It's Smokey Bear's birthday with a party on Twitter

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vBSKR8UIAdAJ8a2md23TBiaiBb9NaCmyaIZMEjMJeLp6CS30bbYNgqeQ_xeLNjGbLDwdG04IzHVhLmtCURkM12KDa931OBrSd9Iz1X522j1-m5GvmesFjYIXS66Z11-bnVj60TdiqZly/s1600/Smokey+Bear+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vBSKR8UIAdAJ8a2md23TBiaiBb9NaCmyaIZMEjMJeLp6CS30bbYNgqeQ_xeLNjGbLDwdG04IzHVhLmtCURkM12KDa931OBrSd9Iz1X522j1-m5GvmesFjYIXS66Z11-bnVj60TdiqZly/s1600/Smokey+Bear+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's Smokey Bear's birthday but this Boomer bear is keeping current as he celebrated with a party on Twitter Friday afternoon. From 1-2:00 p.m. @Smokey_Bear, the 69-year-old interacted with fans in an interesting mix of nostalgia and reminders of fire safety tips to prevent wildfires as birthday greetings came in from across the nation.<br /><br />In what was the highlight of my day, my tweet was answered by Smokey and I got a virtual Smokey Bear hug! For just a moment or so I was six years old again.<br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Happy Birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/smokey_bear">@smokey_bear</a>! True story of a cub rescued from forest fire ... became icon advocating fire safety for millions.<br />— Lynn R. Mitchell (@swacgirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/swacgirl/statuses/365886598124011523">August 9, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/swacgirl">@swacgirl</a> True <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SmokeyBearHug&src=hash">#SmokeyBearHug</a> <|:') \ / <<br />— Smokey Bear (@smokey_bear) <a href="https://twitter.com/smokey_bear/statuses/365887333347762176">August 9, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />And, oh yeah, I <a href="https://www.facebook.com/smokeybear/app_517922941613859">signed his birthday card</a>, too.<br /><br />Perhaps the most interesting piece of information gleaned from the exchange was the question, "Have wildfires increased over the last few year or has social media and TV coverage just made us more aware of them?"  Smokey's response: "Since 1950s, gone from 22 million wildland acres burned to less than 7 million today. There are differences in local conditions."<br /><br />Smokey signed off from his birthday party on Twitter:<br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This has been the best 69th Birthday a bear could ask for. Thanks for joining in! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SmokeyBDay&src=hash">#SmokeyBDay</a><br />— Smokey Bear (@smokey_bear) <a href="https://twitter.com/smokey_bear/statuses/365896063275646977">August 9, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />And he followed up with one last reminder....<br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">And, remember, only you can prevent wildfires. On <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SmokeyBDay&src=hash">#SmokeyBDay</a> and on every day of the year.<br />— Smokey Bear (@smokey_bear) <a href="https://twitter.com/smokey_bear/statuses/365896174361772035">August 9, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Happy Birthday, Smokey! See you next year....

birthday Lynn R. Mitchell National Forest Service only you can prevent forest fires Smokey Bear SWAC Girl Twitter It's Smokey Bear's birthday with a party on Twitter

It's Smokey Bear's birthday but this Boomer bear is keeping current as he celebrated with a party on Twitter Friday afternoon. From 1-2:00 p.m. @Smokey_Bear, the 69-year-old interacted with fans in an interesting mix of nostalgia and reminders of fir…

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Happy 67th Birthday, President George W. Bush

