lonny love

Is anyone else draggy today? Whoever came up with the idea of Daylight Savings obviously did not have kids. A sick joke is what it is really.<br /><br />But on to happier things - like the latest issue of <a href="http://lonnymag.com/issues/33-march-april-2012/pages/1" target="_blank">Lonny Magazine</a>. Nothing makes me happier than sitting out in the warm sunshine with my laptop and ice tea reading it page by page. For those of you that <a href="http://pinterest.com/ladybaum/" target="_blank">follow me on Pinterest</a>, you know I'm pinning this issue like a crazy woman.<br /><br />I always find amazing things to add to my wish list, like this (which would look great in my bedroom)<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL5cueL9fPM7WKbM8xduXva6QR31OMCSbyLakl9aivacX-Vc8OGziInxm9mGZEI4-KaCSq6miqy2JCihPu5gGJyEhL7v6i4A7UZdt_aRAhtYh3fYnbK9Qm76aqwQ3AVUAH0ckKTLPt9P9/s1600/product5189.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL5cueL9fPM7WKbM8xduXva6QR31OMCSbyLakl9aivacX-Vc8OGziInxm9mGZEI4-KaCSq6miqy2JCihPu5gGJyEhL7v6i4A7UZdt_aRAhtYh3fYnbK9Qm76aqwQ3AVUAH0ckKTLPt9P9/s320/product5189.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bunnywilliams.com/beeline/brush-stroke-lamp-blue/" target="_blank">BeeLine Home</a> via <a href="http://lonnymag.com/issues/33-march-april-2012/pages/1#p11" target="_blank">Lonny Magazine</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>and this.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou8AuRx0WgJ2_tFESFu8rLNFwqlkwcfgfhmXgbCWDQfgA19zBwLQVS5TL8fu-OPGl8MhSgEuw0R0p5OXF0imqychf9hNlRg_oXOyI029WWOhl-DTokcoygeR8eySeYP7w0otCgp4G7EoB/s1600/turtle-shell-brass-tray.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou8AuRx0WgJ2_tFESFu8rLNFwqlkwcfgfhmXgbCWDQfgA19zBwLQVS5TL8fu-OPGl8MhSgEuw0R0p5OXF0imqychf9hNlRg_oXOyI029WWOhl-DTokcoygeR8eySeYP7w0otCgp4G7EoB/s320/turtle-shell-brass-tray.jpeg" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.highstreetmarket.com/products/turtle-shell-brass-tray" target="_blank">Turtle Shell Brass Tray</a> via <a href="http://lonnymag.com/issues/33-march-april-2012/pages/1#p24" target="_blank">Lonny Magazine</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then there are always a few dozen things I want to try out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like this mirrored door.