tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76282526412507188222024-02-08T00:43:17.065-07:00Dizzy's Placefeels like some kind of ride but it's turning out just to be life going absolutely perfectlylizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-51059444426597493292011-11-16T12:07:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:07:48.160-07:00The Luncheon ProjectI realized that I haven't yet personally blogged about my newest blog venture (even more sustainable then the ever-failing home-improvement blog.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadruz8hyphenhyphenFtFBXCO-kjaAsiDvE0l7woSGQdFIT25dH7_7CpSH0BRGuee8tLu57pqwq5q2t_L6Kh-o3DC8_0eu8yGtYk4sHyvrb6O42IeiflaoqOY00uMeqElHapomtagqqfMyBqsF5dbwI/s1600/luncheonfacebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadruz8hyphenhyphenFtFBXCO-kjaAsiDvE0l7woSGQdFIT25dH7_7CpSH0BRGuee8tLu57pqwq5q2t_L6Kh-o3DC8_0eu8yGtYk4sHyvrb6O42IeiflaoqOY00uMeqElHapomtagqqfMyBqsF5dbwI/s320/luncheonfacebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The Luncheon Project (visit <a href="http://theluncheonproject.com/">HERE</a>) is a site my husband and I started in October. It began as a good excuse to stay on top of personal networking, but we thought we would share our wonderful experiences with others!<br />
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It's a little baby website right now, with just a few posts, but so far our traffic has been pretty fantastic, and we have super high hopes for it in the future.<br />
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Follow us on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/luncheonproject">@LuncheonProject</a> and stay tuned for some great posts about some great people.Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-63569292677056245862011-08-09T15:06:00.000-06:002011-08-09T15:06:01.923-06:00What I'm going to Do when School is OutIn just 130 days I'll be done with college.<br />
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I will celebrate Christmas.<br />
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I will read books of my choice.<br />
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I will learn to do yoga.<br />
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I will learn more about biking.<br />
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I will run with my dogs.<br />
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I will paint the walls of my house.<br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And I will continue to learn many, many things.</div><div><br />
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I will not have to miss work to go to reviews.<br />
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I will not have to deal with the scheduling conflicts of everything class brings with it.<br />
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I will not have to deal with petty, entitled students who "participate" in reviews by spending their time on Facebook and call the TA's "idiots."<br />
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I will not have to stress about parking.<br />
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I will not have to worry about "my record."<br />
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I will not have to correspond with "TA's."<br />
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I will not have to brave the swarming crowds of campus.<br />
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I will not have to log into BYU's "My Financial Center."<br />
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I will be so very happy.Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-12255997218251656902011-08-07T13:41:00.000-06:002011-08-07T13:41:15.159-06:00Poise<div style="text-align: center;">I said I would blog more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here I go.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lately, I've been thinking about taking ballet classes again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I was little, I took ballet classes because that's what little girls do. Also, my sister did it, which made it something I should DEFINITELY do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was okay. I wasn't great, but I tried hard and I was okay. I was much better at jazz and modern dancing, but still not great. I think, back then, I liked the <i>idea </i>of being "a dancer" than really actually being one. Took a lot of courage on my part to accept that and say "no thanks" to dance lessons after 9th grade....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lately, I've seen a lot of ballet dancers around. You can just spot them miles away..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Backs straight</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chins up</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shoulders back</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stomach in</div><div style="text-align: center;">Feet turned out</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ballerinas are beautiful. Just gorgeous, really. They reek of grace, poise, and confidence. And I know they may not all <i>feel</i> confident - but they certainly look it. And I love that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I want to be a ballerina, too.</div>Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-64330418173104091812011-06-27T22:52:00.001-06:002011-06-27T22:52:57.188-06:00The Psychology of Audiences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxlVSCNNmURKnhB5mk4-T_qwIDyx2deeAXaBnoq7x1gnkaowsewb6YN8UzUhHZ66gDZJdwbMpXpLdBmYjcvgurKWIh-Je4Z2RO3BszK4Z0X74e4n6PnRaKfMZIvQcxmulKTY9P_wLRNhn/s1600/toptenz-clapping-audience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxlVSCNNmURKnhB5mk4-T_qwIDyx2deeAXaBnoq7x1gnkaowsewb6YN8UzUhHZ66gDZJdwbMpXpLdBmYjcvgurKWIh-Je4Z2RO3BszK4Z0X74e4n6PnRaKfMZIvQcxmulKTY9P_wLRNhn/s400/toptenz-clapping-audience.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>If I were to study anything, at this point in time, it would be the theory/psychology/what-have-you behind audiences.<br />
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As previously mentioned, I'm in a show. A show that has audiences.<br />
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Monday night audiences are typically not as responsive as Saturday night audiences, which are always far more skeptical than Friday night audiences (which are the preferred bunch.)<br />
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Then there are the week-day audiences. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday and Wednesday-ers typically got some sort of 2-for-1 deal, and thus have less of a financial (and thus, emotional) investment in the show. Dull.<br />
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Thursday audiences are tired, typically with a vibe of "Go ahead. Entertain me. I'm exhausted and I DARE you to entertain me."<br />
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I know. It can be a little terrifying.<br />
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But all in all the question is this: WHY? Why the trends. How do exhausted people all agree to go on Thursday. Why do fun people all agree to go on Friday? Is there some sort of underground network of show-goers? Perhaps a show-goer message board with a "Monday," "Tuesday," Wednesday," etc. thread? Do they coordinate it ahead of time?<br />
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Or maybe there's a union. A show-goers union. And there's always a representative at each show who gets the word out: "Hey, man, you're at the Friday show. Be sure to laugh loud and clap hard."<br />
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It's fascinating. Really, it is.<br />
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Too bad I'm not looking to do a research-based masters degree any time soon.Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-44740110166465020462011-06-25T10:38:00.000-06:002011-06-25T10:38:09.728-06:00The Thing about Dogs is this:They're wonderful.<br />
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We're watching a friend's baby right now and when he started crying Lucy and Pepper went nuts. They started wagging tails, and smiling and licking his feet like "hey, little puppy-human, it's okay!!"<br />
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They're. So. Wonderful.<br />
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And I don't understand why dogs aren't more generally accepted.<br />
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Don't get me wrong - - a lot of people like dogs and have dogs. I get that. But I just wish that a) they were more trusted and b) people wouldn't raise their dogs to be vicious, violent idiots and give the rest of our happy, caring, loving dogs a bad name.<br />
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See, what I'm really talking about here is airplanes.<br />
