News for today's 2018

Now it's time to work on me

9:09 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As in the case of most weight loss blogger disappearances, no news is usually not good news. I've been gone from here almost a whole month. It's not been a good month. Let's start with my weight. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">208</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I feel really awful about my weight gain. I hate being this fat. I feel and look terrible. The emotional and physical pain of being obese is overwhelming. I'm angry at myself that I let this happen. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been wallowing in self-pity for weeks, actually, more like months.  Once I lost control, I couldn't get it back. No food was off limits, and portion control wasn't even something I thought about. The gym, I think I went three times in the last month. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After being in control for most of the last four years and maintaining my weight under 180 after starting out at 240 in 2008, I thought I had beat my food demons. I was wrong. I wasn't safe from my crazy obsession with food. I struggled but I was slowing losing the battle. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is a bit of good news to this sad post. I feel ready to get back in the game. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been reading Bob Harper's book,</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Skinny-Rules-Nonnegotiable-Principles/dp/0345533127/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338646767&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Skinny Rules: The Simple, Nonnegotiable Principles for Getting to Thin</a>. A</span>lthough I haven't been following any of the rules, I've been thinking about them. I'm ready to start. Today. This very minute. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Almost everything else in my life has been difficult as well, but things are finally starting to turn a corner. Life goes on, things are getting better.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My husband and I are getting along really well the last few weeks. Probably because he went back to work at a great job that he loves. He was out of work for ten months. That was a lot of stress on both of us, a lot of arguments, and he was depressed. He's definitely a lot happier now which is good for both of us.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things have finally settled down with all things involving my sister. I don't speak to my crazy niece (her oldest daughter). Our last conversation, which was hideous, was in mid-February. There's a Vulnerable Adult Order of Protection filed with the court for my sister against my crazy niece. It's good for five years. My niece has been hospitalized twice for psychiatric issues in the past month and has been diagnosed as bipolar and schizophrenic. I told you she was crazy. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All of my sister's property in Fairbanks has been sold. Her house closed last week, and it was a cash sale. It was the easiest real estate transaction I've ever been involved in. It closed exactly two weeks from the time of the offer. Best real estate agent ever, Fairbanks, Alaska, Somers and Associates, Judy Somers. The person that bought my sister's house is a surgeon in Fairbanks and he's going to clear some of the 123 acres of land and have a hobby farm. Just like my sister and her husband did 15 years ago. That made me smile.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've had an auction of all my sister's personal belongings and her farm equipment. Faribanks Auction, Joe Campbell, best auctioneer I've ever met. Okay, the only one I've ever met but he was wonderful. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My sister's 2010 and 2011 income tax has been filed (that was a major task). My permanent guardianship has been granted and the Inventory and Guardianship Implementation Plan has been filed with State of Alaska. They told me it looked great and there shouldn't be any problems on getting it approved. It took me weeks days to pull it together. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My sister and I have settled into a comfortable relationship. I pick her up on Sunday and we do something fun together. The outings vary, and she always seems to enjoy herself. Last week we went to a movie and out to dinner. The weekend before we went to the <a href="http://www.museumofglass.org/" target="_blank">Museum of Glass</a> in Tacoma (ever heard of Dale Chihuly?). We watched a glass blowing demonstration, toured the museum and had lunch at the museum (delicious Argentinian food), then a movie. This weekend I'm thinking about taking her to the <a href="http://www.pdza.org/page.php?id=2" target="_blank">Pt. Defiance Zoo</a> if the weather is half-way decent (not looking like it now), or maybe lunch and the Most Exotic Marigold Hotel movie. She loves movies. Next weekend it's the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446714/" target="_blank">Prometheus </a>for sure. My sister loves science fiction (I do too!).</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My sister's condition hasn't changed for several months. She's stabilized. She talks all the time, but I can't understand a word she says, other than an occasional okay or bye-bye. She can't write and I'm unsure if she can read. She acts she can read but then when she orders food at restaurants she always points to the pictures. If there aren't any pictures, she asks me to pick something. She's still completely paralyzed on the right side. There's very little hope that she'll ever get better. She nods yes and no, but often gets them mixed up.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a last ditch attempt to see if there's anything else that can help my sister, I'm taking her to see a neurologist in Seattle next month. I'm not hopeful, but it's worth a try.  </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I adore my sister and I'm happy I can be there for her. One thing I've learned from all of this is that having a severe stroke like my sister is probably one of the most horrific things that can happen to a person. Not being able to communicate is the worst part. I could handle being paralyzed on one side and being in a wheelchair, but not being able to speak or write is unbelievably frustrating for her and everyone around her. We manage and make the best of it, but it's not easy. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One last thing to mention, my job. It has been a really rough few months with a lot of 55+ hour weeks and working on weekends. We made our deadline on our project, and it's in the testing phase by our QA team. Now there's a hard push to fix all the bugs. I currently have 35 bugs assigned to me. A lot of them are because I took on the bugs of another developer that's still working on writing code for the reporting piece of the project. It's going to be tough to get through the next three weeks, but it still won't be as bad as the past three months. The past three months have been a tiny piece of hell at work.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So that's my life in a nutshell. Work was rough, but better now. My sister's situation has finally settled down. My marriage is in a good place. So now it's time to work on me. My weight loss and my health. Diet and exercise - here I come!</span></div>

Now it's time to work on me

As in the case of most weight loss blogger disappearances, no news is usually not good news. I've been gone from here almost a whole mon...

Waiting on Winston

5:18 AM Tukiyooo 0

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sir_Winston_S_Churchill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="English: Sir Winston Churchill." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="374" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Sir_Winston_S_Churchill.jpg/300px-Sir_Winston_S_Churchill.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 300px;">English: Sir Winston Churchill. (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sir_Winston_S_Churchill.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table>I've been reading <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Lion-Boxed-Set/dp/0316058165%3FSubscriptionId%3D0G81C5DAZ03ZR9WH9X82%26tag%3Dhttpwwwbrighc-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0316058165" rel="amazon" target="_blank" title="The Last Lion : 2 Volume Boxed Set">The Last Lion</a> by William Manchester. It is a biography of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Winston Churchill">Winston Churchill</a> and a must-read for those who love history or understanding the lives of great men.<br /><br />As I read about how "Sir Winston" was catered to by his maids, secretaries, butlers, valets, etc. it might be easy to look down on that as an excess. Manchester says that he never even drew a bath for himself. However, he used the time he gained - really, just about every bit of time in reading, polishing speeches, and writing as well as building relationships. He focused his time for where he could do the most good.<br /><br /><h3>Is it OK to hire help?</h3>While I don't want anyone to "draw my bath" or wait on me to the nth degree, I think that there are times when the "help" in doing things makes sense. For example, I have a wonderful young lady who has become my right arm over the past few years since I started writing extensively. Without her help with the loads of laundry, getting food on the table, and cleaning - I wouldn't be able to write at all. That six hours of help is literally the 6 hours a week I have to blog. I still do at least 10 loads of laundry a week and a 6 hour set of chores and errands on Saturdays that help my family run well the rest of the week. But that little bit of time, I believe, makes me more productive and (hopefully) helps me improve the lives of others.<br /><br />I've just hired a very faithful, trustworthy student (she just graduated) to help me with my filing and email. She organized my files in four hours and I've spent days trying to do that. I don't think like that but she helped me so greatly.<br /><br />There are those who look down upon me for getting any help. Others assume this means I have no housework at all or that somehow I'm shirking my responsibilities. However, for me, I ask myself how I'm using that time. Am I improving the lives of others? Am I improving the lives of my family? Am I fulfilling the mission for which I have been placed on this planet. <br /><br />But I also wonder if there is yet another double standard eeking through the crevices of the comments I get. If my husband were a single Dad and responsible for all the cooking, cleaning, and home management, would anyone look down upon him for getting help 3 days a week? <br /><br /><h3>Wowing your family!</h3>When Sir Winston arrived home every day, he exclaimed "Wow!" to which his family would reply "Wow!" and run into his arms, to which he is reported to have often teared up. His own mother didn't really pay him attention until he was "old enough to become interesting" and spent her time in many dallyings with great men on both sides of the pond but Sir Winston wanted to pay attention to his family.<br /><br />I want to as well. So, when I consider getting help for anything, I ask myself:<br /><br /><ul><li>Can I afford it?</li><li>Will I directly use the time for a task that will make more money so I can afford it?</li><li>Is the person I want to help me trustworthy? Does this person "have my back?"</li><li>Is this something that my children should be doing instead?</li><li>Is this something that only I can or should do?</li></ul><br /><br />Winston Churchill is certainly one of the great men of history. I think history is the better for him having people around him help with running his household so he could focus on affairs of state.<br /><br />I think that there are also times that it is ok to guiltlessly get help with tasks around the home.Some of you would look down upon Winston Churchill and the amount of catering he had done for him in his life, but when viewed in the grand context of his accomplishments, it is one of those things that is excusable. Yet, oftentimes we turn a leering eye in judgement of others who we think don't have problems, don't have to work as hard, or don't have to struggle like we do. The fact is, unless we can see into the heart, soul, mind, and pocketbook of the object of our judging eye, we cannot know what that person is really going through. I think women, in particular, are pretty hard on other women who "get help."<br /><br /><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;">Don't live your life for the approval of others</span></h3>If you spend your life trying to somehow achieve some sort of friendly stasis with the world's attitude towards you, you're not a very smart person. <br /><br />If you're doing anything and work very hard, you'll have those who look down upon you who want what you have by doing nothing.<br /><br />Do your something and do it with everything you've got. Don't go on petty guilt trips for the decisions you make about how you spend your money that the petty people would like to send you on. As my Mom always says "If you go on a guilt trip, you have to pack your own bags."<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by for a bit of a random rambling today as I sit and ponder the life of a great man.<br /><br /><div class="zemanta-related" style="margin-top: 20px; overflow: hidden;"><h4 class="zemanta-related-title">Related articles</h4><ul class="zemanta-article-ul zemanta-article-ul-image" style="margin-left: 0; padding: 0;"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="display: block; float: left; font-size: 12px; height: 240px; list-style: none; margin: 10px 40px 20px 0px; text-align: left; width: 80px;"><a href="http://greatfinds.icrossing.com/winston-churchill-the-ultimate-ceo/" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/87757173_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; box-shadow: 1px 1px 3px #999; margin: 0; padding: 0;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://greatfinds.icrossing.com/winston-churchill-the-ultimate-ceo/" style="display: block; height: 90px; line-height: 14pt; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 80px;" target="_blank">Winston Churchill: The Ultimate CEO</a><div style="clear: both; margin: 10px 0 10px 0;"><hr style="margin: 0;" /></div></li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="display: block; float: left; font-size: 12px; height: 240px; list-style: none; margin: 10px 40px 20px 0px; text-align: left; width: 80px;"><a href="http://jamesdez.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/a-moment-with-sir-winston-churchill/" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/89734081_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; box-shadow: 1px 1px 3px #999; margin: 0; padding: 0;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://jamesdez.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/a-moment-with-sir-winston-churchill/" style="display: block; height: 90px; line-height: 14pt; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 80px;" target="_blank">A Moment With Sir Winston Churchill.</a><div style="clear: both; margin: 10px 0 10px 0;"><hr style="margin: 0;" /></div></li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="display: block; float: left; font-size: 12px; height: 240px; list-style: none; margin: 10px 40px 20px 0px; text-align: left; width: 80px;"><a href="http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/8a3e2671-6203-49fb-8063-fa227076bc30.aspx" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/88847228_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; box-shadow: 1px 1px 3px #999; margin: 0; padding: 0;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/8a3e2671-6203-49fb-8063-fa227076bc30.aspx" style="display: block; height: 90px; line-height: 14pt; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 80px;" target="_blank">5 writing tips from Winston Churchill</a><div style="clear: both; margin: 10px 0 10px 0;"><hr style="margin: 0;" /></div></li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_c.png?x-id=f930cc07-4485-49ea-9447-43b6e7e35158" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>

