tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29841359654793380062024-03-13T12:25:55.873-07:00Distractionsjuleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-70855679044787176142014-08-17T17:08:00.001-07:002014-08-17T17:08:12.385-07:00BBQ Chicken So I (like most people) love Pinterest! I don't spend hours mindlessly pinning things, but lately I have been trying to make at least one recipe a week that I have pinned.<br />
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Today I made Slow Cooker Honey Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches from <a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/" target="_blank">Uncommon Design Online</a>. I have never made anything from this blog before, but I am glad I tried this one. Hope at least someone else enjoys it!<br />
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Slow Cooker Honey Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts </li>
<li>1-18 oz bottle honey barbecue sauce</li>
<li>1/2 c Italian dressing </li>
<li>1/4 c brown sugar</li>
<li>2 tbls. worcestershire sause</li>
</ul>
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Directions: </div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Place chicken in the slow cooker (frozen or thawed, I used thawed)</li>
<li>In a bowl (or large measuring cup) mix together the rest of the ingredients. </li>
<li>Pour over chicken </li>
<li>Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. </li>
<ul>
<li>I cooked mine on high for three hours and it came out perfect. </li>
</ul>
<li>Shred chicken with two forks </li>
<ul>
<li>You can remove chicken to do this, I just do it in the crock pot-one less thing to clean.</li>
</ul>
<li>Eat and Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
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My recipe had a lot of sauce left over, so it felt more like sloppy joes, which I love! I had no shame and eat my sandwich with a fork :) </div>
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Be full!</div>
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Jules </div>
juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-12916689200226271432014-06-24T20:01:00.000-07:002014-06-24T20:01:07.784-07:00speechless<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am not sure how much this I want to share with the world, but I am going to try my best. This is not my story to tell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My friend Jan has been my hair stylist/brow waxer/friend for over 10 years. Monday morning her daughter lost her battle with cancer. This was truly a battle. Summer was an cancer ass kicking machine. It was decided about a month or so ago that she would no longer undergo treatment to return home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Then a movement started. Summer asked people to partake in Random Acts of Kindness and to Pay It Forward. Then because it is 2014, people from all over the country are sharing stories of their kindness. I am still moved by the power of kindness in others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am wordless on how to react to the passing of a wonderful woman I have never met-I only know her mother. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After reading post after post on Facebook-from her friends, family, and strangers-a poem popped into my head. If you have seen "In Her Shoes" you are familiar with this poem. If you are an English teacher you are too..or a poetry lover. I am not a lover of poetry, but this one just works. </span><br />
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i carry your heart<br />
by E.E. Cummings<br />
<br />
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in<br />
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere<br />
you go, my dear; and whatever is done<br />
by only me is your doing, my darling)<br />
<br />
i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want<br />
no world (for beautifully you are my world, my true)<br />
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant<br />
and whatever a sun will always sing is you<br />
<br />
here in the deepest secret nobody knows<br />
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud<br />
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows<br />
hither than soul can hope or mind can hide)<br />
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart<br />
<br />
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jan, I don't know if you will ever read this, and that's okay-words truly cannot express, nor should they be able to express, how much good there is in the world because of Summer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Readers, find a way to be kind to a stranger (and those you love) each day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-37622672320984976592014-06-23T17:56:00.000-07:002014-06-23T17:56:20.012-07:00Pie!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">PS Changing the focus of my blog again. Let's try making it all about food and my adventures in the kitchen...which I may have tried before, but I can't remember. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So this morning I went strawberry picking with my friend at Spencer Farms in Noblesville. I highly recommend this farm. This was my first picking experience, but it was great. No bees. I was super worried about bees. This week marks the end of the season so we got there just in time. I of course enjoyed eating several while we picked. They were so good. I don't remember eating strawberries this good. I don't know if I can go back to the stuff sold in stores.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There were still some (by some I mean a lot) of good berries left. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60QA51U6yIk/U6jHXk9cVNI/AAAAAAAAARM/6NjX4qwvGF4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60QA51U6yIk/U6jHXk9cVNI/AAAAAAAAARM/6NjX4qwvGF4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Here is my half of the stash. We picked around 7 pounds! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wssvZRX7K2E/U6jHsdtIzWI/AAAAAAAAARU/BfijN_-TQsU/s1600/sberries+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wssvZRX7K2E/U6jHsdtIzWI/AAAAAAAAARU/BfijN_-TQsU/s1600/sberries+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Simply gorgeous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So now I have three pounds of strawberries that need to be consumed quickly..oh darn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tonight I made a pie (I am including the super easy recipe), then I am going to make strawberry ice cream tomorrow. I will also share that recipe later in the week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The original name for the recipe is "The Perfect Spring Pie." I don't like that name, so I am going to call it "Strawberry Rhubarb Pie." I know it's very original. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Strawberry Rhubarb Pie</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Preheat the oven to 375 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Line a rimmed baking sheet/jelly roll with foil. Trust me don't skip this step!