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Small dogs can travel under the seat in a carrier.<br />
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Large dogs are treated like luggage.<br />
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You have to pay out the nose for your dog to be put beneath the cabin, where temperatures are "regulated," and the workers are "careful" and your dog is "safe."<br />
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But rarely do you hear about the dogs that die because of it being too hot or too cold, or because they didn't properly pressurize the storage area or the ones who's cages weren't handled carefully so that they got out ON THE RUNWAY as the plane was landing.<br />
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Why can't they just give the doggies some downers so they don't bark or fuss, and stick the kennel at the back of the cabin?<br />
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I just don't get it.<br />
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See, we were gonna live somewhere like Sweden or Scotland someday. And someday we will. It's just a matter of figuring out if we a) trust the airline system, b) want to risk it or c) leave them in foster-care for a while.<br />
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Decisions, decisions.Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-28734302537526317302011-06-23T19:45:00.002-06:002011-06-23T19:46:08.183-06:00Opening NightDear world,<br />
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I am in a play called "The Hit."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9txUs0268NqhiFh43LzKInfBklTXw40YliBq7IPAfkoWU02o7Ql9eB7OD126lRpKSv7_tLpHIYM7P5Qq7VF8Feq_VUUAnoqVEbrdT2H6w0cPnqqrKM7oQmA_Kt5uM4j1lwcnMRTM4lZ7K/s1600/TheHit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9txUs0268NqhiFh43LzKInfBklTXw40YliBq7IPAfkoWU02o7Ql9eB7OD126lRpKSv7_tLpHIYM7P5Qq7VF8Feq_VUUAnoqVEbrdT2H6w0cPnqqrKM7oQmA_Kt5uM4j1lwcnMRTM4lZ7K/s320/TheHit.jpg" width="271" /></a><br />
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It's opening, as we (or I) speak (or type.)<br />
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It's at the Hale Theater in Orem.<br />
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I play 5 characters: Swanky, Sweet, Sal, Sexy and Sylvia<br />
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This is Sylvia:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxRsUQOobVwoEA3d-zugy_YOdlVtRIvSZpfGNyhMWT5hKoGE2BPqlfjqKQHoEWRvKj192CnEED8Z1VkGRxCBN3nasa44oLPfTIr62BiXDWtJuHAjUb7zgX-C983BdZlGPrsJPM6yrlzvr/s1600/256680_10150277956301355_71076466354_9558449_5611312_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxRsUQOobVwoEA3d-zugy_YOdlVtRIvSZpfGNyhMWT5hKoGE2BPqlfjqKQHoEWRvKj192CnEED8Z1VkGRxCBN3nasa44oLPfTIr62BiXDWtJuHAjUb7zgX-C983BdZlGPrsJPM6yrlzvr/s320/256680_10150277956301355_71076466354_9558449_5611312_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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Do come!!Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-62698719289621240132011-06-23T14:35:00.001-06:002011-06-23T14:36:15.593-06:00Blogging<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiykiubD69S6ZUSeK11dR4C7OCUtGX4-QxziZRRAO5zFfWp_2kYWe4MXsXqXWRARJm0x2sF4eGEdAmvn7BIjaweRjAj5r6lwY_B_Byc0sIGN_cIU_JzPNMdkURMy1JGPDwcseDvOKUAHo/s1600/onsite_img_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiykiubD69S6ZUSeK11dR4C7OCUtGX4-QxziZRRAO5zFfWp_2kYWe4MXsXqXWRARJm0x2sF4eGEdAmvn7BIjaweRjAj5r6lwY_B_Byc0sIGN_cIU_JzPNMdkURMy1JGPDwcseDvOKUAHo/s1600/onsite_img_01.jpg" /></a>I think I want to start again.<br />
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Because yesterday, while eating the most delicious halibut I've ever tasted, <a href="http://www.sundanceresort.com/dine.html">here</a>. And every time I go up there, whether to eat, explore or play, I'm always inspired. I really should go more often.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sundanceresort.com/dine.html"></a>I decided that it's about time I start doing the things I want to do and being who I always thought I would be.<br />
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Ever thought of that? Just being who you want to be? Just start.<br />
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That's what I'm going to try doing.<br />
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And I will accomplish it by doing the following things:<br />
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Eating less<br />
Hiking more<br />
Disconnecting more frequently from technology<br />
Reading books I like<br />
Finding my spirituality<br />
Spending time with people I Love<br />
Taking care of myself and others<br />
Loving<br />
Throwing away/getting rid of so much of the "stuff" I own<br />
Working hard (increasing work ethic)<br />
Redefining, and strengthening personal values<br />
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Ah, summer resolutions. They always seem to work out better for me than the January kind.lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-50522409557006360162011-05-29T14:57:00.000-06:002011-05-29T14:57:15.308-06:00Nothing to SayI haven't been blogging. Sorry.<br />
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I haven't had anything to say.<br />
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It's a thought that takes me only a second to say and only two seconds to realize is a complete lie.<br />
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We bought a house. We bought dogs. The semester ended and I needed a job. When did I grow up?<br />
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Why did I grow up?<br />
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I feel like I've reached a standstill, where I'd rather someone pick out my outfits, my meals, my daily tasks and my future. I'll probably be fine with whatever "someone" chooses. I just don't want to choose it myself. This is the train of thought that makes me think "I haven't had anything to say."<br />
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Fact is, I've had a lot to say. I just don't want to say it.<br />
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It's probably because to say things makes me feel vulnerable and open. Generally, I like this feeling. I like to foster that between me and my family and friends. Truly, I do. But I like it on my terms.<br />
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And when one is officially a super-senior in college <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(COLLEGE? WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?!)</span>, a wife, a home-owner, and soon to be a full-time worker and goal-achiever, the vulnerability is officially no longer my own.<br />
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And maybe that's why I don't want to say things. I think I already feel like I'm saying enough.Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-1023658014562278922011-04-05T18:29:00.000-06:002011-04-05T18:29:15.203-06:00Shirley Templehere's a commercial on these days that use Shirley Temple's song "Early Bird." So I've been thinking about Shirley Temple.<br /><br /> Now, I've never been a huge Shirley Temple fan. Like, ever. I've always thought she was overrated, completley, and nigh unto irritating.<br /><br /> So, having avoided all things Shirley Temple for the last few years of my life because of my Shirley Temple aversion, I decided to give in and YouTube her. I found the following video, and I actually think it's gorgeous.<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9X_floLk2Xo?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe><br /><br />Now, I don't think this movie did well, and as far as I know, I don't think Shirley Temple's career was great after her childhood, but I think the trailer is so romantic! Isn't it? Don't you just want to run through that big house in a puffy white dress singing "ah ah ah ah!!" Like Shirley?<br /><br />I still don't like her as a kid - but I"ll give her one thing, that this trailer is pretty pretty :)Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-24352810843594886882011-04-01T22:55:00.002-06:002011-04-01T22:55:32.448-06:00I love This<div style="text-align: center;">I love Jessica Peterson. Last year, she took my bridal pictures and now she's working on a project about "Charlie the Horse."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm obsessed with it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf_XZG2r-5FT01S4gOCYPrZncNZ7M7tdx7g1n1hfTxV9QwPnwB_SjrbpRzyDBqT5RJtDD4ANNlI1TsjsfDk7FALwFwKkuDC1IPEWgW9tEznTPkETL7TttKu9guL3H8Gx1f1asfWooIoEo/s1600/IMG_6992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf_XZG2r-5FT01S4gOCYPrZncNZ7M7tdx7g1n1hfTxV9QwPnwB_SjrbpRzyDBqT5RJtDD4ANNlI1TsjsfDk7FALwFwKkuDC1IPEWgW9tEznTPkETL7TttKu9guL3H8Gx1f1asfWooIoEo/s400/IMG_6992.