tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45813030518172602142024-02-07T19:34:38.830-05:00Like Singer with a Y.The mis-adventures of two 20-somethings, their son, and their cat out navigating life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-22127726370560893362015-05-25T23:02:00.002-04:002015-05-25T23:10:09.910-04:00Recital Prep.We are only three weeks away (barely) from this year's dance recital, and I think we are all starting to feel the excitement and stress that comes with this annual ritual. Our studio had dance pictures last weekend, and we can purchase them this coming week. I'm especially excited to see how Elliott's pictures turned out. He needs a more recent professional picture. He and I also had one taken together in our Sesame Street costumes, so I'm definitely going to get a copy of that!<br />
<br />
In my classes, we have been discussing what things we bring to the recital each year to make the day go smoothly and to feel more comfortable. Those of us in the dance company and in certain classes have to be at all three shows of the recital. Company opens and closes the pre-school show at 11, and we are there to help with the 2 o'clock show and keep the show more interesting. The 7 o'clock show is our official time to shine, when all of the upper levels perform. It's a long day, but we really love it.<br />
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I carry all of my shoes and costumes in a laundry basket, and everything else goes in my large Thirty-One tote (the one with the pockets on the outside and a zipper). I also bring a cooler for drinks, food, and ice packs.<br />
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Here is what will be in my recital bag this year:<br />
<br />
<b>Clothing:</b><br />
<br />
Obviously, I'll have all of my costumes, but there is more than meets the eye on each dancer. Because of many of the fast changes, we have a lot of pieces that allow for modesty in a public changing area, or support (for injuries or other body parts):<br />
<br />
- Black or nude <b>leotard</b><br />
- <b>Body foundation</b> (some call these "body tights." They have clear straps and look kind of like overalls made of tights...)<br />
- <b>Nude bra and underwear</b> (mine are made for dancers from Capezio)<br />
- <b>Extra pair of suntan and pink tights</b> (even though I'm not wearing pink tights this year, my students are and these are a just in case item)<br />
- <b>Knee pads</b>: Mine are tan colored and more like a sleeve than normal knee pads. They go under the tights and stay on through the whole recital. They also provide skeletal support for my knees.<br />
- <b>School t-shirts</b>: I have a shirt for our dance company, and our class has special shirts made every year. This way I have something clean to change into during the breaks.<br />
- <b>Change of clothing for after</b>: The adults all go out for a drink after the recital, so I want something nice to wear out. This includes regular undergarments.<br />
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<b>Toiletries:</b><br />
<br />
Even in a school with air conditioning, it gets hot at the recital. A lot of my toiletries are either make-up or items to feel cleaner and cooler during the day:<br />
<br />
- <b>Make-up</b>: I don't go crazy with make-up. I use a liquid foundation and a powder to refresh the look. I use a little bronzer or blush, purple eye shadow and liner, mascara, and plum lipstick. I use purples because it helps make my brown eyes pop. I use plum lipstick because the pinks don't look great on me. We don't have strict rules at our studio about make-up, but you should definitely make sure you have the details from your studio before you go out and buy anything.<br />
- <b>Baby powder</b>: My mom used to pack this every year for my sister and I, and I scoffed until we used a school that not only lacked air conditioning, but almost seemed to generate additional heat. It was humid and horrible, and you can bet I covered myself in baby powder. I put it under my tights to help things move easily and under my bra.<br />
- <b>Hair stuff</b>: Again, this all depends on your studio. Most of our dances require a ponytail, but some ask for hair to be down. We all braid our bangs and front of our hair to keep it out of our faces. I keep lots of <b>bobby pins, hairspray, hair wax, hair ties</b>, and a <b>straightener</b> on hand, as well as a brush and comb. Be sure to understand what your studio requires!<br />
- <b>Sewing kit</b>: Costumes may rip or tights may run. I carry safety pins, a small sewing kit, and clear nail polish to help negotiate emergencies.<br />
- <b>Cleansers</b>: It's nice to take off all of my make-up part way through the day and start fresh for the second show, so I carry <b>face cleanser, eye make-up remover, a washcloth, and a towel</b> to get a clean start.<br />
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<b>Comfort</b>:<br />
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Again, it's a realllllly long day. Without going overboard, I like to have some creature comforts on hand.<br />
<br />
- <b>Blanket</b>: This can be a good picnic blanket (for a outdoor lunch) or a nap blanket. When I was a kid, our dressing rooms were usually locker rooms, so a blanket made the bench more comfortable.<br />
- <b>Cooler</b>: This is not the day to eat too little. I bring snacks, extra water, ice packs, and any other items to keep my energy up.<br />
- <b>Meds</b>: Aside from the obvious pain relievers and band-aids, I also carry eye drops in case the make-up bothers my eyes.<br />
- <b>Chargers</b>: Phone charger, camera charger, iPod charger. Be sure your electronics won't run out of energy either.<br />
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<b>Other Tips</b>:<br />
<br />
- <b>Bring Extras</b>: If you have extra tights in the right color or extra leotards, bring them. You never know if you'll have a wardrobe malfunction!<br />
- <b>Label Everything</b>: Make sure everything has your name on it. Consider the fact that you and about 15 other girls (at least) will be sharing a space for the day. You all have at least a few costumes in common. All of your shoes look the same. You don't want someone walking off with your stuff by accident, so put your name in whatever you can. With all black shoes, use gaffers tape on the inside.<br />
- <b>Remember Theatre Manners</b>: Stay out of the wings until your dance is up. Stay quiet near the stage. Listen to the stage manager and backstage helpers. Pay attention. Don't play with props that don't belong to you.<br />
- <b>Pack Patience</b>: Recital day is the culmination of everyone's hard work. Everyone, no matter how they decide to show it, is probably a little nervous or stressed. Be polite to everyone and just take a deep breath when things seem crazy. Teachers, parents, and students have invested a lot of time (and money) into the day, and they all have high expectations. I'm in each of those categories, and the day has the potential to be crazy in trying to be all three at once.<br />
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That's a lot of information! It's a big day, and the best thing you can do is be prepared.<br />
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Have a wonderful recital! I'll post an update in June on how it all goes.<br />
<br />
- M.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-79179377145994748622015-03-11T08:52:00.001-04:002015-03-11T08:52:27.797-04:00The Great PurgeThere is no other ways to describe this house clean-out than with the word "purge." I'm being ruthless. If we have to move in the next year, I'm not taking all this crap with me. I've gotten off to a slow start this year because of a wicked cold that put me out for an entire week. I didn't go to dance, I didn't leave the couch, and I really didn't do anything that wasn't required to keep myself and my child alive. I'm better now, but that was awful. The worst part was knowing I had LOTS of things to do, but I just couldn't do them.<br />
<br />
So, I've just done a little here and there. The other night, we were sans Elliott, so I took advantage of that and started tidying the upstairs. For some reason, I think to get St. Patrick's Day decorations, I went up to the attic and suddenly I was up there for an hour. Ugh. I found some great stuff I had forgotten about though! I found a set of curtains that would be just lovely in the office / guest room, as well as my pointe shoes and dance awards. I also found my old beading supplies. I loved making seed bead necklaces in middle and high school. They made me feel very cool. I have seen some neat crochet projects that require different beads, and so I brought the box down to see what I had. Well, what I had was a box full of bead containers that had opened and spilled...all mixed together. And last night...I re-organized them all. It was very relaxing, actually.<br />
<br />
I also tidied the kitchen, and threw away a few bags of junk mail and general junk. I can see the counters again! The pantry has also been cleared. Despite my best efforts, I found things that expired before Elliott was born. How does that even happen?<br />
<br />
My bedroom was a simple clean. I re-arranged some pictures and knick-knacks I liked, and I got rid of a bunch of jewelry (just costume stuff). It's much easier to dedicate yourself to everyday neatness when you don't have a lot of stuff to keep in order. I also organized my drawer at dance. I had too many shoes in there. I'm selling some at the school. We have a second-hand shoe sale that runs constantly. We can either keep the money or let the dance school have it.<br />
<br />
The most challenging task was sentimental clutter. I keep way too many mementos. I finally purged cards I don't need to keep and other random objects that I can't even remember why I've kept for years, some of it dating back to the 1990s. Consequently, I opened up room in my closet, which was needed to spread out shoes, bags, and stuff for Sarah's wedding. I still kept a lot, but I created rules for myself that will keep it in check in the future.<br />