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ingredients: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2.5 cups AP flour, divided</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/3 cup granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 cup packed brown sugar, divided</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 tsp. grated lemon zest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tsp. cinnamon, divided</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5-6 cups, strawberries, halved </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 cups rhubarb, cut into bite size pieces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pie dough-I used one roll of the store bought stuff</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3/4 cup butter, melted</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1. In a large bowl combine: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">granulated sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/3 cup brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">lemon zest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp cinnamon </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I give these dry ingredients a stir to combine them. </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2. Mix in the strawberries and rhubarb to the flour/sugar mixture. Let it sit and stir occasionally while preparing the pan. They should start to release their juices, and just look really really good. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3. Fit dough to 9" pie pan. (Lightly flour service and roll out dough to fit if needed.) Flute edges if desired. I don't have time to flute edges, plus I am not very good at it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">4. Spoon filling into the crust. Scrape all that good syrupy stuff from the bowl and get it in there too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5. MAKE SURE YOU PUT THE PIE ON THE BAKING SHEET!!! Bake for 50-60 minutes until bubbling and hot. (when I checked my pie I did a Mr. Burns evil "Excellent" laugh) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6. Meanwhile, in a bowl, the remaining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and melted butter together with a fork and form large/media crumbs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">7. Remove pie from oven when it's ready, then place the crumbs on top of the hot pie leaving 1/2 inch boarder between crumbs and crust. Put back in the oven and cook for 30 more minutes, or until crumbs are golden brown. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">8. Cool on rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with ice cream, or whipping cream (my grandmother's personal favorite) if desired. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Here is my finished project! I am going to go ahead and hashtag this as #foodboner </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nI8FiU7g1rg/U6jMBo2Vi9I/AAAAAAAAARg/tno00aIGtIM/s1600/pie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nI8FiU7g1rg/U6jMBo2Vi9I/AAAAAAAAARg/tno00aIGtIM/s1600/pie+2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Enjoy friends! This was a super easy recipe!</span></div>
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<br />juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-2683230231804839892013-11-04T18:40:00.000-08:002013-11-04T18:40:11.373-08:00Updates Perhaps? <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The commitment of a blog is clearly just too much for me to handle-I'm clearly finding having two is overwhelming. ;) But here I am for my quarterly check in on the blog. This year has been CRAZY! As I get older, I apparently become busier and busier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mom's Cancer: So it's gone. (end of update)....Just kidding. Things I learned from this time around: people get very uncomfortable with cancer jokes. Mom had a long recovery, well I felt like it was a long recovery, but is doing well. Her fake boobies are finally here. And because my family is who we are pictures were sent out of her new inserts. They look great! According to Kim they feel real-I just want to take them and slap someone with them. (is that crossing a line? I really have a sick sense of humor)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Other Boob News: I survived my first mammogram. I leave the details out, but it's safe to say that I made awkward jokes. Oh, and I'm cancer clear. Mammogram: 0 Juli: 1. I'll see you in April mammogram. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Work: I'm exhausted. Not like abandon ship exhausted, just exhausted. I have decided that I need to make it a priority to stop working each day. Some days are easier to do that than others. It has been hard to accepted that I can't get everything done for work each day and still be a sane person. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">New News: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- I applied to grad school. Fingers crossed. I will know in December if I got in to the program. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- I started playing the cello again. Every Sunday in a community orchestra. Muscle memory is fantastic. Our first concert was yesterday-we were pretty awesome. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- I hired a personal trainer. Yup-paying someone to kick my ass two days a week is already paying off. I am loving it. Weights with the trainer two days a week, and cardio four days a week-30 minutes to myself has been just what I needed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- It's Thanksgiving so that means it's time for me to make my menu for the Big Day. LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">xoxo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Maybe I will blog again in another 6 months, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.) </span>juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-32868841471492738032013-03-05T18:10:00.001-08:002013-03-05T18:10:21.286-08:00New BlogI started my photography blog. You can check it out here: http://julesmarie-photography.blogspot.com<br />
<br />
Enjoyjuleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-77279304570758496302013-03-04T18:29:00.000-08:002013-03-04T18:29:39.003-08:00Surgery Day <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“And now these three
remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1
Corinthians 13:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Someone posted this
on my mom’s facebook wall. I find it very fitting for today. I am humbled by
everyone’s love, positive thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement for Mom
and for us as a family. Before I get to a recap of today, I want to thank
everyone-it brings me tears of joy (seriously yes I cried </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">) to know how many of you care and have been