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jesslorraine.blogspot.com/">See it here.</a></div>Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-4556902226518049902011-03-15T19:06:00.000-06:002011-03-15T19:06:24.882-06:00I have a new blog<div style="text-align: center;">It's about the house.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which house?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This house: http://thebeanhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/welcome.html</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That we moved into two weeks ago.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There, I plan to write all about the projects and updates and fun, wonderful things we do to said "house."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you'll follow along with me for the journey!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-43412393186973129042011-02-24T14:44:00.000-07:002011-02-24T14:44:25.200-07:00Genius for Many Reasons<div style="text-align: center;">My daily planner is full of "inspirational quotes" which I tend to take with a grain of salt. This is usually because the "quote" is something to the effect of "Children are life's love" or something weird like that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh here's one I just found: "The world always looks brighter from behind a smile."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not bad, mind you. They're typically very true. But they're not usually moving in any particular way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I looked at my planner and noticed the following quote at the top of the page:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Our task must be to free ourselves...by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty." -Albert Einstein</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Admittedly, much of what Albert Einstein said in his day goes so over my head that I can't even feel good about using the phrase "right over my head" because it is SO much farther over my head than just "right" over it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But this? I can relate to. It's something that is so true but I hadn't quite thought about it in that way. Widening our circle of compassion, embracing all living creatures and the whole of nature is what frees us.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Essentially, we become free through compassion and gratitude.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I say - Good one, daily planner. This week's quote was definitely a winner.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-14811838094022408782011-02-18T12:41:00.000-07:002011-02-18T12:41:57.892-07:00Best Dream Ever<div style="text-align: center;">The other night I had the most amazing dream.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The dream was not so much plot-based, as my dreams usually are. It felt more like a series of personal memories.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And in these memories I was Paul McCartney's best friend. Honest to goodness! Just his best friend and confidant. Nothing more, nothing less. It was delightful, truly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kvCCKYQWzJuYweahQ4lCdpWM8n7__g2VC33l6chom2Ndr-2VtZtWKEcvHpBbYHCkMTcDhCI1au0VeZRbM7VvX0JZMAcWYtYIyFq2t2xlfHzFWdz08IITon_A8Q6DyiWR8rRth4yiL8oA/s1600/paul-mccartney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kvCCKYQWzJuYweahQ4lCdpWM8n7__g2VC33l6chom2Ndr-2VtZtWKEcvHpBbYHCkMTcDhCI1au0VeZRbM7VvX0JZMAcWYtYIyFq2t2xlfHzFWdz08IITon_A8Q6DyiWR8rRth4yiL8oA/s320/paul-mccartney.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The first memory I had in my dream was of riding in a car with the Beatles on their way to a show. I was sitting next to Paul and George, both of whom held onto one of my hands for moral support before getting out of the car to face a crowd of screaming fans. I assured them they'd be great and had nothing worry about, that I'd be eagerly waiting for them after their show.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The next memory was similar - only we were riding on a train. And it was nighttime. Everyone was going to sleep but Paul and I stayed up chatting, as friends do. But eventually I helped him fall asleep.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another memory was riding in a plane. I was playing cards with Paul before their first time visit to America. Everyone was so excited!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I suppose I stopped touring with the group, because the later memories consisted of writing letters back and forth for a lifetime. I remember reading bits about the Beatles' trip to India, receiving and invitation to Paul's wedding, the announcement of his daughter, and a letter about the irony of the song "When I'm Sixty Four," on Paul's 64th birthday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The last memory in my dream was Paul and I reconnecting as old folks. But we were so happy to see each other.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The best part about the dream, beyond these memories, was the neat feeling of being SO proud of my friends. Only my friends were THE BEATLES. No big deal. But it was not a crazy-fan-obsessive dream at ALL. It was just a calm, pleased, I'm-so-proud-of-you-and-so-glad-to-have-been-there dream.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I woke up from this dream SO happy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I have since concluded that we are kindred spirits and were most definitely besties in the pre-earth life. No WONDER I like the Beatles so much.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-65361176493306793772011-01-11T18:55:00.000-07:002011-01-11T18:55:14.519-07:00Tuesday<div style="text-align: center;">Was a much better day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">First, I must express my come-to-Jesus moment about my job. I was frustrated, yesterday, I'll admit. And when I posted I suppose I wasn't in my most right mind. I think I was caught up in the *joy* of coming to work first thing in the morning, to find endless papers and many, many pieces of the metaphorical puzzle that need putting-together, some of which I had already put together, some of which still remained, and some of which were new. My job is stressful, I won't deny that. But I think I need to stop and be grateful that I <i>have</i> a job and that I have bosses that are a) neat people and b) detail oriented. It sets a good example. It's not the end of the world. And I'm sorry if I frightened anyone with my frustrated-natured post.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But ANYWAY.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In more happy news, I signed up for a VOICE OVER CLASS. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A VOICE OVER CLASS!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A two hour block of JOY where we learn about radio, tv and animated feature VOICE OVERS. We talked about the 5 main things to consider - placement, gate, dialect, attitude and pitch. We briefly covered pace, texture and rhythm. IS THIS NOT THE BEST CLASS FOR ME?! Like - EVER?! Seeing as I've done voices my whole live (Bonny, Sprout, Svetlana, The Ghost of Christmas Future, etc. etc. what have you) I'm in heaven with it and I can't wait to continue.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, I bought this book:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LmsXVNK3LQSK2AwoWFA0ROlnWJ_J4p1xKN_CanmmiwpsNbUiZr-RL_lkPFjryAbC-iRx9vN_BS4GFiY_QrmH0LhVziUcIPiimToCBpOh3GzZSxbsCj9PFsASDiGBiyuKrwp6oHaBRZVW/s1600/Inside-of-a-Dog-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LmsXVNK3LQSK2AwoWFA0ROlnWJ_J4p1xKN_CanmmiwpsNbUiZr-RL_lkPFjryAbC-iRx9vN_BS4GFiY_QrmH0LhVziUcIPiimToCBpOh3GzZSxbsCj9PFsASDiGBiyuKrwp6oHaBRZVW/s400/Inside-of-a-Dog-cover.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm SO looking forward to reading it. You have no idea. From what I've read so far, it's relatable, understandable, and totally mind-blowing. I'm a big dog person in a big, big way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, Spencer and I are probably going to hopefully maybe look at buying this house:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKgoqkLm753SyXgqfkL0A5HGfhOn0QF-aFN7eHbryyReF2uUO2NBqG32qxOfc3mjMLWTWnQ_h42bbsORkx1euRHV1jLWhcZPs0J73jAYDWeM87qKv2zRDFlweQkgML4T5_46WGYrAFZ44/s1600/house2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKgoqkLm753SyXgqfkL0A5HGfhOn0QF-aFN7eHbryyReF2uUO2NBqG32qxOfc3mjMLWTWnQ_h42bbsORkx1euRHV1jLWhcZPs0J73jAYDWeM87qKv2zRDFlweQkgML4T5_46WGYrAFZ44/s400/house2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It looks (and probably is) "just a house." It's not too amazing, or unique. But it's a great house with some great features. And it has a rentable apartment. And it's got its own laundry. And no bass-pumping upstairs neighbors. And covered parking. And a yard with fruit trees. And two bedrooms. And a linen closet. And a dishwasher. And a garbage disposal. I'm still trying to psyche myself out about the commute which will change from 5 minutes to about 15... But it looking out to be a pretty wonderful prospect.