tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65950006649805687532024-03-13T19:05:33.645-04:00as told by JulezAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-47110047774829817832016-02-01T09:53:00.001-05:002016-02-01T09:53:57.380-05:00The Victory Mentality<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nike's slogan is right on. I never really thought of myself as subscribing to the Nike mentality, but when I considered that fact, I thought fondly of Michael Jordan and my childhood, so I guess I was wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(And then I recalled this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liKnJ-ejztw" target="_blank">awesome related commercial from the 90's</a> which was sadly ahead of it's time.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a long weekend of organizing and packing, I am exhausted and was starting to talk myself out of working out and my usual morning routine. But then my mind told my body, 'We're doing this now," and we so did. (When you actually consider it, isn't it funny how smart the brain is? That it can just tell other things to do things, whether you think them or not?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just doing it is the quickest, easiest way to do anything that you don't particularly want to do at that particular moment. Also weird when you think about it, because at the same time, starting is the hardest part. I personally hate the look of a new, untouched InDesign document.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that's my Monday morning advice. :) Read interesting things about the goddess Nike <a href="http://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Nike.html" target="_blank">here</a>, check out the history of the Air Jordans <a href="http://www.footlocker.com/_-_/keyword-history+of+air+jordan?cm_REFX=Jordan+Shoes+Baseball+Cleats%2C+Turf+%26+Indoor+Metal+Cleats" target="_blank">here</a>, or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBGXZZhhVaU" target="_blank">do your dance</a> at the Space Jam.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P.S. I've now heard the news that <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14686284/calvin-johnson-told-detroit-lions-plans-retire" target="_blank">Calvin is retiring</a> this year, sad face. I'll probably talk about this more later, he was one of the best things to happen to the Lions during my fandom so far!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-1156124377127366582014-12-02T16:19:00.000-05:002014-12-02T16:21:14.649-05:00Munising Mustangs at Ford Field!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We are not those people who get up early the day after Thanksgiving to wait in line to buy more stuff nobody needs. This year, though, we did get up early on Friday to make our first trip to Ford Field!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were there to watch the Munising Mustangs in the high school football playoffs. Kyle's parents grew up in Munising, and a lot of his family still lives there, so they headed downstate and we all met up at the Field to watch the game. For those of you who don't know, <a href="http://www.munising.org/" target="_blank">Munising</a> is a small town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's on the north side of the Upper Peninsula, along Lake Superior. We spend every 4th of July there, and it's definitely another reason why we love Pure Michigan!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had a fun time exploring the Field while waiting for the game to start. It really is a great facility, and I would definitely return for a Lions game! (If you've been playing along a home, you know I'm a huge Detroit Lions football fan.)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kyle is about 6"3 - does that give you an idea of how big this tree is?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although Munising lost, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">it was a really fun experience and a good game! And bonus, we got to see Kyle's cousin Lily perform with her marching band, playing Kyle's instrument from high school!</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rADJraI2Xk/VH4qkpjCP3I/AAAAAAAAL50/F_xb09s4af4/s1600/IMAG0469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rADJraI2Xk/VH4qkpjCP3I/AAAAAAAAL50/F_xb09s4af4/s1600/IMAG0469.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Lily's the one playing the mellophone. Do you know what a mellophone is? :)</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-6782359691003576842014-08-29T22:33:00.000-04:002014-08-29T22:33:08.413-04:00Chicken Sandwiches<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apparently I only blog when Kyle plays Halo. He pointed it out as he turned on the Xbox tonight and...he's kinda right!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't believe that summer's almost gone again. I love August, except for that. And this August 15 I turned 28. Year 27 year was many things, and going in I had high expectations. There was lots of good, but there was also loss and change and growth. The weekend was beautiful though, and we were visited by friends and family!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lovely day on Lake Michigan! Sneak attack photography by Kyle :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Birthday time is even more special these days because of my birthday buddies! I have a little cousin, Jordan, who was born on the 15th also and turned 5 this year; but my sweet little niece, V, turned 2 on August 21! She visited for my birthday, and then we got to go celebrate with her the next weekend - video coming soon!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTxdUVwkZzk/VAEzXC5gWrI/AAAAAAAAKTA/odroEukqEAE/s1600/Veronica%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTxdUVwkZzk/VAEzXC5gWrI/AAAAAAAAKTA/odroEukqEAE/s1600/Veronica%2Bedited.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Opening up some books, her favorite things!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's another photo, because it's funny:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjuuotE3Wf0/VAEz0gz8RZI/AAAAAAAAKTI/MbCY109XQcY/s1600/IMAG0130%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjuuotE3Wf0/VAEz0gz8RZI/AAAAAAAAKTI/MbCY109XQcY/s1600/IMAG0130%2Bedited.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The coolest birthday gifts come in a bag with this weird guy on it. Thanks, baby!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">P.S. You may be wondering why this blog is called 'Chicken Sandwiches'. <a href="http://quipvid.com/watch/ers14TLt" target="_blank">I refer you here</a>. I mean, if you didn't already know. But you should. And Kyle just teased me again about blogging while he plays Halo.