Okay, maybe not stupid, just struggling

Maybe I'm not totally stupid, but I swear there's something deeply wrong with me. I'm sure I could benefit from therapy or drugs or maybe both, but I'm from the old school of I can fix this myself. So far though, I'm not being very successful. <br /><br />The thing that makes me kind of nuts is how hard I work out at the gym, almost every day, then I turn right around and throw away all the hard work by overeating. To make matters worse, I eat crazy stuff. Like too many strawberries or blueberries. Or a couple bowls of oatmeal with walnuts (that was last night). It's healthy stuff, but too many calories. <br /><br />Maybe someday I'll figure it out, but for now I'm continuing the struggle, some days are harder than others. <br /><br />Tomorrow is going to be a killer day. I have to get up at 4am, be on the road by 5am and head up to catch the light rail from the airport up to Seattle and be at the Westin Inn by 7am for a fundraiser. I get roped into this thing every year and just can't seem to say no.<br /><br />It's for the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC). It's a center that provides therapy for sexually abused children and their families. It's a great organization it depends a lot on the funds raised at the fund rasiers they have throughout the year. <br /><br />I started going about six years ago when my girlfriend's daughter was five and was sexually molested by the next door neighbor's "uncle". It's a horrible story and caused a lot of trauma for the child and the family. They always go every year to the KCSARC fundraiser. The little girl is now 11 (or maybe 12) and she speaks in front of the group (1,000 people tomorrow) about her experience. It makes me cry every single time. <br /><br />So even though it's for a very good cause, I don't want to go. For lots of reasons, hearing the tear jerker story again, feeling the little girl's pain as she tells what it was like to be forced to do something against her will when she was only five years old. I know I'll cry.<br /><br />Then there's the traveling to downtown Seattle at 6am. Another girlfriend is going with me, so we're going to try to make it an adventure. Neither one of us has ever ridden the new light rail from Seatac airport to downtown. I feel like a country mouse going to the big city. I'm more a suburbia girl than a city girl. <br /><br />Of course, I'll miss my early morning workout which makes me a little uncomfortable, but I'm dealing with it. I can miss working out on a normally scheduled day, and I won't die. Trying to roll with the punches here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Today's pictures brought to you from my walk at noon with three friends. It's was another glorious day here in Seattle.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The trailhead - Des Moines Creek Trail, near by office at Seatac, WA</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHP0TeWJHnLgYFdUoMjX90chIAxuZewV3akGzDT0KrcX2eYRN7ISQ3E6LSOtF4JmRyJxgsaIrV7HpfDQVM54XVj1E6yU_5kIPdwKoLWP2SZ-jBBoRdaX_BJzfZ3ywbYx2YpEupM7sYAaN/s1600-h/Trailhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHP0TeWJHnLgYFdUoMjX90chIAxuZewV3akGzDT0KrcX2eYRN7ISQ3E6LSOtF4JmRyJxgsaIrV7HpfDQVM54XVj1E6yU_5kIPdwKoLWP2SZ-jBBoRdaX_BJzfZ3ywbYx2YpEupM7sYAaN/s640/Trailhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Des Moines Creek runs next to the