praying/sending positive thoughts our way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Today was/is surgery
day. I hate hospitals. I realize that a lot of people hate hospitals. They just
smell so blah. Hospitals should pipe in some of that scented air they have in
Vegas Casinos-not the whole place just the doorways that you walk in-how
comforting would that be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Before surgery we
were all crammed into a small “prep-op room.” Per usual we were having a good
time laughing. Not all of the nurses enjoyed our sense of humor. Here are some
photos of my ridiculous nature on the wheely stool that was in her room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARQaci5l40g/UTVXJ3vwONI/AAAAAAAAAE0/Dyk_GdvXaEo/s1600/hospital+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARQaci5l40g/UTVXJ3vwONI/AAAAAAAAAE0/Dyk_GdvXaEo/s320/hospital+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I had a good time “creeping” on people in the
hallway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ5zxVUGzdo/UTVXQ24KUDI/AAAAAAAAAE8/gNvkyWp_VQg/s1600/hospital+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ5zxVUGzdo/UTVXQ24KUDI/AAAAAAAAAE8/gNvkyWp_VQg/s320/hospital+2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I also had a good time entertaining with this
one. I call it my “nooo don’t take me back there!” others referred to that
photos as the “shhh you can’t see me hiding in the corner.” Regardless we had a
fun time waiting to go back. Well as fun as 5 adults can have crammed in a
small room waiting for your mom/husband/daughter to have a breast amputation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Before Mom’s surgery
she had to go through Nuclear procedure to see if the cancer had spread to her
nodes. I’m not really sure what any of that meant but it would affect what
needs to happen after surgery (i.e. chemo). Well there were several “Hulk”
jokes begin made, and then I kinda hoped her breast would begin to glow a blue
color so we knew it was working. We were all sadly disappointed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I kept my queasy
under control until it was time to put in the IV. I stepped out briefly for
this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We said our tearful
good byes (positive but still tearful) to her, and well her breasts. In that
moment it hit us that it was really happening. There is a certain feeling of
denial until she was getting up to walk into surgery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Surgery took about
two and a half hours. The waiting room had a like “ticker” of updates so you
could track what stage of surgery she was in-and there were symbols and a little
key. It was pretty neat. At one point all four us were working on the crossword
puzzle. That’s dad “thinking” face </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b77HSKW38ns/UTVXdCuinLI/AAAAAAAAAFE/P16KSbkffh4/s1600/hospital+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b77HSKW38ns/UTVXdCuinLI/AAAAAAAAAFE/P16KSbkffh4/s320/hospital+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We didn’t finish
it-or we couldn’t I can’t remember. We got stuck on one of the last clues, but
by that time Mom was ready to roll out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mom is currently on
the 6<sup>th</sup> floor-can’t remember the room number. When I first saw mom
she looked at me (still very drugged) and said “Hey, baby” I know that she was
in the best care, but it was the most comforting part of my day. I’m sure she
won’t remember it, but that’s okay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">She looks great. A
little flatter, but great. We won’t know anything official for about a week.
Mom should be heading home tomorrow. Doesn’t that boggle your mind? I will
leave you all with the face that I greeted Mom with once she was settled in her
room. It may be a little crazy, but the look is pure me </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Airplanes in the Night Sky"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REuJdEtcins/UTVXlOFIbBI/AAAAAAAAAFM/aPi5S8Cod94/s1600/hospital+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REuJdEtcins/UTVXlOFIbBI/AAAAAAAAAFM/aPi5S8Cod94/s320/hospital+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-77446722119545888262013-02-28T18:20:00.000-08:002013-02-28T18:21:18.071-08:00cancer-is that an awkward title<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m not really sure how to
start this point. It’s awkward just putting it out there-like I have said it
aloud several times, but typing it out makes me feel like my clothes don’t fit
right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Just in case you haven’t
heard, my mother (calling her “mother” makes her sound a lot older than she
really is </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">) found out that she has breast cancer again. Was that
awkward for you? Because it was for me</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">…</span><span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">but I’m awkward and ridiculous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I was in seventh grade
mom was diagnosed, had her first chemo on my birthday, and then shaved her head
at my birthday party. I guess at that point it wasn’t my birthday party
anymore. I remember no one would shave her head except for Jenny. Then that’s
about all I remember until I went to a radiation treatment with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Is it weird that I don’t
remember? That year of my life is blocked from my memory. I’m okay with that-I know
I lashed out at people unnecessarily, but hey I was in seventh grade and my mom
had cancer. So here we are 15 years later, I’m older, my sister is older so
hopefully I won’t block this year from my memory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I also made the decision to
be more aware this time, and not shut down-I think I’m too old for that. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So Mom is getting a double mastectomy.
I mean at this point what is the other option? I’m having a hard time wrapping
my brain around the concept that when she looks down there will be no boobs to
see, not having to put on a bra every day, and just the fact that something
that has been puberty will no longer be present. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mom wrote a list of “perks” I
have my own “perks” and questions to add that are way more ridiculous, but they
are thoughts I have had:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Will she experience phantom
boob? Or phantom nipples when it is cold? Seriously though I feel like someone
should do a study. The government will fund anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">No more underboob
sweat-ladies you know what I’m talking about. It’s so gross and awkward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Get different size prosthetics.