<br />
The office / guest room is an on-going project. My desk is done, as are my craft supplies, thanks to a lovely anniversary gift of a set of pallet drawers. They can sit out and house my spill-over supplies. I still have filing to purge / organize, graduate research stuff to streamline, and books & CDs.<br />
<br />
So far, I'd say I've removed 5 or 6 bags of stuff from the house. Much of it went in the trash, but other things are being shipped to better homes and to charity. As a result, I have four storage containers of various sizes that are empty. I thought I was going to have to buy a few new ones, but fortunately, I can use what I have. Isn't that the point?<br />
<br />
Because the weather today is supposed to be pretty nice, I'm going to clean out my car. It's not bad, but after the winter, it needs it. When the weather gets even better, I'll take the car to my parents' house and wash it, vacuum it, and "detail" it.<br />
<br />
I honestly enjoy writing about my progress with this project. It may take longer than Lent this year, but I'm already thrilled with the results so far.<br />
<br />
- M.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-48063054702530312562015-02-10T23:30:00.000-05:002015-02-10T23:30:00.912-05:0030 For 30.No, this is not a post about ESPN documentaries (although that series is incredible, whether or not you are a sports fan, so watch some on Netflix right now).<br />
<br />
I turn 30 at the end of the year, and I've been trying to think of cool ways to celebrate this milestone birthday. I decided that I would squeeze all I can out of this year, all while celebrating the number 30. I'm not going to come up with everything right now, but you can check the "30!" tab for a running tally of what I'll be doing this year. I will also be tagging items related to the 30 countdown with #megan30.<br />
<br />
If anyone out there has an interesting (but affordable) ideas, comment below!<br />
<br />
- MeganAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-18353188934448513632015-01-05T01:36:00.001-05:002015-01-05T01:36:41.772-05:00Dance UpdateWe have been working hard at dance class this year, and both Elliott and I have really made some strides in the fall. At our school, technique is the primary focus in the fall. In the spring, technique is still emphasized, but we choreograph and learn the pieces for the spring recital. I love learning new dances and preparing them for performances. I'm definitely nervous to perform again, since it's been almost 4 years since I last danced on a stage, and 11 years since my last recital! I'm just hoping I get the right shoes on my feet and remember the dances.<br />
<br />
Elliott has developed a lot as a person through dance. He's learning to follow instructions and take direction from someone who isn't Mommy, Daddy, or a family member. His teacher is wonderful and his classmates are just the cutest. Because of the class size, and because I'm already there at the school, I've become something of a permanent assistant in his class. He puts on his own shoes in class, which always makes me proud. He wouldn't put on his tap shoes for the first few months, but one day, he just asked his teacher if he could wear them. He loves making noise with his feet (what kid wouldn't!?). He is also working on his musicality and memory skills. He works hard and even if he doesn't stick with this for long, the lessons he has learned will help him in any sport or hobby he takes up. We are very proud.<br />
<br />
I'm making different strides. In November, I was given a class to be the primary teacher of, which means I pick their costumes, choreograph their dances, and direct class each week. My class is a "level 2" class, which is pre-Company, but they are about 8 to 11 years old. For some reason, most of our our level 3 and level 2 dancers are the same age. Many of them also just "moved up," so we are still working on a lot of technique, and I will continue to do that throughout the recital preparations. It's been great to have my own class again. In my other classes, I find that my turns are improving. I'm definitely stronger than I was in high school. Somehow, being about 50 pounds heavier than I was then is helping. Leaps are a struggle, partly because I get shin splints easily. Since all but one of the classes that I take are almost all adults, my teachers are aware of everyones limitations and are understanding. The skill I'm most behind on is an "illusion," which looks like a cartwheel, but one leg never leaves the ground. I have the ability, but I'm sort of scared of them. I think its the action of swinging my head down to my feet. I'm hoping that my ability to learn and remember the recital dances hasn't deteriorated. I am in 9 pieces, choreographing three others, and assisting with 4 others. That's a lot to keep track of!<br />
<br />
I'm curious what my readers want to know about dance! Questions about sending little ones for the first time (especially boys) or about returning after years away or really anything!<br />
<br />
- M.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-19802482025990381852015-01-02T16:49:00.003-05:002015-01-02T16:49:57.823-05:002015: The Year of the Yingers.2014 was really a mixed bag. I went back and looked at my <a href="http://theyingers.blogspot.com/2014/01/lean-and-mean-in-2014.html">goals for 2014</a>, and I did achieve about half of them (and they were all important...so that's good). However, I definitely hope to have a more stable 2015.<br />
<br />
In that spirit, I have declared this "The Year of the Yingers." I turn 30 at the end of the year, and that is sort of looming over my head. I'm not concerned with aging (it is inevitable), but more with making the most of 29.<br />
<br />
I have a list of goals, but I'm primarily focusing on three buzzwords for the year.<br />
<br />
1. Focus - Be present; one thing at a time. This is far more effective than the insane multitasking I had to do in order to finish coursework.<br />
2. Balance - No one thing should overtake my life for long. I want a fulfilling job, but I don't want it to prevent me from family time or dancing (which has allowed me to maintain sanity and physical health).<br />
3. Security - Financial security is a major goal this year. I'm not being ambitious with this. I just want to be able to pay off loans, save appropriately, and prevent life from unraveling because of one major expense.<br />
<br />
My goals all tie into these, but they will help me focus when the specific goals need to take a back seat.<br />
<br />
Goals for 2015:<br />
<br />
1. Defend my dissertation, or at least be ready to defend for spring 2016: Once I finish, no more tuition, no more stalling. I'll have the degree in hand and can look for jobs that require the Ph.D. I'm in a good place with this, so as long as I keep working at the same pace.<br />
<br />
2. Get a full time job with benefits.<br />
<br />
3. Finish potty training Elliott: There will be no diapers in 2016.<br />
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4. Build an emergency savings account.<br />
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5. Pay off my car.<br />
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6. Complete the 40 Days, 40 Bags challenge (even if it takes more than 40 days).<br />
<br />
7. Get Elliott and I through our first dance recital together: I haven't danced in about 11 years regularly, and Elliott started dance classes in the fall. I am responsible for choreographing 3 dances, remembering 4 others as an assistant, and performing in 9 others. Our recital is actually split into three separate shows to keep things manageable, so Elliott only performs in the 11 am "preschool" show, while I perform in all three. It's going to be a chaotic spring at dance, but really fun.<br />
<br />
8. Be a kick-ass MOH at my sister's wedding: See also, being a kick-ass guest at 4 other weddings (at least).<br />
<br />
9. Become a more confident chef: Jason is definitely the cook in our family, but I want to learn more dishes and techniques.<br />
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10. Finish my crochet projects currently in progress, get rid of yarn, and complete some bigger projects.<br />
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<br />
I have made lists in other years too: <a href="http://theyingers.blogspot.com/2013/01/so-fresh-and-so-clean-clean.html">2013</a>, <a href="http://theyingers.blogspot.com/2011/12/resolve.html">2012</a><br />
<br />
- M.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-87262353906764252182014-10-14T11:15:00.001-04:002015-03-21T11:55:24.624-04:00Mom, A.B.D.As of October 3, I am now A.B.D. For the uninitiated, it stands for "All But Dissertation," meaning that my only barrier to the Ph.D. is the dissertation. It's a big deal (not as big as the Ph.D., but I'm right on target for my program, and that's a positive thing), and I frequently get asked how I did it with a kid.<br />
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First, let me say, I have the most agreeable child in the world. He is very good at entertaining himself so I can write or grade, and he is patient to go to school with me to get errands run. This was a major factor.<br />
<br />
Second, I am lucky to live near my parents and J's parents, who stepped up with alarming frequency to provide me with both study time, time to teach, and date nights. My mother-in-law was a constant saving grace because she watched E almost every day that I went to school. I seldom had to ask for help, because those around me knew what was involved and stepped up.<br />
<br />
Still, getting it all done to this point (with or without children) wasn't easy, so here are some tips:<br />
<br />