English: Sir Winston Churchill. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) I've been reading The Last Lion by William Manchester. It is a biography of ...

Daily Education and Technology News for Schools 06/02/2012

2:30 AM Tukiyooo 0

<ul class="diigo-linkroll">      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storyCode=6242834">In the news - Children should have body image lessons - Resources - TES</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">A report out of the UK shows that children as young as five are concerned about their shape and size. Our media is sending a message of perfection that is unattainable even by the models they photoshop. (A girl recently petitioned for 17 magazine to have one non photoshopped image and 17 would not agree) This article includes a video discussion of the findings of this report.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/health">health</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6243095">Teaching in a climate of despair - News - TES</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">I find the story of what is happening to the education system in Greece heartbreaking.With some budgets cut in half and many parents unemployed, student and teacer morale is plummeting. Schools have closed because of no heat and some schools wait for months for textbooks. If you think you've got it tough, it could be worse. </p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/greece">greece</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/education/">Education – Google World Wonders Project</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">This page has guides that you can download by age level for how you can use the World Wonders project in your classroom. You'll want to get the PDF and email it to all of the history teachers so they can import it into their ebook reader for sure. (Of course you can print if you don't have a way to distribute epaper.) there are also some suggested topics like "How the Romans Lived," "the Industrial Revolution," and the "Italian Renaissance" along with tour points. </p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/flatclass">flatclass</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/shark-bay/">Shark Bay – Google World Wonders Project</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">So, in this example of a World Wonder - Shark Bay in Australia - You can see a description on the right. There is an information tab, a link to videos about the area, a link to photos about the area and away to explore nearby sites. If you're going on vacation to an area with a local wonder, it might be a great thing to explore before you explore so you can get the most out of your trip. </p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/">Google World Wonders Project</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">Google has released their world wonders website as part of the "Google Cultural Institute" website. This is a definite "must investigate" over the summer. Click on education in the top right to see how you can integrate it into learning. There are many points all over the globe. Fascinating. experience. The museum is online.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></p>                                <ul class="diigo-comments">                  </ul>                      </li>  </ul><p class="diigo-ps">Posted from <a href='http://www.diigo.com'>Diigo</a>. The rest of my favorite links are <a href='http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher'>here</a>.</p>

Daily Education and Technology News for Schools 06/02/2012

In the news - Children should have body image lessons - Resources - TES A report out of the UK shows...

Elearning and global competency #flatclass #globaled 06/02/2012

5:40 PM Tukiyooo 0

<ul class="diigo-linkroll">      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/education/">Education – Google World Wonders Project</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">This page has guides that you can download by age level for how you can use the World Wonders project in your classroom. You'll want to get the PDF and email it to all of the history teachers so they can import it into their ebook reader for sure. (Of course you can print if you don't have a way to distribute epaper.) there are also some suggested topics like "How the Romans Lived," "the Industrial Revolution," and the "Italian Renaissance" along with tour points. </p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/flatclass">flatclass</a></p>                                        </li>  </ul><p class="diigo-ps">Posted from <a href='http://www.diigo.com'>Diigo</a>. The rest of my favorite links are <a href='http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher'>here</a>.</p>

Elearning and global competency #flatclass #globaled 06/02/2012

Education – Google World Wonders Project This page has guides that you can download by age level for...

Being a Plus Size Bride

2:31 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;">Before I get into the wedding stuff, I wanted to share a food find.  McDonald's recently came out with a new oatmeal - Blueberry Banana Nut Oatmeal.  Have you tried it?  It's 8 PointsPlus and I just tried it this week. It was tasty, filling and I will most likely get it again.  As much as I love these flavor combinations, I still love the Fruit and Maple oatmeal more.  I think the 7 PointsPlus value has something to do with it :).  <div><br></div><div>Today I finished the last of my shopping in preparation for the wedding.  I picked up a garment bag and... wait for it.... Spanx!  I've never worn Spanx before but after trying them on and seeing the results, I'm convinced they will give me the look I'm going for.  </div><div><br></div><div>I have to say.... I'm not thrilled with the idea of being a plus size bride.  I'm not thrilled that I will be getting married looking the way I do.  We originally picked our October wedding date to afford me the time to lose more weight.  I'm trying not to focus on this fact - that I will be an overweight bride.  I'm someone who loves pictures and I don't want to look back on our pictures one day, one day when I've met goal, and be filled with regret and disgust.  I'm only going to do this once and I feel as though I've failed myself and Joel.  <b>I'm going to be a fat bride.</b>  Ugh.   It's no ones fault but my own, I know.  </div><div><br></div><div>I'm just disappointed in myself.</div><p/><p/><a href="http://www.bewriteapp.com"><img alt="I blog with BE Write" src="http://bewriteapp.com/iblogwithbewrite.gif"/></a></div>

Being a Plus Size Bride

Before I get into the wedding stuff, I wanted to share a food find. McDonald's recently came out with a new oatmeal - Blueberry Banana ...

Teach This! Teaching with lesson plans and ideas that rock #teaching 06/01/2012

12:30 PM Tukiyooo 0

<ul class="diigo-linkroll">      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.tes.co.uk/resourcecalendar.aspx?nbday=0&nbmth=6&nbyr=2012&evcode=3509">Teaching Resources, Classroom Resources & Lesson Plans - TES Resources</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">Wimbledon is in June (my Uncle Eddie's favorite event of the year). If you are homeschooling this summer (like I do in the summer - good parents teach) - here are some cool things you can use to share with others. Lessons relating to Wimbledon and Tennis.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/tennis">tennis</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.tes.co.uk/resourcecalendar.aspx?nbday=0&nbmth=6&nbyr=2012&evcode=26">Teaching Resources, Classroom Resources & Lesson Plans - TES Resources</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">Lots of ideas for Father's Day. Parents will find ideas here as well as teachers.If your child is already out of school, help them make something for Dad that is special andlearn at the same time. I like the "my Dad" lesson where kids draw a picture of Dadand answer questions about him. My son did something similar for me and it meant a lot.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/fathersday">fathersday</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/gifts">gifts</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.tes.co.uk/ResourceCalendar.aspx?remthyr=06%3A2012">Teaching Resources, Classroom Resources & Lesson Plans - TES Resources</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">June events include D-day, Father's Day, Tour de France, World Environment Day, the outbreak of the first world war, and Wimbledon. This website has links to lesson plans for these events and more.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/june">june</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/education/">Education – Google World Wonders Project</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">This page has guides that you can download by age level for how you can use the World Wonders project in your classroom. You'll want to get the PDF and email it to all of the history teachers so they can import it into their ebook reader for sure. (Of course you can print if you don't have a way to distribute epaper.) there are also some suggested topics like "How the Romans Lived," "the Industrial Revolution," and the "Italian Renaissance" along with tour points. </p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/flatclass">flatclass</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/shark-bay/">Shark Bay – Google World Wonders Project</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">So, in this example of a World Wonder - Shark Bay in Australia - You can see a description on the right. There is an information tab, a link to videos about the area, a link to photos about the area and away to explore nearby sites. If you're going on vacation to an area with a local wonder, it might be a great thing to explore before you explore so you can get the most out of your trip. </p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/">Google World Wonders Project</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">Google has released their world wonders website as part of the "Google Cultural Institute" website. This is a definite "must investigate" over the summer. Click on education in the top right to see how you can integrate it into learning. There are many points all over the globe. Fascinating. experience. The museum is online.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></p>                                <ul class="diigo-comments">                  </ul>                      </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="http://pinterest.com/mel_dillard/">Melissa Alonzo-Dillard (mel_dillard) on Pinterest</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">If you're a teacher and you love Pinterest, Melissa Alonzo-Dillard is a must-follow on Pinterest. She has so many ideas and fascinating boards. (I have a Pinterest 101 post you can search for to be able to get an invite. It is pretty simple, just go on facebook and like pinterest and see who your friends are who like Pinterest too an ask them - or just email vicki [at] coolcatteacher [dot] com and I'll invite you.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></p>                                        </li>  </ul><p class="diigo-ps">Posted from <a href='http://www.diigo.com'>Diigo</a>. The rest of my favorite links are <a href='http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher'>here</a>.</p>