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcXIyk20ARdV37XK5vArVpES7ECbjoghbiLuZ_Fvhe84hyphenhyphen96BHseQuGgQ6_E0dlPsNK6wfiYVl1kUzmfzRXThY8fXtGFtOZ3tJkDD590a9iULGhugy72o1hcdBvN2HEGnkIcsMUWGvjNM/s1600/3481-1331353260.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcXIyk20ARdV37XK5vArVpES7ECbjoghbiLuZ_Fvhe84hyphenhyphen96BHseQuGgQ6_E0dlPsNK6wfiYVl1kUzmfzRXThY8fXtGFtOZ3tJkDD590a9iULGhugy72o1hcdBvN2HEGnkIcsMUWGvjNM/s640/3481-1331353260.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lonnymag.com/issues/33-march-april-2012/pages/1#p57" target="_blank">Lonny Magazine</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And painted faux molding (this would work great in my bedroom as well - I've got bedroom brain today).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscT54deThP9xRE4zHKUZJTzkOZQHDr7ck5f_ILY6KEsYz7B00Adj6EwB5mdk5jtZDJVIBz3U9yQNuKG6ckinKOycu6XzA2a-8LwxWZbjakYkw-z4aPFmn-XkWfQ7Weadw9IbWLe0hEmpW/s1600/3498-1331353483.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscT54deThP9xRE4zHKUZJTzkOZQHDr7ck5f_ILY6KEsYz7B00Adj6EwB5mdk5jtZDJVIBz3U9yQNuKG6ckinKOycu6XzA2a-8LwxWZbjakYkw-z4aPFmn-XkWfQ7Weadw9IbWLe0hEmpW/s640/3498-1331353483.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lonnymag.com/issues/33-march-april-2012/pages/1#p74" target="_blank">Lonny Magazine</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are also great ideas for mixing high and low items.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZSgAsnCOh5D1mU0aTORmunamPAnbyVHUi5jQ0sGtrPlNzZqn_s619LAvTleN5sCOx0EHV-p5oDdq9fXTrD11G3EioEwRe7a_Jasz9YEmKMJitp6y1SUoWzpU-JkUmUqG4VB9Qq-oJynx/s1600/3525-1331353802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZSgAsnCOh5D1mU0aTORmunamPAnbyVHUi5jQ0sGtrPlNzZqn_s619LAvTleN5sCOx0EHV-p5oDdq9fXTrD11G3EioEwRe7a_Jasz9YEmKMJitp6y1SUoWzpU-JkUmUqG4VB9Qq-oJynx/s640/3525-1331353802.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lonnymag.com/issues/33-march-april-2012/pages/1#p101" target="_blank">Lonny Magazine</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be sure to take some time to look thru the latest issue. It is always a treat!</div>