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday, everybody. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday.</div>lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-89461011947163768952011-01-10T14:17:00.000-07:002011-01-10T14:17:32.652-07:00Monday<div style="text-align: center;">Today has been the day of parking and pantyhose.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got to work relatively on time. I would have been more on time had it not been for the hellacious state of BYU parking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I walked from my distant lot to the Oliver House and it was snowing. The snow was really just slivers of ice, and they glistened like pieces of silver glitter. It made me think of the confetti that fell from the ceiling during the finales of my childhood dance recitals.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got going at work and found all the projects I've been working on to be tampered with. I work with one other person and we do the same job. But our bosses can be very, very, very, very impatient. If I'm not there to do something on my project, they ask co-worker to do it for me. It feels like I'm being violated every time. First it makes me feel vulnerable, thinking "Do they not like my work?" "Do they not trust that I'm still working on this project?" "Do they think I won't finish it?" Then it makes me angry. I think "Well if they were around more, I could ask them the questions I need to get these things done sooner!" and "It's not my fault I'm here at 8:00, ready to go, and no one else is!!" or "Why should my credibility suffer when it's not my choice that the bosses don't really hunker down to check out my projects 'till the afternoon shift!!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sigh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a meeting with an artistic director today. I made the mistake of driving to the south of campus to meet with him. Good thing co-worker came along, so he could go start the meeting and I could spend 30 minutes hovering by the 15-minute parking spaces only to have them NEVER open up. The dumb BYU parking guys even drove by twice, and failed to catch the illegal actions of the white mini-van and blue truck that remained in 15-minute parking for over 30 minutes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Injustice.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Luckily, my two classes I had today were great. Unfortunately, though, I learned that my piano skills are rusty. And it didn't help that with everywhere I walked or sat today, my nylons kept scooting down my legs. So uncomfortable, those. Now I remember why I wear thick, sock-like, stretchy tights most skirt days. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But now I am home. I am home and I'm in jeans and I have checked my emails. I have purchased school supplies. I have had some peppermint ice cream. And I most certainly NOT gearing up for a rehearsal, at which I would feel more of the same above-mentioned frustration and resentment. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">No sir. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I couldn't be happier about it.</div>Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14448518099557471866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-17166547057481973412011-01-09T21:32:00.000-07:002011-01-09T21:32:39.674-07:00My 2011 Engagement Calendar<div style="text-align: center;">It has come.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That time of year when I need a new planner.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've narrowed it down to six (if you can call 6 planner choices "narrow.")</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Will you help me decide?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESrTpNyT8TNCXE-xT0xnmbZjW1ki7sx9Fax1WhoOuUXgxxroxmn2v3PZ_DrdQf2SJW1nIMHb6KZXoT75u5JoCnNWFfcNpfDjIEOWM9wLESmeJQ4AUxD8gDj-qYeIV-vet1C41Nj36W-XI/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESrTpNyT8TNCXE-xT0xnmbZjW1ki7sx9Fax1WhoOuUXgxxroxmn2v3PZ_DrdQf2SJW1nIMHb6KZXoT75u5JoCnNWFfcNpfDjIEOWM9wLESmeJQ4AUxD8gDj-qYeIV-vet1C41Nj36W-XI/s320/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.00+PM.png" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.calendars.com/Modern-and-Pop-Art/The-Art-of-Andy-Warhol-2011-Softcover-Engagement-Calendar/prod201100003350/?categoryId=cat00015">see it here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_I2fHQZgaxQmoCxyY5aymN0zWbWpN6y5VyhyphenhyphenPxUfZAGBF29K21QCCr1a0FKqeMtcih8doBtlqN-4Z2bMJOabFO_kvrfKUvf9qPZ6zvhTkbRqzRCX3hD2_qTJVyGh-RTNPAOfkTSLnjse/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_I2fHQZgaxQmoCxyY5aymN0zWbWpN6y5VyhyphenhyphenPxUfZAGBF29K21QCCr1a0FKqeMtcih8doBtlqN-4Z2bMJOabFO_kvrfKUvf9qPZ6zvhTkbRqzRCX3hD2_qTJVyGh-RTNPAOfkTSLnjse/s320/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.10+PM.png" width="230" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.calendars.com/Fashion/Fashion-of-the-20th-Century-2011-Softcover-Engagement-Calendar/prod1269649/?categoryId=cat00117">see it here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItKd4iPZcEgeLpwrWR80r8oNqs1i7GHtlIhqblEcWylqAmJkW6ywRsf6F7VdSlefCOKO17zLS_Q-3Vtgrhr3ml-VYD3DkozWEzn68dH-vzFL2APGsQeDQVMwL_K7col1blvktnffaOnty/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItKd4iPZcEgeLpwrWR80r8oNqs1i7GHtlIhqblEcWylqAmJkW6ywRsf6F7VdSlefCOKO17zLS_Q-3Vtgrhr3ml-VYD3DkozWEzn68dH-vzFL2APGsQeDQVMwL_K7col1blvktnffaOnty/s320/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.21+PM.png" width="230" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.calendars.com/Assorted-Fine-Art/National-Gallery-of-Art-2011-Softcover-Engagement-Calendar/prod1269267/?categoryId=cat00016">see it here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5H8WYcf1lmws3-91skq2Mj4qVxSAxjUhRyYNcRTwOsJdZFwNDyElqzFSySW_ohf2HFpZjpIxqhkckLBpYnhUD_ariD491croEK94z-6Y0_zOKpXyaG5q6Zpd5wq4PsD-Hw97T7fiAVkix/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5H8WYcf1lmws3-91skq2Mj4qVxSAxjUhRyYNcRTwOsJdZFwNDyElqzFSySW_ohf2HFpZjpIxqhkckLBpYnhUD_ariD491croEK94z-6Y0_zOKpXyaG5q6Zpd5wq4PsD-Hw97T7fiAVkix/s320/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.29+PM.png" width="233" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.calendars.com/Flowers/Flowers-for-the-Home-2011-Softcover-Engagement-Calendar/prod1259480/?categoryId=cat00103">see it here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex4B7-_uq_N45ch-jsgd0oYenniY40fYrNFuRGu30DcSr1tj3Y_iLCzhIkuPfE-NNjYkETNWfNGIIbz8Ms6BsY51ccGpW33RzyWIDedn20sFL8e_ppzSPsJAUIb5-O079dQrqrE3KorN5/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex4B7-_uq_N45ch-jsgd0oYenniY40fYrNFuRGu30DcSr1tj3Y_iLCzhIkuPfE-NNjYkETNWfNGIIbz8Ms6BsY51ccGpW33RzyWIDedn20sFL8e_ppzSPsJAUIb5-O079dQrqrE3KorN5/s320/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.38+PM.png" width="248" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.calendars.com/Mary-Engelbreit/Mary-Engelbreit-Hold-on-Tight-2011-Softcover-Engagement-Calendar/prod1269157/?categoryId=cat200020">see it here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf3nrY3fXZKLK2mmnry5KcV0SEeiMUbKl02psQao2pg5u4TgyGVbW3AKT45wcly1IzZg0mm6S_pjdnLSM9m3jytP1nKiGUfasByYEXZ5j8CIVFZuwDs1yRhcatyw-wsVrA3P7LyTbrslT/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf3nrY3fXZKLK2mmnry5KcV0SEeiMUbKl02psQao2pg5u4TgyGVbW3AKT45wcly1IzZg0mm6S_pjdnLSM9m3jytP1nKiGUfasByYEXZ5j8CIVFZuwDs1yRhcatyw-wsVrA3P7LyTbrslT/s320/Screen+shot+2011-01-09+at+9.27.47+PM.png" width="233" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.calendars.com/Assorted-Fine-Art/Treasures-of-the-Smithsonian-2011-Softcover-Engagement-Calendar/prod201100012695/?categoryId=cat00016">see it here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To me, a daily planner is most precious. It holds valuable information! Your schedule, contacts, codes, notes, business cards, tickets, coupons, etc. Well, at least mine holds all of those things.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last year I had a daily planner/recipe book. It was amazing. There were beautiful pictures of food to look at every day, recipes, healthy snack tips and more! I loved it. I think this year I'm in need of some daily eye candy which, I suppose, is why I've tended toward the artful this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's all a matter of deciding what I need to have with me as my second hand man. Oh, and you BET I'm a physical-planner person. I can't keep track of everything on line. Nope. Not my style.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway - what's your vote?