com/2013/11/wore-pink-suit-career-fair/" target="_blank">Taylor Brione Ballard </a>and Michelle at <a href="http://lifeonthehorizn.com/100-x-100-challenges/" target="_blank">Life on the Horizon. </a>Taylor's post reminds us the importance and beauty of staying true to ourselves, no matter what the "rule book" says. Who wrote the "rules," anyway? Fitness is a big part of my life. Michelle has a 100 miles in 100 days challenge I signed up for. This is in addition to my current fitness regimen.<br />
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This post made me grateful that even though I signed up for NaNoWriMo AND NaBloPoMo, I really only ended up going for it with the latter. I'm so glad I did.<br />
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<i>Image: <a href="http://gifrific.com/aint-nobody-got-time-for-that/" target="_blank">Gifrific</a></i><a href="http://gifrific.com/aint-nobody-got-time-for-that/" target="_blank"> </a></div>
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Finally, though it is not a blog post, I give it two thumbs up and five starts. I had the privilege this week of reviewing a book that cracked me up to the point of needing oxygen. Nothing will turn a bad day/week/month/year around like a good ol' belly laugh. I highly recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monkeys-Wearing-Pants-Jon-Waldrep-ebook/dp/B00FOCSRE0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384124277&sr=8-1&keywords=monkeys+wearing+pants" target="_blank">Monkeys Wearing Pants</a> by Jon Waldrep. It's only $0.99 for 66 pages of the best therapy you can get for that kindda money. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-83035081204224462772013-11-08T14:37:00.000-08:002013-11-08T14:37:21.303-08:00Five Minute Friday: Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />This is my first <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday</a> post. Who knew it would tie in so well with the <a href="http://simplysarasue.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-confident-heart-online-bible-study.html" target="_blank">Confident Heart Bible Study</a> this week? I think that it's no coincidence and today is a good day to remind me about the Truth about me.<br />
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Why? Well, I am noticing some positive changes in myself since starting the Bible study and reading scripture more frequently. I won't say regularly because I'm not on a regular schedule yet. But, it's definitely becoming more frequent and it's paying off. <br />
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<i>Oops! Forgot to set the timer for five minutes...</i><br />
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I am noticing:<br />
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<li>I haven't had a headache since last Thursday. This could totally be coincidence, I mean I did start the study about a month ago. It's still worth pointing out because I'm SO thankful for being pain free for a whole week! </li>
<li>I haven't dropped any F bombs lately, other than the usual cartoon cursing characters in chat with my BFF at work. Work brings that out of a girl. </li>
<li>I haven't gotten irrationally, crazy angry at anyone lately (usually my husband is the one standing in the path of Hurricane Sara). </li>
<li>I generally feel less stressed. </li>
<li>God's word seems to be seeping in. The letter I wrote to myself on my <a href="http://simplysarasue.blogspot.com/2013/11/i-am-fearfully-wonderfully-made.html" target="_blank">post </a>yesterday was based on scripture, without looking it up or even thinking about it. That letter really just kindda flowed out of my fingers. Pretty cool. The perfectionist inside of me believes I need to look up and memorize the scripture references that go with the verses. The <b>TRUTH </b>is, the fact they are written on my heart is plenty!</li>
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<i>Quick check of the timer...minute and a half left...need to grab some links and an image!</i><br />
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Here's some <b>TRUTH </b>about this post:<br />
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<li>I am going over 5 minutes. </li>
<li>I started looking for an image and decided to create my own. </li>
<li>In the process, my Firefox crashed</li>
<li>I let loose a silent, yet exaggerated F bomb when that happened. I guess <b>He isn't finished with me yet </b>(Philippians 1:6, I looked it up!).</li>
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<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" title="Five Minute Friday"><img alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg" style="border: medium none;" title="Five Minute Friday" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-62470156466792496672013-11-07T12:21:00.001-08:002013-11-07T12:53:45.591-08:00I am fearfully, wonderfully made<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>A Confident Heart Blog Hop - Week 4</b></h2>
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<b>His Goodness Makes Me Good Enough </b></h3>