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVq0o53HAfhybaKCItyA8TZQYBfXovkmPKecyXH0-D7frNVgQ5sVEf1_rs3ASSC6wMJdMiTCRsEy0yqsbkmcmC3m1qZK9czotw4JVs-9ujYdtgljBVlWXllmDHMprAnP7rrrMCnRLWFjG/s1600/George+W.+Bush+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVq0o53HAfhybaKCItyA8TZQYBfXovkmPKecyXH0-D7frNVgQ5sVEf1_rs3ASSC6wMJdMiTCRsEy0yqsbkmcmC3m1qZK9czotw4JVs-9ujYdtgljBVlWXllmDHMprAnP7rrrMCnRLWFjG/s400/George+W.+Bush+10.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br />HAPPY 67th Birthday to President George W. Bush! A strong leader after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the 43rd President of the United States led this nation through those dark days of fear and financial instability.<br /><br />Thank you, Mr. President, for your strong family devotion, your work ethic, moral barometer, compassion and love for our military members, and the work you continue to quietly do in Africa and with America's Wounded Warriors. Unemployment during your watch was under 6 percent ... you gave a dignity to the Presidency that is sadly lacking today.<br /><br />A <a href="http://www.bushcenter.com/about-Us/george-w-bush#stay">quick bio</a> of the President ....<br /><blockquote>George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, was sworn into office on January 20, 2001, and served as Commander in Chief for two consecutive terms. Before his presidency, he served for six years as Governor of the State of Texas.<br /><br />Prior to becoming the 46th Governor of Texas, he led a group of partners who purchased the Texas Rangers baseball franchise in 1989. President Bush started his career in the energy business in Midland, Texas, after receiving his master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School in 1975. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University in 1968 and then served as a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard.<br /><br />As president, George W. Bush worked to expand freedom, opportunity, and security at home and abroad, and he has continued to promote these ideals since leaving office through the creation of the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The Bush Center will be home to a presidential library that preserves and presents the history and archives of the Bush presidency, a museum where visitors will be able to view historic artifacts, and an innovative, action-oriented Institute. The Bush Institute turns ideas into practical, measurable solutions for pressing public problems with a focus on human freedom, education achievement, global health, and economic prosperity. In all its programs, the Bush Institute engages and empowers women through its Women’s Initiative. The Institute also honors the sacrifice the U.S. military and their families make for our freedom through the Military Service Initiative. The Institute’s mission is to turn ideas into action.<br /><br />In the fall of 2010, President Bush authored his memoir, <i>Decision Points</i>, offering a personal and candid account of the most defining decisions of his personal life and his presidency. He is married to Laura Welch Bush, a former teacher and librarian, and they have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, and a son-in-law, Henry Hager.</blockquote>In 2009, Fred Barnes noted ten of President Bush's accomplishments in <a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/986rockt.asp">The Weekly Standard</a>:<br /><br />1. "... his decision in 2001 to jettison the Kyoto global warming treaty so loved by Al Gore, the environmental lobby, elite opinion, and Europeans. The treaty was a disaster, with India and China exempted and economic decline the certain result. Everyone knew it. But only Bush said so and acted accordingly. He stood athwart mounting global warming hysteria and yelled,  'Stop!' "<br /><br />2. " ... enhanced interrogation of terrorists. Along with use of secret prisons and wireless eavesdropping, this saved American lives. How many thousands of lives? We'll never know. But, as Charles Krauthammer said recently, 'Those are precisely the elements which kept us safe and which have prevented a second attack.' Crucial intelligence was obtained from captured al Qaeda leaders, including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, with the help of waterboarding."