</div>lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-78743602588920234652011-01-05T22:07:00.000-07:002011-01-05T22:07:26.073-07:00Oh my heavens, it's twenty-eleven!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAcAdBCMr-uhm5ZGyuDYZ8EteP6s-Nyk0EUdG2CqEIs4T2hbz0e83W4b6mp67vNG_KctvvEL2ELgPxyMowNcAIctFqWA4N0ioPSTATH9Oigke9Yr5psWPooOE5muJ4Bs8G9EevE7u2pcp/s1600/New+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAcAdBCMr-uhm5ZGyuDYZ8EteP6s-Nyk0EUdG2CqEIs4T2hbz0e83W4b6mp67vNG_KctvvEL2ELgPxyMowNcAIctFqWA4N0ioPSTATH9Oigke9Yr5psWPooOE5muJ4Bs8G9EevE7u2pcp/s400/New+year.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The beginning of this year has come relatively quietly. I'm afraid to say its celebratory nature was a bit exhausted by the failure of a contract on a house, some other big life decisions, the passing of a friend, and the beginning of a new semester.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But it has also been joined by the reunion of friends, the warmth of home, and WONDERFUL family. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh how I love the holidays.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But really, I'm posting the requisite "Resolutions" post. Because I have resolutions worth posting that, so far, have gone swimmingly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You see, I set myself up for success this year. Instead of taking on one hundred twenty seven thousand, four hundred and thirty eight new things - I've lessened the load. I'm taking a healthy 12 credits. Did you hear that? TWELVE. And they're credits I will ENJOY. I am working twenty hours in the mornings of my days. I am done at 1 pm, with a nice spattering of evening classes to tide me over.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I debated about auditioning for Synthesis. I was going to. And then I wasn't. And then I was. And then I wasn't. And then I was. And then I didn't. I did it for three years, toured with the ensemble twice, and made some wonderful friendships. But it also brings an intense rehearsal schedule, and a lot of anxiety. And by a lot I really do mean a lot. So - thanks for the music. Thanks for the memories. Maybe I'll come to a concert this semester. I have yet to email the director. That will be hard....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But I'm going to get into shape. Do I want to lose weight like everyone else? Sure. But really, I'd like to just be fit again. I'd like to cook more. I LOVE cooking. I'd like to learn to speak a language, and you know what? Maybe this year is the year. (Currently I'm listening to this song and, though I don't know what it means, it's beautiful.) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O7h7yCvQoqc?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O7h7yCvQoqc?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"> And I'll audition for another show. Seusical auditions are on March 3rd, everybody. COUNT ME IN.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;">I'll sleep, and I won't feel threateningly exhausted every. day. of. my. life.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;">I'll read books.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;">I'll get good grades in every class because I'll finally have enough time to study/practice for ALL of them.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;">Life is good. And it's going to stay good, so help me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;">And, in the mean time, I'm obsessed with <a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/">this</a>, <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-DINNER-PLATES&id=974445&catId=HOME-TABLETOP-DINNERWARE&pushId=HOME-TABLETOP-DINNERWARE&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=115&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=033&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=">this</a>, and <a href="http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/">this</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;">Best of luck to everyone and your own resolutions this year!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-37931316590931381622010-12-30T00:17:00.000-07:002010-12-30T00:17:36.593-07:00But Seriously....<div style="text-align: center;">If I could do anything in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD......</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I would make movies.</span></div>lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-51266287718243686012010-12-15T10:45:00.000-07:002010-12-15T10:45:39.353-07:00Coming to a Close<div style="text-align: center;">Semester is done</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gone the sun</div><div style="text-align: center;">From the lakes</div><div style="text-align: center;">From the hills</div><div style="text-align: center;">From the sky!</div><div style="text-align: center;">All is well?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Soon to rest,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God is nigh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will stop my griping, friends. I will. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I'm "one of those" kinds of people who just needs to be unhappy for a minute, and then I can get over my bad self and move on. Right? Right.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The semester is almost over. I will celebrate it by making Grammy's Christmas cookies with my sister, on accounta she would have made them herself, but had some old friends and family to go visit instead.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Instead of complaining today, I'll mix it up a little.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll explain that I'm grateful for the chance to fail tests. I'm grateful for parents that have paid for my education my whole life, who have educated themselves, and who have insisted I use a dictionary when I have questions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm grateful for my voice, that I can do plays, and that I can sing because it makes me feel happy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm grateful for the people God puts in our path to brighten our days and make us feel better.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm happy for chocolate, even if it does make me feel porky when I eat too much.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm grateful for Christmas time, that for at least once in a year, people turn their hearts to Christ - even if just for a second. It is no coincidence that people are kinder, more giving, more loving and more caring at this time of year. It is the thinking of Christ, listening to music about Him, and living the way He would have us live - even if just for one month a year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">God bless us, everyone! And Merry Christmas!</div>lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-16923638548644525812010-12-13T22:42:00.000-07:002010-12-13T22:42:10.066-07:00The Good DeedFound this in my drafts. Realized it never got posted. So sad. Betcha I lost points.<br />
<br />
Blog 1:<br />
<br />
See - for school I'm supposed to be blogging weekly. I have to admit, while I enjoy blogging - I haven't been as religious about it as I should be. And for some reason - this semester has dried me up. It seems like whenever I try to do something good for myself or anyone else, a thousand not-good things creep in and take over.<br />
<br />
Like my "good deed." We (my writing class) were assigned to try to find someone more stressed out than we were (it being the last week of school and all.) I'm currently in a local production of A Christmas Carol, with like 60 cast members. I thought - with it being the last week of school for many of them, or many of them have kids - for whom it's the last week of school - and it was opening week of the show - why not try to do something nice and good for these stressed people?<br />
<br />
So I brought cookies. I brought delicious, huge, local-bakery-made cookies. A wide assortment, mind you, and VERY festive. I'm talking red and green M&M's here.<br />
<br />
I brought the cookies. And sitting on my counter - still - are 6 of those cookies. They didn't go over too well. Mind you, the little kids liked them, sure. And some people seemed to enjoy them. I, myself, enjoyed two.<br />
<br />
I always thought cookies made life better. Ah well.<br />
<br />
Blog 2: The continuation of thought.<br />
<br />
This has been happening a lot lately. <br />
<br />
Seems like every time I try to make a good, healthy, home-cooked meal, the pot boils over, or the bottom gets burned.<br />
<br />
When I study my (expletive) off for a test, I get a 60-something.<br />
<br />
If I try to watch what I eat, I GAIN weight.<br />
<br />
Management at work seems to notice only the few times I fall through rather than the many times I pull through.<br />
<br />
When you make an offer on a house, it falls through and the sellers change their minds, anyway!<br />