Teach This! Teaching with lesson plans and ideas that rock #teaching 06/01/2012

Teaching Resources, Classroom Resources & Lesson Plans - TES Resources Wimbledon is in June (my ...

Sr Buyer / Planner (Material Purchase | SAP | Microsoft Office | Semiconductor) (#108201)

11:37 AM Anonymous 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="WordSection1" style="color: #666666;"><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Job Title: </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Sr Buyer/Planner<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Location: </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Milpitas, CA<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Duration: </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Full time<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Job Description: <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Plans, schedules and monitors the movement of materials through the production cycle to determine required materials purchases. Obtains materials using engineering and production schedules to maintain inventory at planned levels (i.e., just in time purchases). Resolves discrepancies. Ensures material standards are met and non-conformance's or variances are approved and/or minimized. Develops specifications for new contract orders. Gathers quotations, examines bids and makes awards. Monitors cost, schedule and scope of assigned subcontracts to assure best quality at best value. Evaluates vendor reliability and develops new supply sources where vendors and suppliers are no longer competitive.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Education and/or experience desired</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;"><b>:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Having wide-ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.<br />Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Internal and external contacts often pertain to company plans and objectives.<br />Determines methods and procedures on new assignments, and may provide guidance to other personnel.<br />A minimum of 8 years of related experience or a Bachelor’s degree with 4 years’ experience<br />Software skills SAP, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Basic Qualifications:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">A minimum of 8 years of related experience or a Bachelor’s degree with 4 years’ experience<br />Software skills SAP, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Please send your resumes to vinod.sanker@kla-tencor.com </span></b></span><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>

Sr Buyer / Planner (Material Purchase | SAP | Microsoft Office | Semiconductor) (#108201)

Job Title: Sr Buyer/Planner Location: Milpitas, CA Duration: Full time Job Description: Plans, schedules and monitors the movement of materi...

Sr Product Development Engineer (NCG | ECH | mechanical | optical |electrical | troubleshooting | systems design) (#108164)

11:11 AM Anonymous 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="WordSection1" style="color: #666666;"><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Job Title: </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Sr product Development Engineer<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Location: </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Milpitas, CA<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Duration: </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Full time<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Job Description</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">:</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">The Individual Engineer will be responsible for engineering activities on next generation of existing product. These activities will include the development and release of new options, features or cost reduction improvements that provide more value to our customers (external or internal). Integral to this role is an understanding of the customer’s use-case and successfully working in conjunction with other groups to define the requirements. Must have the ability to follow through and release / support these product enhancements effectively. Train service and manufacturing employees. Maybe required to travel to customer sites to efficiently and effectively resolve technical issues (Fly and Fix) during and after product release, as well as to support existing systems.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Education and/or experience desired</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">:</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">PhD degree preferred.  Experience in the area of mechanical, optical, electrical or systems design, overseeing subsystem project, troubleshooting of systems issues, creating and executing test plans is highly desirable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">MS degree in mechanical, optical, electrical or systems engineering or a relevant discipline is required.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Basic Qualifications:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Bachelor's Level Degree with at least 5 years of experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">OR<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Master's Level Degree with at least 3 years of experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">OR<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Doctorate (Academic) with at least 0 years of experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Please send your resumes to vinod.sanker@kla-tencor.com<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div></div></div>

Job Title: Sr product Development Engineer Location: Milpitas, CA Duration: Full time Job Description : The Individual Engineer will be resp...