<br /><br />3. Bush's "... rebuilding of presidential authority, badly degraded in the era of Vietnam, Watergate, and Bill Clinton. He didn't hesitate to conduct wireless surveillance of terrorists without getting a federal judge's okay. He decided on his own how to treat terrorists and where they should be imprisoned. Those were legitimate decisions for which the president, as commander in chief, should feel no need to apologize."<br /><br />4. "... Bush's unswerving support for Israel. Reagan was once deemed Israel's best friend in the White House. Now Bush can claim the title. He ostracized Yasser Arafat as an impediment to peace in the Middle East. This infuriated the anti-Israel forces in Europe, the Third World, and the United Nations, and was criticized by champions of the 'peace process' here at home. Bush was right."<br /><br />5. "No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the education reform bill cosponsored by America's most prominent liberal Democratic senator Edward Kennedy. The teachers' unions, school boards, the education establishment, conservatives adamant about local control of schools--they all loathed the measure and still do. It requires two things they ardently oppose, mandatory testing and accountability. Kennedy later turned against NCLB, saying Bush is shortchanging the program. In truth, federal education spending is at record levels. Another complaint is that it forces teachers to 'teach to the test.' The tests are on math and reading. They are tests worth teaching to."<br /><br />6. "Bush declared in his second inaugural address in 2005 that American foreign policy (at least his) would henceforth focus on promoting democracy around the world. This put him squarely in the Reagan camp, but he was lambasted as unrealistic, impractical, and a tool of wily neoconservatives. The new policy gave Bush credibility in pressing for democracy in the former Soviet republics and Middle East and in zinging various dictators and kleptocrats. It will do the same for President Obama, if he's wise enough to hang onto it."<br /><br />7. "Medicare prescription drug benefit, enacted in 2003. It's not only wildly popular; it has cost less than expected by triggering competition among drug companies. Conservatives have deep reservations about the program. But they shouldn't have been surprised. Bush advocated the drug benefit in the 2000 campaign. And if he hadn't acted, Democrats would have, with a much less attractive result."<br /><br />8. Some conservatives are cursing Chief Justice John Roberts  John Roberts for his recent upholding of Obamacare but he is his own man and a conservative, and was appointed by Bush along with Sam Alito. "In putting them on the Supreme Court and naming Roberts chief justice, Bush achieved what had eluded Richard Nixon, Reagan, and his own father. Roberts and Alito made the Court indisputably more conservative. And the good news is Roberts, 53, and Alito, 58, should be justices for decades to come." Let's hope Roberts knew what he was doing in his recent controversial decision on universal health care.<br /><br />9. "He strengthened relations with east Asian democracies (Japan, South Korea, Australia) without causing a rift with China. On top of that, he forged strong ties with India. An important factor was their common enemy, Islamic jihadists. After 9/11, Bush made the most of this, and Indian leaders were receptive. His state dinner for Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh in 2006 was a lovefest."<br /><br />10. " [T]he surge. Bush prompted nearly unanimous disapproval in January 2007 when he announced he was sending more troops to Iraq and adopting a new counterinsurgency strategy. His opponents initially included the State Department, the Pentagon, most of Congress, the media, the foreign policy establishment, indeed the whole world. This makes his decision a profile in courage. Best of all, the surge worked. Iraq is now a fragile but functioning democracy."<br /><br />Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