lonny love

Is anyone else draggy today? Whoever came up with the idea of Daylight Savings obviously did not have kids. A sick joke is what it is really.But on to happier things - like the latest issue of Lonny Magazine. Nothing makes me happier than sitting out…

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EU propaganda video recalled

<br /><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A recalled EU propaganda video reveals more about 'the idea of Europe' than its makers intended</b></span></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlOzeJ5iqME?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="submitted" style="color: #444444;"><span class="timestamp"><abbr class="published" title="2012-03-10T23:14:41+00:00"></abbr></span> <span class="timestamp"><abbr class="published" title="2012-03-10T23:14:41+00:00">By  Anya Topolski  </abbr></span></div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div><div style="color: #444444;">A few days ago the EU Directorate General for Enlargement released, only to recall it three days later, this video clip, entitled Growing Together^{<a href="http://archive.wikiwix.com/opendemocracy/?url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlOzeJ5iqME%26feature=player_embedded&title=Growing%0ATogether" id="link14" rel="nofollow" title="archive de Growing Together"></a>}, aimed at young audiences with the intention of promoting EU policies.</div><div style="color: #444444;">Costing a whopping €127,000 ($167,000), this video did much more than that. It made transparent the all-too-often implicit xenophobia that is constitutive of ‘the idea of Europe’. The video not only taps into Europe’s foundational myth, it seems to justify the current existence of the European Union on the same grounds that once justified Europe’s imperialist adventures which led to its colonization of 85% of the globe. According to the relevant European Commission Director General, Stefano Sannino, the clip featured typical characters from the martial arts genre: kung fu, capoeira and kalaripayattu masters; it started with a demonstration of their skills and ended with all characters showing their mutual respect, concluding in a position of peace and harmony.</div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div><div style="color: #444444;">In this clip Europe is symbolized as a white woman walking and wading through puddles of water in a warehouse. For those that know their Greek mythology, this cannot simply be a coincidence. Europa, the virgin daughter of an Asian king, was frolicking in the ocean when whisked away by the Greek God Zeus, disguised as a white bull, who then raped and abandoned her. The night before she was assaulted, Europa dreamt of being attacked by the continents of Asia and Libya (the Greek name for what is now Africa) and finally being rescued by ‘civilization’. Just as in the myth, Europe – in the EU video – is attacked by three ‘barbaric’ men. First comes the attack from the East, an aggressive Asian looking kung-fu fighter.</div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div><div style="color: #444444;">Next Europe is attacked from the Orient by a sultan with a massive blade that cannot but convey images of the Crusades and the fight against the infidels. Last but not least comes that half-naked African. Enough said. Europe, reminding the world of its superiority and its ability to put violence in the past in the name of Reason simply stares condescendingly at the barbarians.  She multiplies herself – as a good woman ‘created’ to reproduce it implies ought to do – and encircles her enemies who relinquish their weapons. Each of the ‘identical’ women then becomes a star on the European flag and the three barbarians , that is the world in all its diversity, are erased – they vanish.</div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div><div style="color: #444444;">While one can, and should, be shocked by this, what is even more appalling is that this was not obvious to those that filmed it – those same people who are currently constructing Europe. Yet, the point I want to make is that this video does in fact symbolically depict one version of the painfully ‘true’ story of the idea of Europe.</div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div><div style="color: #444444;">What’s interesting for our story is that it was the threat of the infidels and the Orient that often helped to keep Christian Europe together.  First, in the period of the schisms between the Eastern and Western Churches, it was the Crusades that reminded Europe that our enemies were more important than our differences. Exemplified by the call to arms by Pope Urban II (1088-99) to join the Crusades, the most potent expression of this reality was captured in the <i>Song of Roland ‘Pagans are wrong and Christians right’ (v.1015).</i> In the 15th century, Europe sought to both purify itself of its unwanted siblings, both older and younger, by means of the Spanish inquisition.</div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div><div style="color: #444444;">Similarly, in the sixteenth century, the threat of the Orient – specifically the Ottoman Turks – ‘helped’ Europe to resolve its internal conflicts between Protestants and Catholics. This brings us to the last part of our story. The Europe of today, in the aftermath of Auschwitz and Srebrenica, seems to want to define itself by means of the history of the Enlightenment, its ability to be rational, civilized, and secular. In doing so, it not only covers over its horrendous history of violence both within and beyond its borders, it also denies that secularism is simply another imperial Christian or should I say, European, project.</div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div><div style="color: #444444;">While the EU certainly did not wish to tell this story, perhaps the story can be of some greater service to Europe if it only forces us to ask the question: what does ‘unity in diversity’ really mean? If it is nothing more than the cunning encircling of otherness by an abstract universal clone, then the narrative of imperialism has not changed, merely the dress. Quite literally.  It’s the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes all over again. I can only hope that this video might actually be both what the people want – transparency – and what the politicians need – a mirror. Unfortunately for those of us who are, have been, or will be Europe’s others, it is much easier to recall a video than it is to recall one’s history.</div>