trail</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNcibCyZWZrgCbf5Od3-rHesf6l7xK1PoIbSeme7bhQ4jEtc34Uw2QdHE82TMTFdBve_7T5zpEOlTP6Zd4enZQ3gxsfeQp2vSGc9t2IGl269FddCkcKKrEKDgkF9ahYpKZHmY3DP3NNW3/s1600-h/Des+Moines+Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNcibCyZWZrgCbf5Od3-rHesf6l7xK1PoIbSeme7bhQ4jEtc34Uw2QdHE82TMTFdBve_7T5zpEOlTP6Zd4enZQ3gxsfeQp2vSGc9t2IGl269FddCkcKKrEKDgkF9ahYpKZHmY3DP3NNW3/s640/Des+Moines+Creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ferns on the hill next to the trail</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nr2xkcd4NEWxRx7k_1VU-9ZAjY2aBuFJRlS6UpJEA8G2cgf4i9lcqxB5bj35DV4Xc8YxQdgn_COnH0UpxMBPapiTk0Rr6nuiC2KeDilytGJ1yc079aaQCl45LwRSIQomT7-8Zo9LbQgh/s1600-h/ferns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nr2xkcd4NEWxRx7k_1VU-9ZAjY2aBuFJRlS6UpJEA8G2cgf4i9lcqxB5bj35DV4Xc8YxQdgn_COnH0UpxMBPapiTk0Rr6nuiC2KeDilytGJ1yc079aaQCl45LwRSIQomT7-8Zo9LbQgh/s640/ferns.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friends decided not to wait for me as I as taking so many pictures. I had to keep running to catch  up with them. Talk about interval training!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95APc-cI9JmH1-LPw8IZs66SuxYFWnZOlgZN3h_dKgMDeOppkiQR7qBnou_nVMqQPzNd52lrNzVnh4b9GmEonIRauezMqxC6CPA7e2GdlJ5FQxIpILzr4rIVdrf1V9WLfbtbax3tfaOVC/s1600-h/my+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95APc-cI9JmH1-LPw8IZs66SuxYFWnZOlgZN3h_dKgMDeOppkiQR7qBnou_nVMqQPzNd52lrNzVnh4b9GmEonIRauezMqxC6CPA7e2GdlJ5FQxIpILzr4rIVdrf1V9WLfbtbax3tfaOVC/s640/my+friends.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dog guy. Every time I walk this trail at noon I see this guy. He has three of the sweetest, friendliest dogs you've ever met. They know me now and always run up to greet me, with tails wagging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aN1nCAe9Z9tBJaiI7AtsXd05IkjcHrkXDVfiIs1joK7Cqzch8vaHyQTzj_OAX65jDcY8roSVafbcvEgZcu5Q2zLE_zWMWRWpshJI1UWtk7sh9osL_BNPo7UrnCdEto8-OZ_aiZZtqimd/s1600-h/the+dog+guy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aN1nCAe9Z9tBJaiI7AtsXd05IkjcHrkXDVfiIs1joK7Cqzch8vaHyQTzj_OAX65jDcY8roSVafbcvEgZcu5Q2zLE_zWMWRWpshJI1UWtk7sh9osL_BNPo7UrnCdEto8-OZ_aiZZtqimd/s640/the+dog+guy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dog guy's dogs. The one on the left is 15 and had cancer two years ago until Mrs. Dog Guy starting making dog food for the dog. His cancer disappeared and now he acts like a pup (the dog, not the guy :).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4d04ws0qGJ9qn0BJwEiPUtKw9wJH-_3e4lNKNA12UP8iNDUrVbsKyTtYdkOM2GXFZiSd81Ul2bf9KF_3-n1oRG_NWt8stKevbGGHqOtKkEFpOCQCdfOqVZhvyNOKJhdhDRDRxqwy-JgG/s1600-h/dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4d04ws0qGJ9qn0BJwEiPUtKw9wJH-_3e4lNKNA12UP8iNDUrVbsKyTtYdkOM2GXFZiSd81Ul2bf9KF_3-n1oRG_NWt8stKevbGGHqOtKkEFpOCQCdfOqVZhvyNOKJhdhDRDRxqwy-JgG/s640/dogs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These white flowered trees were all along the beginning of the trail. No idea what type of tree, but really pretty. Looked like snow (but it was 58 degrees today).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMdAsLUSr5_JZ3GXa7Nr5lNSV6Dt072WtCSZn-sRjI9ju-O451vBeCAC-SE-jq1IiL9Yox47vh0z1Qw1J8wYDjAe1x0vGwm4mrcVRtgQa2NAM5572dNajfUemAL2Qqqmm_VVikEz9_Y20/s1600-h/White+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMdAsLUSr5_JZ3GXa7Nr5lNSV6Dt072WtCSZn-sRjI9ju-O451vBeCAC-SE-jq1IiL9Yox47vh0z1Qw1J8wYDjAe1x0vGwm4mrcVRtgQa2NAM5572dNajfUemAL2Qqqmm_VVikEz9_Y20/s400/White+trees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>