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I started this <a href="http://simplysarasue.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-confident-heart-online-bible-study.html" target="_blank">Proverbs 31 Online Bible</a> study about a month ago. It has been and continues to be a fun way to keep the topics covered during the study at the forefront of my mind. I like to sit down at the beginning of the week and read the week's chapter(s), make a few journal notes about the memory verse and the hashtag of the week (this week's is #WhoIam). I get emails from the hostesses of the studies with videos that make me reflect and think about the reading for the week. </div>
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This week we're reading chapter four of the book, titled "When Doubt Whispers 'I'm Not Good Enough.'" The memory verse is John 1:2 Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.</div>
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One of the assignments, if you will is to write about what are of my life I feel not good enough and to write a letter to myself as a reminder that because of Jesus I am good enough. Here goes: </div>
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I have been a full time telecommuter since 2007, shortly after my husband and I got married. I don't remember much about my homemaking in the beginning. What I do know is that I often get frustrated with myself, to the point of tears, wondering, "How do NORMAL people (as in, people with normal, have to get dressed and go to work jobs) do it!?" I don't understand how I could ever get my kid fed and dressed and out the door on time and still have time to actually shower, dress, and feed myself, and still allow time to wait patiently in the carpool lane. </div>
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Then there's all the errands that have to be run (I am so grateful my husband takes care of that stuff), laundry to be washed, folded, <i>and </i>put away! Meals to plan, shop for, and prepare...and I don't even have to pack lunches for the little on yet! </div>
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I am so grateful for the opportunity to work from home, because I don't see how I could do it all any other way! </div>
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That, my friends, is the "Readers Digest version." I can get really worked up and deeply depressed about what a failure I am on a daily basis if I'm not careful. My husband breathes deeply and I assume he's disappointed in something I haven't done. He has NEVER said anything to make me feel this way. I talk <i>myself </i>into thinking <i>he </i>thinks I'm in adequate! It's quite silly, really. I mean, I know I could certainly do all those things if I <i>had </i>to. But I don't <i>have </i>to, so I don't.</div>
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Ok, now for the letter to myself. This is going to feel silly, but it's the assignment, so here goes:<br />
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Dear Sara, </div>
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You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I created you. I knew what kind of mother and wife you were going to be, long before your parents even considered starting a family. You have a unique situation. I put people in your path while you were pregnant and worrying about things that will probably never happened when Miss M gets older. They pointed out that you grow <i>with </i>her. When the time comes for packing lunches and waiting in the carpool lane, you will be ready. That, or you'll have the Mister do it. ;) I had a plan when I introduced you to him, too, you see! Please, stop beating yourself up about the wife and mother you are not, and focus on the wife and mother that you are, the one you are growing into. </div>
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Husbands and children do not come with instructions. That's because it's so much more interesting to learn as you go, hands-on, and get a little messy in the process. You're doing fine. Your husband loves you very much. So does your daughter, So do I. </div>
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Love, </div>
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Jesus<br />
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<a href="http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/category/obs-blog-hop/" target="_blank"><img alt="P31 OBS Blog Hop" border="0" src="http://proverbs31.org/images/OBSBlogHop.png" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-5973902877730727362013-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:002013-11-07T07:00:03.953-08:00Happy Anniversary to Us! <br />
The mister and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary this week. We got a head start last Friday night. Sometimes I wonder how I ended up married to man who does not care for country music, including (gasp!) George Strait. While George Strait fan-hood seemed important in my early twenties, I guess it got replaced with some other traits.<br />
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Here are just a few of the many reasons I love my husband:<br />
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<ul>
<li>He takes good care of me.</li>