EU propaganda video recalled

A recalled EU propaganda video reveals more about 'the idea of Europe' than its makers intended By  Anya Topolski  A few days ago the EU Directorate General for Enlargement released, only to recall it three days later, this video clip, entitled Growi…

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Week/Weekend Recap

First off, congratulations to <a href="http://www.myweightingplace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kari</a> for winning the Weight Watchers Magazine giveaway :)!  <br /><br />I think I'll start with the bad, then quickly move on to the good and pretend the bad was never discussed.<br /><br />I've been doing a lot of gaining, which means I've been doing a lot of eating {and drinking of beer}, and not abiding by eTools.  I have banished those practices and already have myself set up for some delicious meals this week.  Friday I <i>will </i>have a loss.<br /><br />Now to the fun stuff!<br /><br />Last week I made the <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeid=203061&tab=2" target="_blank">Kielbasa Baked Ziti</a>, an eTools recipe.  I didn't change a thing about it and loved it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2NjXofYORDbVzU5TKBb0LgUMuF3IPRPNyNNqHp8Uc6SbV5dGVGn9DcKs5jo4jEQCfdZIoldnAXCwuTbOZuVPmeEtwB-Vmi1XbcmEl3sdYzbRsL5kSh2BcOavaEaqsIdU3erv3B8x0nE/s1600/WW+Ziti+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2NjXofYORDbVzU5TKBb0LgUMuF3IPRPNyNNqHp8Uc6SbV5dGVGn9DcKs5jo4jEQCfdZIoldnAXCwuTbOZuVPmeEtwB-Vmi1XbcmEl3sdYzbRsL5kSh2BcOavaEaqsIdU3erv3B8x0nE/s400/WW+Ziti+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It offered plenty of flavor with the cheeses, turkey kielbasa, peas and the <a href="http://www.redgold.com/tuttorosso/products.asp" target="_blank">sauce</a> I used.  Easy, quick, tasty and I will definitely make this again!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UeaDxABhv59DZHB0pAoP6pGC2OErjOZ4F0yWCvGmv0QHnNb_NxXmJnWtQI2X5VsAcHL-6j5OQbROWtIoY0BKACL5HxY1DdkcHhE4BDUEovtYLKezvk7KkRBUZ2_APqJIYo8T2BHeBtg/s1600/WW+Ziti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UeaDxABhv59DZHB0pAoP6pGC2OErjOZ4F0yWCvGmv0QHnNb_NxXmJnWtQI2X5VsAcHL-6j5OQbROWtIoY0BKACL5HxY1DdkcHhE4BDUEovtYLKezvk7KkRBUZ2_APqJIYo8T2BHeBtg/s400/WW+Ziti.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br /><br />Next up was an AWESOME meal at <a href="http://www.famousdaves.com/" target="_blank">Famous Daves</a>.  I have never been there before, mainly because I'm not a huge meat eater.  I do like meat, but I'm very basic with my meat choices - ground beef, chicken, and turkey.   I don't like ribs, steak, pulled pork, etc.  While Famous Daves is pretty "famous" for those latter entrees, they also had a great chicken sandwich that I loved, made especially delicious by adding some of their tasty barbeque sauce.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganBtoqPr4xlQrYBVujp0LY-hzA4ojtvH_LtgMBbGpPyVYM2fLCGyDwHKhfVDJz8rdJLxwJbzUvsYSPEv6ILZPLaXhQO5h-gjQWD77HAjbebfhlk7_l_K5LSYCylCyqUoYifLr98gAcx8/s1600/Famous+Daves+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganBtoqPr4xlQrYBVujp0LY-hzA4ojtvH_LtgMBbGpPyVYM2fLCGyDwHKhfVDJz8rdJLxwJbzUvsYSPEv6ILZPLaXhQO5h-gjQWD77HAjbebfhlk7_l_K5LSYCylCyqUoYifLr98gAcx8/s400/Famous+Daves+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first letters of the different BBQ sauces they offer - presented by our server</td></tr></tbody></table>I felt like I was able to easily stay On Plan eating here.  Their dishes are all on eTools!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqCdgVYDgfflZ7FazGluZs4n1JQv6Wt4NMstrvw8Opj3ALjnkhEZO9kfYQrnR7hr3cIumIaG18iULk7E4EUdXZFCtxccCoYlheXiNZ5blV0nBWpAvdGRBDqON_e_slXbBWy-ld3Y6lHc/s1600/Famous+Daves+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqCdgVYDgfflZ7FazGluZs4n1JQv6Wt4NMstrvw8Opj3ALjnkhEZO9kfYQrnR7hr3cIumIaG18iULk7E4EUdXZFCtxccCoYlheXiNZ5blV0nBWpAvdGRBDqON_e_slXbBWy-ld3Y6lHc/s400/Famous+Daves+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I will definitely go back to this place in the near future!