1. Get and Stay Organized: To me, this is the key to all success. I'm a huge fan of a good planner, a sturdy binder, and lots of lists. Use what works for you. I can talk for days about my Moleskin weekly planner and monthly planner and how I would be lost without them. But if your phone calendar works better, by all means, use that. If you have little hands around, keep this stuff out of their reach. Don't risk it.<br />
<br />
2. Do YOUR Best: It's very easy to get competitive in graduate school. In my program, it's not worth it because we are all studying diverse topics. My friend's dissertation about women of science is in no way competing with my dissertation on corporate media. So, I just had to concentrate on doing my best work, not THE best work. It resulted in success for me because I was just confident in my abilities to perform quality scholarship.<br />
<br />
3. Just Get It Done: It's easy to have flexibility in the timeline of a graduate program. Barring serious issues (illness, death, etc.), try to stick to the fastest timeline. The longer you take, the more money you lose, either in tuition or lost employment. It's easy to say, I'll just take one class this semester, but if you can handle two, by all means, get it done.<br />
<br />
4. Be Proactive: Have a back-up plan for everything. Save your work to Google Docs or a flash drive every day that you write. Have a babysitter on call (or a way to take your kid to school with you if you are able). Don't wait to register for classes, because if you can't get the ones you need, you need to set up an independent study or readings course. Do not leave things to chance.<br />
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Now I'm continuing work on the dissertation, which is going well. I have numerous chapters in process, and I hope to be done in a year or so. I'll try to take my own advice.<br />
<br />
- M.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-28970931233696296462014-10-14T10:53:00.002-04:002014-10-27T15:58:30.398-04:00Professional Blogger?No. Well, not about my own life, anyway.<br />
<br />
I follow and regularly read a lot of really lovely blogs. Some are run by friends that have really informative posts about their lives and their favorite beauty products, while others are women who have a gift for writing about their own lives in a way that isn't whiny, preachy, or lame.<br />
<br />
I don't have that gift. I'm sure I have some interesting insights to offer on being a Ph.D.-mom or the job search or having a toddler. But I erase almost everything I write about it because it doesn't seem that interesting EVEN TO ME. Additionally, I am (contrary to my mother's best efforts) a very low maintenance lady when it comes to beauty. I can't wear eye makeup anymore (weep) because of an eye condition, and I've come to find what works for me. I can tell you about some excellent dandruff shampoos, but that's not glamourous.<br />
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I'm also terrible about remembering to blog, as you well know. If I make the effort, the posts seem stiff.<br />
<br />
However, I do need to write more online. A lot of the writing jobs I apply for require an online writing portfolio. I need to create one.<br />
<br />
So, what would you like to read about? My pseudo-academic lifestyle? Crafts? My very low-risk haircut? Starting dance again after years away from regular practice?<br />
<br />
Let me know.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-74436764789837470642014-10-11T01:08:00.003-04:002014-10-14T10:43:41.044-04:00Dance Mom.When I found out that Elliott was going to be, well -- an Elliott, I had a moment of feeling like I might miss out on certain things I had hoped to pass on to my children, especially dance.<br />
<br />
I started dancing at 7 at a pre-professional studio. It gave me an excellent foundation for technique, but we didn't like a lot about it. The attitude of the director was sort of last last straw, and when I was 9, we switched to Wevodau Dance Center, where I stayed until I graduated high school. I loved it, especially competitions and recitals. I made great friends and learned a lot. The main reason I got cast in a lot of early musicals was because I could dance. I came back for summer dance classes, but I didn't have the opportunity to return until this year. Wevodau's welcomes its alumni back with open arms, while most schools don't have any opportunities for adult dancers. I'm now an assistant teacher and I take a few hours of class a week.<br />
<br />
I also decided to see if Elliott would like dance. He takes a class just for three year olds, with some ballet, tap, acro, and jazz. It's very cute. He likes his tap shoes, but he won't wear them in class (I think he's afraid of falling down). He keeps his shoes in my drawer (all the teachers get drawers in the break room so we don't have to schlep our shoes every day), and he likes getting a pretzel afterwards. However, it took until just this past week to have a class with no tears. If he's not with me, he is almost always with a grandparent or Jason. So, this was a new situation. The first week he cried at the end because he didn't want to go home, but then during weeks two and three, he cried during class. Last week, I subbed in his class, so he was less tearful, but still cried a little. I was beginning to think this wasn't for him.<br />
<br />
This week, we had a busy morning and he didn't get a nap. I even considered not taking him, because it all seemed like a recipe for disaster. We arrived at the studio, he got his socks on with no hesitation, and we waited outside the room. I dropped him off, gave him a kiss, and he ran to his place in the front of the classroom. No fuss, no muss. At pick-up, I got a glowing report from his teachers about how enthusiastic he was. Since Wednesday, he has been showing off all his dance moves, not just the acro stuff. I'm hoping it sticks because it makes him happy right now. It's also fun that we have an activity we do sort of together. In June (if we both make it), we'll perform in the recital. Our studio has a special recital just for the pre-school kids, so it's short, sweet, and before afternoon naps. I'll be in all three shows that day, but I'll have to find a way to watch E from the sidelines. Apparently, the number of dances I'm in puts me in the on-stage dressing room, so that shouldn't be a problem.<br />
<br />
And if he finds that dance isn't for him? Great! There are so many activities for him to do out there. I want to give him the opportunity to try stuff out, and dance works for us right now.<br />
<br />
- M.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-9734978574250302782014-07-22T00:49:00.001-04:002014-07-22T00:49:33.271-04:00Grandparents.Recent events in my family have me thinking a lot lately about the role of grandparents in our lives.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, my Pappy (my mom's dad) had a mild stroke, which has required him to spend some time in a rehabilitation center near our home. My Oma really shouldn't drive much, and she has been staying with my parents during the week so she can be close to Pappy. Each morning, I pick her up and take her to the rehab center, where she stays until my parents or my sister picks her up in the evening. Circumstances not withstanding, this has actually been something special. I see my grandparents with some frequency, as they live less than an hour away. That said, this is requiring me to make much needed time with them. As a result, E also gets to spend copious amounts of time with his great-grandparents. He loves them, and its a lovely relationship to cultivate.<br />
<br />
I don't understand what is like to have living great-grandparents. My family circumstances were such that I was only contemporaries with my Pappy's father, and only for a few months. Oma's parents never left Germany, and my father's grandparents had all passed away. Elliott is very lucky to spend this time with them, and I'm glad they are around to meet him.<br />
<br />
My other grandparents, my father's mother and father, did not live long enough to even see me graduate high school. Yesterday would have been my Grandma's 85th birthday, and I could tell it was on my dad's mind. He was very close to his mom, and I was also close to her. We were kindred spirits, with our love of history and geography, really all knowledge. I have since developed a love for crossword puzzles, Jeopardy, and all things Irish. I get down thinking about the fact that Elliott will never know her. Next year will mark 20 years since she passed away. She died during the night after Mother's Day, and considering the wonderful mother she was to my dad and his siblings, it seems right that she should get every last Mother's day she could.<br />
<br />
My Grandpa was a good grandparent, always sending birthday cards and celebrating our successes. When he was older, he was sick a lot, and my dad would take him videos of the plays Sarah and I were in, and I know he enjoyed seeing us sing and dance.<br />
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I think because of the limited time I was able to spend with my other grandparents, I appreciate my time with Oma and Pappy more. They have seen me get married and have a little boy, who they adore. They have six children, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren (and counting). They celebrated 60 years of marriage in April. The relationship one has with their grandparents is unique. Most 28 year olds that I know can't say they have two living grandparents. I have a wonderful example of love in my life, and I hope one day I can be that example for some one else.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-39866622200851027082014-06-22T11:06:00.001-04:002014-06-22T14:06:24.195-04:00Summer 2014.It should not surprise anyone who ever reads this blog that April has some of the lowest post counts. It's the end of the semester, it's conference time, it's finals. When May arrives, I either have a lot to say or nothing. This year, it was obviously nothing. <br />