<br />
And what's worst is I'm not even just failing to look on the bright side. This is all just fact, people! Cynic aside!!<br />
<br />
I just don't understand the change in tide.<br />
<br />
Sunrise, sunset, I suppose...lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-80911073014728752202010-11-21T20:41:00.000-07:002010-11-21T20:41:53.910-07:00Buying a House<div style="text-align: center;">Yeah, we're thinking about buying a house.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is that sort of scary or what?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The reasons are these:</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. We'll be here for 2-3 more years for SURE.</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. We'll need a place to live for those 2-3 years.</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Interest rates are at a great, all-time low</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Houe prices are at a great, all-time low</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. We're going to be paying a few hundred a month to live in an apartment, anyway, so why not pay a few hundred to a mortgage and live in a place where we can make changes/paint/do whatever we want.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep. Pretty good reasons, if you ask me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've looked at maybeeee 10 houses give or take?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are the two standing out to us:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjJLpVweaJuO7de2T-c4whHR-7C6HzI0KmGnPSRXd81xuYX_9YRd3JjkEb5sq3bAXjQwS2M3ZNut1E37XGeA_kiTD34H-IoYkdvIXOWtVCYK8EzdZLJNUHZLlLZjRMeiAlq8FFoI3mnOR/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-21+at+8.38.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjJLpVweaJuO7de2T-c4whHR-7C6HzI0KmGnPSRXd81xuYX_9YRd3JjkEb5sq3bAXjQwS2M3ZNut1E37XGeA_kiTD34H-IoYkdvIXOWtVCYK8EzdZLJNUHZLlLZjRMeiAlq8FFoI3mnOR/s320/Screen+shot+2010-11-21+at+8.38.52+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2znFJe-cwJD25LiAlby_RsA3os5rlYLidoVKi4SckgYVQ4kl3OszQH6JHAz0aiSNH1t0Y-AAdfzpoKTtVENxqcbNr2PRY1loVEy_9Ev7w1tqYwpCyz-Zv8vvWVNSh3f4ASKhnzcT2aZ7/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-21+at+8.31.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2znFJe-cwJD25LiAlby_RsA3os5rlYLidoVKi4SckgYVQ4kl3OszQH6JHAz0aiSNH1t0Y-AAdfzpoKTtVENxqcbNr2PRY1loVEy_9Ev7w1tqYwpCyz-Zv8vvWVNSh3f4ASKhnzcT2aZ7/s320/Screen+shot+2010-11-21+at+8.31.49+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-----</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjJLpVweaJuO7de2T-c4whHR-7C6HzI0KmGnPSRXd81xuYX_9YRd3JjkEb5sq3bAXjQwS2M3ZNut1E37XGeA_kiTD34H-IoYkdvIXOWtVCYK8EzdZLJNUHZLlLZjRMeiAlq8FFoI3mnOR/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-21+at+8.38.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjJLpVweaJuO7de2T-c4whHR-7C6HzI0KmGnPSRXd81xuYX_9YRd3JjkEb5sq3bAXjQwS2M3ZNut1E37XGeA_kiTD34H-IoYkdvIXOWtVCYK8EzdZLJNUHZLlLZjRMeiAlq8FFoI3mnOR/s200/Screen+shot+2010-11-21+at+8.38.52+PM.png" width="200" /></a>This one has updated lots of things. New paint, new floors, new carpet, new kitchen (upstairs.) It's got a ton of storage space, and it's on a huge lot. There are driveways on either side of the house (it's a corner lot.) Really cool. Downside: the floorplan is a little maze-like. The downstairs bathroom and kitchen are a little outdated and the downstairs kitchen doesn't have a range or a refrigerator. Or a garbage disposal. And it doesn't have a washer or dryer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2znFJe-cwJD25LiAlby_RsA3os5rlYLidoVKi4SckgYVQ4kl3OszQH6JHAz0aiSNH1t0Y-AAdfzpoKTtVENxqcbNr2PRY1loVEy_9Ev7w1tqYwpCyz-Zv8vvWVNSh3f4ASKhnzcT2aZ7/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-21+at+8.31.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2znFJe-cwJD25LiAlby_RsA3os5rlYLidoVKi4SckgYVQ4kl3OszQH6JHAz0aiSNH1t0Y-AAdfzpoKTtVENxqcbNr2PRY1loVEy_9Ev7w1tqYwpCyz-Zv8vvWVNSh3f4ASKhnzcT2aZ7/s200/Screen+shot+2010-11-21+at+8.31.49+PM.png" width="200" /></a>This one is proving to be our favorite. It's very clean and breezy feeling. It's a little smaller than the first one. But it is cozy and charming. It's got a dishwasher for both upstairs and downstairs kitchens. It's got a garbage disposal for both, too! And it has a washer and dryer. And it's got a fairly big yard. Downside: no garage, less storage space, a little less space in general, and the heating/cooling system (while totally new and clean) connects between the upstairs and downstairs in such a way that (from our experience) you can hear 100% of downstairs discussions upstairs, and vise versa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Decisions, decisions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They're in relatively the same location. Just both very different. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But very cool for all those very different reasons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But it's hard to make a decision! Let alone think about the process of signing and closing and moving and getting our contract sold (which I feel will be NO problem, but will still take a bit of effort,) and all that jazz. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The idea of it is just so appealing. I wish it would just happen in the blink of an eye so I wouldn't have to deal with all that goes into the process :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-53438939658400971802010-11-14T12:14:00.000-07:002010-11-14T12:14:25.557-07:00When the crazy wheel slows down, where will you be?<div style="text-align: center;">I've been thinking a lot lately. And you know what's frustrating about thinking a lot is that oftentimes, I don't come up with specific ideas or conclusions. Sometimes I make new goals, sometimes I have small realizations, but thinking - for me - typically just leads to a stupor of thought, more questioning or more thinking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But I've seen a lot these past few weeks. And I think, for once, I do have something to say about it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've seen friends rise and fall and succeed and fail. And I have done all of those things, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's been a crazy few weeks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And here's what I've come to find:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Religion is like weight loss. You have to do it for yourself, because you want to, and because it makes you feel good. You don't have to prove anything to anyone and if you believe you DO have something to prove, you're likely not going to be as successful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Truth is everywhere, and it's okay to accept that and embrace it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Families are good. It's okay to be patient with them. They need it the most, anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thinking about where you want to be and who you want to be when you're 65 years old really really really puts things into perspective.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you make choices just because. And they may not be the "right" choice or the "wrong" choice - but because it's a choice you already made, you can MAKE IT the right choice. Accept that. And move on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">People matter more than grades. And if I'm ever an employer, I will believe and accept that with all my heart, and hire you even if you didn't graduate college with a 4.0.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's no reason you can't do what you love. And if you're worried about someone loving you for doing what you love - don't. If someone doesn't love YOU (the you that's doing what you love) you shouldn't be with them anyway. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You should be happy first, and then worry about making money. Because the first option is typically more in your control than the second. And it's more important, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And - as my dear friend has been singing in my voice coaching classes from "Chess" - when the crazy wheel slows down, where will I be?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Think about it. When all that is hectic and "important" goes away, what will remain? Who will you be? Is it good? Do you like that person?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I'm still trying to figure that out, myself. But it's certainly helped me put things into perspective the last few weeks....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-45944914315304353432010-11-11T09:10:00.001-07:002010-11-11T09:10:36.279-07:00Making my Heart Break<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I had a good friend post about a poem. I read the poem. I hope you take some time to read it, too.