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-66348362938398611272014-06-08T09:54:00.000-04:002014-06-08T09:54:12.053-04:00Festival of the Arts 2014<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Friday after work, Kyle and I met up at home and then headed downtown to one of our favorite Grand Rapids summer events, the <a href="http://www.festivalgr.org/" target="_blank">Festival of the Arts</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Festival of the Arts is an awesome street fair with local music, art, and food. Admission, performances, and activities are all free. There are several stages with constant performances throughout the day, as well as art displayed at various downtown locations. And the food - there are food booths set up throughout with lots of delicious choices, and proceeds benefit local organizations. What could be better for a summer weekend?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today is the last day of Festival this year, and you can't miss it! Festival is open from 10 AM-7 PM, so check out this <a href="http://www.festivalgr.org/uploads/pdf/2014_Program_Map.pdf" target="_blank">handy-dandy map</a> and get ready for an epic Grand Rapids Sunday. Live in the city and can't make it out? You can tune into performances on GRTV's Livewire Channel 24 on Comcast Cable. (GRTV is a service of the <a href="http://www.grcmc.org/" target="_blank">Community Media Center</a> - so much love in this post!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When we arrived Friday evening, we walked around and sampled some yummy food for dinner while enjoying a couple performances. That night, we volunteered with the GRTV video crew - see Kyle in the pic below? We had such a fun time and after visiting Festival most years since we've lived here, it was so cool to get more involved.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mom asked for a Festival selfie, here's what we sent her. :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seriously, don't miss Festival. Events like this that bring our community together in celebration of our cultures and include activities for all people are exactly why I love Grand Rapids. So head down and enjoy!</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More info can be found of the <a href="http://www.festivalgr.org/" target="_blank">Festival of the Arts website</a>. Consider volunteering next year - there's a job for everyone! :)</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-42894609335716088812014-03-24T17:38:00.000-04:002014-03-24T21:55:56.149-04:00Wine Tasting in the Leelanau Peninsula<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Last weekend we went wine-tasting in the Leelanau peninsula with our roomie Beth to celebrate her upcoming birthday. Kyle had never been before, and I only had been to the famous <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grunst-Brothers/257858214273051" target="_blank">Grunst Brothers</a> fall event in Big Rapids (seriously, Big Rapids peeps, if you haven’t gone, check it out) so it seemed like a great opportunity to escape the city for a night and head up to Traverse City!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We started out at </span><a href="http://www.chateaudeleelanau.com/" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">Chateau de Leelanau</a><span style="font-size: small;"> so we could pick up a handy-dandy </span><a href="http://www.lpwines.com/wine-trail-map/" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">map</a><span style="font-size: small;"> of the peninsula. It was a good place to start! $5 for 5 tastes, and they give you a laminated menu and marker so you can mark what you want to try.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Next we drove north to <a href="http://www.leelanaucellars.com/home.html" target="_blank">Leelanau Wine Cellars</a> so that we could work our way back down the peninsula. If you live in Michigan, you've likely had their wines. It's even available at Meijer. What you might not know is that they offer "Tasting Room Only" flavors that aren't available anywhere else. They also have complimentary tasting. This was my favorite winery of the day, for so many reasons. The man who served us was another reason - he had recommendations based on what we liked, and as Kyle pointed out, was really excited about watching you taste the wine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We backtracked a bit to go to Beth's favorite, <a href="http://www.blackstarfarms.com/winery/" target="_blank">Black Star Farms</a>. It was crowded, but I liked most of what I tried and they had several different pre-picked flights for you to choose from based on your taste. Best of all here: you get to keep your cute little tasting glass, which is etched with their logo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Pro-tip:</i> most of the wineries are only open until 5 or 6 PM, so you have to start earlier than we did to make it to more places. We only made it to four...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...which brings me to our last stop, <a href="http://www.tandemciders.com/" target="_blank">Tandem Ciders</a>. No, this isn't a winery, but is all about the ciders! I really loved everything that we tried here, and they even made a great suggestion and let us mix our two favorites in our to-go growler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a side note, we had dinner at <a href="http://www.mackinawbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Mackinaw Brewing Company</a> (this threw us the first time too - it's actually located in downtown Traverse City). If you love craft beers and love a nice burger, this place is for you. Our recommendation is the dill havarti cheese sticks as an appetizer - we had these for the first time last year and still talk about them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All in all, it was a great weekend to celebrate our best friend's birthday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Julez</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-19474958874657597302013-03-16T12:02:00.000-04:002013-05-02T12:58:41.702-04:00LaughFest's Bud Light Comedy Jam<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">On Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Bud Light Comedy Jam at the Orbit Room. It's part of <a href="http://www.gildasclubgr.org/laughfest.html" target="_blank">LaughFest, a ten day comedy fest in Grand Rapids</a> that benefits Gilda's Club. <a href="http://www.gildasclubgr.org/aboutus.html" target="_blank">Check out their website </a>- they are an awesome organization who provide cancer and grief support for kids and adults. LaughFest is Gilda's way of spreading the message of the importance of laughter for overall emotional health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gisha, sans-serif;">I attended the Bud Light Comedy Jam with my friend Amy Jo, who won tickets from <a href="http://wgrd.com/" target="_blank">WGRD</a>. (Thanks guys!!) There were 4 comedians and we had a lot of fun hanging out, laughing, and of course enjoying a Bud Light! (Big thanks to my awesome hub for driving us.