birthday George W. Bush Happy 67th Birthday, President George W. Bush

HAPPY 67th Birthday to President George W. Bush! A strong leader after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the 43rd President of the United States led this nation through those dark days of fear and financial instability.Thank you, Mr. President, for your…

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Happy Birthday "Crazy Socks Day," President George H.W. Bush!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5tPFQfWjGrmLyPv3AqmUS40bY2OgtGjAel7y-NFFZF3XaBxVa3puymb_-fUervL3XAsrZZGDbWxcB8XjeGxRPaFZxCyn-tm-RoOyf6CEbBkNEHMM6R0QzaYPEjUSruaDckeNssJQCHWJ/s1600/George+H.W.+Bush+birthday+Crazy+Socks+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5tPFQfWjGrmLyPv3AqmUS40bY2OgtGjAel7y-NFFZF3XaBxVa3puymb_-fUervL3XAsrZZGDbWxcB8XjeGxRPaFZxCyn-tm-RoOyf6CEbBkNEHMM6R0QzaYPEjUSruaDckeNssJQCHWJ/s400/George+H.W.+Bush+birthday+Crazy+Socks+Day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Got some crazy socks that sit in the drawer? Pull them out and proudly wear them for a good cause and, while you're at it, take a photo and post it on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/552008591504897/">Facebook</a> or Twitter (#41s89th)! <br /><br />Former President George H.W. Bush, commonly known as the dad of President George W. Bush, and as 41, turns 89 years old today, June 12, 2013. Happy Birthday, 41!<br /><br />To help celebrate his birthday, it will be "Wear Crazy Socks" day. Bush 41 is known for wearing his personality on his feet ... that is, mismatched socks and brightly colorful socks -- anything that's different and looks startling to the unsuspecting when they see a gentleman in a business suit suddenly flash colorful ankles.<br /><br />Here's what you can do to help celebrate. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/552008591504897/">George Bush Presidential Library Facebook</a> page:<br /><blockquote>The George Bush Presidential Library Foundation will celebrate the 89th Birthday of its' namesake, George Bush, 41st President of the United States, by wearing exuberant socks this Wednesday, June 12. The Foundation encourages others to join us in this celebration of the President's 89th Birthday and post photos of your socks online.<br /><br />President Bush has recently been recognized for his penchant for wearing bright socks. At the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in April, for example, he wore bright pink socks with a hint of blue. In 2012 he told his granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager, that he "likes a good sock."<br /><br />Join us in wishing President Bush a Happy Birthday by wearing your most colorful or outlandish socks. All are invited to submit a photo wearing crazy socks to share in the birthday festivities by:<br /><blockquote>• Post to the George Bush Facebook page: www.facebook.com/georgebush41<br />• Tweet to the George Bush Foundation twitter account: twitter.com/GB41Foundation - Hash tag #41s89th<br />• Email bushfoundation@georgebushfoundation.org</blockquote>Select birthday sock photos will be chosen and given to President Bush for his 89th birthday. Help us celebrate the 89th birthday of George Bush, 41st President of the United States. For more information, visit www.georgebushfoundation.org/socks.<br /><br />The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University will host a birthday celebration in honor of President and Mrs. Bush on June 12. Museum visitors are invited to join for free birthday cake, Blue Bell ice cream and refreshments in the Rotunda of the Bush Library and Museum from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit bushlibrary.tamu.edu.<br /><br />The George Bush Presidential Library Foundation was established in 1991 as a nonprofit educational foundation to design, build and support the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University. In addition to sponsoring its own programs and activities, the George Bush Foundation provides logistical and financial support to the Bush Library and Museum, as well as to The Bush School of Government and Public Service. Through its outreach, the George Bush Foundation is helping make the George Bush Presidential Library Center a leading institution in academic, policy and cultural discussion. Visit www.georgebushfoundation.org for additional information. </blockquote>Happy Crazy Socks Day ... and Happy Birthday, President Bush! Thank you for your service to our country....

birthday Crazy Socks Day George Bush Presidential Library Foundation President George H.W. Bush Happy Birthday "Crazy Socks Day," President George H.W. Bush!

Got some crazy socks that sit in the drawer? Pull them out and proudly wear them for a good cause and, while you're at it, take a photo and post it on Facebook or Twitter (#41s89th)! Former President George H.W. Bush, commonly known as the dad of Pre…