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">You know - I've been thinking a lot about love and life, and regret and heart break lately. My thoughts aren't totally together about it all, but this poem certainly taps into something deep. And, if you ask me, it's the perfect poem of longing to compliment a chilly fall day. Don't you think?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">MAUD MULLER, on a summer's day,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Raked the meadow sweet with hay.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Beneath her torn hat glowed the wealth </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Of simple beauty and rustic health.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Singing, she wrought, and her merry glee</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The mock-bird echoed from his tree.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But when she glanced to the far-off town,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">White from its hill-slope looking down,</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The sweet song died, and a vague unrest</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And a nameless longing filled her breast,</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A wish, that she hardly dared to own, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For something better than she had known.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The Judge rode slowly down the lane, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Smoothing his horse's chestnut mane.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He drew his bridle in the shade</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Of the apple-trees, to greet the maid,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And ask a draught from the spring that flowed </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Through the meadow across the road.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">She stooped where the cool spring bubbled up,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And filled for him her small tin cup,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And blushed as she gave it, looking down </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">On her feet so bare, and her tattered gown.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Thanks!" said the Judge; "a sweeter draught </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">From a fairer hand was never quaffed."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He spoke of the grass and flowers and trees, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Of the singing birds and the humming bees;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Then talked of the haying, and wondered whether </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The cloud in the west would bring foul weather.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And Maud forgot her brier-torn gown, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And her graceful ankles bare and brown;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And listened, while a pleased surprise </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Looked from her long-lashed hazel eyes.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">At last, like one who for delay </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Seeks a vain excuse, he rode away.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Maud Muller looked and sighed: "Ah me!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">That I the Judge's bride might be!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"He would dress me up in silks so fine,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And praise and toast me at his wine.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"My father should wear a broadcloth coat;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My brother should sail a painted boat.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"I'd dress my mother so grand and gay,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And the baby should have a new toy each day.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"And I'd feed the hungry and clothe the poor</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And all should bless me who left our door."</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The Judge looked back as he climbed the hill,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And saw Maud Muller standing still.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"A form more fair, a face more sweet </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Ne'er hath it been my lot to meet.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"And her modest answer and graceful air </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Show her wise and good as she is fair.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Would she were mine, and I to-day, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Like her, a harvester of hay</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"No doubtful balance of rights and wrongs, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Nor weary lawyers with endless tongues,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"But low of cattle and song of birds,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And health and quiet and loving words."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But he thought of his sisters, proud and cold,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And his mother, vain of her rank and gold.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So, closing his heart, the Judge rode on,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And Maud was left in the field alone.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But the lawyers smiled that afternoon, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When he hummed in court an old love-tune;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And the young girl mused beside the well, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Till the rain on the unraked clover,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He wedded a wife of richest dower, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Who lived for fashion, as he for power.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Yet oft, in his marble hearth's bright glow, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He watched a picture come and go</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And sweet Maud Muller's hazel eyes </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Looked out in their innocent surprise.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Oft, when the wine in his glass was red, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He longed for the wayside well instead;</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And closed his eyes on his garnished rooms </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">To dream of meadows and clover-blooms.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And the proud man sighed, with a secret pain,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Ah, that I were free again!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Free as when I rode that day, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where the barefoot maiden raked her hay."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">She wedded a man unlearned and poor,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And many children played round her door.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But care and sorrow, and childbirth pain, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Left their traces on heart and brain.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And oft, when the summer sun shone hot</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">On the new-mown hay in the meadow lot,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And she heard the little spring brook fall </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Over the roadside, through the wall;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">In the shade of the apple-tree again </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">She saw a rider draw his rein.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And gazing down with timid grace </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">She felt his pleased eyes read her face.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sometimes her narrow kitchen walls </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Stretched away into stately halls;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The weary wheel to a spinnet turned,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The tallow candle an astral burned,</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And for him who sat by the chimney lug,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Dozing and grumbling o'er pipe and mug,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A manly form at her side she saw, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And joy was duty and love was law.