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I'm attempting to make the most of this summer, which will be my last summer "off" for the foreseeable future. I'm getting out of teaching, and I'm looking to apply my academic skills to the real world. I have comprehensive exams in the fall; I'm actively looking for a job. I know once the job comes, I'll be writing my dissertation, working at a new job, and also being part of my family (and probably moving...). I won't have time to complete the myriad craft projects I've started over the years, and the thought of possibly moving them is annoying. So, I'm finally finishing projects and "busting" my stash. Here is what I have finished so far:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NICGBT-wbuChrUdGTbBKqzISCa_GQ_0184HpufMLu02PwWPP1lzYiwhGzNlQBlzgOsItKsdGFwvHmqWK1LKQ_Vhkbo0Kb2aduUKmjexUILX5ui1drseDkA3Pc8JXzYTX6im2_1egObY/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NICGBT-wbuChrUdGTbBKqzISCa_GQ_0184HpufMLu02PwWPP1lzYiwhGzNlQBlzgOsItKsdGFwvHmqWK1LKQ_Vhkbo0Kb2aduUKmjexUILX5ui1drseDkA3Pc8JXzYTX6im2_1egObY/s1600/14+-+1" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wreath for our kitchen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1. Two pairs of booties<br />
2. Two scarves (timely, I know)<br />
3. One ear warmer<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTubQ6CFE1gfyJVv_ieYANMLH5J_tWglbbA6V2xO5Hqj-Ww0O-wK_RQiDxRzDrqxVr7scBoJJwVTFcmoRGnqe2tmO8Oxr5m9xW4A-Xre8kZxPRT427aJhUw2Zs2HzEP_spaGAN0JLp0g/s1600/14+-+7" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTubQ6CFE1gfyJVv_ieYANMLH5J_tWglbbA6V2xO5Hqj-Ww0O-wK_RQiDxRzDrqxVr7scBoJJwVTFcmoRGnqe2tmO8Oxr5m9xW4A-Xre8kZxPRT427aJhUw2Zs2HzEP_spaGAN0JLp0g/s1600/14+-+7" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Booties and the little stuffed cat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJl8EeooM_uyPZvOQL2KEIrOJ1PHCdrHSh22O5PnCgojQIxM85uhyeQSb4aN5gJXXaETjTsrjR1vn5a0x2hAg9XrNKYxQIN6wQLd4I3bT5zTaOd35UMbc_Ew5j3TZylf7eaXaOCtumjg/s1600/14+-+10" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJl8EeooM_uyPZvOQL2KEIrOJ1PHCdrHSh22O5PnCgojQIxM85uhyeQSb4aN5gJXXaETjTsrjR1vn5a0x2hAg9XrNKYxQIN6wQLd4I3bT5zTaOd35UMbc_Ew5j3TZylf7eaXaOCtumjg/s1600/14+-+10" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coasters as part of a wedding shower gift.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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4. Two wreaths<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi5ZxRo1mgT2Uszaqj5dKi2AET-vZfwafa_FhOkQeAFujGKmxJ4J0mFG0HzvbIF6SUoO7NKVgMAeEQ2c70Nw1Ylp_dMGuUd_YV4Tq10CAtVmt5b_Hn9-vvH-npa7JU58_X7yR_ZGD1JU/s1600/14+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi5ZxRo1mgT2Uszaqj5dKi2AET-vZfwafa_FhOkQeAFujGKmxJ4J0mFG0HzvbIF6SUoO7NKVgMAeEQ2c70Nw1Ylp_dMGuUd_YV4Tq10CAtVmt5b_Hn9-vvH-npa7JU58_X7yR_ZGD1JU/s1600/14+-+2" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Housewarming gift for a friend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4bpHt0NmsVprE10vIBN-JXQqyjGE2bKX77Cfx2h3NPT3RpZVNMVjjMC-ZnCpwUxyaxgygesXc5U_kwsR51sk5fuMyFxP2b2HXoM3dITVFZ0yV1Hk-lugibkDP45iu-jHDSI9yG0_eIg/s1600/14+-+6" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4bpHt0NmsVprE10vIBN-JXQqyjGE2bKX77Cfx2h3NPT3RpZVNMVjjMC-ZnCpwUxyaxgygesXc5U_kwsR51sk5fuMyFxP2b2HXoM3dITVFZ0yV1Hk-lugibkDP45iu-jHDSI9yG0_eIg/s1600/14+-+6" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commission, which turned out beautifully!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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5. One stuffed cat<br />
6. Four sets of coasters (18 in all)<br />
7. Two mandalas<br />
8. One doily<br />
9. One granny square mat that I've been working on for two years (procrastination at its finest)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWXBxh4tuv_SbbWBmqkob5hTLFuXv6_uG4UpEpWar7Xs3xJPC5SkR4jeV8k0LRsuruxpJXER_BwPoxnBilW1kJO_SLJ-exoQxSF1UH4kNGGcoLiFNPGjPoJ7SZ1U3TgBWVT1AOz032sI/s1600/14+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWXBxh4tuv_SbbWBmqkob5hTLFuXv6_uG4UpEpWar7Xs3xJPC5SkR4jeV8k0LRsuruxpJXER_BwPoxnBilW1kJO_SLJ-exoQxSF1UH4kNGGcoLiFNPGjPoJ7SZ1U3TgBWVT1AOz032sI/s1600/14+-+4" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teal doily for our bedroom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Total, that's 16 COMPLETED projects. I've always worked on a number of others here and there, making some serious headway on some very large projects. I also, as always, have crochet projects in the planning stage, but I've told myself that I will not start any new projects until my "in progress" list falls to 5. I have 7 more to go. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3ILmTzFARj1G-4m_MOaDUMtOoaqbX69geu3Eg0eBzR4q6jF9DmbF0NXOj9p0n3Yz6U6a0vHaU5ungeRCBAJl_K0_MTRg9_3JgFcAtJxh1GHSj4A5vM5hugTAV8phRB_HP4ahbDv-KAg/s1600/14+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3ILmTzFARj1G-4m_MOaDUMtOoaqbX69geu3Eg0eBzR4q6jF9DmbF0NXOj9p0n3Yz6U6a0vHaU5ungeRCBAJl_K0_MTRg9_3JgFcAtJxh1GHSj4A5vM5hugTAV8phRB_HP4ahbDv-KAg/s1600/14+-+3" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coasters!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I also borrowed my mom's sewing machine, as we have a few small home improvement projects we want to complete. <br />
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Yesterday was the summer solstace, or the longest day of the year. I truly made it count:<br />
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10am: Breakfast and shopping with mom<br />
1pm: Lunch (leftovers)<br />
1:30pm - 4:00pm: (Elliott's nap) Crochet, crochet, Frasier<br />
4pm - 7pm: Crochet, Frasier, play with Elliott<br />
7pm: Dinner (DIY pasta...everyone is happy)<br />
8pm - 12am: Comps studying (I have never studied that long ever)<br />
12am - 3am: Crochet, Netflix, reading.<br />
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It was definitely not a wasted day. On to the second day of summer!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kcJBwv-W51SGkorF50wIWYJf_RMblLkrHonbEUzwIwLb9Ck6Y35ClUZCjolsYjyBehivbgnGgp48VdLe6OJfyFP2w5shtVanf0yZoj7GCBElz1JCvT60bmkdspde4mNZ3juUOF4SyQg/s1600/14+-+8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kcJBwv-W51SGkorF50wIWYJf_RMblLkrHonbEUzwIwLb9Ck6Y35ClUZCjolsYjyBehivbgnGgp48VdLe6OJfyFP2w5shtVanf0yZoj7GCBElz1JCvT60bmkdspde4mNZ3juUOF4SyQg/s1600/14+-+8" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matching mandala and coasters for a friend who moved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9c9XyR_PQdtUFUQcCfUIyRhUEzzgJGsXL8KL-_1w39Ce8fB-pNQctyR8lhYvLBnsc9CfHLtHmzwPi2zFO90YAMslkkKlxe2deu56io3EgFUcsYizQZisC1ONfvyQ3vbATOWTHOUX0w4/s1600/14+-+9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9c9XyR_PQdtUFUQcCfUIyRhUEzzgJGsXL8KL-_1w39Ce8fB-pNQctyR8lhYvLBnsc9CfHLtHmzwPi2zFO90YAMslkkKlxe2deu56io3EgFUcsYizQZisC1ONfvyQ3vbATOWTHOUX0w4/s1600/14+-+9" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Many. Coasters!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-18633976141204478742014-03-31T13:04:00.002-04:002014-03-31T13:04:26.087-04:00Thawing Out.It's been a busy and fulfilling few weeks since I last posted. This past weekend, the conference that I have been planning finally happened, and it went very well. It was held at La Salle University, which is why I was chosen to help plan, and the university really went out of its way to impress the attendees, or at least my friends. We had a lovely reception in the campus art museum, which some of my art history friends really enjoyed. Everyones presentations went off without a hitch, and we all had a great time. I also won an award for the best graduate student paper. Winning at La Salle was really special, and I'm flattered by the recognition. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydntGaixhNgNTS_KB8FkWTpgo9WnLt1MQDQmE6rx1UNLk1itVeDReHeN5MU7JnYQ86QF_1muIoszP3XgGL60VHZ4swFlTmXRC0XS_1Bs_ffUjt-J2Qgh_6P-QBHfpW3Cvx0HcnL4k3iU/s1600/IMG_2371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydntGaixhNgNTS_KB8FkWTpgo9WnLt1MQDQmE6rx1UNLk1itVeDReHeN5MU7JnYQ86QF_1muIoszP3XgGL60VHZ4swFlTmXRC0XS_1Bs_ffUjt-J2Qgh_6P-QBHfpW3Cvx0HcnL4k3iU/s1600/IMG_2371.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Dr. Bronner, one of my profs at PSH, as well as the namesake of the award.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Planning the conference, plus preparing my own presentation, and assisting with some other research at school really took it out of me. When I got home on Saturday, I took a three hour nap. I could barely stay awake the rest of the day. On Sunday, my parents offered to host us for dinner and babysit so Jason and I could see <i>The Grand Budapest Hotel</i>. I'm a huge Wes Anderson fan, and I've been looking forward to this movie. It was perfect timing. The snow and sleet here really bummed us out, but we had a chicken and mashed potato dinner with strawberry shortcake for a touch of summer. <br />
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Today, I finally got back to 40 Days, 40 Bags. I did clean out the cars and did a little organizing here and there in the last few weeks. In cleaning out the closet, our bedroom, the bathroom, and the cars, we threw out at least 8 bags. I have another pile to take to Goodwill, but I'm waiting to do that in a larger trip. Today I tackled the pantry. I'm almost always embarrassed by the food waste in our house, and the pantry reminded me of it. I got rid of one trash bag, and I took another bag of candy and little treats to school for our sadly empty snack bucket. I have to grocery shop today, but the list is pretty short, and mainly just staples that we ran out of in the last week. <br />
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On Wednesday, I think I'm going to start on the attic. I don't know how much we'll throw out, but it needs to be organized. We also have a lot of blank walls, and the photos upstairs will definitely help eliminate those. Finally, the books are all kinds of out of place. I need a better solution for E's books in the family room, and I need to gift some to friends at school.<br />