Brings accessorizing to a whole new level. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One thing that is truly
amazing about my mom is how positive she is-and I mean yes I know it’s better
than drowning in sorrow. But if my options are laugh or cry I choose laugh. I’m
not a pretty crier. One thing Dad, Mom, Kim, and I do well is laugh. We make sick jokes that make people look at us weird, but we laugh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Miss Smarty Pants"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It still sucks. My mom still
has cancer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Miss Smarty Pants'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">is that awkward.? sorry i don't know where to take this entry now.... </span></span></div>
juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-53770196350477192552013-01-09T15:21:00.000-08:002013-01-09T15:21:18.921-08:00Updates<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An update on my 2013 goals: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~read 50 books: well I am currently reading about 5, and haven't finished any...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Currently I am reading: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Gone Girl"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Dead Until Dark"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Tough Shit"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and two others that I can't remember the titles of lol</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~start shlumping again: progress! Yesterday I restarted couch to 5 day, and managed almost 2 miles in 30 minutes. I guess I wasn't as out of shape as I thought. :) My friend Lizer and I are keeping each other in check with the gym-she even offers to chase me in her car while I shlump..she doesn't understand running for no reason, and truthfully I don't get it either. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~take a photography class: I have signed up for Beginner Digital Photography that starts 1/22. I am very excited about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~start a blog about said photography adventures: there hasn't really been anything to say about it all yet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~look for a master's program, and possibly start applying: no progress here, this may be a summer item. </span><br />
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juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-14570878128541852472012-12-26T17:46:00.000-08:002012-12-26T17:46:51.924-08:00PonderingsInevitably as we inch closer to 2013 everyone starts coming up with resolutions. I don't like the word resolution because I feel like it just dooms me for failure. So I'm going to call them goals-besides there is a certain amount of ego boost when one reaches a goal.<br />
<br />
Goals for 2012 (6 days left)/2013<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>read 50 books. I know that I teach English, but that does not leave me a lot of time to read. I will track my reading on goodreads.com. I think I already have an account...</li>
<li>start "running" again. well what I like to call shlumping. "Races" for 2013: Race for a Cure, Color Run, Drumstick Dash. None of these are actually races...but in my mind they are. </li>
<li>Take a photography class-well probably two, and actually go out and use those skills. I'm most excited about this one. </li>
<li>Start a blog about said photography adventures. </li>
<li>Look for a Master's program. I am very picky about this for some reason. I know there is no logical reason for being picky, but I can't help myself. </li>
<li>Maybe apply for a Master's program. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-4907808044618382122012-11-06T16:20:00.002-08:002012-11-06T16:20:44.634-08:00My Favorite Holiday! <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Thanksgiving and various other holiday/family get-togethers are right around the corner. I love this season. I love giving, and I love hostessing/help hostess things. I love hostessing things year-round. I know several people who constantly feel like this: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in previous years I guess I have felt that way during family events that involved a lot of prep. I know some people ask others to bring things, and for me I have the most fun actually making the food and setting things up. I have learned some "tricks" that I am going to share, because sometimes everyone needs tips. Most of these are stolen from my favorite cooking blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. Be Santa</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meaning, make lists-yes multiple lists for different things. I start with the menu because that was/is what come easiest to me, I also find the most joy in creating this list. I made lists last year for Thanksgiving, and it saved me a lot of stress, and sometimes money. I prefer to hand write my lists because I like hand writing, and I feel like I remember things more when I write them. Here are the lists I made with a brief description if needed: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Menu-I attach the recipes that I need to the menu to keep everything in one place. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grocery List-I go through each recipe and the cabinets to make my list. I find that when I go recipe by recipe those little (or sometimes major :/) things are not missed. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shopping List-these are nonfood related items that need to be purchased for the event. Again I check around my house before purchasing. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calendar week of-Last year I made several things for Thanksgiving before Thursday. It saved me time not only on Thanksgiving but stress. I include things like what to make, or what to start to assemble/chop, when to thaw things, and what to clean. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Play Book for the Day of-plan times out with what time you want to eat. Then backwards plan. Seriously this was the best things I did last year. I posted the time schedule for foods/set up on the fridge so everyone knew :) I also enforce that time table, much to some people's irritation. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Be In Control</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I go ahead and assume that all families are like mine-everyone crowds in the kitchen. Last year I "took control" of Thanksgiving. And if you have cooked that meal every thing finishes at the same time, and it can be hectic. I started to get frazzled-everyone was giving input. This is my family, and I love them. I then promptly kicked them out. I made a rule, no more than three in the kitchen until it's time to eat and then I enforced it. This may be the teacher in me or the control freak in me, but it worked. I am sure I pissed some of my relatives off, but oh well. I know that there are some loved ones who don't listen, and well I just figured out away to get them the hell out of my space. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Something will go wrong...deal with it</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year we forgot to turn the heat down on the turkey so it cooked in two hours less than I had scheduled. Oh well it was cooked, and things can be reheated. Learn for next year, and move on. Nothing was ruined, and everything was still delicious. I also claim that it isn't a family get together until the f bomb is dropped out of frustration. Laugh at the f'up and move on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Enjoy the day</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not everything will go as planned, but as long as family or friends are around everything is fine. Don't spend the whole day in the kitchen. Have a glass (or three) of wine and enjoy making the memories. Let your day be like this: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gobble Gobble </span></div>
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<br />juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-23654935113029373342012-09-09T17:18:00.001-07:002012-09-09T17:18:32.184-07:00Projects <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By now all 8 of my readers are on pinterest. I am like most people in that I pin things thinking "I can totally do that" but then never get to it. Well this year I have actually attempted several but ran into several hiccups along the way that made the project a no go. Most of these were gardening ideas that would have worked if I had a way to constantly water them. My dad and I spent several hours at Lowes trying to make it work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I really enjoy spending time on projects with my dad trying to trouble shoot problems to make something work. Once he said that he could drill through my townhouses brick wall to make a power supply I had to say no. I am a renter after all. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I have decided to make a resolution of sorts when it come to pinning. I am going to try one craft project a month. I cannot commit to one a week-that would involve more money than I am willing to spend. I have no real crafting supplies, and I don't want to buy a lot of things for a one time craft. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have made recipe off of my Pinterest boards before. I am making this one right now-literally right now it is in the oven: <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/10/cheesy-enchilada-casserole.html">http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/10/cheesy-enchilada-casserole.html</a> It smells delish. I am sure it will be. I have made enough things to know when something sounds like it will work out, or will taste like crap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is my craft goal for this month: <a href="http://www.makeitandfakeit.com/2012/04/diy-wrap-bracelet.html">http://www.makeitandfakeit.com/2012/04/diy-wrap-bracelet.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think it looks pretty idiot proof. I will post pics if I remember to post ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PS: this past week I have entered what I am calling the "twilight of my 20's". (I stole it from a friend). One of my goals is to blog more than once every nine months. *Fingers crossed* that it works. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tomZHFGYnfI/UE0xeTbM4OI/AAAAAAAAAEA/A6u8Vs2pmTo/s1600/Loki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tomZHFGYnfI/UE0xeTbM4OI/AAAAAAAAAEA/A6u8Vs2pmTo/s1600/Loki.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I leave my readers with an adorable pic of my baby-seriously look at those puppy eyes </span>juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-55139753783831859862012-01-18T14:51:00.000-08:002012-01-18T15:54:08.600-08:00My Cooking Essentials<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> 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mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Cooking Entry</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">I think there are essentials for anyone’s kitchen-well anyone who likes to cook. If you would rather eat out or have it delivered you will probably find this blog boring. By essentials I mean the tools. I don’t really have any brand recommendations, but I do believe that this is one room where I purchase the best because well I don’t want to replace it any time soon. I have found that this usually translates to buying name brand items and doing research. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These are things that I currently own or one day hope to own.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">So let’s begin…</span></p> <ul><li><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">An awesome knife set. I think if I were to ask my dad what essential kitchen items one needed this would be in his top two. My parents have had the same knife set for 30 years. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">A cast iron skillet. I recently got one for Christmas from my cousin Ryan. And well I’m in love. Seriously what can’t this pan do? This is a relatively inexpensive purchase, and if cared for properly it will last FOREVER! If you have never owned one you need to research how to care for it. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Various measuring utensils. I have two sets of measuring cups, and a four cup liquid measuring cup please measuring spoons. These are all pretty much the same, but I like have variety. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Nonstick pots and pans. These just make life a lot easier. But they are a high care item. Don’t ever use metal inside of them-I did this with my dad’s pan a long time ago, and well let’s just say I still remember him yelling at me… also don’t use brillo any sort of abrasive scrubber on them. I started having kitchen rules meetings with my roommates in college and I felt myself using the same phrases my dad used that evening he caught me using a metal spoon on his pan. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Various size cutting boards. I have a small, medium, and large. All of them are plastic. I haven’t decided if wood is better or not. I am currently happy with my plastic ones. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Cookie sheets/muffin tins/cake pans/etc. I use these all of the time. Not always for sweets.