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Shoe Shopping

I had an AWESOME weekend!<br /><br />The birthday celebration continued!  I had a shoe-shopping date with my friend Margie Friday afternoon.  I've found that as the weight has started to come off, I care more and more about the way I look.  I want to look <i>nice</i>, not just presentable.  I could have a nice outfit on, but then the shoes I've paired with it are all wrong, making the whole ensemble look terrible.<br /><br />Not anymore! <br /><br />In very recent history, I've had some amazing luck at Payless with their flats.  This time around, I was in search of sandals for summer, and sandals I did find!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd_v8d54CHU1YulbAjkRpwNo1SG5hdMV0C-RR0ObQ-4Z7hYZnBJcVWAIu0ou0B6JAwM4VAKO2tz9v-1rNhNal93l3M4PKI4FcTofIjdnL6lPU1zdxOuYpvA2xbqLNl1Ck3pwOml-N_8s/s1600/gold+shoe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd_v8d54CHU1YulbAjkRpwNo1SG5hdMV0C-RR0ObQ-4Z7hYZnBJcVWAIu0ou0B6JAwM4VAKO2tz9v-1rNhNal93l3M4PKI4FcTofIjdnL6lPU1zdxOuYpvA2xbqLNl1Ck3pwOml-N_8s/s400/gold+shoe+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyiKU-ftY5G38OL0M7WkRyKEdHdHh23RAT9S3nKfSeJd4dY9OEDhJC0IsJg7d-P388D5r9Dt7i3Cxut1cNfmwU_6fgMkIo9sHU56z9i85NZaxs3PXBYxoAmEc8s9Htgm2K55VUxEGY3Q/s1600/gold+shoe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyiKU-ftY5G38OL0M7WkRyKEdHdHh23RAT9S3nKfSeJd4dY9OEDhJC0IsJg7d-P388D5r9Dt7i3Cxut1cNfmwU_6fgMkIo9sHU56z9i85NZaxs3PXBYxoAmEc8s9Htgm2K55VUxEGY3Q/s400/gold+shoe+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Margie and I both had HUGE success at Payless - so cheap but so cute!  We even bought a few of the same pairs - you cannot deny a great steal in both style and price.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8yV1U0JkOALmLSMpjfgJWr4i0tGbhsY1HzmuxeR0FnMbkDi5YdZsp0OSlcKgjwLpipvbBk5BSAjxnTr8Z3Yaef0KNtrdXLmqQqLef4ozwsMjsfDuc_b-CXc9K8lBh2MZ38eVEoqZ5Ts/s1600/brown+sandal+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8yV1U0JkOALmLSMpjfgJWr4i0tGbhsY1HzmuxeR0FnMbkDi5YdZsp0OSlcKgjwLpipvbBk5BSAjxnTr8Z3Yaef0KNtrdXLmqQqLef4ozwsMjsfDuc_b-CXc9K8lBh2MZ38eVEoqZ5Ts/s400/brown+sandal+1.jpg" width="360" /> </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/AVvXsEjdGs1DQVh6cGIhD8ZrTQB4NoX-fvVQ4Su5MWskSD9VCx-dJ5SLYIIbrld-X_zdgzkOPJUVb_X84bxBsKQ9heLbq7RuoCUmUblw7b3DcUQaw5835R3U9enWtIQWbEVDCLj4fVQlri8ZOJ8/s1600/brown+sandal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGs1DQVh6cGIhD8ZrTQB4NoX-fvVQ4Su5MWskSD9VCx-dJ5SLYIIbrld-X_zdgzkOPJUVb_X84bxBsKQ9heLbq7RuoCUmUblw7b3DcUQaw5835R3U9enWtIQWbEVDCLj4fVQlri8ZOJ8/s400/brown+sandal+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Alas, brown was not enough.  I needed silver as well.  I did not, however, need Charles to be munching on the price tag.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhRCJayOsHqhyphenhyphenWtjMFjfc2azeUaPsYS0LS1ZdNyHGwDkYQrbh_Jn5ap-g2F9zUFWttYRU0YoS47hdjL3Le3BelW44CCiqeo0IhkidRSY2bRbuXB-gOHNaD7tCtP4GmaZD7qeMG9qyMgE/s1600/silver+sandal+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhRCJayOsHqhyphenhyphenWtjMFjfc2azeUaPsYS0LS1ZdNyHGwDkYQrbh_Jn5ap-g2F9zUFWttYRU0YoS47hdjL3Le3BelW44CCiqeo0IhkidRSY2bRbuXB-gOHNaD7tCtP4GmaZD7qeMG9qyMgE/s400/silver+sandal+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />A hardcore lover of purple, I had to get these:<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/AVvXsEhdKVSLli6QP41FjNMLv4jbUWexGPk-PGRBeW8WzMw2mn7_Kxcv9CzkXEOPakeDi7Y4vp1WKIcMv8-iZPFtC_Q3AapnhOQp6BSPAf1BWjr6S1qG6zB1mcZP9vQEowfQEEaQMz2q3tuLsH4/s1600/purple+sandal+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKVSLli6QP41FjNMLv4jbUWexGPk-PGRBeW8WzMw2mn7_Kxcv9CzkXEOPakeDi7Y4vp1WKIcMv8-iZPFtC_Q3AapnhOQp6BSPAf1BWjr6S1qG6zB1mcZP9vQEowfQEEaQMz2q3tuLsH4/s400/purple+sandal+1.