World Wonders: A new flipped classroom tool for teachers

5:47 AM Tukiyooo 0

Google street view has a new, wonderful view on the world: 132 <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/education/">World Wonders</a> to be exact. The flipped classroom model is one that no company like Google can afford to ignore and this website is a powerful new way to do that. This post is broken into three parts: how does it work, how do I integrate it into the classroom, and where does this resource need to go from here.<br /><object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wZg8FTi5_Os?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"><br /></param><br /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /></param><br /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /></param><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wZg8FTi5_Os?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><h2><br />How does it work?</h2><br />When you go to the World Wonders homepage at <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/">http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/</a><br />you'll see a globe at the bottom and the site will rotate between the various locations and show you a "teaser" photo at the top about that location. Starting is as simple as clicking "explore this site now. Note that  Africa does not yet have any sites in the database and Israel is included with Japan under "Asia" in the Find by location search.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxS7yJn4Gx7SUrwuBkQek4qW_5UeAE4m-jXTav8SAkapyxMBiRYOyV_INYw0Q7kCjjMgc1j_Y8WS7h6TKqxu3uJJiEz0aHT4OyqypMsu7XEQCCtrvmx0YMcGXbXDa4RDmAuTCKYEX5YzBT/s1600/world-wonders-homepage.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxS7yJn4Gx7SUrwuBkQek4qW_5UeAE4m-jXTav8SAkapyxMBiRYOyV_INYw0Q7kCjjMgc1j_Y8WS7h6TKqxu3uJJiEz0aHT4OyqypMsu7XEQCCtrvmx0YMcGXbXDa4RDmAuTCKYEX5YzBT/s640/world-wonders-homepage.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />One of the first questions I asked was "Does it work on the ipad" so the rest of the screenshots are taken from my iPad exploration of the Palace of Versailles. Everything worked beautifully with the exception of the 3D model which uses the Google earth plug in that will not work on the iPad.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCkuy9zi-PuTdHacUyAcWvn-RvcN3zMS8QUHn9Yr9E5ED5j_CK7wAWq1T2kWrkpAQOYWRhs970s2HaUBDCU63v1PdNJe38mIyL1Gp9KEk-2DkyaMQ17SnMvycFj1flczgVO_492B_4rxg/s1600/Photo+Jun+01,+8+19+09+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCkuy9zi-PuTdHacUyAcWvn-RvcN3zMS8QUHn9Yr9E5ED5j_CK7wAWq1T2kWrkpAQOYWRhs970s2HaUBDCU63v1PdNJe38mIyL1Gp9KEk-2DkyaMQ17SnMvycFj1flczgVO_492B_4rxg/s640/Photo+Jun+01,+8+19+09+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each site has an overview of the site describing its importance.</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-PIodXyPd3WZ4WWlOtyyEYmsXR-9u6rDtn5ql3IKurLGj1vTFcZhalLOS8eyRxx21zC7oWzSqLcWJA9E_yNsZGk7AQpPqAUXnvLOwMP3nxmGu1AZossK-sIC1Zp3OqEczkiJvlY4Yh1T/s1600/Photo+Jun+01,+8+19+17+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-PIodXyPd3WZ4WWlOtyyEYmsXR-9u6rDtn5ql3IKurLGj1vTFcZhalLOS8eyRxx21zC7oWzSqLcWJA9E_yNsZGk7AQpPqAUXnvLOwMP3nxmGu1AZossK-sIC1Zp3OqEczkiJvlY4Yh1T/s640/Photo+Jun+01,+8+19+17+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information gives you information about the site and the designation of this site as a monument.</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib20Ow4rATNvovUWC4AQoOHvaecEkS8hfH69rgJzx1VgWoevOa7iKsraYMeydTEMXhWY8MUZaxTuqPuHvL-IuyEUmNBFM18FhnMoA030GOj0PUh84UFeDbPvMNtdapPJNVhqAKf3gUiubt/s1600/Photo+Jun+01,+8+19+24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib20Ow4rATNvovUWC4AQoOHvaecEkS8hfH69rgJzx1VgWoevOa7iKsraYMeydTEMXhWY8MUZaxTuqPuHvL-IuyEUmNBFM18FhnMoA030GOj0PUh84UFeDbPvMNtdapPJNVhqAKf3gUiubt/s640/Photo+Jun+01,+8+19+24+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Videos show you some featured videos and also you can view user videos that have been tagged appropriately.</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdriqbPmFgxNOlNpTmk5eNegEe2llm-lVhPrIUpKDtZ2TFiHYtTXMLi4cPa74Ff8jPP4izK_eX_JBG5EJyAMIVAdgAkqLV9yJo6FGQ5EQ5NctG0bYDeWB5TeKJMJ87QfWk2NzdtYCTPLeB/s1600/Photo+Jun+01,+8+19+30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdriqbPmFgxNOlNpTmk5eNegEe2llm-lVhPrIUpKDtZ2TFiHYtTXMLi4cPa74Ff8jPP4izK_eX_JBG5EJyAMIVAdgAkqLV9yJo6FGQ5EQ5NctG0bYDeWB5TeKJMJ87QfWk2NzdtYCTPLeB/s640/Photo+Jun+01,+8+19+30+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye popping photos from Getty Images and links to user photos are shown.</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMMFcP1Xpz-P-6e8qu8_Svaher_wQX_1S8wuX3aPiIjgWuaqFlShoS_o8aTbZqnJuhJBGqU4emMIuY5TzV8Po5MlMmBTvC4JcXJTJ-3zVpqyjwdhwRuNva2HBs2BZCp3uWZKshou4_j2J/s1600/Photo+Jun+01,+8+19+38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMMFcP1Xpz-P-6e8qu8_Svaher_wQX_1S8wuX3aPiIjgWuaqFlShoS_o8aTbZqnJuhJBGqU4emMIuY5TzV8Po5MlMmBTvC4JcXJTJ-3zVpqyjwdhwRuNva2HBs2BZCp3uWZKshou4_j2J/s640/Photo+Jun+01,+8+19+38+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a link to Google earth in many of the areas so you can explore the 3D model. This DOES NOT work on the iPad. To explore in 3D you'll need a personal computer of some time with Google Earth installed. If you're using on your interactive whiteboard, you'll need to use your computer.</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><h2><br />How do I integrate this into my classroom?</h2><br /><br />You'll want to download the <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/education/">teacher guides</a> for <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/files/primary-guide_en.pdf">primary </a>[PDF] and <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/files/secondary-guide_en.pdf">secondary school</a> [PDF] and view some of the suggested history topic packs (these are zip files). I've included below a link to the zip file and then a link to view the site on the World Wonders Project website so you can see the resources. This is a great tool for interactive whiteboards or to give as homework in the flipped classroom environment. It is also very flattening because people can travel virtually and link around user content.<br />Current history packs available for download are:<br /><ul><br /><li>The <a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/files/hiroshima_en.zip">second world war</a> (<a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/hiroshima/">Hiroshima Peace Memorial</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/files/pompei_en.zip">how the Romans lived</a>,  (<a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/pompei/">Pompei</a>, Herculaneaum and Torre Annunziata)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/files/versailles_en.zip">Absolute monarchism, architecture and History of Versailles</a> (<a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/versailles/">Palace of Versailles</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/files/liverpool_en.zip">the Industrial Revolution</a>, (<a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/liverpool/">Liverpool-Maritime Mercantile City</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/files/florence_en.zip">the Italian Renaissance </a>(<a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/florence/">Florence</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/files/independencehall_en.zip">the US Declaration of Independence</a> (<a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/independence-hall/">Independence Hall</a>)</li><br /></ul><br /><div><br />You can also search by Theme:</div><br /><div><br /><ul><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/archaeological-sites/">Archaeological Sites</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/architecture/">Architecture</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/cities-and-towns/">Cities and Towns</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/historic-sites/">Historic Sites</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/monuments-and-memorials/">Monuments and memorials</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/palaces-and-castles/">Palaces & Castles</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/parks-and-gardens/">Parks and Gardens</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/places-of-worship/">Places of Worship</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/regions-and-landscapes/">Regions and Landscapes</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/wonders-of-nature/">Wonders of Nature</a></li><br /></ul><br /></div><br /><h2><br />Where do we go from here?</h2><br /><div><br />With Common Core standards rapidly coming to the US, it would be very helpful for someone to create a wiki or website aligning Common Core Standards to each of these resources. Even better, if Google would allow tagging of the resources by standard, then one could search on the site from there.</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />Oddly enough in the Find by location feature in Asia there is only Japan and Israel (?) and Africa is not included yet in any of the sites (perhaps coming soon). The theme section search is cool.