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gisha, sans-serif;">Of course we couldn't leave without getting some LaughFest swag. I recommend the High Five! These $5 buttons are being <a href="http://www.wegefoundation.com/" target="_blank">matched by the Wege Foundation</a> - you pay $5 for the button, Gilda's Club gets $10! All proceeds from the sale of merchandise goes straight to Gilda's, so either way it's a winning situation, but why not double your donation with the High Five?! And you can pay for merch using cash or your credit card through the provided Square app. (<a href="http://waycreative.blogspot.com/2012/12/square-new-way-to-pay.html" target="_blank">Check out this post for more info on the Square app - I'm a fan.</a>) So easy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gisha, sans-serif;">The event runs through Sunday, so you can still make an event! <a href="http://www.laughfestgr.org/events/" target="_blank">Many are free - check out the list here</a>. One of my favorite events is the Amateur Stand-up Competition that our friend Keith performs in. We saw him last year and it was so cool to see him on stage at the B.O.B.! He'll be performing again this year at the B.O.B. March 17th at 6 PM and it promises to be a hilarious time!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-42016210768190661362013-02-04T11:08:00.000-05:002013-02-04T11:10:41.016-05:00Ray Lewis' Ascension into Heaven<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Every <a href="http://toldbyjulez.blogspot.com/2013/01/fingernail-sunday.html" target="_blank"><b>Super Bowl Sunday</b></a> since we’ve moved to Grand Rapids, we’ve met up with our friend Ashley
to watch the game, have some laughs, and <b><a href="http://www.franksredhot.com/recipes/franks-redhot-buffalo-chicken-dip-RE1242" target="_blank">eat Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip</a></b>. Super
Bowl 2013 was no different!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">The game
opened with the Newtown kids singing “America the Beautiful” with Jennifer
Hudson. I have to admit I had a little something in my eye – those kids are so
strong and inspiring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">I was rooting
for the Baltimore Ravens & a triumphant end of career for Ray Lewis, so the
first half was pretty uneventful. The Ravens were making touchdown after
touchdown, including a ridiculous 109 yard rush in 11 seconds, and the score
was 21-6 at halftime. Nothing to worry about here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">My favorite commercial
in the first half was definitely the old people <b><a href="http://youtu.be/4g7NlR8Xi4Q" target="_blank">4<sup>th</sup> mealing it at T-Bell</a></b>. I think we’ve all been there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">We made a
quick run to the store but made it back before missing Beyonce’s halftime show.
I don’t have much to say about that – I don’t think they ever choose a really
good performer for halftime. The <b><a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/pop-life/super-bowl-xlvii-the-night-belonged-to-beyonce-20130204" target="_blank">multiple dancing Beyonces</a> </b>were a little bit
too much for me, but my 12-year-old self dug that it turned into a Destiny’s
Child reunion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">The <b><a href="https://twitter.com/wayjulez/status/298243440272089088" target="_blank">second half opened</a></b> and the Ravens
scored immediately. All of the sudden we lost the announcers…and then the
lights went out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23blackout&src=typd" target="_blank"><b>Twitter blew up INSTANTLY</b></a>. I have to say, Super Bowl 47 was one of my favorite sporting
events to tweet during. We spent the half hour or so waiting for the game to
start back up laughing at everything from “The guy from Airplane shut off the
lights!” to “Any minute now, the heavens will open up and Ray Lewis will ascend
into heaven.” <b><a href="https://twitter.com/wayjulez" target="_blank">To see our favorite tweets</a></b>, <b><a href="https://twitter.com/smashleynickel" target="_blank">check out our Twitter feeds</a></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Finally, the
game gets going again, and now it’s the 49ers turn to score multiple times in a
row. I almost lost faith – the blackout seemed to really cause the Ravens to
lose focus. But they held the 49ers off, and kept the lead to win the game
34-31. What an amazing way to end a career; but I can’t imagine what the score
would have been if the power never went out!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">I had two
favorite commercials from the second half: <b><a href="http://youtu.be/3yFyy-n27cQ" target="_blank">Gangnam Style Pistachios</a></b> and the Tide Montanaland spots. Here’s the Tide spot, if
you missed it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">The
commercials were really different this year, pulling at the heart strings more
than tickling the funny bone. I guess there is a place for that right now, with
all the hurt our country has faced recently, but I enjoy laughing more. A lot
of people seemed to really like the <a href="http://youtu.be/AMpZ0TGjbWE" target="_blank"><b>Farmer commercial</b></a>, and while I enjoyed the
nostalgia, I didn't find it very realistic. </span><span style="font-family: Gisha, sans-serif;">All in all,
it was a great game, and I will surely miss the football season. At least
baseball will be here before we know it!</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">What did you think of last night’s
Super Bowl? What was your favorite commercial?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-17601419998718703872013-01-27T23:23:00.001-05:002013-01-27T23:31:30.045-05:00Fingernail Sunday<br />
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<span style="font-family: Gisha, sans-serif;">For as long
as I can remember, Sunday has been Fingernail Sunday. Every Sunday, my mom
would change up her nail polish, and inevitably, mine too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">As I got
older, I started doing my own, but when I was younger, I experimented with my mom.