<br /><br />Because of all the poor eating I've been doing, I stayed exceptionally active this weekend.  I completed three workouts already!  I did two at the gym, and one at a nearby park.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdjkY1wB_OwMo3OdURxW2IzFn4XA131bru9bqokfN3BW2wYf6TI_5AnOgmxULH5aC-2A_PS68om8zebs8nnZOClzX9w2SwfnBKzUAJ9Krg5B6acJZGc8zJGbDJVhJKv0LVad5aUr9nXE/s1600/Huntley+path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdjkY1wB_OwMo3OdURxW2IzFn4XA131bru9bqokfN3BW2wYf6TI_5AnOgmxULH5aC-2A_PS68om8zebs8nnZOClzX9w2SwfnBKzUAJ9Krg5B6acJZGc8zJGbDJVhJKv0LVad5aUr9nXE/s400/Huntley+path.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />I got some pretty great pictures while there. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTWrg-kKBJgL0CYkJdeoBqgzY1Fow1IRPnJqhh5E-cf-RQ16r9GGsIg0POtSGB849yv-idkW8s-UGb8dxMIF-2Rb1Qqk4caEHsPi5TFSn0XcpTYZKnVNOA_q4fHNsmVsVVf4qelVdqXc/s1600/Huntley+log.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTWrg-kKBJgL0CYkJdeoBqgzY1Fow1IRPnJqhh5E-cf-RQ16r9GGsIg0POtSGB849yv-idkW8s-UGb8dxMIF-2Rb1Qqk4caEHsPi5TFSn0XcpTYZKnVNOA_q4fHNsmVsVVf4qelVdqXc/s400/Huntley+log.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />We decided to go off the neat and tidy path and head around the Pond Trail.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUPes8x2d6fEydSfK3fYc1Ylr9cvSB_6gDlMqfUyk5iM8AkdyuSd8fTcZDPSYmRok9bLuvCvGbyQaKd8qNESg2mDOrf-EHad5CZmzf4HOjy4WDUQdFd8ChA2cDPU-Jw9_iX7wXd7AOSc/s1600/pond+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUPes8x2d6fEydSfK3fYc1Ylr9cvSB_6gDlMqfUyk5iM8AkdyuSd8fTcZDPSYmRok9bLuvCvGbyQaKd8qNESg2mDOrf-EHad5CZmzf4HOjy4WDUQdFd8ChA2cDPU-Jw9_iX7wXd7AOSc/s400/pond+trail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It was fairly muddy, but still a nice stroll through the woods.  While on this little diversion, we came upon this crazy looking tree.  There were several trunks with branches that draped down to the ground {click for a larger pic that hopefully offers a better perspective}. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Sx39tv362zKcliDM_wWNs2QzvyySp7PTV1VRmB5M18PU-UPlFY97SyfMJOZAEI38iAbasGdWyor1PnaTI-DbJ296wGQH9u_wNok_UnkUppnEHgcpW5Cesu386DdIcaPnj_ctc4AuqkY/s1600/Huntley+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Sx39tv362zKcliDM_wWNs2QzvyySp7PTV1VRmB5M18PU-UPlFY97SyfMJOZAEI38iAbasGdWyor1PnaTI-DbJ296wGQH9u_wNok_UnkUppnEHgcpW5Cesu386DdIcaPnj_ctc4AuqkY/s400/Huntley+Tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Perhaps my favorite part of this walk was coming upon this guy:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x2_YqK_XuNRK6-Uda1BONbdZwfx2opu0CbgM8zWbuugm2F4tnx5X6XZ5D2gIMb7PlhgtOtyWKZX4zFkSYTk8v3Rs2IBL0dQnFnY3-FgNLTCwSIXz0QeD9xbz8yrNAgADTEADj7yW-50/s1600/cardinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x2_YqK_XuNRK6-Uda1BONbdZwfx2opu0CbgM8zWbuugm2F4tnx5X6XZ5D2gIMb7PlhgtOtyWKZX4zFkSYTk8v3Rs2IBL0dQnFnY3-FgNLTCwSIXz0QeD9xbz8yrNAgADTEADj7yW-50/s400/cardinal.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><br />My FAVORITE bird, the cardinal!  He also happens to be our state bird here in Virginia.  I love them so much. <br /><br />By the way, "we" in this story is myself and Joel.  By the grace of God <i>alone</i>, He brought Joel back to me.  Even after Joel moved out of our condo, even after all that was said, it was clear that there was no one who would be able to change Joel's heart and mind other than the G-man.  I have held off sharing this information so quickly because of the fragility of it all.  However, it is clear and understood that we are both committed to working on our relationship, placing God first in hearts, and each other second. <br /><br />I am SO happy again!<br /><br /><br />