</div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-related" style="margin-top: 20px; overflow: hidden;"><br /><h4 class="zemanta-related-title"><br />Related articles</h4><br /><ul class="zemanta-article-ul zemanta-article-ul-image" style="margin-left: 0; padding: 0;"><br /><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="display: block; float: left; font-size: 12px; height: 240px; list-style: none; margin: 10px 40px 20px 0px; text-align: left; width: 80px;"><a href="http://www.maindevice.com/2012/05/31/google-world-wonders-project/" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/91890750_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; box-shadow: 1px 1px 3px #999; margin: 0; padding: 0;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://www.maindevice.com/2012/05/31/google-world-wonders-project/" style="display: block; height: 90px; line-height: 14pt; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 80px;" target="_blank">Try Virtual Tourism With Google's World Wonders Project</a><div style="clear: both; margin: 10px 0 10px 0;"><br /><hr style="margin: 0;" /><br /></div><br /></li><br /><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="display: block; float: left; font-size: 12px; height: 240px; list-style: none; margin: 10px 40px 20px 0px; text-align: left; width: 80px;"><a href="http://thetechnologycafe.com/google-lets-you-explore-historic-sites-with-the-world-wonders-project/" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/noimg_21_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; box-shadow: 1px 1px 3px #999; margin: 0; padding: 0;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://thetechnologycafe.com/google-lets-you-explore-historic-sites-with-the-world-wonders-project/" style="display: block; height: 90px; line-height: 14pt; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 80px;" target="_blank">Google Lets You Explore Historic Sites With The World Wonders Project</a><div style="clear: both; margin: 10px 0 10px 0;"><br /><hr style="margin: 0;" /><br /></div><br /></li><br /><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="display: block; float: left; font-size: 12px; height: 240px; list-style: none; margin: 10px 40px 20px 0px; text-align: left; width: 80px;"><a href="http://laughingsquid.com/world-wonders-project-by-google/" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/91876498_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; box-shadow: 1px 1px 3px #999; margin: 0; padding: 0;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://laughingsquid.com/world-wonders-project-by-google/" style="display: block; height: 90px; line-height: 14pt; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 80px;" target="_blank">World Wonders Project by Google Lets You Explore Wonders World</a><div style="clear: both; margin: 10px 0 10px 0;"><br /><hr style="margin: 0;" /><br /></div><br /></li><br /></ul><br /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><br /><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_c.png?x-id=c3da35b6-2890-4a41-8ebc-d37170a0b4f9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>

World Wonders: A new flipped classroom tool for teachers

Google street view has a new, wonderful view on the world: 132 World Wonders to be exact. The flipped classroom model is one that no compan...

10 Inexpensive Ways to Be Kind

4:20 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><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 data-mce-href="http://pinterest.com/pin/49117452156449905/" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/49117452156449905/" style="color: #007bff; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-mce-src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/256353403759050220_TPOGL595_c.jpg" height="789" src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/256353403759050220_TPOGL595_c.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Source:</span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://thephobia.com/post/3750781935/pride-prejudice-is-my-all-time-favorite-book" href="http://thephobia.com/post/3750781935/pride-prejudice-is-my-all-time-favorite-book" style="color: #007bff; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">thephobia.com</a><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">via</span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://pinterest.com/mel_dillard/" href="http://pinterest.com/mel_dillard/" style="color: #007bff; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Melissa</a><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">on</span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://pinterest.com" href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #007bff; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Being kind is so simple.</b> It has often bothered me that we say "random acts of kindness." What if kindness were so common that we just had "random acts of unkindness" but we don't. Everyone wants to be appreciated and encouraged. You can do it too. Here are some neat ones.<br /><br /><h2> 10 Inexpensive Ways to be Kind</h2><ol><li><b>Give someone a permanent reminder.</b> In the picture above, you see a $3.50 mug from the "dollar store" written on with Sharpie marker and baked for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Cost: $3.50 plus a sharpie. Do something nice, not tacky.<br /></li><li><b>Buy someone's favorite soda,</b> write a note on a sticky note and put it on their desk. Cost: $1.00 (Tip, if someone likes Mountain Dew, you can make a sign that says "Thanks for all you Dew." or you can come up with something creative for other beverages.)<br /></li><li><b>Write a private message </b>to someone on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or anywhere to encourage and be kind. Don't do it for recognition just to be nice. This is great if you know someone is having a hard day or tough time. Cost: Your time.<br /></li><li><b>Write a public message </b>or blog post to recognize someone out of the blue. Notice people that not everyone notices and use your audience to point them out. Cost: Your time.<br /></li><li><b>Make a cool hand soap dispenser. </b>This inexpensive teacher gift uses soft soap. Remove the label with "goo gone" Create the label on your home computer and take it to a copy shop to have them run it off on transparency (or run it through a copier onto copier transparency sheets). Roll it up and put it into the bottle. Use the straw inside the bottle to help guide it to the front of the bottle. (See full instructions at <a href="http://www.designmom.com/2010/05/teacher-gift/">Design Mom</a>.) <i>(Pictured below.) Cost: soap dispenser and cost to copy on a transparency.<br /></i></li><li><b>Give someone an app. </b>If you have a favorite app on your iOS and have a person you'd like to give one too, you can go into iTunes and click the button "Give this app as a gift." (<a href="http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57336902-285/how-to-gift-an-app-from-the-app-store/">Cnet </a>has some <a href="http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57336902-285/how-to-gift-an-app-from-the-app-store/">nice instructions</a>.) Some of my favorite apps that cost money are <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mr.-reader/id412874834?mt=8">Mr. Reader</a> $3.99, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/homeroutines/id353117370?mt=8#">Home Routines</a> $3.99, or <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/camera+/id329670577?mt=8">Camera+</a> $.99 are three great choices.)<br /><br /></li><li><b>Give a teacher pencils or pens in a bow.</b> Teachers and many Moms love pens and pencils. You can go get a large number at an office supply place and tie a ribbon around them. A note like "thanks for being so sharp" or "you're the penultimate" work great! Cost: the price of pencils.<br /><br /></li><li><b>Say thank you.</b> There are people who do so much and should be thanked. Many people don't thank because they are afraid to leave someone out. Well, you may leave someone out the first time if you only thank people once a year, but if you make it a habit, eventually you'll get around to everyone.<br /><br /></li><li><b>Leave a secret surprise. </b>The reason that so many people click on those viruses that say "someone is saying nasty things about you" or "have you seen this awful picture someone uploaded of you" is that most of us have a scant bit of paranoia. Turn their worries around and leave a secret note in several places saying thank you. In their box, under their locked door after they've left for the day. I've put these in my husband's jacket pocket before a trip. Everyone likes to know that someone is thinking of them.<br /><br /></li><li><b>Just be thoughtful. </b>Notice people and what they like. You can pick up a box of fudgecicles and take them into work. Go around to everyone's room until you've handed them all out. Take a cake and put it in the teacher's lounge with a note saying thank you. Make a delicious pot of coffee and bring it into work with a carafe and flavored syrups and invite people for coffee in the morning to the teacher's lounge. Think of others. </li></ol>When you do this and you're struggling with your own attitude, you'll find that your own mood turns around. You'll also wake up one day and realize that people are starting to be more thoughtful to you! I don't know why or how but the kindness just moves through people. The habit of being kind and thoughtful can do a lot to improve your workplace, school, or home. But don't do it to be fake or to get something, people can see through a charlatan like a spotlight through Gypsy Rose Lee's fan. Be real and be kind. </div><div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Being kind may be free but when you're kind you become priceless.<br /><ol></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/67976275595913616/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/67976275595913616_2AMfzqwN_c.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="500" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.designmom.com/2010/05/teacher-gift/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">designmom.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/wthill/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Wendy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><br /><br /><br /></div></div>