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Parchment paper/silicone mats.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I recently purchased the silicone mats and I will not use parchment paper unless I am making bacon in the oven. They are a little pricey, but well worth it. They can be used at higher temperature baking and they are reusable. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Cooking Utensils. I have so many spoons, spatulas, tongs in metal, plastic, rubber and wood. I learned what to use and when just by trial and error. My parents have been using the same wooden spoon for eons. Seriously eons. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Food Processor. I have a little one-it is green. I prefer the smaller one because it is easier to store, and I don’t ever need to chop up that much stuff at one time. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Standing Mixer. I got one from my mom three years ago for Christmas. She is green, and I named her Georgia. This year I also purchased the ice cream attachment. And yes, it is a KitchenAid, and as far as I am concerned there is no other standing mixer worth buying. </span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol; mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"></span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%"></span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">I think this sums up what I use most often in my kitchen, and things that I want most for my kitchen. I could probably write pages on just the tools for kitchen use, but I am a total kitchen geek. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%"> </span></p>juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-54397631341250749572012-01-17T17:12:00.000-08:002012-01-17T17:36:39.782-08:00RunningI have started running. (cue gasps)<br /><br />Like many people in my life I have started the couch to 5k. My first official 5k run will be Race for a Cure. I have participated in one way or another (some years I had to do sleep for a cure because of school stuff) in this for the past 13 years. This will be year 14.<br /><br />My countdown to the race is 13 weeks and 3 days. Which is great because we (my sister and I) are currently training inside.<br /><br />We go to the gym three times a week to run. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday or Saturday. I am also picking up a water aerobics class that meets Saturday mornings.<br /><br /><br />Today I started week 3 day 1. It kicked my ass.<br />5 minute warm-up<br />Two repetitions of the following: jog for 1.5 minutes walk for 1.5 minutes then jog for 3 minutes and walk for 3 minutes.<br /><br />Weeks 1 and 2 were pretty easy minimal sweating but kept my heart rate up. Today was sweaty, and brutal.<br /><br />I bought an app to help keep track and it will sync to my playlist. It is the active.com couch to 5k app. There are different "trainers" my sister consistently uses Sergeant Block, and I have been using him for the most part. Really I got it because I can use my own music. But there are plenty of podcasts to help keep you moving.<br /><br /><br />My goal to continue to hold myself accountable is to post after each run (within 24 hours), which is just for posterity. I also have a habit of photographing my distance on the treadmill. So here is my summary.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MtJjVOskLw/TxYhxIExk1I/AAAAAAAAAD4/2lxgJ1-pZbw/s1600/run%2Bweek%2B3%2Bday%2B1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 367px; height: 276px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MtJjVOskLw/TxYhxIExk1I/AAAAAAAAAD4/2lxgJ1-pZbw/s400/run%2Bweek%2B3%2Bday%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698779506348757842" border="0" /></a>juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-79295606545032424882012-01-08T17:56:00.000-08:002012-01-08T18:13:11.319-08:00ReadingI have a nook now, and well I love it-for the most part. I do miss folding down corners of pages when I am leaving the book, and breaking the spine. I really abuse my books. I obviously can't do that with my nook. However some pros..<br /><br />1. I can get books from the library on to my nook-granted it did take me two days to figure it out.<br />2. I can carry a lot more books on the nook than if they were real books<br />3. I can download free samples of books I am interested in.<br />4. I can organize them into shelves (I know this is possible with regular books, but with the nook the categories are endless!)<br /><br />So here are the books I have read on my nook, that I would def recommend for others-It is only three books, but I am reading many right now.<br /><br />1. "Cross Bones" Kathy Reichs.<br />The TV series "Bones" is based on these novels. I can tell you that the novels and the show are complete opposites. As far as I can tell the similarities consist of the main character's name, and her job-everything else is different.<br /><br />2. "It Sucked and then I Cried. How I Had a Baby, a Breakdown, and a Much Needed Margarita" by Heather B. Armstrong<br />I am finally starting to venture into nonfiction. For the most part sticking to humor related items. This one is about a woman who had a baby and ended up checking into the mental ward (is there a better term? if so sorry for my lack of knowledge of what it would be) for postpartum depression. It was hilarious! I have no babies, so of course I know nothing of postpartum depression, but I could not stop reading it.<br /><br />3. "Why Is My Mother Getting a Tattoo?: And Other Questions I Wish I Never Had to Answer" by Jancee Dunn<br />This is another hilarious nonfiction selection. It is all about her family, and how involved they are in each others' lives.juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-38399367557512713462011-10-31T16:05:00.000-07:002011-10-31T16:19:00.253-07:00It's been a long time...Since I got my lazy ass to the gym, but I got there today! I have several friends start the Couch to 5k running program. And today I finally started.<br /><br />Week 1 Day 1: 1.41 miles 30 minutes<br /><br />I am feeling pretty good. I downloaded a very helpful podcast that keeps track of the times for me. It is a British woman named Laura who tells the listener when to do what. I think what I enjoyed the most is that the whole thing took less than an hour! Perfect commitment for me right now. The music isn't too bad.