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We started potty training over spring break, and while we had a few initial set backs, we are now staying dry during the day with some consistency. We haven't tackled night training yet, since sleep is the highest priority in our house for the next month or so. <br />
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I hope spring is finally arriving to where ever you are. It's definitely doing wonders for my mood. <br />
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- M.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-64844540566408917112014-03-10T21:33:00.000-04:002014-03-10T21:33:05.440-04:0040 Days, 40 Bags: The BeginningOf all the years for Easter to be late, this was not the ideal one. I kept looking at March 5 on my calendar as if it was actually the first day of spring, rather than Ash Wednesday. The weather has been warmer too, so it all came together nicely in the end. <br />
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As I said in my last post, I got rid of three bags before the 5th, mainly because the time was right. My sister was here, and she could take the bags with her right away. Here is what my "schedule" looked like:<br />
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March 5: My clothing (seemed like an obvious choice)<br />
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March 6: School office. I share an office with four other women, so I really just took home things that no longer needed to be there, and I cleaned out my drawer. A few clever (and free) organizing tricks later, I'm really making use of my small space.<br />
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March 7, 8, & 9: I was so behind on basic house cleaning (the time right before midterms is REALLY stressful), so I dedicated three days to catching up. I did laundry, vacuumed, cleaned furniture, mopped, and got rid of the stuff that was cluttering up the major dumping spaces.<br />
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March 10: Bathroom. I replaced the shower liner, purchased a shower rack, and reorganized the whole set up. It looks like a whole new space! <br />
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I'm finishing up my bedroom and our small closet tomorrow, and possibly the windows. It's supposed to be really nice tomorrow, but snow later in the week, so maybe I'll save the deep clean of the windows for another day.<br />
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The house already looks 1000% better, and I can concentrate again.<br />
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- M.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-34135028410990874222014-03-02T01:10:00.003-05:002014-03-02T01:10:43.992-05:00Willing Spring to Arrive.With the impending storm (this is getting old), I had to do something to make it seem like spring. Even though March 5th is really the beginning of Lent, I started my 40 Days, 40 Bags spring cleaning / purging today. <br />
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My sister spent the day with us (my parents heat went out, and it won't be fixed until at least Monday), so she and I went to the mall. I bought a few essentials (dress pants, a dress for a wedding), but when I got up to my closet, I realized how full it was and how few things I wore. I already had a big bag of things from my dresser, and decided to let my sister go shopping in my closet. She took home two huge shopping bags, and I still filled another shopping bag to go to charity. I re-organized my closet (well, as much as I could), and cleaned up my drawers. <br />
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So, 3 bags down, 37 more to go. I have a feeling I'm actually going to hit 40 bags this year. Our house needs to be purged in the worst way. Last year, we had just moved the year before, and I had done a very effective purge before the move. This year, we just need to organize and streamline. <br />
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It makes it feel like spring is just around the corner. <br />
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- M.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-77287036041489853222014-02-04T00:44:00.000-05:002014-02-04T00:44:00.757-05:00Snowman Snow.I'm the worst sometimes. <br />
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I don't like the cold, and so it does not cross my mind on a snow day to take my kid outside, usually until its too late. If he asked, I'd go out. He doesn't ask.<br />
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Today my mom (who bought E both his snow coat and snow overalls) asked if he had been out <i>yet</i>.<br />
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Yet? I gotta take this kid outside.<br />
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It was really fun, and I don't know why I'm so opposed to getting outside. I just don't think about it until the weather gets nice.<br />
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We shoveled (for the third time), watched the plow, made snow angels, and built a snow person. We went inside only when his gloves were soaking wet. We weren't ready, but that was a sign that the time had come. Also, nap time was being seriously postponed. <br />
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I enjoy snow days, especially if Jason can stay home too, but this winter has made them less novel, and therefore, far more annoying. We are supposed to get TWO more storms before next week. Ugh. I'll just remember the fun of this snow day; buy bread, milk, and eggs; and make sure the snow pants are dry and ready for our next adventure outside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E standing with "Silly Snowman"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He enjoyed throwing the snow up in the air.</td></tr>
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- M.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-89516348929702760522014-01-25T22:51:00.002-05:002014-01-25T22:51:36.246-05:00Dreaming of Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought I would start this post with some scenes of summer to help us all through this yucky winter. We've had storm after storm here, which has taken away all the novelty of snow. It also makes me realize that I need better boots, but that's neither here nor there. We haven't played in the snow because in addition to the snow, it's been very VERY cold, and not fun to go out in. We are warm weather people.</div>
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The other thing that gets me through the end of winter is my 40 Days, 40 Bags house clean out. When its done, it's wonderful to throw open the (clean) windows and let the sun in. I started doing it in 2012, when I first discovered the blog Clover Lane. It was very helpful before a move, and now that we are settled in a house, it keeps things under control. We have no idea how we ever fit this stuff in an apartment. Last year, I did some of the challenge, but I was dealing with health challenges and school. This spring, I do not have as stressful as a semester, and hopefully I'll remain healthy. </div>
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What is 40 Days 40 Bags? Well, it takes place over the course of Lent (hence the 40 days...it actually gives you Sundays off), and the goal is to evaluate and clean your house, freeing your mind up for higher pursuits. Rather than giving something up, which doesn't have an impact on me, I choose to prepare myself for spring and Easter. </div>
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Step One: Divide your house / life / dorm / apartment into 40 parts. Include your car, computer, garage, and even your office at work. I will post my 2014 list soon, but you can see the older posts under the word cloud. </div>
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Step Two: In each area, take EVERYTHING out. Clean, repair, evaluate. Try all your clothing on. Clean everything (even the inside of your drawers), and decide what stays, what goes, and what gets donated. Sarah at Clover Lane suggests having certain supplies on hand, such as black trash bags, paper towels, and Magic Erasers. Be sure to touch everything. Stop putting those decisions off.</div>
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Step Three: Put everything back. This can sometimes be the most difficult part. When I clean out my craft closet, I have to detangle everything and then figure out what is the best way to keep it all in order. Clothing is easier. The kitchen is near impossible. </div>
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By Easter, you'll have deep cleaned the entire space you dedicated to looking at. It's a great feeling. </div>
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Spring can't come soon enough!</div>
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- M.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-57507624447282634332014-01-02T22:24:00.001-05:002014-01-02T22:24:31.843-05:005 Things.I love to make lists. I enjoy crossing things off, then throwing the list away. It's very gratifying. However, I tend to make lists that never get thrown out, because they are overwhelming and half of the things never get done. <br />
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I picked up a trick from Real Simple wherein you limit yourself to a to-do list of so many items, usually 5 - 7. According to them, anymore than that is rather ambitious. <br />
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For example, my list today was as follows:<br />
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<strike>1. Grocery shopping</strike><br />
2. Workout (angry eyes kept me from this in a trade-off for self-care)<br />
3. Read "Tales from Facebook" (I read at bedtime)<br />
4. Read "The Irish-Americans" (see above)<br />
5. Crochet (just after I finish this post!)<br />
<strike>6. COMM 150 syllabus</strike><br />