<b>I remember walking into my 3<sup>rd</sup> grade classroom on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shades_of_green" target="_blank">Saint Patrick’s Day with jade-colored</a> fingernails</b>. I loved it. I thought I was so cool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">One of the
more recent times I participated in Fingernail Sunday was<b> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl_XLV" target="_blank">before the Packers vs. Steelers Super Bowl in 2011</a></b>. Here’s a
throwback pic of what my mom came up with:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Guess who I was rooting for?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">I recently
became interested in the <a href="http://www.taaz.com/trends/nails/how_to/how-to-sport-an-accent-nail-manicure/AXzM5_FMOr_i2tX78gVljrGFg5sG-mqp.html" target="_blank">“accent nail”</a> <b><a href="http://www.getpeachy.com/743/multi-colored-nail-trend-try-or-bye.htm" target="_blank">trend</a></b>, so after my mom gave me a new <b><a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3570051#sku2230830" target="_blank">Ulta polish for Christmas</a></b> (Ulta Salon
Formula Nail Lacquer in Diva), I decided it was time to try the trend out last
Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sephora & Ulta; my favorites</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">When I
started out, I had planned to do all black nails <b><a href="http://www.sephora.com/nail-colour-P217311?skuId=1391150" target="_blank">(having recently purchased Sephora by OPI in What’s a Tire Jack?)</a></b> with a sparkly accent nail. Although I usually prefer black (when I <b><a href="http://toldbyjulez.blogspot.com/search/label/birthday" target="_blank">got a mani/pedi on my birthday last year</a></b>, the tech questioned me for choosing black
several times), I’m glad I went with the opposite – and I still thought I looked cool. ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The finished product</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Both polishes
actually held up really well for the entire week, even though I didn’t use any
kind of base or top coat. The Ulta polish was not as pink as I expected, but
looked good nonetheless. The Sephora polish was the perfect opaque black after
two thin coats. In short, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><b>I’d recommend
both, </b>and they looked good together, too. One note: the Ulta polish was </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><b>a complete pain in the ass</b> to get off
(just like any glitter polish). I had <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/99149629267692603/" target="_blank">this pinned, but we are out of cotton balls,</a> so that’s a tip for next time. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Do you like the ring finger polish
trend, or do you think it’s lame?</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-44030909650587191292013-01-02T21:09:00.000-05:002013-01-03T21:28:31.463-05:00Lucky #2013<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Happy New Year!</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Fun fact: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Did you know that 2013 is the first
year since 1987 to be composed of four different numbers?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Even though I realize that a
New Year does not necessarily mean I am a new or different person than I was
last year (aka two days ago), I can still hold onto the hope that starting fresh
and re-prioritizing can bring.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">I'm not too keen
on the whole "resolutions" thing, and <a href="http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/headline_health/New_Years_Resolutions/2012/12/31/492117.html" target="_blank">studies show that if you do make a resolution, especially about
weight loss, you are more likely to fail than succeed.</a> However, I've been
taking some time over the past couple days to reflect on my life and think
about what's important. So here's my list of goals for 2013 - resolutions, if
you must. :)</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">1. Be happy.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">This is super objective and
something that we all need to constantly work at. Sometimes happiness can be hard to find, and over time, </span><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">the things that make us happy
change</span>. But you have to take the
search into your own hands. I challenge you to think about what makes you
happy, and do it. Stop making excuses - I will be working to do the same.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">2. Be Way CREATiVE!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">In 2012 Kyle & I finally
named our freelance video/media production partnership. In 2013, we hope to
start up as a business. I hope to expand not only our client base but also the
types of projects we take on, as we have experiences with multiple media
platforms in many different environments. This is another objective goal
because it's really part of the next 5-years-or-so-plan as it is a part of my
ultimate career goal.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP3KkQgoO1w/UOTnngyskyI/AAAAAAAACXM/e9VkLVzUBMg/s1600/Way_Creative_block.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP3KkQgoO1w/UOTnngyskyI/AAAAAAAACXM/e9VkLVzUBMg/s1600/Way_Creative_block.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Way CREATiVE Logo" border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP3KkQgoO1w/UOTnngyskyI/AAAAAAAACXM/e9VkLVzUBMg/s320/Way_Creative_block.png" title="Way CREATiVE" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">You can keep up with our
current projects by <a href="http://waycreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">checking
out our blog</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/teamwaycreative" target="_blank">following us on Twitter</a>!</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">3. Be active.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">I enjoy working out and now
that I am working less hours during the day, can take more time to do so. I
downloaded a <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skimble.workouts" target="_blank">cool (free!) app called Workout Trainer</a> at Google's
suggestion. I tried it out last Saturday (who says you have to wait until the
previous year is over to get to work?) and really enjoyed it! You create a
profile by telling it your age, weight, fitness goals, workout preferences, and
even the amount of time you have to work out from 5 minutes to an hour. It has
several ways to set reminders so you can't forget to work out! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">There are many free workouts
of all intensity levels and you are able to preview the exercises before you
start. During the workout, a voice instructs you on how to do the exercise
while an animation of a real person shows you the movement. It also counts down
each exercise as well as the total workout time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">I highly recommend this app
for anyone who's looking to be more active. It can really be tailored to
anyone's needs and preferences and takes the thinking out of working out. I plan to use the app along with other forms of exercise that I love
(walking, running, kickboxing, Pilates/Yoga, etc.).</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">4. Make better choices
about what goes into or onto my body.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Of course, this mainly
relates to food and drink. For the most part, we make pretty healthy choices at
our house. With a few exceptions. I am a Coke fiend. We both love chocolate.