Exercise Gain Joel Weekend Recap Week/Weekend Recap

First off, congratulations to Kari for winning the Weight Watchers Magazine giveaway :)!  I think I'll start with the bad, then quickly move on to the good and pretend the bad was never discussed.I've been doing a lot of gaining, which means I've bee…

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Library Director - U.S. Coast Guard Academy

<strong>Library Director </strong>- Vacancy Announcement Number: 120003SRACAD. CLOSING DATE: <span style="color: red;">March 29, 2012</span>. JOB SUMMARY: The <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>U.S. Coast Guard Academy</strong></span>, located in New London, Connecticut, invites applications for a fulltime Library Director. This is a twelve month, fulltime, permanent Professional Faculty position. The Academy seeks an individual with proven leadership, strong administrative skills, and managerial experience in higher education to oversee the Library Program. The Library Director reports directly to the Dean of Academics of the Coast Guard Academy and collaborates with the Academic Department Chairs, Associate Dean of Student Support Services, and the Registrar. Through leadership and service to students, faculty, and staff, the Library Director promotes the academic achievement and scholarship of tomorrows Coast Guard Officer Corps. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is a highly selective federal military college providing a rigorous undergraduate program. In addition, the Coast Guard Academy provides the professional education and training required to prepare young women and men for careers as commissioned officers in the U. S. Coast Guard, the nations oldest continuous seagoing service, which is wellknown for its humanitarian missions. The Academy offers B.S. degrees in eight academic majors: Naval Architecture/Marine Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine/Environmental Sciences, Operations Research/Computer Analysis, Management, and Government; the Academy is staffed with over 110 fulltime civilian and military faculty. The attractive riverside campus is home to a nationally representative and diverse student body of about 1,000. The Academy is located near the shoreline of southeastern Connecticut, midway between New York and Boston, and is within commuting range of regional as well as other national colleges and universities in the CT/RI/MA tristate area. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visit www.cga.edu for more information. MAJOR DUTIES: Directs and administers all Library operations, including supervision of a civilian staff. Manages and leads the strategic planning of all Library services. Represents the Academy Library in college administrative groups and engages in partnerships to further integrate the Library's mission with the Coast Guard Academy's Strategic Plan. Working collaboratively with fellow administrators, faculty, staff, and cadets, the Director builds connections Academy wide to improve Library services and foster a supportive and productive community of scholarly achievement. QUALIFICATIONS: U. S. Citizenship. A Masters or higher degree in Librarianship/Information Sciences from an ALA accredited program. Continuing professional development in the field of Library Science beyond the Masters degree. Current understanding of library operation in higher education. Demonstrated experience with integrating and leveraging general information technology, library applications, and emerging technologies to support library operations, increase efficiency, and enhance customer experience. Strong record of successful library management in higher education, including project leadership; effective response to changing roles of academic libraries and the needs of the community they support; and experience working with and developing budgets. Experience in integrating library services in higher education with institutional programs. Solid evidence of successful collaborations with faculty and students. Excellent interpersonal, mentoring, and communication skills. Experience mentoring diverse student populations in higher education, and/or promoting diversity initiatives, including efforts at creating communities of inclusion. Experience in promoting library staff efficiency, creativity, and ability to achieve larger strategic goals. Experience with current higher education assessment methods and initiatives at both the library and institutional level. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: Each application package will be evaluated against the qualifications criteria described in this announcement. If selected for an interview, you will also be evaluated on your responses to interview questions. OTHER INFORMATION: [<a href="http://www.cga.edu/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2029" target="_blank">Please see complete job listing</a> <img alt="PDF icon" src="http://www.ctlibrarians.org/associations/10663/files/pdf.jpg" />] HOW TO APPLY: Individuals wishing to be considered for this position must submit a complete application package to <a href="mailto:librarydirectorsearch@uscga.edu">librarydirectorsearch@uscga.edu</a>. A complete application package consists of: 1. Curriculum Vita; 2. CGA Excepted Service Position Application Supplemental Sheet (<a href="http://www.cga.edu/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2029" target="_blank">located here - scroll to bottom of page</a> <img alt="PDF icon" src="http://www.ctlibrarians.org/associations/10663/files/pdf.jpg" />); 3. A letter: a. Describing how you meet the qualifications specified in this vacancy announcement; b. Describing your experience mentoring diverse student populations, and/or any experience you have in promoting diversity initiatives, including efforts at creating communities of inclusion; and c. Listing the names, mailing addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least 3 references; 4. Copy of transcripts showing degree(s) obtained. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: You may or may not be contacted for an interview. All applicants will receive notification regarding selection or non?selection. Such notification may take several weeks and/or months. Minority and/or women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy prides itself in maintaining, developing, and promoting a community of inclusion that embodies a representative cross section of the population of the United States. It is our belief that gender, racial, ethnic, and religious diversity are critical to the professional and personal development of future Coast Guard Officers as well as the entire academic and professional community at the Academy.

Library Director - U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Library Director - Vacancy Announcement Number: 120003SRACAD. CLOSING DATE: March 29, 2012. JOB SUMMARY: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy, located in New London, Connecticut, invites applications for a fulltime Library Director. This is a twelve month,…

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Library Assistant (Cataloger) - Wesleyan University