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I use a Moleskin weekly / daily planner. On one side, it has the days of the week, broken into two sections M-F, and the other side is just lined paper. In the back, there are about 5 pages of lined paper as well, for long-term lists. I use those pages to write out my 40 Days, 40 Bags goals, research projects, and crochet to-do lists. I've used this planner for about 5 years, and I don't plan on switching anytime soon.<br />
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How do you keep the to-do's straight? What methods do you use to keep productive?<br />
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- M.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-29356702021911806222014-01-01T21:24:00.002-05:002015-01-02T16:25:15.959-05:00Lean and Mean in 2014.Our word of the year: Simple. Streamlining things always makes me happy, so that should help make the year a success.<br />
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Goals for 2014:<br />
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<strike>1. Continue working on a healthier lifestyle: Despite some health problems (eyes!), I have been exercising more and being more conscious of what goes in my body. That said, I need to double my efforts and see some results. I want to be back in shape before I even consider having a second child (which won't happen until at least 2016, so I have some time to enjoy being in shape). I already put together a school schedule that allows me to go to the gym twice a week, and I got a ballet fitness video for Christmas! </strike> <b>I started taking dance in the summer, and I was able to start teaching dance in September. This equals out to about 12 hours of dance a week. I've slimmed down, and I've continued putting good things in my body to make it work well!</b><br />
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2. Complete 40 Days, 40 Bags challenge: I did a half-hearted version of this, but February and March were very challenging months. The first thing to go was the 40 Days challenge, which takes place over Lent. It's a way to purge and cleanse your life before Easter. It's my annual Lenten challenge, rather than trying to give up something. I'll post more about this closer to Lent.<br />
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<strike>3. Potty train Elliott: I was hoping to do this over Christmas, but he is simply not ready. I'm hoping to start over Spring Break. He'll be 3 in July, but I know boys can be more challenging to train than girls. </strike><b>This happened...sort of. It didn't take long to potty train him with pee. We really went crazy with small rewards (M&M for each successful trip) and even our parents helped by getting him some rewards. However, we are still not night trained or able to go #2. So, the work continues.</b><br />
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4. Budget better and start saving for a Disney trip: I could budget better, simply put. I want to find a better way to make our food budget stretch further too. Since I'm not working full time (yet), I will use pocket change to save for our Disney trip, which we are hoping to take in two years. Once I get a better job, I will also (finally) start a future fund for E (money for college, trade school, what-have-you). <b>Nope. Didn't happen. See #5.</b><br />
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5. Get a job that is fulfilling and helps pay the bills: My assistantship ends in May, so I need to get a job that begins in June. I need some specific work experience, but with my education, I'm hoping to double our household income. This will make 4 easier too! <b>Tried as I might, I did not find a full time job after May. It has been a frustrating experience, which might also account for my lack of posts. I know 2015 has to be better on this front.</b><br />
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6. Organize the house more effectively: We organized some things this year that made life oddly easier. I would like to extend that throughout the house. I hate looking high and low for things that should just have a spot. Once I've purged in step 2, I want to make it easier to find the things we keep (the things that matter). <b>Still working on this, but we made strides. </b><br />
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7. <strike>Complete a rough draft of at least four dissertation chapters: I want to graduate in 2016, so I need to stay on track with writing. I have the beginnings of a few chapters, so I should continue making progress through the year.</strike> <b>Yes! I completed a final draft of my chapter on crosswords and rough drafts of my Disney chapters (2), the Olympics, and my introduction. </b><br />
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<strike>8. Finish coursework and maintain GPA: I should finish coursework in May, and I'm already registered, so this should be the easiest goal on the list.</strike> <b>Yay! I maintained my 4.0, finished coursework on time, and I passed my comps in October with flying colors. This is what I am most proud of this year. </b><br />
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It's an attitude adjustment. My other mantra should be "live intentionally." I want to pay better attention to what goes in my body (thanks MyFitnessPal!), where my money goes (mint.com), and what happens to my time. I need to think long-term, worry about myself and my family, and less about what others think. Elliott will probably start pre-school, I'll probably start a new job. It's going to be a big year!<br />
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- M.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-43629702483133493092013-11-12T21:22:00.000-05:002013-11-12T21:22:01.012-05:00It's Been a While...Judging by my absence, I bet you can surmise that I have been a busy bee since August. When the semester started, I had three classes that I was taking and teaching one class. In September, I added a Dancing with the Stars-style fundraiser to the mix. I've been applying to conferences, jobs, and any opportunity that will help fund my academic endeavors come May. <div>
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I have a lot of updates, but right now, I just cleaned out a closet, throwing away all kinds of expired things. It was so satisfying, and I just want to bask in that happy glow for a few minutes. Most of you know me in real life or follow me in other social media, so you're not lost as to what I've been up to. </div>
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Pictures maybe...but expect more substantial updates and ponderings during Thanksgiving break. Until then, I have a conference to prep for, fools. </div>
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- M.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-12024497365107919132013-08-20T19:21:00.001-04:002013-08-20T19:21:58.063-04:00Hello!Thanks to my recent contribution to Early Mama, I have been getting a lot of new visitors! To you I say: welcome! Feel free to comment and say hello.<br />
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I'd love any suggestions on things you would like to hear about: parenting, higher education, crafts, and anything American culture. <br />
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Again, welcome!<br />
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- M.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-85372908840356495192013-08-20T13:45:00.002-04:002013-08-20T13:45:45.986-04:00Ap-parent.See what I did there?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actual blue sky from this summer. </td></tr>
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This week marks the slow transition back into the school year, although at this level, we don't really get the summer "off." Granted, I don't go to work, but I had a new course prep, dissertation research, and a summer class. Yesterday was my third graduate assistant orientation at school. It really made me realize how long I've been at this campus, and how much financial assistance they have provided me. A few new things, but more or less the drill is the same. I got to meet some of the new assistants, as well as reconnect with some of the rising Ph.D. students who were previously Masters students. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing with chalk in the backyard.</td></tr>
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Considering how long the university summer is, I assumed things would pretty much be in order by now. We are moving offices, thanks to some new faculty, and changing how we dole out assistant hours to some of the faculty (to prevent having a lot of unaccounted for hours at the end of the semester). Well, neither new thing was sorted out. The old tenants of our new offices are still there (school starts in less than a week) and the new hours weren't figured out either. I really wanted to be able to provide E's sitters with some concrete hours, but seeing as I'm the only parent in the G.A. group, I'm not shocked this wasn't considered. I don't pull the parent card much, but I will in this situation. I need to have consistent hours that mesh with the schedules of my sitters. I'm actually not concerned about that, but I have already determined that I will bring Elliott into the fray if necessary.<br />
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Garden Update: Our sunflowers bloomed, the cherry tomatoes are still producing, and I'm super disappointed by the beefsteak plant. Perhaps it got too much water this summer (it has been really wet in our neck of the woods), but it has about 5 GIANT tomatoes that have not yet ripened. Next year might only see cherry tomatoes in the garden. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sunflower attracted a bee.</td></tr>
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Jason and I caught summer colds this weekend, so my productivity has been down. I have to miss the last week of summer dance, and I hope I can just get the necessary things done by next Monday!<br />