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">they look silver here, but trust me!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHyOO9U5ftHYP57v1XlTXTFOBe1zkvMlg_BMC0K_S1IlegKFuj-40fbujZG4NhVSGkIHh9-eRaFg3SExWHBhnFBR3Kzt0PnSkgjx8Uhmj3-8jmmWlzybzNWHTim6CSvrLnbKuuHTRZN0/s1600/purple+sandal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHyOO9U5ftHYP57v1XlTXTFOBe1zkvMlg_BMC0K_S1IlegKFuj-40fbujZG4NhVSGkIHh9-eRaFg3SExWHBhnFBR3Kzt0PnSkgjx8Uhmj3-8jmmWlzybzNWHTim6CSvrLnbKuuHTRZN0/s400/purple+sandal+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I won't deny that I'm going to be using this shoe shopping experience to buy some matching clothes, especially for those yellow numbers.  And yes, when I find something I like, I just tend to buy one in every color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj986dKjqjHnpZZDBav7L-Sq7r74A7qiTsWEtFLlvd1HNrbW-qn1bY4yJySpDhfvm2acdcCpOleNIkBSn8PJsPC1INfnHyGSKCUzFSsZ0uXUKg4rc6gtifLh5ehnduLe0RVfBghuYuiW2s/s1600/shoe+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj986dKjqjHnpZZDBav7L-Sq7r74A7qiTsWEtFLlvd1HNrbW-qn1bY4yJySpDhfvm2acdcCpOleNIkBSn8PJsPC1INfnHyGSKCUzFSsZ0uXUKg4rc6gtifLh5ehnduLe0RVfBghuYuiW2s/s400/shoe+group.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />We later continued our shoe shopping at <a href="http://www.dsw.com/" target="_blank">DSW</a>, where the shoes are again, very cute, but much more pricey.  This time, I was searching for a summer walking shoe.  I walk a lot to/from work and I like to get outside during my lunch hour for a stroll.  My feet tend to regulate the temperature of the rest of my body, and I knew for summertime walking I wanted something a little more substantial than a flip-flop, but not quite as restricting/claustrophobic as a traditional tennis-shoe.<br /><br />Enter the Barefoot Designs J-41 shoe!<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/AVvXsEh84SgJpcG-mneYQr3g2C9nAW6x0_lXBx0RbGK_2uYGOJS7ig5g8Bjxl8iSAV_Arxi3pPs1A2zqVjsRTvYpUaZzL30kIE05EVEvQdkH6Y8wFMmuaKMEqqqg8T4NjcKPSStj2Kei6e-lbU0/s1600/summer+walking+shoe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84SgJpcG-mneYQr3g2C9nAW6x0_lXBx0RbGK_2uYGOJS7ig5g8Bjxl8iSAV_Arxi3pPs1A2zqVjsRTvYpUaZzL30kIE05EVEvQdkH6Y8wFMmuaKMEqqqg8T4NjcKPSStj2Kei6e-lbU0/s400/summer+walking+shoe+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles is always there when you <i>don't</i> want him to be!</td></tr></tbody></table>With the help of Margie's keen shoe-shopping eye, I was able to snag these babies and they are EXACTLY what I was looking for!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV3l7f3BwLlIYcIKb9ovlElGOi87tkyBT81nx5UMxo8OiKvU-528Btp5shkqLVIYbelpUu_ZrG2CZqmKuyfkNloqDS13UyB-7C_kMT5jHVZVBJ9__MzxwM0_XlEEcum3UFYeoGidx0w8/s1600/summer+walking+shoe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV3l7f3BwLlIYcIKb9ovlElGOi87tkyBT81nx5UMxo8OiKvU-528Btp5shkqLVIYbelpUu_ZrG2CZqmKuyfkNloqDS13UyB-7C_kMT5jHVZVBJ9__MzxwM0_XlEEcum3UFYeoGidx0w8/s400/summer+walking+shoe+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />As for an end to an already perfect Friday, later on we went to see Titanic 3D with our neighbors.  I love Titanic, but I have to admit that once they hit that iceberg my love for the movie quickly declines.  Even though I KNOW what happens, I'm still on edge for the remainder of it all.  I'm glad we went to see it though - the 3D offered a cool perspective.<br /><br /><b style="color: #674ea7;">Do you ever shop at Payless?  </b><b style="color: #674ea7;">Where is your favorite place to buy cheap, stylish shoes?</b>