<li>He's a natural networker, which has come in handy many times!</li>
<li>He's funny. Mostly he's corny, but he makes me laugh. Not that it's hard to do, but it is important!</li>
<li>He's incredibly generous. He's been known to pay for cat food for a gal at the grocery store who had to put it back because she couldn't afford it, anonymously pay for people's dinner at a restaurant, and many more. </li>
<li>He's a great cook! OK, so my hips and thighs don't agree this is a positive thing, but it is. Especially the part about "he does 98% of the cooking around here." </li>
<li>He handles the mundane life tasks of life I just can't stand, freeing me up to do other things.</li>
<li>He loves me even though I can be quite unlovable.</li>
<li>and many, many more! </li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-3223708632865906782013-11-06T10:33:00.002-08:002013-11-06T10:33:56.720-08:00Happy Things! Life gets so dang NEGATIVE sometimes! I get notifications from a certain news station on my phone, constantly alerting me to how scary this world is. Work drains my life force. Life, in general, can be quite harsh.<br />
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I, however, am a positive person! At least, I try to be. Some days it comes more naturally than others.<br />
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Today, I thought it would be fun to post some things that make me happy! In no particular order: <br />
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<ul>
<li>Tea</li>
<li>Chai tea</li>
<li>Pumpkin Spice Latte (or just pumpkin creamer in my home brewed coffee)</li>
<li>George Strait music (especially "There's a New Kid in Town" this time of year)</li>
<li>Zumba (must be practiced at 100% or more capacity for 45 minutes or longer for best benefits)</li>
<li>Books (thank goodness for Kindle Freebies!)</li>
<li>Getting mail. I prefer happy mail, like cards or letters, but I'll settle for catalogs these days!</li>
<li>My daughter's snuggles first thing in the morning</li>
<li>Listening to my daughter singing her little heart out</li>
<li>OK, almost anything having to do with my daugther</li>
<li>Digital Scrap-booking! I actually have a pretty good handle on the album for 2013! So proud of myself.</li>
<li>The feeling of accomplishment and pride I feel when I finish my daughter's Halloween costume</li>
<li>Wearing jewelry makes me feel pretty</li>
<li>Cowboy boots --- gotta get me some new ones!</li>
<li>When my husband gets the giggles. </li>
<li>Date night!</li>
<li>Spending time with my sisters. This is incredibly rare as one lives in London and the other in California, where I recently moved from.</li>
<li>Holding sleeping babies. I sure don't want another of my own, but I do enjoy renting them!</li>
<li>A nice, hot shower</li>
<li>A nice, hot bath</li>
<li>Talking to my dad on the phone</li>
<li>Sewing with Mom</li>
<li>Flower bulbs like iris (ok, technically a rhizome), daffodils ("daffabulls," according to my darling daughter just a short year or so ago), and tulips.</li>
<li>Quality time with friends</li>
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There is so much more, but that's a start! What makes you happy? Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-29865711905841250252013-11-04T06:38:00.000-08:002013-11-04T06:38:38.675-08:00Who Knew It Would Be This Hard?About 13 years ago, I walked into the First Church of the Nazarene in Chico, California. I was greeted by a lovely woman, named Laura, who knew exactly who I was (though we'd never met before), who had invited me, and showed me where to sit. The pastor's sermon sounded like he'd had spies falling me around for weeks and written it just for me. After church, the women had a baby shower for the youth minister's wife. I was invited! Whoa! This was my first time, and they were already including me!<br />
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I knew I didn't have to try out other churches. I think I went to one with a guy I was dating at the time, out of obligation. I already knew, though, that the Nazarene church was the place for me. It had nothing to do with the music, the doctrine, or anything else. It was the way <b>the people</b> made me feel. It was the way they accepted me for who I was and invited me to be a part of their family.<br />
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We went through a lot of changes there. A year or two after I started going there, our pastor retired. We had some visiting pastors, and then an interim pastor. Finally we got a permanent pastor (or so we thought) and felt like we were moving forward again. My best friend and roommate, Michele and I got heavily involved in ministry and built strong friendships in the church. That pastor changed the name of the church, made a few other changes, then left our church after a short time. It was about a year, I think.<br />
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Finally, a young (early thirties?) pastor from Washington came to interview with our church. He had all kinds of fresh ideas for making our church relevant in our community. He was a little geeky and really into audio and video. His wife was sweet and authentic. She didn't put on your typical "pastor's wife" heirs. His daughters were (still are) adorable! Yes! Yes! Yes! This is the one!<br />