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Before my cold showed up, I did go to the Mt. Grenta Outdoor Art Show again. As always, it was a really fun time, and I actually bought a hand-made item this year (not a t-shirt or souvenir like years past). It's a ceramic yarn bowl, which prevents your yarn from falling all over the place while you use it. It sounds ridiculous, but using it keeps things orderly and untangled. I would love to vacation at Mt. Gretna someday; it's almost like being transported back in time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM73ZAwMpFISwUpoBpYLz6wQUEtlZ9F9jVjcJ7zv4cl4z_n2VKCPx5q9uoKeEP6ivxtwHXaR7NHHgrRsDRLEmjkYwfJmsELfEw_26ak1HbjdG4WtQXoIbIvyAYsNILNibgic7CtU-BlnE/s1600/IMG_1540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM73ZAwMpFISwUpoBpYLz6wQUEtlZ9F9jVjcJ7zv4cl4z_n2VKCPx5q9uoKeEP6ivxtwHXaR7NHHgrRsDRLEmjkYwfJmsELfEw_26ak1HbjdG4WtQXoIbIvyAYsNILNibgic7CtU-BlnE/s320/IMG_1540.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Under the trees at Old Chataqua"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk4pQ94l4Lv5pSMeTiTEmcd6cpMATGPyTcGogNcqoNtIaHRUyVHon8rJRKfK6t0e7rqVXa3GlucP4ZQVAXKc44ILEJl76KMRus9cxR526fi0yjitCkv8UL0ktod0rOq80hRiRdSvata4/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk4pQ94l4Lv5pSMeTiTEmcd6cpMATGPyTcGogNcqoNtIaHRUyVHon8rJRKfK6t0e7rqVXa3GlucP4ZQVAXKc44ILEJl76KMRus9cxR526fi0yjitCkv8UL0ktod0rOq80hRiRdSvata4/s320/IMG_1543.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the adorable homes.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbVmx56-iM_wMnunRnCTFfiMqQ8e975TPEoA3Jhcn3__k8vi3IZTUh807wFIWQ-k-_n0CGEhlVbhfqD7oGaOMyUQrBr0gkKzUWNIeDPYULAP_csCRksGX83dVTS3Fmc55XMmykskQ70Y/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbVmx56-iM_wMnunRnCTFfiMqQ8e975TPEoA3Jhcn3__k8vi3IZTUh807wFIWQ-k-_n0CGEhlVbhfqD7oGaOMyUQrBr0gkKzUWNIeDPYULAP_csCRksGX83dVTS3Fmc55XMmykskQ70Y/s320/IMG_1547.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Jigger Shop, the delicious ice cream place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf03C5oYWiBvm4nZGw_TC5LHRIDpcoU97CxS5oMU0i1cXS7XIfet8NbQ1lcWxBFg0ctw1VSlK10tGV-1A1ATuIuUzQjC4yhwpnuKItM-Qz9OdJDRffNjW-DxSqGJ9TV7fYsJNaN7Ju6Q8/s1600/IMG_1550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf03C5oYWiBvm4nZGw_TC5LHRIDpcoU97CxS5oMU0i1cXS7XIfet8NbQ1lcWxBFg0ctw1VSlK10tGV-1A1ATuIuUzQjC4yhwpnuKItM-Qz9OdJDRffNjW-DxSqGJ9TV7fYsJNaN7Ju6Q8/s320/IMG_1550.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A perennial favorite home to look at.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN-L72_D1gd4AgapJbcGYh5hlJfyh8IDiiDUKZ3FPgxD-Mbp3N77CeLo8nFsjANLBxRuHxwvrUFCmZwsklWYrGR_hAi_Bhu8P62s3fKca6WFsC3-NIJjl2lhaktYxz0yKNQ0NbqpnvQc/s1600/IMG_1552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN-L72_D1gd4AgapJbcGYh5hlJfyh8IDiiDUKZ3FPgxD-Mbp3N77CeLo8nFsjANLBxRuHxwvrUFCmZwsklWYrGR_hAi_Bhu8P62s3fKca6WFsC3-NIJjl2lhaktYxz0yKNQ0NbqpnvQc/s320/IMG_1552.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful flower from house above.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeol-nfWa7BzgF6IVJNcgkY1N92SotVDUohD1pWgg0Unuj316AImLoKPhuLKbGKzt4I-Xst9xgQadRLSUTMjVo981ToIi1705wwdjgJJ4EOMItupfu7l2f1QNwRIiYixTFyafQgWbhz94/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeol-nfWa7BzgF6IVJNcgkY1N92SotVDUohD1pWgg0Unuj316AImLoKPhuLKbGKzt4I-Xst9xgQadRLSUTMjVo981ToIi1705wwdjgJJ4EOMItupfu7l2f1QNwRIiYixTFyafQgWbhz94/s320/IMG_1557.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal and glasswork flower. Just a taste of the pieces at the show.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi079ABjUEVNN3Q1HK2Tv-fmTTTm90n74CMDl8v4WoPn06-7andttgUO7jVVhzy7wtniVcxyF25bIZQLajmhCXAE9SjU5KgbdxP59G27yWA3w08utGqEf5JZqu8ICw8WKgshOWkTbik9Pg/s1600/IMG_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi079ABjUEVNN3Q1HK2Tv-fmTTTm90n74CMDl8v4WoPn06-7andttgUO7jVVhzy7wtniVcxyF25bIZQLajmhCXAE9SjU5KgbdxP59G27yWA3w08utGqEf5JZqu8ICw8WKgshOWkTbik9Pg/s320/IMG_1558.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained glass lamp in the Jigger Shop.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-39926941414613962632013-08-19T23:07:00.003-04:002013-08-19T23:07:36.360-04:00Big Blog News!I'm officially a regular contributor to<a href="http://www.earlymama.com/"> Early Mama</a>, a blog that focuses on younger mothers in a world where a twenty-something mom is less common than ever. My area of "expertise" is going to be student-parenting (it's kind of the only way I've ever known parenting), so stay tuned for all kinds of perspectives on that topic. Michelle, the mama of the Early Mamas, has recruited some fascinating ladies to write for the blog, so please check it out more often than when I post. <br />
<br />
Here is my first post, on <a href="http://www.earlymama.com/2013/08/19/back-to-school-tips-for-early-mamas/#more-7098">getting ready to go back to school</a>.<br />
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- M.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-50596273388516643582013-08-10T21:51:00.000-04:002013-08-13T09:13:22.559-04:00Meal Planning 101After my latest post, I had a request to talk about HOW to meal plan. Until I came up with this system, it was a pretty big pain in the butt, and we would frequently give up and order out. In the first two weeks that we used the system, we did not order or eat out once. We had dinner at our parent's homes, but that does not count as dining out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv26xGCw5PhvCmutqIfhofDwtizFxWWrL-RqPQA9Z0VFUB7AK40WMsHpVkQhUIizAZfAIOOfmPLtQ5e0NbeABmlf6hCIUQGYxKSjQRCpnZ9L_y2gqjSC-R6V4VfXyzJ_f1DAK609QQLRU/s1600/DSC07550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv26xGCw5PhvCmutqIfhofDwtizFxWWrL-RqPQA9Z0VFUB7AK40WMsHpVkQhUIizAZfAIOOfmPLtQ5e0NbeABmlf6hCIUQGYxKSjQRCpnZ9L_y2gqjSC-R6V4VfXyzJ_f1DAK609QQLRU/s320/DSC07550.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandarin Pork and Rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step 1: Gather your resources</b><br />
- Figure out what is already in your cupboards. This will prevent you from wasting food and from buying things you don't actually need at the store (which is how meal planning saves money).<br />
- Gather the recipes in your wheel house. Don't try to learn to make a million new things. Obviously you have seen what I can make (and that we have an unhealthy obsession with chicken), and we add a new recipe when we can. Be realistic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VKUpAhUUiLww2puSnxhqBIvSUjpf4M-2qHDk3XA8DKR823ejmjaQP-kToqEV93kuUIk3tQJ0t_kkXaNAP_OZJv_C9dYHId3qOTRviyFfUGot9Rtw5gHWD5RAK1YZDv0IUaMKV5nwGiQ/s1600/DSC06264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VKUpAhUUiLww2puSnxhqBIvSUjpf4M-2qHDk3XA8DKR823ejmjaQP-kToqEV93kuUIk3tQJ0t_kkXaNAP_OZJv_C9dYHId3qOTRviyFfUGot9Rtw5gHWD5RAK1YZDv0IUaMKV5nwGiQ/s320/DSC06264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Pretzel Salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step 2: Organize!</b><br />
- I have a board on our fridge that houses the schedule for the week. It has places for five people's schedule, but obviously, there are only three of us (with schedules...Barney is super lazy). In the bottom row, I write the dinner for the evening. We all know what it is and can see how it fits into the schedule.<br />
- To make future meal planning easier, I got some blank 3" x 5" index cards. On each card, I wrote a meal / entree and its ingredients on the front, and the procedure on the back. Because I am a little anal retentive, I also coded the cards by the meat (or lack thereof) and grain contents. If I didn't, we'd end up having a weeks worth of chicken or pasta dishes. We try not to have consecutive nights of the same meat. We also try to have one meatless night, or at least seafood. <br />
- Each week (whenever is good for you; we do this on Sundays), we plan the week's meals. We set out the cards, make a grocery list, find coupons, and set aside the food we already have for those meals. I was finding that I would accidentally use something to make lunch, or Jason would use it to bake, so if we set it in a special place, it doesn't get used. <br />
- For lunch, we eat leftovers and a few standards (deli sandwiches, hot dogs, mac and cheese, PB&J) so we also make sure to purchase those things and breakfast items. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoD8-iVaBvyj7C7HIigCHSX3n96ks9mRy5U8O9yy-X7F9rZ6vUD0kzfP0YsYEM2mNlrac4nKbkszobeWY32_-gIw1wV_ZzoPUxley2gzznohyHEWVD7UQCtvzObrMqpOcFI8xxrdRaLg/s1600/DSC07563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoD8-iVaBvyj7C7HIigCHSX3n96ks9mRy5U8O9yy-X7F9rZ6vUD0kzfP0YsYEM2mNlrac4nKbkszobeWY32_-gIw1wV_ZzoPUxley2gzznohyHEWVD7UQCtvzObrMqpOcFI8xxrdRaLg/s320/DSC07563.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step 3: Shop</b><br />
- Do not grocery shop without a list. I repeat: DO NOT CROSS THE THRESHOLD OF THE STORE WITHOUT A LIST IN YOUR HAND. Otherwise, all the planning is for naught. On my list, I also note which things I have coupons for to make comparison shopping easier. If the coupon requires a certain number of things to get the discount, I also note that on my list.<br />
- My kiddo is a pretty good sidekick for errands. As long as I talk to him a lot and play, he has enough patience to last the trip. I find it takes me longer to shop without him because I end up making impulse purchases, I wander in the store, and I have no reason to make the trip quick. If your kids make the trip longer or whatever, see if you can avoid taking them on the big trip. Go after your spouse is home and the kid is in bed. Also, find out when the Senior Discount Day is and avoid that morning. <br />
- Unless you need delicate produce, try to get all of your ingredients in one trip. This helps avoid smaller trips that tend to add up throughout the week. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAtKjjZJP8GUWf2iIXADy14g2cO6Ci-tLSDIHQy-_vnqBAnG7l4ovCzCV3hW-v65y0FclWkAZwxcVBZCh9ApL_cs8C_KHtj8_lQOnnmBSW3SRj8Cl1AuFhd9_9CDCdK9O1d2p_itdYJc/s1600/DSC07586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAtKjjZJP8GUWf2iIXADy14g2cO6Ci-tLSDIHQy-_vnqBAnG7l4ovCzCV3hW-v65y0FclWkAZwxcVBZCh9ApL_cs8C_KHtj8_lQOnnmBSW3SRj8Cl1AuFhd9_9CDCdK9O1d2p_itdYJc/s320/DSC07586.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cayenne Lime Chicken and Mango Salsa</td></tr>