birthday shopping Shoe Shopping

I had an AWESOME weekend!The birthday celebration continued!  I had a shoe-shopping date with my friend Margie Friday afternoon.  I've found that as the weight has started to come off, I care more and more about the way I look.  I want to look nice, …

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Happy 28th Birthday!

Yesterday I celebrated my 28th birthday.  Overall, the day itself was great.  While I did work, I was able to work at home and that helped make the day a little more enjoyable.  I'm trying to conserve my vacation time for an upcoming trip.....one of the wedding-sorts.  To an island.  In the Caribbean.  I cannot wait!<br /><br />Anyhow, the day started off great from the get-go.  Joel arrived home from work that morning with Starbucks in hand.  He also presented me with my birthday gift right away.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMZOcVCXg8m5tsRRrsHH3lbWIJn6O8xjUfChmS2964VGfLDRrnpqiQBYwmyGEWHmIE_-tKUOMV8UHGxWaXMbRhBtPOJierT5NnEB5fKRW6Su7TGpjqx0z_aJrsl_2yKZQ5829YwJqcZU/s1600/watch+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMZOcVCXg8m5tsRRrsHH3lbWIJn6O8xjUfChmS2964VGfLDRrnpqiQBYwmyGEWHmIE_-tKUOMV8UHGxWaXMbRhBtPOJierT5NnEB5fKRW6Su7TGpjqx0z_aJrsl_2yKZQ5829YwJqcZU/s400/watch+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs1yTbYgNAj2GT7LRVKhSF9-oJAQUKHDPpFLAHPdkdSSR8A6c_y7fGXk375lajEKNhRTW3FP6ROZ8mbrKWJEAICQtfkq6amP1gjFOZ5SStUZrguv7cGkqPDT9sVYlmbdbYrMjxAzQKlA/s1600/watch+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs1yTbYgNAj2GT7LRVKhSF9-oJAQUKHDPpFLAHPdkdSSR8A6c_y7fGXk375lajEKNhRTW3FP6ROZ8mbrKWJEAICQtfkq6amP1gjFOZ5SStUZrguv7cGkqPDT9sVYlmbdbYrMjxAzQKlA/s400/watch+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />It looks just like regular yellow gold, but it's actually rose gold.  I love rose gold now more than ever, especially because my engagement ring is rose gold, and so are two other pieces of special jewelry I have.  This very same watch was going to be a weight loss reward, so I'll just have to figure out something else to get for that goal instead.  Shouldn't be a problem! :)  <br /><br />And even though I already met my minimum exercise for the week, I decided to take my lunch hour and do 40 minutes on the elliptical.  Why not start off year 28 with one of the best things I can do for my body and soul?  I'm a member at Gold's, and they sent me a birthday email with a coupon for 25% off an item in their shop and a free bottle of water.  When I signed in yesterday, the computer told me Happy Birthday, which made my day... it truly is all about the little things in life!<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/AVvXsEi_ar40Qxfvlj3Z3O7Zzayv2x5p8vB2iYWmRStZOuyZ64JFwsUY-B6eMXVpN-wgMRQzBYH0iNCMtmaRcM3HI_hRNymXtVLJReYPe0Cm2lRK42TEKGhe3V6SPWvaVWhmpfg24FTP9cvtSyI/s1600/gym.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ar40Qxfvlj3Z3O7Zzayv2x5p8vB2iYWmRStZOuyZ64JFwsUY-B6eMXVpN-wgMRQzBYH0iNCMtmaRcM3HI_hRNymXtVLJReYPe0Cm2lRK42TEKGhe3V6SPWvaVWhmpfg24FTP9cvtSyI/s400/gym.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blurry pics are the result of taking them while<br />on the elliptical!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Not to mention, I need all the exercise I can get.  Last week was a great week for me.  This week.....I've consumed so much sugar it's a wonder I haven't had digestive issues as a result.  