<br /><br />My goal is to be able to run the 5k Race for a Cure in April for my first official 5k.juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-65891272007262497522011-07-04T19:44:00.000-07:002011-07-04T19:48:52.175-07:00The Fourth!Happy 4th of July Everyone! I had a very low-key Fourth with my family. We watched movies I love "The Birdcage" and "Independence Day." And as always had great eats: flank steak, mashed potatoes, muenster mac and cheese, and bread. Yea we aren't afraid of the carbs at our house, but surprisingly no one ate the bread. I also made low-cal chocolate chip cookies. No fireworks this year. Actually I don't normally go to fireworks. I have been fighting a head cold/sinus infection thingy (very medical terms) for a few days so I wasn't up to sitting in the heat and crowds.<br /><br /><br />I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-62221721400706906612011-06-16T18:29:00.001-07:002011-06-16T19:15:16.261-07:00Summer ReadingSo I was reading a friend's blog, and she posted her summer reading list. I have decide to copy this idea, only I don't have my entire list planned. I am not a planner, and I tend make lists that I am not fully committed to. Instead I have at least three books selected that I hope to read and not abandon (insert commitment issue here :)). <br /><br />The first book up is: "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Redbreast-Novel-Jo-Nesbo/dp/0061134007/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308275061&sr=8-1">The Redbreast</a>" I haven't started it yet, but I just got it from the library yesterday. It is part of a series, but my local library only has this novel, and the next on my list.<br /><br />"<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snowman-Jo-Nesb%C3%B8/dp/0307595862/ref=pd_sim_b_4">The Snowman</a>" if you didn't know I really enjoy thriller/serial killer books. I don't know what it is about them because they totally freak me out, but I can't stay away from them. I am hoping they are both winners.<br /><br />The final book on my list is "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Step-Crack-James-Patterson/dp/0446199273/ref=pd_sim_b_2">Step on a Crack</a>". I loved reading James Patterson a few years ago, but after awhile I stopped. I really liked the Women's Murder Club series, but they got boring. I was also reading the Alex Cross series, but again I felt they got boring. Hopefully I will like this series.juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-51704168221585831412011-06-04T16:21:00.000-07:002011-06-04T16:32:46.205-07:00Wine Wine and more WineSo last night I got a text from my good friend Megan asking me if I wanted to go to a wine festival. Little did I know that she was talking about the 2011 Vintage Indiana Wine Festival, and also little did we know that it had been going on for 12 years! I then passed along the invite to my mom who responded with, "Is the pope Catholic?"<br /><br />So I slathered on some sunscreen and off we went. Yes it was 90+ degrees, and we were melting. There was a breeze every now again, but there was plenty of what we went for-wine!<br /><br />Lots and lots of ones to taste. There were 20 wineries from around the state each with at least 7 to try. My personal favorites included a raspberry wine, a mango wine, and one called "Blue My Mind." I am hoping that I can find some of these here in the city.<br /><br /><br />Yay Wine!juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-39647485838731120092011-06-03T17:15:00.000-07:002011-06-03T17:36:06.759-07:00Summer?8 more days before my summer starts. I feel like we are the only school in the city still in session. It is exhausting, especially with the heat and not having A/C at work, and the kids just being ready to be done. I couldn't agree more.<br /><br />I have been slacking in just about everything. I haven't been working out like at all, but I just signed up for a class so that will motivate me. I also haven't been reading. I don't remember the last name of the book I read. I will start and then just leave the book in the middle of it. I know... I am restarting "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." I start and stopped it about 5 times last summer. Then I found some books that I am on the wait list for at the library, "The Redbreast" and "The Snowman." Both are serial killer books by Jo Nesbo. I have never heard of this author, and a friend of mine did some digging and he has published a series. Of course the Indianapolis Public Library only has the two I have requested. I am number 8 on the list for "The Redbreast" and 65 for "the Snowman." That gives me a lot of time to start and stop the Stieg Larsson book. <br /><br />Where I have been lacking in working out and reading I have been making up in the kitchen. I have tried a couple new recipes for different salsas, and made some classic standbys. I made various quesadillas, which I really have not had since college, and many salads. I LOVE adding fruits to my salad. I have lots of recipes earmarked for my down time-most of them being of the dessert variety. <br /><br />I never now how to end a blog. Do I need some sort of sign off???juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-65875049312403662532011-03-21T13:53:00.001-07:002011-03-21T14:09:36.587-07:00I really hate coming up with titles<span style="font-family:georgia;">According to my blogger I have not blogged since November. Let's just blame my ADHD. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I still have Loki, he is still a moose and is still looking for his next sock or other clothing item. He is over the moon when anyone rubs his ears, and he will even purr. He spends a lot of time sitting or laying in the sunlight, until he is panting. </span><br /><br />I am still teaching, seriously nothing has changed in the past 4 or so months. Now we are all just counting down the days until Spring Break (9 school days). This year I decided to get healthier. Not a resolution-just a decision. I in fact hate new year's resolutions. I have yet to make it to the gym, which I have joined, but that will hopefully be changing soon. I am down 15 lbs. I am having committment issues (not surprising). Mostly it is very inconvient to track my food. I thought I could do it from my phone, but the 'berry is being less than friendly in this. I am due for an upgrade in less than month, bye-bye 'berry.juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-83332946228262519322010-11-20T09:36:00.000-08:002010-11-20T09:37:32.027-08:00hahaHi Kim, <br />Here is my newest blog<br /><br />Sincerely, <br />Julesjuleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-29238281265798114692010-09-18T16:51:00.000-07:002010-09-18T17:13:52.171-07:00My Four Legged AmigoWell last night was a close call with Lo-Lo and the sock. Well I wouldn't call it a sock, it was one of those bottie nylon things that I wear with flats or heels. Well he dropped it for a treat, but then picked it up with the treat and swallowed them both.<br /><br />Fantastic...