And we're guilty of eating late at night and drinking too much beer sometimes.
Instead of focusing on not having these things, I'm going to work to replace
them with a better option. Tea instead of Coke. Some of this will just take
time and planning. Some of it will take taste-bud-adjusting and strong
willpower.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fooducate.nutritionapp" target="_blank">I downloaded another app </a>to help me make these better
choices. It's called Fooducate and it was <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/collection/promotion_newyears_resolutions" target="_blank">another New Year suggestion from Google.</a> It's a bar code
scanner that gives you the nutritional values of thousands of foods. I haven't
tried it out yet and will report back with a review.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">5. Read More.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">This one is self-explanatory. I love to read to learn and to free my mind, and I haven't been doing enough of that over the past few years.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"> </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">6. Stress Less.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Easier said than done, right? This is a big one for me and another thing I have been working on and will continue to work on. Stress has given me both physical and mental beatings in the past . While stress can take many paths into your life, the good news is that it can also take many paths out of your life. Part of my stress less plan is to keep up on my other commitments to myself, but there are other things you can do. Laugh with friends, get enough sleep, cuddle a pet!</span><b><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"> </span></b><br />
<br />
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Of course, there are many other things we're looking forward to in 2013, but I think these 6 things are really key for my success. I'm sure that I'll check in now and again with my progress. And if you see me straying from one, hey -- <a href="https://twitter.com/wayjulez" target="_blank">call me out!!</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><i>What about you - do you make New Years resolutions? What do you hope to accomplish in 2013?</i> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-6739102761933457432012-12-27T13:24:00.001-05:002013-01-01T22:54:07.332-05:00Caring is Creepy: Book review<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><b>Caring is Creepy</b></span></i><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><b> – David Zimmerman (c. April 2012)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Rating: 3.5
out of 5 stars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><b>WARNING –
Spoiler Alert. Come on. You’re reading a review. What did you expect?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gisha, sans-serif;">I love a good
book – good stories, yes; but also books that teach and make you wonder. I hadn't read much recently before starting my new job a few weeks ago. Conveniently, my
new office is located on the top floor of the <a href="http://www.grpl.org/" target="_blank">largest, most lovely library right in the heart of our city</a>. With all of those books downstairs calling my name, my
hiatus from reading has ended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Caring is Creepy</span></i><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"> is the story of two 15-year-old best
friends, Lynne & Dani. When Dani receives a computer for her birthday, the
two girls begin using the Internet as a way to play pranks on people. One day,
Lynne makes the huge mistake of using her real identity, and the story
progresses from there. She gets caught up with an older man who has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desertion" target="_blank">gone AWOL from the Army</a>, and the plot twists to intertwine with the story of Lynne’s
mother and her drug-dealing boyfriend in the deadly climax of the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">I was
interested in a book that used the Internet in a mostly-modern way (although I
don’t necessarily buy that these girls are JUST starting to use a computer)
because the Internet itself can be a predator. However, Lynne’s real problems
come from a lack of parenting. Lynne is forced to be an adult, and when she
gets way in over her head, she just keeps going. She rationalizes the situation
to survive it, just as her mother and boyfriend do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">All in all, I
give <i>Caring is Creepy</i> <b>3.5 out of 5 stars. </b>It was interesting
and really captured me at the beginning, but it dragged on after that and I had
trouble suspending my disbelief. There were too many unanswered questions at the
end. This technique has its place, but I hate leaving a huge <b>WHY?! </b>up in the
air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gisha, sans-serif;">Fun fact: The
book is named after <a href="http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/61595/" target="_blank">The Shin’s 2012 song </a></span><i style="font-family: Gisha, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/61595/" target="_blank">Caring is Creepy</a>.</i><span style="font-family: Gisha, sans-serif;"> I hadn't heard it before – and still can’t say I’m a fan after
listening – but here’s the video so that you can check it out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-68536453757747648832012-12-05T23:23:00.000-05:002012-12-05T23:23:11.318-05:00It's beginning to look (kinda, sorta) like Xmas!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">We have not
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brought up our Christmas totes today, I’m sure we will start on that soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">I’m one of
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really starting to get into the spirit and I will basically be celebrating the
holidays until the second week of January.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">On Sunday, we
helped our <a href="https://twitter.com/smashleynickel" target="_blank"><b>BFF </b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://twitter.com/smashleynickel" target="_blank">Smash decorate forChristmas.</a> </b>I have to say, <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121203/OPINION03/212030408/1126/SPORTS0101/Lions-devastating-defeat-overshadows-impressive-individual-feats" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">despite the Lion’s loss that day</b></a>, we had a most fantastic time.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's almost always cold in Michigan, but there's no snow yet!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">Smash & I