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Things kept humming along. In 2005, pastor Ron gave me the job of outreach coordinator. That title didn't come with much of a description and nothing in the way of a budget. I knew I was in charge of training and scheduling the greeting team. I knew I was responsible for coordinating and planning a few well executed large events per year. That translated to a concert on our football field behind the church, and an annual Superbowl party.<br />
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Pastor Ron gave me the number of a guy named Kevin to call for help planning the concert. More on that to come in tomorrow's post. Spoiler alert: that guy is now my husband! With a lot of help from people in the church, the first Superbowl party was a huge success. Over the years, it actually got so big, we had to put it on hold a while until we could some things in place, such as child care, to deal with the large volume of people showing up to watch the big game on our larger than life screen.<br />
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Forgive me for getting a little off track while I reminisce a bit. I just want you to understand that church was a big part of my life. It wasn't about religion, either. It was about the relationships.<br />
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I knew it would be a challenge to find a church for our family when we moved to Texas. I had been warned that churches in the "bible belt" were considerably old fashioned compared to the casual worship atmosphere we were used to. We waited a week or two to get settled in before we tackled the task of finding our church home here.<br />
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The first one was so big, no one even knew we were new. We weren't greeted, or shown where to go. Even dropping the girls off at kid's church was a very cold experience. In the end, we brought them with us to grown-up church. They all start to blend together after that. We did attend the Nazarene church here one week. While the people were super friendly and welcoming, it just still didn't feel like "home" to us. We decided to come back if we just couldn't find anything else. We attended another church that currently meets in a high school. That one was a little better as far as being more contemporary, but not so much on the friendliness side. It was ok, but it still didn't feel like "the one." Another church we attended was borderline scary, and we ended up walking out halfway through the service. Note to self: be very wary of "non-denominational," that can mean ANYTHING.<br />
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I was getting really discouraged. I began to question my motives and what I was looking for. I mean, it's not supposed to be about how I feel, right? It's supposed to be about worshiping God, studying God's word, and serving, right? Yes, it's about all of that. I can even do all of that from the comfort of my home. But there's one big problem with that. <b>We were made for relationships.</b><br />
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This past Sunday, we attended another church. I had found the website for this one before we ever left home and thought it looked promising. I had forgotten about it though until Saturday. It really looked like a casual, comfortable place for people to come meet Jesus. A little burned out and skeptical from our previous experiences, we got up early, went to breakfast, then went to the church early. After the walk-out experience, we wanted to check things out before checking our daughter in to kids' church.<br />
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The minute we walked in the door, we recognized the music the worship team was practicing. It sounded just like the music at our church back home! A couple of ladies greeted us, asked if we were new. One offered to show me to kids' church. Kevin did his usual thing and went inside the sanctuary to check things out and strike up conversation with the sound guys. He gleans a lot of important information this way.<br />
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It turns out the gal giving me the tour was the children's ministry pastor's wife. She was very genuine with me, asking questions and listening. There was one question she hadn't quite caught the answer to, so she admitted that and asked me again. Part of our conversation made it clear, without either of us coming out and saying what was wrong with it, that this church was NOT like the walk-out church. Their names were slightly similar, but no, they are very different. I could tell the pastor's wife was picking up on exactly what had bothered us about the other church.<br />