<br /><br />Thank goodness there are numbers to call. Apparently giving a dog a little bit of hydrogen peroxide will induce vomiting. He of course wouldn't drink it, and found it all very suspect. Then Dad suggested soaking something he loves (ie, anything) and then feeding him the food. Hello bread! He ate like half of the bread, and then it started. He vomited like 7-10 times. I completely lost count. The sock (and all of his dinner) came up in try number one. Yes I rinsed the sock and threw it in the washer. But then he kept going, and going. He looked absolutely miserable. We were outside so while he was puking I was rinsing down the front walk and driveway. By 830p it was all over and he was wiped out. <br /><br /><br />Well I learned that hydrogen peroxide will make my dog puke, and that one should be ready because by the end there will be nothing left. <br /><br /><br />In other news, he (we) have been attending dog classes. He is now topping the scales at 71 pounds (probably just under after yesterday's puking). We have had three classes so far. He already knew sit, and would occasionally lay down. He is working on wait, drop it, and down. In class he does well when the other dogs aren't being distracting. There are two that just bark constantly, and then the dog he plays with all of the time, SweetPea. One thing I knew wouldn't be a problem was the whole "will work for food" part of class. He will do anything for a snack.juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-89565480769978104042010-07-24T18:55:00.000-07:002010-07-24T19:36:29.239-07:00Back to BooksBefore I start this blog, my dog has gone crazy. He is currently under the bed making a multitude of odd noises-from a low growl, to this like higher pitched my tummy hurts growl. It is a little ridiculous, and ridiculously cute. <br /><br /><br />okay focus, reading...<br /><br />I just finished reading Kathy Griffin's book, "For Your Consideration." I loved it! I thought it was going to be laugh out loud hysterical, but it wasn't. It does have several funny moments, but plenty of serious ones that show just how hard she has worked for her craft. I have seen her live here in Indianapolis, and it was a really really good show. If you don't like vulgar language/stories or stories about celebrities then do not go see her. Her book is not as vulgar as her standup. Then I also read most of "Sh*t My Dad Says." FANTASTICALLY FUNNY BOOK!!! <br /><br />Clearly by the title you can probably infer that this is not a book for everyone. I found the quotes to be really really funny. Laugh out loud funny, and share to your family and friends funny. If your family and friends do not find quotes from a 74 year old man with no filter (seriously no filter) funny then they will just be offended by the book. I would suggest you get new friends and family, because this shit is funny. It is a mix of just quotes, and then short little stories. They are things that I would imagine you would THINK about saying to your kid, but then would probably never say them. If you want a preview of the quotes here is the twitter page http://twitter.com/shitmydadsays<br /><br /><br />I have yet to start "Love is a Mix Tape" by Rob Sheffield, but it is sitting here. I am not quite ready for a sad book. However because I can't keep myself from looking at amazon.com I have found some books to add to the list of soon to buys:<br /><br />1. "Anthropology of an American Girl" this one is like 600 pages so it is clearly an investment of my time. <br />2. "The Surgeon" by Tess Gerritsen, cop book that is the basis for the new TNT show "Rizzoili and Isles" I love a good murder/cop book, just like I love those shows. <br /><br /><br />okay well I guess that is my entire list. For some reason I thought it was going to be a longer list...juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-78728798492614974942010-07-21T13:38:00.000-07:002010-07-21T13:52:47.022-07:00ChangesWell it is almost August, which for me always seems to signal a new year. My life has seemed to revolve around the school year, and now I just consider it my personal start to a new year. I was blessed to find a job in Indianapolis working at a charter school. I had faith that I would find a job because well I just wouldn't let myself believe anything else. So now in true Juli form everything is somewhat rushed. I start a week from Monday. Akkk! But the perk to moving back to Indy is that I can live with Mom and Dad while moving out of my old place, and then being able to find an apartment that I want to live in. This time Kim is moving in, and I know some of you (okay well the 4 that read this) may doubt us sisters living together I have a solution. 2 bedroom 2 bath. I am hoping to be moved by October. <br /><br />I am excited to be moving back to a place that has more things to do. Like getting Loki signed up for dog training (I mean owner training) classes. Plus being able to go to dog parks. <br /><br />Last week I was camping at White Water Memorial State Park. It was a lot of fun. We got rained on a lot (the tent flooded a few times), played a lot of games, and went horseback riding. It was hot and humid, and really really buggy. I got stung by a baby bumble bee. It was in my hair, and when I went to tighten my ponytail I was attacked! Full stinger in my finger. Luckily it was easily removed, and cured with baking soda paste. We played a lot of cornhole, which I am terrible at, and ate way to much food. One day we had Thanksgiving dinner, and it was delicious! <br /><br />Alright well I need so see what kind of trouble Loki is getting himself into...juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984135965479338006.post-70165076444992257142010-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:002010-07-07T09:21:38.844-07:00Reading Dry SpellI've been having a reading dry spell. It has been going on for about a month if not longer. I want to read, but I cannot find anything I want to read. I haven't read the fifth Percy Jackson book, but I don't want to read it.<div><br /></div><div>I bought "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" but again I don't want to read it. I got 14 pages in, and haven't moved any further. This really annoys me. Like really really really irritates me. So in response I went book shopping. </div><div><br /></div><div>I found two books. Thank you Amazon for making suggestions! The first book is called, "Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time" by Rob Sheffield. I thought it was fiction, but it is apparently nonfiction. I am excited to read it. Then I also ordered "Sh*t My Day Says" by Justin Halpern. Also nonfiction, but the little bit I read was hilarious. I am hoping that they arrive before I go camping next week...</div>juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16874655556110675062noreply@blogger.com0