Inspiration Teaching 10 Inexpensive Ways to Be Kind

Source: thephobia.com via Melissa on Pinterest Being kind is so simple. It has often bothered me that we say "random acts of...

now i can lay down - bedroom reveal

1:47 PM Anonymous 0

Grab your cocktail and lets get this party started! I'm happy to report that I'm done. I don't think the room is done (are they ever really done?) but <i>I</i> am done.<br /><br />There has been blabbing aplenty on this room so I'll try to talk (type) less and show more. Most of you know how hard it is for me <i>not</i> to talk, so this will be a challenge.<br /><br />To recap, here is what we started with. A sad little space. The space of a couple who was too tired working on the rest of the house to put much energy into said space (or apparently into proper pillow placement).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRgtFuq15DB1Q2f0oNlIQmRWtdN04jFRfesR_apctaoKvecxDk6xucEjxj9CGgO1xdQCcM6Q4C2l7VSh0ZmcMcDbgo5coL_eqC6S0eANslM0gQ6wQZVG75PgsVq1WB39clfWWNLvc1qwe/s1600/P4075800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRgtFuq15DB1Q2f0oNlIQmRWtdN04jFRfesR_apctaoKvecxDk6xucEjxj9CGgO1xdQCcM6Q4C2l7VSh0ZmcMcDbgo5coL_eqC6S0eANslM0gQ6wQZVG75PgsVq1WB39clfWWNLvc1qwe/s640/P4075800.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhEiox_u9W3CxU7Um9HmFVZkTGS3O8AfX0sMy6eK0q5BnGIUGoEj0wj7H3tTvuknXGqEJhnslKVrcCRgm9hI5FYvJW72FUyqjJPBot1hxkCEczM8LI8ejLavfTBbI8nWPMJ9xYGfH3vCm/s1600/P4075801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhEiox_u9W3CxU7Um9HmFVZkTGS3O8AfX0sMy6eK0q5BnGIUGoEj0wj7H3tTvuknXGqEJhnslKVrcCRgm9hI5FYvJW72FUyqjJPBot1hxkCEczM8LI8ejLavfTBbI8nWPMJ9xYGfH3vCm/s640/P4075801.JPG" width="422" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUoYyFKFVzhlaqql-fbTR0n9EKIdU6jdd3QOTfq8SYiPJD7fEpooaLQ1phBZpB1cpIYTB95kEaBjInj-Q2ZRQ6b5NuW0ZWI4N-RROqJ-WTTFl0nC_ApKkS3l-jBU08QjYIL2msk22SBx0/s1600/P4075798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUoYyFKFVzhlaqql-fbTR0n9EKIdU6jdd3QOTfq8SYiPJD7fEpooaLQ1phBZpB1cpIYTB95kEaBjInj-Q2ZRQ6b5NuW0ZWI4N-RROqJ-WTTFl0nC_ApKkS3l-jBU08QjYIL2msk22SBx0/s640/P4075798.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>Initially the plan was to just throw some lipstick on it. Add a bit of paint and maybe some new bedding. It was to take no time at all. Ha! I'm such a fool. When will I ever learn?!<br /><br />A little paint led to more changes and more changes. It was that whole 'and they told two people, and they told two people, and so on.' This turned into a lot of 'and so on's.'<br /><br />Here is my 'and so on' space.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIZPxral_HsKmue9uem_e_GQktYpdUmOilJE37ELfjYP7cU0KhzCpxNgmVQ7bFNQLvOlpvMoikI7e32llUztFz85pzEIDwZWR1KP9jiVxkSsZqN8VXdU0Dq376J6Tz7Llh3n9NNKgj1z5/s1600/P5317089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIZPxral_HsKmue9uem_e_GQktYpdUmOilJE37ELfjYP7cU0KhzCpxNgmVQ7bFNQLvOlpvMoikI7e32llUztFz85pzEIDwZWR1KP9jiVxkSsZqN8VXdU0Dq376J6Tz7Llh3n9NNKgj1z5/s640/P5317089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/04/gotta-know-when-to-fold-em.html" target="_blank">new paint color</a> was a bit darker than I had originally planned but it grows on me more every day. Its like Barry White, all warm and velvety. And there is no better room for Barry than the bedroom. Yep, I just went there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/02/gold-metallic-glow.html" target="_blank">gold spray painted lamp shades</a> were moved in here and I love their pop of black against the <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/05/wrap-it-up.html" target="_blank">panels</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmeQtFeX1Jp0XqYHu9SeeU2CX_eqcyMAucKBabZ1sxHhwLHFbAJ8l3HX_byGLViJltG-CXMmcikKutR55cvY2sbQI40TMOZq76rSQA3jUZC2YIEpbauJfz0xU3XkZ1GmnmMMcamyOpye6/s1600/P5317069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmeQtFeX1Jp0XqYHu9SeeU2CX_eqcyMAucKBabZ1sxHhwLHFbAJ8l3HX_byGLViJltG-CXMmcikKutR55cvY2sbQI40TMOZq76rSQA3jUZC2YIEpbauJfz0xU3XkZ1GmnmMMcamyOpye6/s640/P5317069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Bedside tables are still a topic of discussion (in my head) but these are a good fit for now. Both are castoffs from the basement.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-LPcG7NuScfUE6vnYweU_xgqTELXwNb9uB0kgShL-VHLs6iYAY45OsKPQUAQg5no3g_hgOkBJOf5ztE7FPTqpIfD-KBBs7VJNb8rWmV6A1Lk8QPrpZA0Z4PKJwsLJgTB5QLpfhbbL3Fs/s1600/P5317077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-LPcG7NuScfUE6vnYweU_xgqTELXwNb9uB0kgShL-VHLs6iYAY45OsKPQUAQg5no3g_hgOkBJOf5ztE7FPTqpIfD-KBBs7VJNb8rWmV6A1Lk8QPrpZA0Z4PKJwsLJgTB5QLpfhbbL3Fs/s640/P5317077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I shopped my basement and brought up this old iron headboard and added ribbon trim to bamboo roman shades (also from the basement) to soften them up a bit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIUfGkdORvV8N7sVbuw5PgQQvsEFX7eZmt60K_CueLWRzIVP0KruOqLnYrtmTVRx14RYmzZYZVHGu5ddzF7cTjw8ireaEr_uAh3ECevqhjr-SKcwzT-Cp9qBcbCpWh4IeoS-D47SHFWtH/s1600/LBDBed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIUfGkdORvV8N7sVbuw5PgQQvsEFX7eZmt60K_CueLWRzIVP0KruOqLnYrtmTVRx14RYmzZYZVHGu5ddzF7cTjw8ireaEr_uAh3ECevqhjr-SKcwzT-Cp9qBcbCpWh4IeoS-D47SHFWtH/s640/LBDBed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Giving the ribbon treatment to the existing <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/05/there-is-something-on-your-skirt.html" target="_blank">bedskirt</a> and making my own <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/05/whats-in-name.html" target="_blank">monogramed shams</a> meant that all I bought for the bed itself was a throw pillow from HomeGoods and new sheets (which I lurve) from TJMax.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_nwq3KiDsF59qEhphTwdOAMg0Pm30wBhY0rIPvYO9yu0Pdl3y_Rgw-mFJ3GGa5-LMdSPUYVshHzD-l1grwvSUGAZrKCYu-2S1AovRH35EnVINpaGF6c41I2TnTkK2eqVIsIy5ZaYWJR9/s1600/LBDBedClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_nwq3KiDsF59qEhphTwdOAMg0Pm30wBhY0rIPvYO9yu0Pdl3y_Rgw-mFJ3GGa5-LMdSPUYVshHzD-l1grwvSUGAZrKCYu-2S1AovRH35EnVINpaGF6c41I2TnTkK2eqVIsIy5ZaYWJR9/s640/LBDBedClose.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWpMhz7UKqgcezygef04oNSyLFeM0sFE_HF5a6XvekOXGwqdAWa5jc227urbulayawCEm04KOtT5JmUXYPTF0nE5KUu5YBLEy1jEbdTBrdGuzWozGNzP6wzTziS50QseI7qM6y6THKab9/s1600/LBDBedroomChair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWpMhz7UKqgcezygef04oNSyLFeM0sFE_HF5a6XvekOXGwqdAWa5jc227urbulayawCEm04KOtT5JmUXYPTF0nE5KUu5YBLEy1jEbdTBrdGuzWozGNzP6wzTziS50QseI7qM6y6THKab9/s640/LBDBedroomChair.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">The lampshade came with the lamp</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> (purchased from Target about 5 years ago) but I never used it as it had a big rip along one side. Hmmm, maybe that is why it had been on clearance? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH9PeM9dvzuBCM5adp44y_k7Sm0iLT-83TZCgoPsIMIvvCLKCcKWtbN2UWv3uU5ce65uvqJbyVX81z0mprzvp9A9mErTAqfV9Y98axVZhGSTZfO7SNHSOMukw6tz76qCQaXOqdu3Ps4J_/s1600/LBDDresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH9PeM9dvzuBCM5adp44y_k7Sm0iLT-83TZCgoPsIMIvvCLKCcKWtbN2UWv3uU5ce65uvqJbyVX81z0mprzvp9A9mErTAqfV9Y98axVZhGSTZfO7SNHSOMukw6tz76qCQaXOqdu3Ps4J_/s640/LBDDresser.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I covered it with a 1/2 yard of fabric purchased with a Hobby Lobby coupon and a can of spray adhesive. I mean I used the coupon to buy the fabric. I don't think you can pay for things with spray adhesive.<br /><br />The floor lamp was found at a garage sale while walking the dog. I only had $1 on me and the wonderful woman was happy to take it. Holla!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbm8qJGZLLwRt4bzgD3x23XYJWFUD09zelNnaNzP5Ivt3USLphcO9utg0Tk7iVKH526VecINGEDkHN6CmgBjbmhp4CuSvypnZb1J-AsZxwJHVyZC3FKYSj4V-KqFoDFOor1T6X9dSXDb1/s1600/LBDChairClose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbm8qJGZLLwRt4bzgD3x23XYJWFUD09zelNnaNzP5Ivt3USLphcO9utg0Tk7iVKH526VecINGEDkHN6CmgBjbmhp4CuSvypnZb1J-AsZxwJHVyZC3FKYSj4V-KqFoDFOor1T6X9dSXDb1/s640/LBDChairClose.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another gallery wall in the making, although this one is certainly in process and will grow over time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhyAPRJuvA1TUVt8u11Wp8XyHvZRSwai2Ydtz5sEBrT-GVX-PJDneyOcLJefyVhLD9Pz2PzjDE5qYwFeJ2lhN2HmuDOBF4KtUIWLf2US0Yf9gEHdkjBC4pSHR1Ceg7mHVX4EQCzMSRq-0/s1600/BedroomGallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhyAPRJuvA1TUVt8u11Wp8XyHvZRSwai2Ydtz5sEBrT-GVX-PJDneyOcLJefyVhLD9Pz2PzjDE5qYwFeJ2lhN2HmuDOBF4KtUIWLf2US0Yf9gEHdkjBC4pSHR1Ceg7mHVX4EQCzMSRq-0/s640/BedroomGallery.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The old frames came from my parent's basement (what's with me and basements?) and my mom was nice enough to hand them over under one condition  - "don't you dare spray paint them!"<br /><br />A rug is still needed (I'm waiting for one to speak to me but I'm told rugs don't speak, so that might be part of the problem), and I'd still LOVE to talk the hubs out of chucking that ceiling fan in favor of a great old chandelier. But for now - I'm just going to enjoy.<br /><br />So in the words of the Beastie Boys - that's it that's all that's all there is.<br /><br />P.S. - I made a challenge to myself at the beginning of this project to try and take a second look at things I already owned rather than going out and just buying a bunch of new stuff. After all, if I bought it at some point, there must be something I liked about it - right?. Almost everything in here was something I already owned and just altered. As for the items I did purchase - paint, ribbon, wrapping paper, fabric and a few estate/garage sale items - I did this whole room for less than $125. And that makes me happy.<br /><br />P.P.S - For anyone who thinks my bed stays that straight all the time - here it is just 10 minutes after taking these pics.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzii-brfSklcRzMo3gLWFX881tk01XGRlX2b4rbLhCxsuZg2oaYKMI8YGF6q-9K_dORneIZc-OhCtbekMwm01WE3AGV0LDr_LJejq_Z86zKPz42ziZv1HSRzSMXO3mtwF5fHRMUH9qZNIY/s1600/P5317008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzii-brfSklcRzMo3gLWFX881tk01XGRlX2b4rbLhCxsuZg2oaYKMI8YGF6q-9K_dORneIZc-OhCtbekMwm01WE3AGV0LDr_LJejq_Z86zKPz42ziZv1HSRzSMXO3mtwF5fHRMUH9qZNIY/s640/P5317008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now what am I going to do with all this free time?