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We think this is "the one." We'll be back again and may even get plugged in to the Wednesday night dinners and monthly connect groups. We're taking it one day at a time. Relationships take time, after all! I am cautiously optimistic that we have found our church home!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-45503342876548225992013-11-02T07:28:00.001-07:002013-11-02T13:32:26.601-07:00Saturday's Blogs of the Week RecapInstead of just writing about me, myself, and I (and my family) all the time, I thought I would use this space to share some posts I read this week that spoke to me. Maybe one made me laugh (not hard to do), or got me thinking differently about something. Perhaps it inspired me. Whatever it was, these posts made me want them to share!<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogher.com/because-i-said-so-4" target="_blank">Because I Said So, And Other Hard and Fast Rules to Live By</a>: I'm totally with Celeste on the book-before-movie thing. I broke that rule
reading The Help. I wasn't quite finished with the book when the ladies
got together at church to watch it. I thought I'd go back and finish it,
but really, what's the point after watching it? NEVER AGAIN!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogher.com/maybe-we-should-say-our-daughters-you-are-not-me-and-im-ok" target="_blank">We Are Not Our Mothers, and Our Daughters Are Not Us </a>This one hit home in so many ways! Thanks, Meredith, for keepin' it real!<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdancingintherain.com/2013/11/30-day-squat-challenge.html" target="_blank">30 Day Squat Challenge </a>I have started previous challenges with Jennifer before. I don't <strike>always </strike>usually make it through the entire month, but I've done more push-ups, planks, and crunches than I would have otherwise. Might as well add squats to the list!<br />
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<a href="http://www.texaswomenbloggers.com/dear-me-blogging-advice/" target="_blank">Dear Me, a Letter to My Beginning Blogging Self </a>This is from the ladies at Texas Women Bloggers. I probably need to re-read it weekly! Looks like I've already broken one of the cardinal rules by creating all my blogs on blogger. My sister has graciously volunteered to help me fix that. She's been sharing her mad couponing skills over at <a href="http://couponscurator.com/" target="_blank">Coupon Curator.</a><br />
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<a href="http://tatteredtotaylored.blogspot.com/2013/10/pumpkin-cheesecake-pudding-treats.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin Cheesecake Pudding Treats </a>I think the title speaks for itself as to how it landed here! <br />
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<a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/10/slow-cooker-cheesy-potato-soup.html" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup</a> Comfort food!<br />
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I hope you enjoy these gems as much as I did! Have a great weekend!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-42084161087553398432013-11-01T08:25:00.000-07:002013-11-01T08:58:29.621-07:00More Bucket List Stuff<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11172485/?claim=f65b8gwm9r8">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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Ever since I was a little girl, probably my daughter's age (almost 5), I have loved to read. Not long after that, my love for writing was born. It didn't matter what I was reading or writing. I could be reading the back of the cereal box during breakfast, or the shampoo bottle in the bathroom. The feeling of my eyes rolling over letters, words, sentences...was all I needed.<br />
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As for writing, I found the feeling of putting pen to paper very soothing. As the years went by and life became more computerized I found myself writing less and less and my handwriting deteriorating. This cartoon from The Oatmeal sums it up for me.<br />
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English was always my favorite subject in school. OK, English and Science. A lot if it has to do with awesome teachers. One in particular comes to mind. I had her for 7th and 8th grade Enlish, Yearbook, and Journalism.<br />
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Naturally, with this love of the written word comes a deep desire to write a book or novel. The problem was, I didn't really know what to write about. That all changed in November of 2011 when I received a jury summons. I was sure I would just call in on Friday afternoon and get the message they don't need me. That's what has happened to me all but twice previously.<br />
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In a way, at that time, I was kind of HOPING I'd actually have to serve. Work was incredibly stressful and a forced day off, even at the court house, was sounding pretty good. I could just sit in the jury room and read a book all day, right? That's not exactly how went down. Not even on day one when you're waiting to see if you get called.<br />
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My book reading was curtailed by recognizing a gal from work who I hadn't seen in years due to telecommuting. I was happy to see her and we had a very nice chat. We both had loved ones who had suffered with cancer. Our talk was very theraputic for both of us.<br />