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fun Christmas decorating time. Once we got back, we started with the tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">After the
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<span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">These are
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An adorable kitten helping with decorating.</span></td></tr>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Gisha","sans-serif";">When do you start celebrating the
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03834006231171520924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-4451940283568180202012-08-31T01:17:00.002-04:002012-08-31T01:19:10.937-04:00My 26th birthday (or, my 27th year)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My 26th birthday was August 15th. First, let me say that I am one of those people that
celebrates my birthday for the entire week of my birthday. Ok, the month of
August, really. This can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations for
birthday time, but even as I have gotten older, the novelty of celebrating has
not worn off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My bday was awesome and probably ranks second on my Top 5 Birthdays list. I had the day off if work, so I enjoyed a 5 mile run and then a mani-pedi, followed by the <a href="http://www.logansroadhouse.com/menu.aspx" target="_blank">Kickin' Chickin' salad</a> (my fave) and a delicious beer at Logan's for dinner with Ky.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Afterwards, we visited our brother from another mother, <a href="https://twitter.com/FunkensteinMD" target="_blank">Nick</a>. He always makes me laugh. This is me and his kitten, Reggie Johnson</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Reggie Johnson Wieber</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I received some calls and cards on my bday, but the best bday card ever has to go with my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theresa-Benham-Stampin-Up-Independent-Demonstrator/179424765483329" target="_blank">creative Mom</a>.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Batman bday card from Mom. That's right.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All in all, I have to <a href="https://twitter.com/kway4204" target="_blank">thank Ky</a> for making my bday a great day - relaxing and happy. :) He is the best person I have ever known. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">27 is my favorite number. It's random, which I've always liked, and Kyle and I got engaged on June 27<sup>th</sup> this year. I suppose I'll celebrate 27 for two years; the year and the age. It's an awesome number.<span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-1412590423456069442012-03-05T23:05:00.001-05:002012-03-05T23:10:16.719-05:00The Green Monster<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Ever since <a href="http://julieverse.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-first-green-smoothie.html" target="_blank">my last attempt at a green smoothie</a>, I've been browsing <a href="http://pinterest.com/julievnc/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for a better smoothie recipe. Breakfast is essential to my mood and mind function when I'm working, so I'm always looking for something with protein that is fast and healthy.</div>
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So I came upon <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2012/01/04/my-top-secret-diet-weapon/" target="_blank">this awesome recipe by Kristin</a>. I wanted to try it because it basically has everything in it I wanted, plus she said it didn't taste healthy. The reason I was worried about that last part is that Kyle recently ate some Greek yogurt for the first time (which is a part of this recipe) and thought it was really gross. </div>
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Looks yummy, huh? So while making it this morning (and seriously, less than 5 minutes) I had to sample the Greek yogurt. I didn't think it was as bad as Kyle said, but it is a lot tangier. I know, yogurt is good for you, but I actually can't stand it in general. Luckily, you can't taste it in the Green Monster. I couldn't taste anything except the peanut butter and the bananas, and it was so delicious!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Representing <a href="http://ferris.edu/" target="_blank">Ferris State</a>!</td></tr>
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I can tell these are going to be addicting, but it's definitely not something I would have every day. Bottom line, though, is that I think you should try it! Spinach is good for you, and it really does taste good.</div>
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Ironically, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/kway4204/status/176657751781543936" target="_blank">this also happened today</a><span style="background-color: red;"></span>. We love to laugh here. HULK SMASH!</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-45527910067844034032012-03-04T19:52:00.000-05:002012-03-04T19:54:27.697-05:00Celtic Pride<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Since the death of my first pair of Skullcandy headphones (which got me through <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/ice-brigade/index.html" target="_blank">Ice Brigade</a> and many hours at the gym, thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/kway4204" target="_blank">Kyle</a>), I've been using the shitty stock ibuds. (Do you like the name I just made up for them?) They're uncomfortable, and they don't fit anyone. </div>
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I ordered a pair of <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Skullcandy+-+Titan+Stereo+Earbud+Headphones+-+Black/Red/9825251.p?id=1218178659321&skuId=9825251&st=skullcandy%20titan&cp=1&lp=1" target="_blank">Titans</a> for Kyle for Valentine's Day, and while shopping I found another awesome pair and decided to order them for myself. I love basketball, but the Celtics aren't my favorite team...I just loved the design!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celtics Skullcandy earbuds</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I finally got to use them yesterday, and of course, they sound amazing. Kyle and I decided to do the crazy <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/99149629265981387/" target="_blank">Hundred Workout</a>, and I used my iPod during the running portion. Absolutely love them! They don't have inline volume control, but they're great ear buds for the price, and they come with the interchangeable ear gels, so they fit perfectly. You can find them on <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Skullcandy+-+Ink%27d+Boston+Celtics+Earbud+Headphones/3073479.p?id=1218376385322&skuId=3073479&st=celtics%20skullcandy&cp=1&lp=2" target="_blank">Best Buy's site</a>.</div>