now i can lay down - bedroom reveal

Grab your cocktail and lets get this party started! I'm happy to report that I'm done. I don't think the room is done (are they ...

TURKEY – SHIITE PERSIANS VERSUS WAHHABI SAUDIS

7:02 AM Tukiyooo 0

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UESbLqWNokh6dNUWQIu9-NBw_SE4yKNrTOsw3CBgQXy7sPG2xJpqQkJ9ev-s_-b1YejmXv8V28gsuCDLmqEMDSo2jbplXELOYcsYM-ri0-apIOwOwaPbReJ_n4ekY8MkApMPxkcIJ-9J/s1600/tawhid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UESbLqWNokh6dNUWQIu9-NBw_SE4yKNrTOsw3CBgQXy7sPG2xJpqQkJ9ev-s_-b1YejmXv8V28gsuCDLmqEMDSo2jbplXELOYcsYM-ri0-apIOwOwaPbReJ_n4ekY8MkApMPxkcIJ-9J/s320/tawhid.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">THE MIDDLE EAST IS PERVADED AND INCREASINGLY INFECTED BY THE SECTARIAN RIVALRY BETWEEN THE SHIITE PERSIANS AND THE WAHHABI SAUDIS, WHO ARE NOW FIGHTING PROXY WARS ALL OVER THE REGION</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.5pt;">By Barry Rubin</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Via STRATIM </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: #233f55; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-size: large;">If you want a sense of where the MIDDLE EAST is going, consider this viewpoint from an unlikely source. Suat Kiniklioglu is not just a member of the TURKISH Parliament for the ruling (Islamist) AK party, he’s a member of the party’s Central Executive Committee and deputy chair of the party’s foreign affairs commission. In other words, he’s a very important person in TURKEY’S ruling establishment and especially foreign policy.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Yet rather than take an optimistic view about the advance of Islamic politics in the region, he’s very worried, worried enough to write a column entitled, “<a href="http://www.todayszaman.com/columnistDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=280584" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Back to a Barbarian Age</span></a>” in the May 16 edition of the Islamist newspaper, <i>Today’s Zaman</i>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What is this barbarianism? It consists of rising group hatred and looking down on others as culturally inferior and uncivilized. One might think he’s about to launch still another attack on the West as evil, imperialistic, and anti-Muslim. Not at all.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">His complaint is:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“We are now back to the very primordial identities that once dominated our political behavior and determined the group to which we belonged or were seen as belonging. We are no longer socialists, conservatives or liberals. These days we are first judged by what tribe we belong to and more increasingly what faith we believe in.”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Yes, he continues, “I am constantly reminded in Europe and the US that I am a Muslim.” It is interesting to note that he was born in GERMANY and clearly that played a role in making him identify himself as a Muslim (and not just a TURK) that he ended up in the AK party.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But his complaints are about the MIDDLE EAST:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“When I travel in THE MIDDLE EAST, I am reminded that I am a SUNNI. The MIDDLE EAST is being ravaged by barbarians who want to divide the world into SUNNI and SHIITE. We can no longer make any political assessment without entertaining these ethnic, religious and sectarian identities. We are truly back to the Middle Ages. All of our accumulated knowledge, sophistication and political culture seems to have been lost. The Middle East is pervaded and increasingly infected by the sectarian rivalry between the SHIITE PERSIANS and the WAHHABI SAUDIS, who are now fighting proxy wars all over the region. As if we are all in agreement with the Saudis’ extremely harsh interpretation of WAHHABISM, we SUNNIS find ourselves in the same camp.”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjyGGGucKhv421yDf2t9jXwTdauHlz9_fipHyACpJ1RZzYLMch_clg9mOlPohdnt1PYmH_Uo462KRTAyNTD-XMHvxZnZ3t87bzpDd3uDt8TQv_2TZQcOPjOhZpfh3O8_JFTKZMCrPTyVn/s1600/Shia-Sunni+percentages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjyGGGucKhv421yDf2t9jXwTdauHlz9_fipHyACpJ1RZzYLMch_clg9mOlPohdnt1PYmH_Uo462KRTAyNTD-XMHvxZnZ3t87bzpDd3uDt8TQv_2TZQcOPjOhZpfh3O8_JFTKZMCrPTyVn/s640/Shia-Sunni+percentages.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Note what he’s saying here. On one hand, there is a SHIA bloc led by IRAN; on the other is a hardline SUNNI ISLAMISM which he blames on SAUDI ARABIA but might just as well refer to the MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD. These two camps are now waging war in SYRIA for their “primordial and primitive agenda.” These “barbarians” (Islamists) “have blatantly hijacked the push for a normal democratic order in SYRIA,” instead committing acts of terrorism that must be condemned.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And then he concludes:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“With all its sins and shortcomings, the secular order we [TURKS] established over the last eight decades has taken hold and promises to support our sociopolitical order.”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Why would a leading figure in an Islamist party identify the era of rising Islamism as a “great shame…[in which the Middle East ] fell prey to the thirst of barbarian bloodshed”?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Part of the answer is specifically TURKISH:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">– Kiniklioglu is one of those moderates swept up into the AK, in his case an expert on communications and foreign affairs, who may not be comfortable with the party’s program.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">– In addition, he is (correctly) asserting that (up to now) TURKISH ISLAM has been more moderate than the versions in IRAN and the ARABIC-speaking world. This is common, however, among others — I’ve often heard it from EGYPTIANS — seeking to blame everything on the SAUDIS and IRANIANS. Ironically, (perhaps subversively?) he is praising the (secular) TURKISH republic which his own party is now dismantling.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">– He’s describing the biggest headache for TURKISH foreign policy since a battle between SUNNI (ARAB) MUSLIMS AND SHIA (IRANIAN-LED) MUSLIMS is crowding TURKEY out of any real influence in the region.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But I note something else here, too: Genuine fear of what ISLAMIC and ISLAMIST politics have unleashed. Not the utopian brotherhood of the international Islamic community (umma) pushing out competing nationalist conflicts, but rather the evil genie of hatred, jihad among “brothers,” war, murder, and intolerance.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It involves the persecution of Christians and turning them into refugees, as well as the threat of renewed war with ISRAEL. But it also puts a fuse to set off bloody conflicts in IRAQ (as we have already seen), LEBANON, SYRIA, and BAHRAIN. Just as Arab nationalism pledged unity and brought decades of strife among Arab regimes, political Islam is the weapon and motive for new conflicts.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We have already seen its devastating role in AFGHANISTAN, IRAN, the GAZA STRIP, IRAQ, LEBANON, and SUDAN. Many in the West are in denial. (Even the use of the word “barbarian” in this context would bring down charges of second-degree hate crime upon a non-Muslim.) But I think Kiniklioglu and a lot of other Muslims are beginning to see the scary new world that he and his counterparts have set into motion.</span></span></div>

TURKEY – SHIITE PERSIANS VERSUS WAHHABI SAUDIS

THE MIDDLE EAST IS PERVADED AND INCREASINGLY INFECTED BY THE SECTARIAN RIVALRY BETWEEN THE SHIITE PERSIANS AND THE WAHHABI SAUDIS, WHO ARE N...

I’m Branching Out

8:41 PM Tukiyooo 0

<p align="center">I have never really liked fish, I may have eaten fish sticks when I was little {I don’t think they count}, but I’m just not a fish person…no matter how you cook it. My Dad has been telling me over and over about this fish that he eats 2-3 times/week and how good it is. He said it didn’t have that “fishy” taste and I needed to give it a try. </p> <p align="center">So finally I did! The fish I tried is called swai. I picked them up in my grocers freezer section next to the meat counter. They are even initially packaged within a re-sealable package! {I’m easily impressed}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzxzUz2uPXqOWVIGskQGJTvaKbS9LzDunATylfz_5I3EtPMXh1nfC6UE9x4XWwE9qGfPAGcS-F9g_eC5ClceT98hVQNS548HLTU4T-DE4wK_r2-h-8AgL7YxzytWRd6wWtfINuGX6KUXn/s1600-h/IMG_2042%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2042" border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC4NX778JskImMpufanVevPHGmYl93ZU2j2lEq7T3z2TT74QbYQU7pR2BzlmRd7n6doZu3S0muLIy7wuBpk1acJotaJqnKneqrJup-bqrg8_CieGFtYh1itP_lenofCwbjeBiZsDrTTpl/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2042" width="404"></a></p> <p align="center">Not only were they nicely packaged, but check out these nutrition facts! They are packed with protein, no carbs, hardly any fat, and only 2 points plus per 4oz fillet!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGlrVbZ1qeWA5UQbdx12t8s7trE8sAc4HjZ528Ed-lgkbQcXIv9xO_iGzLzxin0Ekdn7IkmbXiK7uW28O36GdJ7aLpOBeDEKiUgUhpFEsW9R7x4RYI6-b172oBne38m7cVoMCUsM43mjb/s1600-h/IMG_2044%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2044" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4ozIwprCohhWdOIpSYfCegiIdcBBuxPNxPoK2MkIwQZdfvJ0ixy7ery9-5O7QvRC-e72TwUycrhwJdceHdp9ACzNrCgChDMYWCnJK0xNxs1274r1SA8kQK97weBHDpZElgk64513W9JU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2044" width="304"></a></p> <p align="center">I squeezed a little bit of lemon juice on, a dash of pepper, and wrapped it in some tin foil and on the grill it went. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa7uxVuF3vcyR7vLALUk9M3U8a8Ojkl4MdP351Y7cIX_8EkTeAfkuKWpmZcHed8-Ua6igRFzrU20xslJ2s3OCwpC-PkiX_SXGqWtwOShfiUhLY4VF2JdGsieqnsl86ov56LFN6j-tuzsp/s1600-h/IMG_2047%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2047" border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCm7NbJ5R8GDeZdgFOHxB3YiLFXtBM9keCDTCQU9f9y-v5l5Leuo5nwqSGoF6UFF3McjHtptyWnxZydezGWXRCC2eudVyPNTQSevzmtKH2xBfmUYhgT01qRhTYgPHxktAKpH_tDhXR0-i/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2047" width="404"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><u>Verdict</u></strong>: I LOVED it! Dad was right! {thanks dad} Didn’t have a fish flavor at all, so delicious, and I didn’t even need tartar sauce!</p> <p align="center">Did you notice that other green stuff on my plate? I also had another new try that same night, kale chips! I’ve seen these all over blogs, facebook, pinterest, etc for a long time and I finally tried them. </p> <p align="center"><strong><u>Verdict</u></strong>: The first taste is salty and crunchy like a chip{I was excited at first}, but they left a horrible after taste in my mouth {almost bitter}. Has this happened to anyone else? All I did to cook it was a bit of olive oil and salt and then baked it. Help!</p> <p align="center">I would love to hear from you guys! What is a food that you’ve branched out & tried lately?</p> <p align="center"><em><font size="2">Tomorrow is WI day, wish me luck! {I worked out twice today…go me!}</font></em></p>

I’m Branching Out

I have never really liked fish, I may have eaten fish sticks when I was little {I don’t think they count}, but I’m just not a fish person…no...