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At the end of the day, her group got sent home, but my group had to come back. The rest, as they say, is history. What I learned in that court room rocked that world. My naiive, ignorant, head in the sands perspective of my world and the small town I lived in came undone. I mean, it got blown completely apart.<br />
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Maybe I watch too much CSI and Law & Order, but the trial process was nothing like I expected. For one major thing, I expected some amount of actual, physical evidence. Nope. We didn't even get to read the autopsy report. We, the jurors, were expected to deliberate based on testimony of some pretty shady characters.<br />
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The whole experience had such a profound impact on my life, that I immediatly wanted to write about it. Of course, I had to wait 90 days. At the time I thought that was the perfect amount of time to get it written and publish on Kindle on day 91. Suffice to say, that didn't exactly happen. Life really got in the way. That's what happens when you work from home, have a young child, husband, AND a mentally disabled man you take care of. Not to mention stressful, sometimes impossible deadlines at work. Add to that working a part time business and teaching Zumba two days a week! <br />
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Now the mental patient is gone. His condition worsened and we could no longer care for him. He's now a ward of the county public guardian's office. I've moved two time zones away, I only have one job, no Zumba or hair salon, and no friends nearby. My excuses for not getting my story written are gone. I try to tangle myself up as to whether I should just write <i>my </i>story, or if I should turn it into a work of fiction about the seedy cast of characters and use my imagination to fill in the blanks.<br />
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What I'm thinking about doing is writing <i>my </i>story first, then the fiction piece. I would release the fiction, "based on a true story," first and release my own story later. <br />
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Why would I blog about this now? Two years later? To begin with, my bucket list is hot on my mind right now, what with my Belt Buckles, Blue Jeans, and Bucket List post and all. Plus, I discovered that <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> (short for National Novel Writing Month) begins today. What a cool way to get this thing done! It may or may not get completed, especially with the holidays heating up. I figure at least it will move me forward, getting me closer to my goal than I'd be at the end of the month if I didn't sign up.<br />
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As is my usual M.O. to bite off more than I can chew, I also noticed it's also <a href="http://www.blogher.com/novembers-nablopomo-here" target="_blank">NaBloPoMo</a> (National Blog Post Month), in which participating bloggers commit to blogging SOMETHING every day.I'm already writing anyway, what's a few more words, right? Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-6831823616302076942013-10-30T12:20:00.001-07:002013-10-30T12:47:43.617-07:00Belt Buckles, Blue Jeans, and my Bucket List!!!I have been a major <b>George Strait</b> fan since my high school. I remember the first time my high school sweet heart played "The Chair" for me. I swooned! I was hooked! Shortly after that I joined the <b>George Strait</b> Fan Club so I could get priority seating at his concerts. Back then, fan club members got to buy tickets early, but you had to buy them from the box office at the venue the day they went on sale. I took off work to stand in line and get my tickets! I remember having 6th row seats one year and 2nd row another!<br />
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During that phase of my life, I loved to wear Roper jeans, Ariat boots, and whatever cute top I could find. I had a pretty awesome belt buckle (I think I still have it!), too. One year, Mom bought us each a George Straight jacket at the concert. I still have that too! Mom and Dad also got me a life size cardboard version of George for my birthday one year. They stood him up in the corner of my bathroom. It startled the bajeebies outta me when I went to brush my teeth that morning!.<br />
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When I was pregnant with my daughter, I decided I would raise her right and make sure she had a firm appreciation for <b>George Strait</b>. I put on my mental bucket list that I wanted to go to a <b>George Strait </b>concert with her and my mom someday. I figured he'd still be touring by the time she was old enough to appreciate it, around age 8 or 10.<br />
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His final tour is happening right now! The second leg of the tour begins in January, 2014, and ends at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium later in the year, date to be determined. I'm sure the date is determined, but just not released to the public yet. These things take LOTS of planning and I'm sure the date was set a LONGGGG time ago. <br />