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Sadly, Ky still hasn't gotten to enjoy his ear buds. When they arrived, they did not have the nylon cord that the product description and photo showed. It was super disappointing, and we ended up returning them. So we ordered a Rasta pair on Amazon that should have the correct cable, so hopefully they will be here soon!</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-46107228143122465232012-02-12T22:54:00.001-05:002012-02-12T22:55:59.598-05:00My First Green Smoothie<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I've always loved throwing fruit and ice into a blender for a quick breakfast smoothie, so when I started seeing these "green smoothies" online everywhere, I wanted to try one! We had some spinach so I decided to make one on Friday morning.</div>
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I followed <a href="http://lindawagner.net/blog/2011/03/green-smoothie-for-weight-loss/" target="_blank">this general recipe</a> which only calls for fruit, spinach, water, and ice. An important tip to keep in mind is that you need to add much more water than you think. My blender is a couple years old and has blended many beverages in it's time, so my smoothie didn't blend as easily as I hoped, but adding more water helped. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My "Green Smoothie" that wasn't green, but still delicious!</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I only used berries in my smoothie, so it turned out purple, and not green. It was still really good and I really loved it as a way to get more greens. If you use bananas, mangoes, etc., the smoothie will be green. I also know a lot of people add yogurt or some type of protein to their smoothies, but that isn't something I've tried yet. The smoothies are super filling though, and now that we have some bananas, I think I will try another one tomorrow morning!</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-72841284470528366172012-02-05T18:46:00.001-05:002012-02-05T19:48:42.581-05:00Super Lasagna 2012<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<span style="font-size: small;">We're just taking it easy tonight and watching the Super Bowl, so we decided to make some delicious (vegetarian) lasagna.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Lasagna prep.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It's so easy to make and super delicious. You can add meat if you'd like, but obviously I'm not a fan so we omitted that. Also, we used fat free or reduced fat ingredients where possible, so it's healthier!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Here's what you need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1. Preheat your oven to 350*.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">2. Prepare lasagna noodles according to the directions on the box.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">3. While you're cooking your noodles, cut up the onions, garlic, and celery and saute in a pan, along with any spices you want. When the veggies have cooked down, add your spaghetti sauce to the pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">4. Begin layering the ingredients in a 9x13 pan. We did noodles, spinach, cheese, then sauce. We had enough to do 3 layers, and left a little sauce and cheese to sprinkle on top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">5. Bake for one hour, or until the wetness has cooked out. (Yes, that is a scientific cooking term.)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Delicious lasagna!</b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here's the link to this post on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/99149629266164775/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Also, happy 52nd birthday to my Daddy today! I can't wait to see him next weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">posted from <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger">Bloggeroid</a></span></div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0Grand Rapids Charter Township, Michigan, United States42.9632421 -85.65398896666666tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-19144027756690931072012-02-02T22:48:00.001-05:002012-02-05T19:07:15.681-05:00Kensington Palace<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
I am behind on everything this year. I finally got a calendar.<br />
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This is February: Kensington Palace. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kensington Palace</b></td></tr>
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I have been there, but the flowers weren't in bloom then. More on this later.<br />
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posted from <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger">Bloggeroid</a></div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-4950048355992221962012-02-01T23:09:00.001-05:002012-02-05T19:05:53.670-05:00Christmas 2011*<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
*Yes, this photo was actually taken today.<br />
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So just like every parent's child, I'm always saying I won't be like my mom (who I actually do share quite a few personality traits with). But today that was all thrown out the window, because we just took down our Christmas tree. Today. February 1st.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>O Christmas Tree!</b></td></tr>
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This has Theresa Benham written all over it. <br />
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This was our first year with a live tree. I was so excited and happy to get it, and I really did enjoy it for a long time. But I highly DO NOT recommend that you keep a live tree in your house for this long. I actually had to wear work gloves to even take the ornaments off. Oh. And it's a HUGE fire hazard. There's that.<br />
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Right now I'm just glad it's the hell out of our house. As Kyle dragged it outside, leaving sharp, dead, pine needles everywhere, he said, "Can we get a fake tree next year?"<br />
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posted from <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger">Bloggeroid</a></div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0Grand Rapids Charter Township, Michigan, United States42.961666107177734 -85.6624984741211tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-11163536210685190832012-02-01T13:03:00.001-05:002012-02-05T19:06:40.245-05:00The cone of shame<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