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Once you've made the cards, meal planning and shopping for me takes about an hour and half total. I'm definitely buying and wasting less because of this system. <br />
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That said, organization is a pretty personal thing. You can get ideas from others, but making it work for you and your family is probably going to require some tweaking. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC9wdl2GXbESJl4l3DThCAMv0_seChnp8rZ0E4vFMO3NakUjX-DVSwyO98MZ9f9bY-XXT-p7cJneJownXILy20KMqq4n7fqC2lbiaCjuckv7CUC0LCqHhyphenhyphen2ezLdPQ2f2nNAEceJLTmPg/s1600/IMG_1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC9wdl2GXbESJl4l3DThCAMv0_seChnp8rZ0E4vFMO3NakUjX-DVSwyO98MZ9f9bY-XXT-p7cJneJownXILy20KMqq4n7fqC2lbiaCjuckv7CUC0LCqHhyphenhyphen2ezLdPQ2f2nNAEceJLTmPg/s320/IMG_1394.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stout Cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
*Remember: If you are ever bored with your dinner plans and need a new recipe, check out the entries under "recipes" in the tag cloud. <br />
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- M.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-44288287569933730152013-07-31T12:08:00.003-04:002013-07-31T12:08:54.893-04:00Procrastination Station.I have a long and not-so-proud legacy of being a procrastinator. In high school, I remember a lot of panicked late nights trying to finish U.S. History IDs or Calculus homework (the latter of which will go down in my mind as THE WORST HOMEWORK EVER). The only thing I probably did in advance of due dates was memorizing lines for plays and songs for musicals and chorus. I still have nightmares involving not knowing my lines, songs, or dances for a show. I haven't performed in over two years! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDjZ6XZ6kFNxJA1xpxxyirkD1bDkhbcF1YXntJYnRJg-x0XWiuHKmv8vzkXF_rnVOrEMpMySFL9Ytk9833soednIt1uenqwBZGF49z4Udi_8t_PsT6s-Nk3oHHkaMg3kd4-djR9QfOAk/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDjZ6XZ6kFNxJA1xpxxyirkD1bDkhbcF1YXntJYnRJg-x0XWiuHKmv8vzkXF_rnVOrEMpMySFL9Ytk9833soednIt1uenqwBZGF49z4Udi_8t_PsT6s-Nk3oHHkaMg3kd4-djR9QfOAk/s320/IMG_1848.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer iced tea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The last two weeks have been a blur of finishing things that I've had MONTHS of free time to finish. I am writing some encyclopedia articles for an online encyclopedia one of my professors is helping to edit. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to put some publication credits on my CV, and I'm also getting paid. However, something held me back from starting these articles until July started. Maybe I was afraid because I hadn't written something like that before. Perhaps I felt like I wasn't the right person to compose some of the articles. I'm not sure, but the experience has definitely resulted in some introspection. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgDcj9k7i15RVNcQvzCpan_3CNnCuJ3t8J83JOh3Y2mVRMlw-yw7dsqOnBauHwbX0-lmFLclmILlBOB-sy0B4hxnRURuYU8xJ74VhrUqYMmQiO7OLv33y_vHO3COTRZW3csv3tjJI6GM/s1600/DSC02851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgDcj9k7i15RVNcQvzCpan_3CNnCuJ3t8J83JOh3Y2mVRMlw-yw7dsqOnBauHwbX0-lmFLclmILlBOB-sy0B4hxnRURuYU8xJ74VhrUqYMmQiO7OLv33y_vHO3COTRZW3csv3tjJI6GM/s320/DSC02851.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working smarter, not harder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm ALWAYS happier when I got something done in advance. Never have I regretted getting something done early enough to let me edit, revise, and maybe even turn it in before the due date. As a M.A. student, I did this all the time, partly because I was unhappy and during the week, had little else to do but read and write. I need to remember both the panic of waiting until the last minute AND the relief of having things completed on-time and without rush. I used to believe that I produced better work when I waited, but I now know that is absolutely not the case. The work I produced under the gun was good <i>enough</i>. Sometimes I wish I could go back to undergrad (for a lot of reasons, but this is a big one) just to tell myself to work a little smarter. Read for philosophy class. Read in advance so I could have pre-class discussions with my very bright classmates. I squandered some of the opportunities of being in the honors program, in that I didn't always connect enough with my classmates about the amazing ideas we were being exposed to. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn7Kl3XhupDZGRqWFAQBZzZEqch_1bpBGUWD30ccQlnsMid1O-cXnrvNh0IW8FiFhMCJeeiVKEf-So41tkSh3epsbd4fKrNhKqdt8grTydtLCR2EFBKV7b73fRJf4auE97f8nJeEQDxc/s1600/DSC02858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn7Kl3XhupDZGRqWFAQBZzZEqch_1bpBGUWD30ccQlnsMid1O-cXnrvNh0IW8FiFhMCJeeiVKEf-So41tkSh3epsbd4fKrNhKqdt8grTydtLCR2EFBKV7b73fRJf4auE97f8nJeEQDxc/s320/DSC02858.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking more time to appreciate beautiful things.</td></tr>
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I'm very thankful that next week is our family vacation. I will have a week to spend with my in-laws, my little family, and perhaps even my sister and her boyfriend. After that, I have another week before anything school related starts. I'm going to get my hair done. I'm going to indulge in a pedicure with some of my grad school lady friends. I'm going to host a play-date and do crafts with Elliott and his friends. I need to be able to hit the ground running once school begins again, but I can't do that without a little decompression. <br />
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What lessons have you learned from procrastinating (or, if you are like my sister, from NOT procrastinating)?<br />
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- M.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-16471333277998539322013-07-24T13:42:00.003-04:002013-07-24T13:42:50.118-04:00Bloglovin'<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9209623/?claim=7jhuxkh9r6p">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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If you want updates on the blog, sign-up for Bloglovin'. I've found that it is a great substitute to Google Reader (R.I.P.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08169693256529367458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4581303051817260214.post-27482873858135500002013-07-24T13:34:00.001-04:002013-07-24T13:35:15.662-04:00Modern Happiness.<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
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“The only time you should look in your neighbor's bowl is to make sure that they have enough. You don't look in your neighbor's bowl to see if you have as much as them.” - Louis C.K.</h1>
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"Comparison is the thief of joy." - Theodore Roosevelt</div>
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These two quotes have been tumbling around in my brain a lot lately. Despite all that I have, it seems easy to get sucked into a vortex of envy and loathing when one looks over the fence and sees all that green grass. The Internet makes this easier than ever before. Historically, there were always ways to tell what class a person was or what one suspected they had going on in their lives. For a very long time, it was how one dressed. This changed in the industrial age when ready-to-wear clothing made it affordable for everyone to dress like the class they wanted to be. So, we had to find new ways to make each other feel inferior. Cars, houses, appliances...I think the idea is clear. Still, in the United States, we have deemed ourselves a "class-less society," which is laughable. We all consider ourselves middle-class. No one wants to be lower-class (whatever that means), but no one wants to be elite either. </div>
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Thanks to the Internet, we can more easily see the things people have, partly because they spend time posting them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. So-and-so bought a house; him-and-her are having another baby; this-and-that are getting a promotion. Suddenly you're sad because those people are doing the things you wish you could do. Oof. It's the worst. It's probably weird of me to admit it, but from discussions with my friends, I know I'm not alone. </div>
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But I have a full fridge (of weird food; it's been a strange meal week here), I have a car that runs and lets me listen to music on my commute, and I have a healthy family who makes me really happy. I have a house to protect me when it rains, and it has enough space to let me grow tomatoes. In short, I'm a really lucky person. Why do I let the joys of other become my insecurities? </div>
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I've made a promise to myself concerning self-improvement, as of late. Most goals are tangible: get in shape; eat well; crochet; write 1000 words a day. However, a few are mental, and most people will never notice they occurred, which is fine. The above quotes pretty much sum it all up. Be happy with the wonderful life I have and ensure that I'm doing what I can to lift others up. Teaching helps me do that. I do a little charity here and there. I think my happiness will increase if I keep all this in mind.</div>
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I hope you enjoyed this little philosophical side-bar. I'll get back to talking about crochet, gardening, and E in due time.<br />
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