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Fast forward several years...<br />
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A couple of Fridays ago I had a surprise on my pay check. A BIG surprise. The amount was like two and a half times what I normally make! Obviously there was some kind of error, so I went about researching the issue. It turns out it was not an error at all. Since I had moved from California to Texas, the company cashed out ALL of my paid time off!<br />
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At first I was somewhat upset about it. I had plans for the bucket of days off I had accumulated! I needed time to sew my daughter's Halloween costume, time to prepare for Christmas, and possibly time to move into our forever home. That all came to a screeching halt as I would not have the hours banked to take the time.<br />
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Right as I'm stewing about my PTO mess, my friend emails me with a screen shot of the George Strait Cowboy Rides Again Tour logo. The subject line read "Got $600?" It turns out, our company's annual Employee Giving Campaign has an auction. People donate items to it. Employees bid on things and the proceeds go to charity.<br />
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There were EIGHT minutes left when Rob sent me the email. By the time I went to the website, there were four minutes left. I tried to bid, but it said I had to register, which meant I needed a credit card. Hubby was out doing errands, so I called him and tried to explain the situation all auctioneer style what was going on. He told me where to find the plastic and I feverishly typed in my bid, right under the wire.<br />
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Guess what? I WON! I WON! I WON!!!<br />
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My heart was beating so fast! I was sweating! I wanted to CRY! I was shocked and stunned and so happy! What a ride! From the emotional roller coaster of anger (thinking my company had botched my check), to frustration (realizing they hadn't and I no longer had any vacation days left), to the suspense of the auction, to pure elation over winning! <br />
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I am hoping my mom will be able to make the trip out here for the show, but we'll have to wait and see. <br />
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Do you have a <b>bucket lis</b>t? What's on it? I would love to know! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7519483679091162964.post-35112721692622473032013-10-10T10:34:00.000-07:002013-10-10T10:34:30.261-07:00Tea + Nirvana = Teavana!Thanks to Teavana, my love of tea has been renewed!<br />
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Hubs, our girl child, and I ventured out toward Austin, Texas this past weekend. We went to the famous Salt Lick BBQ for lunch (YUM!), then went to the mall to see Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2. While we waited for the movie to start, we walked around the mall to check things out.<br />
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This mall was much different from the one back in Chico, California! It was more like what I am used to seeing in San Jose, California with some upscale shops (Vera Bradley, The Art of Shaving, to name a few) interspersed with the standards (The Gap, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works). <br />
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As we turned one corner, hubs was hoping I wouldn't notice <b>TEAVANA</b>! They were sampling at the door! Of COURSE I had to stop! There was kind of a clog at the front of the store, where the samples were happening, so I squeezed by the people there and let myself into the store to check everything else out. To my tea-lovin' delight, there were lots more samples! A gal greeted me and started to take me around to each of the 8 or 10 sample stations, describing each of the teas to me and asking how I liked them.<br />
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My most very-favorite was a blend of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E408M3O/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00E408M3O&linkCode=as2&tag=simplysarasueblog-20" target="_blank">Strawberry Rose Champagne & Peach</a>. They had added some rock sugar to it as well, which enhanced the natural flavors rather than overpowered them.<br />
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I installed the Teavana app on my phone right away and quickly started creating blends I thought sounded ah-mazing! I also got signed up on their email list, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram...yeah, I'm kindda obsessed! I can't wait to try the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJ5EJPI/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FJ5EJPI&linkCode=as2&tag=simplysarasueblog-20" target="_blank">Pumpkin Spice Brulee. </a>I mean, c'mon! That has happiness written all over it, right? <br />
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Do you enjoy tea? What's your favorite kind of tea to drink? <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0