It's been a crazy couple weeks! Little Miss Leela went in to get fixed shortly after my last post. Her wound wasn't stitched properly and became infected, so she had to stay at the animal hospital for a few nights.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The cone of shame!</b><b><br /></b></td></tr>
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We missed her terribly, but she is doing much better now! She came home with us Saturday, 1.28.12 wearing this cone. In case you didn't know, cones of shame have come a long way. This one is not only cute, but also inflatable! Kitten doesn't like it, of course, but she is almost back to normal.<br />
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I definitely have to give mad props to the Lowell Animal Hospital! They fixed both Bender and Leela, and when we had problems with Leela, they took her in right away and even provided us with medicine. We will definitely be returning for her follow up care!<br />
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posted from <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger">Bloggeroid</a></div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-38671357111449524382012-01-22T19:17:00.001-05:002012-01-22T19:17:15.872-05:00Elephants<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Thursday, 1.19.12.<br/>
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I got to pet an elephant on a shoot for the Circus! Elephants are on my list of Top 5 Favorite Animals, so this was very exciting! Even cooler, when I stepped inside to mic the talent, the elephants were drawn to me immediately! What an awesome experience. <br/>
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<a href='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0kUCsHRJRc4/TxynCs-njeI/AAAAAAAAAIc/3hUraVj7NB8/1327277832805.jpeg' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0kUCsHRJRc4/TxynCs-njeI/AAAAAAAAAIc/3hUraVj7NB8/s288/1327277832805.jpeg' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 162px;'/></a><br/><p style='font-size: xx-small' align='right'>posted from <a href='https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger'>Bloggeroid</a></p></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-62130070023200613592012-01-22T15:47:00.001-05:002012-01-22T15:47:20.141-05:00Wednesday, 1.18.12<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>So I'm a couple days behind, and I actually didn't take a photo yesterday, so maybe I will just share a previous photo instead.<br/>
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We shot an episode of our Morning Show at a reception at Trōppo before the Michigan State of the State adress.<br/>
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This is the only pic I took that day. What can I say? I love posh bathrooms.<br/>
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<a href='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WEgC7eTWdrk/Txx11kOVK4I/AAAAAAAAAIU/ywqC4c75pjs/1327265236474.jpeg' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WEgC7eTWdrk/Txx11kOVK4I/AAAAAAAAAIU/ywqC4c75pjs/s288/1327265236474.jpeg' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 162px;'/></a><br/><p style='font-size: xx-small' align='right'>posted from <a href='https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger'>Bloggeroid</a></p></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-29393179089369665042012-01-17T22:27:00.001-05:002012-01-17T22:29:53.963-05:00Longcat<div><div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I was actually going to skip posting today because I hadn't taken a picture and I told myself I wasn't going to post another pic of the kittens.<br/>
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<a href='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oh_AAoIQcW4/TxY8GjTGtEI/AAAAAAAAAII/ltOtwE7GlOQ/1326857236959.jpeg' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oh_AAoIQcW4/TxY8GjTGtEI/AAAAAAAAAII/ltOtwE7GlOQ/s288/1326857236959.jpeg' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 162px;'/></a><br/>
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I was walking in to go to sleep and I looked down and there was Leela imitating longcat. She is getting so big! We still don't know how old she is, but we will probably find something out on Thursday when she goes to the vet.<br/>
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Longcat is lonnnnnnnnnnnng.<br/><p style='font-size: xx-small' align='right'>posted from <a href='https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger'>Bloggeroid</a></p></div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-6732576381017225922012-01-16T23:02:00.000-05:002012-01-16T23:02:13.140-05:00Contrails in the sky...with diamonds(?)<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
So as I was getting ready to upload this photo and write this blog, I realized one important thing. I didn't know the name of the things that were the reason I even took the picture in the first place. So...to Google.</div>
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Today's fun science fact: You know those white lines in the sky that follow jets? They're called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrail" target="_blank">contrails</a>. They're formed when water vapor in the exhaust of the engine form ice crystals. This happens no matter what the temp is, which is why you see it in the summer too. Pretty cool huh? </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-40292956332920854112012-01-15T21:42:00.001-05:002012-01-15T21:42:56.191-05:00Lazy Sunday<div><p>We had such a lazy Sunday! Lovin and snuggles.</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CtHDr4hm2_A/TxOOrgPpzJI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Ctp8UNuzjuM/2012-01-15_20-29-12_385.png' /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595000664980568753.post-66978211495235057612012-01-14T23:41:00.003-05:002012-01-14T23:53:13.166-05:00Snowmageddon 2012<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I may not have mentioned this, but I have decided to only post positive pics of the day on my blog, because otherwise, what's the point?</div>
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You probably know that I am not a big fan of winter, but we finally got the first big snow of the winter yesterday and here in GR, it continued today and this evening, and it is delightfully refreshing and beautiful!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I got to play in it a bit when <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/kway4204" target="_blank">Kyle</a> and I went out later to the grocery store. Even though I'm enjoying it now, I'll probably be ready for summer again soon!</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0