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Then she took up her burden of life again,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Saying only, "it might have been."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Alas for maiden, alas for Judge, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For rich repiner and household drudge!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">God pity them both! and pity us all, </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Who vainly the dreams of youth recall.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For of all sad words of tongue or pen,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The saddest are these: "It might have been!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Ah, well! for us all some sweet hope lies</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Deeply buried from human eyes;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And, in the hereafter, angels may</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Roll the stone from its grave away!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="lineb" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">-THE END-</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">John Greenleaf Whittier's poem: Maud Muller</span></div>lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-75116230964771544482010-11-03T11:53:00.001-06:002010-11-03T11:54:32.990-06:00Deep Dark Secrets<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Have you ever thought about what you would do with your life if EVERY option were available, regardless of time, talent, education or money?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Do you know what I would choose to do?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I would make music videos.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Not sleezy semi-pornographic videos, no no.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Neat ones.:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wigqKfLWjvM"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Like This</span></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oomhQpeyB0Q"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Or This.</span></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmjPrdTNxQ0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Or This.</span></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Why? Because they're beautiful and creative and fun. And I want to make things that are beautiful, and sometimes I feel like I'm creative and it would be fun to do.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Will I ever do it?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Probably not.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So sad.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But if I did, I think I might make one like this for kicks:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f49cEgJ3xNM"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Like this.</span></a></span></div>lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628252641250718822.post-43422888778016774462010-10-27T00:04:00.001-06:002010-10-27T00:05:13.002-06:00On Being Older<div style="text-align: center;">When I was younger I was very good at journal keeping.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then it got to the point where I was really only journaling "big" things like "Oh HI, journal...So long story short there's this boy and he HELD MY HAND TONIGHT!!" Bubbles bubbles bubbles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then it got to the point where I was really only journaling once a year - the night before my birthday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't think my journal knows I got married. Or started college for that matter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But today is my birthday. And, though I didn't write yesterday - I still think I remember how yesterday (my last day of being "the big two-zero") felt.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My twentieth year was certainly a doozie. Not what I would have expected for myself for my twentieth year. In fact, at the cusp of my twenty-first birthday (last night) I found myself having a come-apart all about "who am i? what am i doing? where am i? where am i going?" because none of it seems to line up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Turns out some of those feelings may have been valid, but mostly I was/am just tired.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But despite my crazy mind and non-traditional (or overly-traditional, depending on the way you look at it) life choices, I think I'm doing okay. And that's mostly what one should want to feel, I think, on their birthday. That they're doing okay. I may have made a few interesting turns, and I'm certainly taking some different side roads - but they're prettier than inter-state highways, anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can be patient.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My sweet sister - <a href="http://emdab.blogspot.com/">who wrote a neat and disgustingly accurate blog regarding my birthday that you should all read because its hiLARIOUS</a> - gave me a gem of a gift. I didn't feel like getting my shmancy pants camera out so i took mirror-image pictures with my macbook. Sorry they're backwards.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8LmxQze-ESPl1UDVAPI9GM0huJs6VxKLlHDWwXMz8sze9f7yRP8qhibRlAMZBBpIc4jSVyFbHrvSVDWfRhtEAG53fGKXWp34cjZqVGCh9xUiX9ezJ0yoeAVp6W9zZWBtKk_7tkbT28K_/s1600/Photo+on+2010-10-26+at+23.44+%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8LmxQze-ESPl1UDVAPI9GM0huJs6VxKLlHDWwXMz8sze9f7yRP8qhibRlAMZBBpIc4jSVyFbHrvSVDWfRhtEAG53fGKXWp34cjZqVGCh9xUiX9ezJ0yoeAVp6W9zZWBtKk_7tkbT28K_/s400/Photo+on+2010-10-26+at+23.44+%233.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It says, "What to focus on: Happy." Could there be anything more perfect?</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I submit there could not.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Emmy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
And welcome, Twenty-One.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b656Kbk7fTETVr9eltikhugAEh1YaUtPahjXDJ7Cizg8YWCCiQxQuM9UQ3fEyX59z_PYrwaZYQgLjdrLLz6fcYxBJfYRsKbonHQggLtzSb47Xvr5xFCjhpa-IxcFxwKc2vtNlAm-713v/s1600/Photo+on+2010-10-26+at+23.44+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b656Kbk7fTETVr9eltikhugAEh1YaUtPahjXDJ7Cizg8YWCCiQxQuM9UQ3fEyX59z_PYrwaZYQgLjdrLLz6fcYxBJfYRsKbonHQggLtzSb47Xvr5xFCjhpa-IxcFxwKc2vtNlAm-713v/s400/Photo+on+2010-10-26+at+23.44+%232.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emmy also left secret BALLOONS outside my door for when i got home :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OP2e4eZQMbd-i4prf5imRBPsIB-SiSYhLC7QtnN0UcwN-o9iNZwO_MWG7gTeXvjLYgqMWlf35JHhhRqUA9MLSYj0pl3YtqCrRlz3k8eBgMgcnbvR5znij_uHSqYFf8ushuq0qWhk1bQT/s1600/Photo+on+2010-10-26+at+23.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OP2e4eZQMbd-i4prf5imRBPsIB-SiSYhLC7QtnN0UcwN-o9iNZwO_MWG7gTeXvjLYgqMWlf35JHhhRqUA9MLSYj0pl3YtqCrRlz3k8eBgMgcnbvR5znij_uHSqYFf8ushuq0qWhk1bQT/s400/Photo+on+2010-10-26+at+23.44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://juicebag.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-love-balloons.html">I LOVE BALLOONS!!!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPPPKKnn9lvgnL6-2okSK90jWVK8IiQ1d7JlHYgN9vifqH-ut3J10Yo4TyMvLAq44oGAc1PPnz2DAXdURJaCzUeyZ7NsMx5yYQ6PYl6gQcfP64s6ksEzZDLR3gil-xtPt-lkMeHQbWW2K/s1600/Photo+on+2010-10-26+at+23.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPPPKKnn9lvgnL6-2okSK90jWVK8IiQ1d7JlHYgN9vifqH-ut3J10Yo4TyMvLAq44oGAc1PPnz2DAXdURJaCzUeyZ7NsMx5yYQ6PYl6gQcfP64s6ksEzZDLR3gil-xtPt-lkMeHQbWW2K/s400/Photo+on+2010-10-26+at+23.45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the prettiest, happiest necklace from my mom.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDzo1SREHctHogrSb3jG3qcAnLTWd0pgKYiEHl9aO4yFDEqvrzkAWKYG3W647Cn0ZklrViwTgmXzku4WNJ8SwC9w-dULKeinjOU-P1KsuE7awt1Uoq1ocqiwXMS9Qgz59m1iSAwA_rDzE/s1600/Photo+on+2010-10-26+at+23.45+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDzo1SREHctHogrSb3jG3qcAnLTWd0pgKYiEHl9aO4yFDEqvrzkAWKYG3W647Cn0ZklrViwTgmXzku4WNJ8SwC9w-dULKeinjOU-P1KsuE7awt1Uoq1ocqiwXMS9Qgz59m1iSAwA_rDzE/s400/Photo+on+2010-10-26+at+23.45+%232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And pure, sweet, thoughtful, present-giving, favorite-present love from my husband.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023048993269200390noreply@blogger.com0