flea market fun

6:44 AM Anonymous 0

I hope everyone enjoyed a nice and relaxing weekend. Even though we had an extra day I feel rather behind this week. Does that ever happen to you? Anyone?<br /><br />Anyway, on Monday I was able to make it to the annual <a href="http://www.stlsymphony.org/gypsycaravan/" target="_blank">Gypsy Caravan</a> - one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the Midwest. I got there a little later than in years past but there was still plenty of good things.<br /><br />This old prayer table would be so fun in an entry or as a bedside table. All you would have to do is unscrew the candle holder top thingy (is that sacrilegious?). It had the best patina.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3wgPrOBKu84eECu1Dgir5-uCmdhfSnoRWLail63anF29UvaXOL5KITtqHJEHzcEZE04PNbmbsMVzM_9lfWylnnQBqdzLZiEbq9nAFe7gRRPAcqCvzxtpPngv3c5_pp_R5GDO4BBrAlPa/s1600/P5286921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3wgPrOBKu84eECu1Dgir5-uCmdhfSnoRWLail63anF29UvaXOL5KITtqHJEHzcEZE04PNbmbsMVzM_9lfWylnnQBqdzLZiEbq9nAFe7gRRPAcqCvzxtpPngv3c5_pp_R5GDO4BBrAlPa/s640/P5286921.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A great old lamp for only $20. You know I love me some green.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJ8m3KWgYECr6PDfIKfvLBxsUZtgJQITJB_I9ljgDjcOMRZtcAXpyS9c5a48I1XZYWcjvROdyu3hmtHa7pepnUz7p0jmw1RSlzndlYpR1ZeWMB3dG9HZ8OXh2Yenw2l6CHIkhxgVx8sf1/s1600/P5286924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJ8m3KWgYECr6PDfIKfvLBxsUZtgJQITJB_I9ljgDjcOMRZtcAXpyS9c5a48I1XZYWcjvROdyu3hmtHa7pepnUz7p0jmw1RSlzndlYpR1ZeWMB3dG9HZ8OXh2Yenw2l6CHIkhxgVx8sf1/s640/P5286924.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I have no use for it, but really, who doesn't love a disco ball?!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXLk9YQ7xB800O1TIgRy1TEG_trr4Behkqy_9vC59MrMT7cGedn3iiryPBCyprOEfIQezi8Smwc5yHcneHyhIsEFo0SKmkI8EvcunWvDNLYAHcEpLeZrdq2USuG5nm3WKyqQUndcxukKU/s1600/P5286925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXLk9YQ7xB800O1TIgRy1TEG_trr4Behkqy_9vC59MrMT7cGedn3iiryPBCyprOEfIQezi8Smwc5yHcneHyhIsEFo0SKmkI8EvcunWvDNLYAHcEpLeZrdq2USuG5nm3WKyqQUndcxukKU/s640/P5286925.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This is the very same awesome teapot I saw back in <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/12/need-vs-want.html" target="_blank">December at my favorite antique store</a>. Exactly the same as I recognized the guy running the booth. Only problem is - he'd marked it up. Bastard.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQpWowPB_1UTh9Y6mk9JEdmUr0OK-Iazz2gdrCimbESdO03mS84LhdPtrbxEbF_eSWJq0redCcqC_GT-Sfm9-mrKeueB0FFPC3RHYBV74VyoHq1MssuMU7giuRWfSEeMkA1rOJ9r5uCq1/s1600/P5286926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQpWowPB_1UTh9Y6mk9JEdmUr0OK-Iazz2gdrCimbESdO03mS84LhdPtrbxEbF_eSWJq0redCcqC_GT-Sfm9-mrKeueB0FFPC3RHYBV74VyoHq1MssuMU7giuRWfSEeMkA1rOJ9r5uCq1/s640/P5286926.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Wonderful old shutters.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq71cb_JoAkdDUEETgR-uWKZvmCXu6i4MeawqZyp5IA3VxwRAgznfpAdx1N91Kehp-VM5S26ykjPjihye6A0fPcvqNTif30kdvLDGBDU7g0aWnQM7X9nEFYll3tfMBfoK_72ujFLJ25UZ/s1600/P5286928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq71cb_JoAkdDUEETgR-uWKZvmCXu6i4MeawqZyp5IA3VxwRAgznfpAdx1N91Kehp-VM5S26ykjPjihye6A0fPcvqNTif30kdvLDGBDU7g0aWnQM7X9nEFYll3tfMBfoK_72ujFLJ25UZ/s640/P5286928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A great selection of unique chandeliers. Love the one in the very back.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMG7cJ-64Xpur7h0PshQI8xuJgni1dY9ZZRIFlLFMG71I7qYGKPCHKIvrb1g60RsM8pPecMP-28k4YnTvEyBaS2i2J1aK-Cmitcc26t2gFoNft8bxn5E_J2LbAy1u8pTircaZ-B49ygBxd/s1600/P5286930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMG7cJ-64Xpur7h0PshQI8xuJgni1dY9ZZRIFlLFMG71I7qYGKPCHKIvrb1g60RsM8pPecMP-28k4YnTvEyBaS2i2J1aK-Cmitcc26t2gFoNft8bxn5E_J2LbAy1u8pTircaZ-B49ygBxd/s640/P5286930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This set was in pristine condition and even had a whole for an umbrella.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAnMvWXmA65k1YxFa3_UWgC_nr8x6IgECakxgDyTWuGT3bpzesWyo2kkJvpzZ9YljLXDgdvfp3OG1si0ftIfePoTnd54SNnMfyDAOIB3BJp13tznikkTTtxqS-5W8unPyDnbnvZkNTair/s1600/P5286932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAnMvWXmA65k1YxFa3_UWgC_nr8x6IgECakxgDyTWuGT3bpzesWyo2kkJvpzZ9YljLXDgdvfp3OG1si0ftIfePoTnd54SNnMfyDAOIB3BJp13tznikkTTtxqS-5W8unPyDnbnvZkNTair/s640/P5286932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>By far the funniest thing I saw. This dude had 16 packets of this - you could easily do your whole room. Groovy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkmRLm5C7P811d5eBUhpOQhb2h8vyREA1Ha8y3xmrKTZ5Sfw3Lsl9L-RioT4kr91ltzAF5Ir8KCA3OO6UeUa_ZrMZgov9qLD3AWiVFDk60KmZcHh6dugu7rfhqVkBAL8OTk20_sxs0bwP/s1600/P5286934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkmRLm5C7P811d5eBUhpOQhb2h8vyREA1Ha8y3xmrKTZ5Sfw3Lsl9L-RioT4kr91ltzAF5Ir8KCA3OO6UeUa_ZrMZgov9qLD3AWiVFDk60KmZcHh6dugu7rfhqVkBAL8OTk20_sxs0bwP/s640/P5286934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Beautiful vintage milk bottles make for a lovely vase.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgtnVepWy-C2aTgTF2U78j-Ks0cOTt9WZ2-xNn-Q9LT1OzoqOGl39-Xi1xQboTD6goZW5P1Xwrq2P-hvNy4Fvy5Bw7eVn7n-KjXnc0Fc_mvIaFxFNuoG4KBcx0LRNSXAbnSesXG5gD-T6/s1600/P5286936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgtnVepWy-C2aTgTF2U78j-Ks0cOTt9WZ2-xNn-Q9LT1OzoqOGl39-Xi1xQboTD6goZW5P1Xwrq2P-hvNy4Fvy5Bw7eVn7n-KjXnc0Fc_mvIaFxFNuoG4KBcx0LRNSXAbnSesXG5gD-T6/s640/P5286936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This booth had such amazing things.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9ou4F51TMMng5yEtDm8r2d2iLeZrIh-PQLJYPPCrN3Id4P-d68R4m8Tlzdmi4NlyoYu-SoLft6L2ub-4PgRUamz7lY-PJR46-cXJnAk2RI7fjq7UxH6oVutRnoKLEVkR2GqKdI24R5bz/s1600/P5286937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9ou4F51TMMng5yEtDm8r2d2iLeZrIh-PQLJYPPCrN3Id4P-d68R4m8Tlzdmi4NlyoYu-SoLft6L2ub-4PgRUamz7lY-PJR46-cXJnAk2RI7fjq7UxH6oVutRnoKLEVkR2GqKdI24R5bz/s640/P5286937.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstMUVQy-H08I97w6e0K23loWpKt2qEjUQml_A4oW8dsgOkScizMPXH4OCprUfC9czx4-yv4c9ViFe60A6kSzf8kHOBP3koW9DKt2h3YSYffFaeAYl8JFcwkhuxsWV2cP9BtsdLDX5rZtR/s1600/P5286938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstMUVQy-H08I97w6e0K23loWpKt2qEjUQml_A4oW8dsgOkScizMPXH4OCprUfC9czx4-yv4c9ViFe60A6kSzf8kHOBP3koW9DKt2h3YSYffFaeAYl8JFcwkhuxsWV2cP9BtsdLDX5rZtR/s640/P5286938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cKrS_BVx_hK6x03mTG8OFKGlOryuYg0OtUfKeE-GtFYX0QJjFPTeR_EOfhTDFXAiZ8gEFakABhOaeMHEGDuhf77VVR60Gs900o8XZge_tdH7ryPKm7rzwpqsV2xe4eumUCKzHN05vY8H/s1600/P5286939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cKrS_BVx_hK6x03mTG8OFKGlOryuYg0OtUfKeE-GtFYX0QJjFPTeR_EOfhTDFXAiZ8gEFakABhOaeMHEGDuhf77VVR60Gs900o8XZge_tdH7ryPKm7rzwpqsV2xe4eumUCKzHN05vY8H/s640/P5286939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I did walk away with one treat. This awesome vase (from the booth above) for $8. It is huge and lovely.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9xWUItOJWvLq6Ngvpw3VGTMpV6TrxBCiYFwYbbAOhFtetqUAXA9e6Xr73zaIkHXxQ3cUYyR8LXflKaC7PJFsVOPK_R68HujNwoZ1w4qmoov5k_aPEOhnV7Gb87MpjOZTmKxUw1ZftMl1/s1600/P5296942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9xWUItOJWvLq6Ngvpw3VGTMpV6TrxBCiYFwYbbAOhFtetqUAXA9e6Xr73zaIkHXxQ3cUYyR8LXflKaC7PJFsVOPK_R68HujNwoZ1w4qmoov5k_aPEOhnV7Gb87MpjOZTmKxUw1ZftMl1/s640/P5296942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I will reward myself by filling this thing with some hydrangeas from the yard...as soon as it stops raining.<br /><br />This gloomy day does make a perfect day for cleaning and laundry though. Oh joy.<br /><br />Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the 'wahoo my bedroom is done' party.<br /><br /><br />

flea market fun

I hope everyone enjoyed a nice and relaxing weekend. Even though we had an extra day I feel rather behind this week. Does that ever happen t...