<strong>Library Assistant (Cataloger)</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Wesleyan University</strong></span>. This is a part-time, .8 FTE, position. Reporting to the Head of Cataloging, the Library Assistant (Cataloger) participates in the creation and maintenance of an online catalog of library materials in a variety of languages and formats including electronic books. Main responsibilities: Search for cataloging records in the OCLC bibliographic database, import them into the online catalog, and revise them as needed in the catalog and OCLC. Review cataloging records and shelf-ready volumes received through our main book vendor. Create original, from-scratch cataloging records in OCLC and import them into the online catalog. Add e-book cataloging records to the online catalog individually or via batch loads of vendor-supplied records; for the latter, acquire updated files from multiple sources on a regular basis, edit them to our standards, and load them into the catalog. Manage e-book records and URL links in a future e-book management system. Update the online catalog to add, transfer, and withdraw items and make corrections. Work closely with other Technical Services and library staff to facilitate technical services workflow, particularly in regard to e-books. Provide training and guidance to library staff using the online catalog. Expedite cataloging and resolve problems for library staff, faculty members, and students. Minimum requirements: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent training and experience in library work. Cataloging experience. Experience with an Integrated Library System. Excellent computer keyboarding skills and working knowledge of Windows, Word, Excel, and Internet browsers. Proven command of English language and some proficiency in one or more foreign languages, especially Romance languages. Demonstrated interest in e-books and/or other web-based media. Starting salary: $27,664. This position is in the secretarial/clerical bargaining unit. The position works 1,456 hour per year (typical schedule is 5.6 hours a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks per year). For the full job description and to apply go to <a href="https://careers.wesleyan.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=51525" target="_blank">https://careers.wesleyan.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=51525</a>. Applications received by <span style="color: red;">March 23, 2012</span>, will be given first consideration.

Library Assistant (Cataloger) - Wesleyan University

Library Assistant (Cataloger) - Wesleyan University. This is a part-time, .8 FTE, position. Reporting to the Head of Cataloging, the Library Assistant (Cataloger) participates in the creation and maintenance of an online catalog of library mater…

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Library Director - Bronxville (NY) Public Library

<strong>Library Director</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Bronxville Public Library</strong></span>. The Board of Trustees of the Bronxville (NY) Public Library is seeking an experienced, energetic and articulate leader with proven management skills to be the next Library Director. Job Description: The Library Director works closely with an eight-member Board of Trustees, manages an annual operating budget of over $1. 2 million and a staff of 28 employees (7 full-time), and oversees a collection of 170,000 items and an historic Village building. The Bronxville Public Library serves a highly educated suburban community of 6,500 residents located just outside of New York City, and draws heavily from neighboring communities of Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and New Rochelle. BPL is one of 38 libraries in the Westchester Library System, with one of the highest circulation rates in the county. The Library is a destination for members of the Bronxville community and beyond who are drawn to the extensive range of programs as well as to the high-quality traditional services delivered by an experienced and caring staff. The Library is generously supported, both financially and programmatically, by the Friends of the Bronxville Public Library. BPL was recently named a “Star Library” by Library Journal. For more information regarding the Library, the Village of Bronxville and the Friends of the Bronxville Public Library, please visit <a href="http://www.bronxvillelibrary.org/" target="_blank">http://www.bronxvillelibrary.org</a> and <a href="http://www.villageofbronxville.org/" target="_blank">http://www.villageofbronxville.org</a>. Required Experience: Top candidates must have experience in budget development, human resources, and management of building projects. Candidates should also have a record of working with unions, implementing new technologies, and securing grants and other funding. Other important qualities include positive leadership style with strong communication skills; exceptional follow-through and attention to detail on projects; the ability to work collaboratively with Board, staff, elected officials and community groups; and a vision for providing excellent library services in a rapidly evolving landscape. The Library Director II position requires a Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution, a NYS Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate and at least 4 years of professional-level experience, including 1 year in a supervisory role. This is a civil service title and the candidate selected will be subject to an open, competitive training and experience evaluation exam at a later date, in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law. (For details, see <a href="http://www.westchestergov.com/hr/jobspecs/ljs/local/L/LIBRARYDIRECTORII.pdf" target="_blank">www.westchestergov.com/hr/jobspecs/ljs/local/L/LIBRARYDIRECTORII.pdf</a>) Compensation: Starting salary range is $80,000-$95,000, with a competitive benefits package. To apply, please send a cover letter and current resume to Bronxville Public Library, Attn: Mary Mackintosh, 201 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, NY 10708 or preferably by email to <a href="mailto:Bronxvilledirectorsearch@gmail.com">Bronxvilledirectorsearch@gmail.com</a> by <span style="color: red;">March 30, 2012</span>.

Library Director - Bronxville (NY) Public Library

Library Director - Bronxville Public Library. The Board of Trustees of the Bronxville (NY) Public Library is seeking an experienced, energetic and articulate leader with proven management skills to be the next Library Director. Job Description: Th…

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