I'll just leave it at that... I'm sure no one needs an in-depth account of what goes on there! <br /><br />Sometimes my self control amazes me.  I could bake batches of cookies, or be around my most favorite foods, and it doesn't bother me one bit.  Other times, this week being one of them, I cannot stop myself from eating.  Why can't just a taste be enough?  <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/AVvXsEjDzq_tv2tr_NeFKa9zJN8X5I6G1_aPmIOqHm6Qzd_NrxuE8hox2w8rWwPfSDO0-iyG4FUtjUqIPH35H2jd4EIjwD7emgl_EMVpQfWbD_ZGJzYp-9BB_eTdA7pmakXOS52f8JkFUxo_76M/s1600/bday+cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzq_tv2tr_NeFKa9zJN8X5I6G1_aPmIOqHm6Qzd_NrxuE8hox2w8rWwPfSDO0-iyG4FUtjUqIPH35H2jd4EIjwD7emgl_EMVpQfWbD_ZGJzYp-9BB_eTdA7pmakXOS52f8JkFUxo_76M/s400/bday+cookies.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday/Easter cookies I made for work this week</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Birthday week also means lots of eating out.  People at work kindly want to take me to lunch, and Joel & I had dinner at our <a href="http://kodorirestaurant.com/" target="_blank">favorite Japanese/Korean</a> restaurant last night.  I'm taking it one meal at a time at this point.  Just because I've been afforded all of these opportunities to eat out, doesn't mean I need to fully indulge and blow it.     <br /><br />At Chick Fil A the other day, I got a kid's meal. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvCrG8n_ss5lPt7Dz-vvanZKb-WGEoLUtrE5b5ULLB84R5MfLWs1_Kzp2tL06ulhmfY3Qda52k-5DSDObtvffj99EjeES6l1_xlD7icg_2lavw-Y4T-5vlrpabwSXjpINGJIhG7cEwtE/s1600/chickfila.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvCrG8n_ss5lPt7Dz-vvanZKb-WGEoLUtrE5b5ULLB84R5MfLWs1_Kzp2tL06ulhmfY3Qda52k-5DSDObtvffj99EjeES6l1_xlD7icg_2lavw-Y4T-5vlrpabwSXjpINGJIhG7cEwtE/s400/chickfila.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This was JUST the right amount of Chick Fil A to satisfy my chicken desires.  A special thank-you to my friend <a href="http://cheerfulchatter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Meghan</a> who shared this strategy with me.  I just assumed if a kid wasn't present, a restaurant would not serve you a kid's meal.  Not the case with our local Chick Fil A, and I'm so grateful that they allow it!<br /><br />I used to be able to consume the entire spicy chicken meal from our favorite restaurant (mentioned earlier).  However, now I can only eat about half of it.  That's a plus!  So while I haven't been eating the best things this week per se, I'm also not completely blowing it by eating <i>all </i>of it.<br /><br />The rest of the week will involve even more birthday celebrations: going to see my favorite movie of all time in 3D (Titanic!), shoe shopping with my friend Margie, and a weekend getaway to tour a somewhat-local brewery.  This is going to end up being an awesome week! <br /><br /><b style="color: #351c75;">Do you know of any other restaurants that allow the purchase of a kid's meal in lieu of the full adult version?  </b>

birthday Weight Loss Challenges Happy 28th Birthday!

Yesterday I celebrated my 28th birthday.  Overall, the day itself was great.  While I did work, I was able to work at home and that helped make the day a little more enjoyable.  I'm trying to conserve my vacation time for an upcoming trip.....one of …

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