Okay, maybe not stupid, just struggling

Maybe I'm not totally stupid, but I swear there's something deeply wrong with me. I'm sure I could benefit from therapy or drugs...

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I refuse to get sick!

<p>Hope everyone had a great Monday! Mine was just ho-hum. Nothing too horrible, but nothing fantastic either. In case you missed it, make sure to check out my weekend in Chicago <a href="vhttp://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/weekend-chicago-trip.html">here</a>. </p> <p>I got up without hitting the snooze button and did a few things around the house. Before I knew it it was after 6:15 and I need to <em>rush</em> to gym, otherwise I wasn’t going to get any workout in at all!</p> <p>I had just enough time to get in a <strong>20 minute interval run</strong>. I love that after 20 minutes I am sweating like I just worked out for twice that amount of time!</p> <p>It felt wonderful to make my <strong>wonderful oatmeal</strong> this morning. It was the usual mix of <strong>chocolate PB2</strong> and a <strong>small banana</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qjzrx9IFTRe376CPRtsHpLEypie-MGSoR5yMm0LbYrn_jvVbPo-W-HdfKA0Jm11nDBbLWINhoziLJZ8vtf3q0dc-PvH2jTZAHoZ6Uk-gkujgibCAfz9YOWX7Ed3s22ObFvorTpB5sqPY/s1600-h/DSC06159%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06159" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrj3-cSpa89A3iRTxlibEgUVtbGUVF1vXlS0xWL8Sfz3v0ayemaPBrCkhtiKuUZ-H5Nh_zMkqw3fAD2EgScwct1nMd18dWKDwvz1sfQLdfy-75dKrVxK-iNfJ7L1iIUG6VnO2QQ3qpuHe/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06159" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I spent my morning catching up from being gone on Friday. The only bummer about being gone from work! I mixed up my favorite combination of <strong>strawberries, 1/4c </strong><a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html"><strong>homemade granola</strong></a>, and <strong>ww yogurt</strong> for<strong> 3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmGRwecQac1O9nga2UPik5985nECqqJWi3o-0lRI-Ji1WEPXGJYKZFkwqGu4WFhpdnSmJTFN51Go7mfcww-oFLckcXSBN1ALsyquJr0gP3KdhjHjU5mnqa85lm_DGn_HWeRVdrsnIz4kE/s1600-h/DSC06160%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06160" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyMHTCg2PqroPr32FGY6rF_m9OjTBQEpdFjXXogUYAnBuKWslYZUjZJAx4s9X77GHhNM8efOJ3gVU8V1Ys2KE4x_J5rtBWP_cJcCnxPjIoCAv-c5IXCOujunno8zSRffibhgXJ6a-0v6-/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06160" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I had a <u>simple</u>, yet <u>filling</u> lunch. My plate consisted of <strong>baby carrots</strong>, a <strong>turkey & cheese flat out</strong>, and 1<strong>/2c cottage cheese</strong> w/<strong>pineapple</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Tgv_SqS6DwxR5yiCKi3ND281mFxhgL2tpZuo70MDUauyPZgRwIWz43bHJCbGrtost6pWwzvyIUJmaaZp6ShOBGrylJT4fmewYMxlSV63qm3l_EPhmY-_bymv2nsDIsyPFVi1cZ9ZdL49/s1600-h/DSC06161%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06161" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbd2TtDgWcivNCB5S5yZk1DxCGyqYI9mGULI2Udy6cznTIN5VdM_enkU-KVkpVziyt5otejyfDeALUnOwhULdSkxT3LcwDPyX2TeuiUak9pFwJOW3qq82ZFTcDrTZ63JZSKMwZgACb53E/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06161" width="404" /></a>  </p> <p>I had a new try for my afternoon snack. All Kellogg’s products were<strong> 50% off</strong> at the grocery store so I picked up a few boxes of these. They come out to<strong> 2 points</strong> each. It was good and satisfied my sweet tooth, but was much smaller than fiber one bars. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P9u_M6vSyLAJOFuDPCK2riyYTM1WoIJR1CvylFc43-2chdZS7L9aYys_iyDEEcBXBFXrrr5Z1PZLsGq-gZX1OkHtHwnHO8VCLBB-4nTJDbGtU3Bxe6VoXw3oEoCkpaKt3PabLCyI6ISf/s1600-h/DSC06163%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06163" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqNYBhNdT3Xg2GdPsIwqg6-duy3fwxwZBaRTRCbMKs61BvBEFiKpkTuWbAeKzAd1_ozrRiDyeqSuqr_1No_zDRPspyjHzdlz1CelUsaSgHvXDc6OHFZj4wbfrAJspO7SBvRU5087Do427/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06163" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Notice the giant 8% in the background? Yep I have that taped to my monitor because I HAVE to win the <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/12/sister-challenge-is-on.html">sister challenge</a>! I’m only 4lbs away!</p> <p>I think I’m coming down with a <strong>cold</strong>. My throat is hurting & my head is pounding. But I am refusing to accept it though. I came home after work and took a few <strong>Tylenol</strong> and gargled with<strong> hot salt water</strong>, a home remedy my Mom always had us do while growing up!</p> <p>Supper was delicious tonight! I had a <strong>chicken teriyaki sandwich</strong> with <strong>cheese</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomWSOCkUm3MVgDvZdEw8GZ1RMKsibY1dmHYCygdLYwwed9NaU56sRekBfava1Xy4anezjw2IcBKx3DS9YYwm6xVkN0GorhgeFqS9U1EWRRRCPsmRP233uIIAXjEGyzr9a4pBHcdnWUN6e/s1600-h/DSC06164%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06164" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8njqSt4ajzDQGNy4QE9oSwHsavt4Vvu4shsh5Ejd3BJEpqWEw_94nPP1KfAPnaxtOSCyF8hEqijyvZejWOCYyoHxX_fpmwbNRwcj1PmcVtYV8qMxvSYBiCCaAVDdhKchDsmq_eyufY9l/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06164" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I had some broccoli on the side. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZOHOET6sPITR6yyoZ4UPRprwYd0-NHiDfYOM-uHEGu9Tp8pd3QVwDffp7-AyHn3-QB-73hUUCR2kTSDeN5DIDnisOvUM8NezYcinxMe58R36RucJFFLZeOwL-SP7dF5h3A41V1UCchuq/s1600-h/DSC06165%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06165" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EaGX7JrQTrmVPzruNAoUuA4w7PBHXw-FSWsf6ecUt_sVUR2amW3YSAC_T1aS_9OFC5Jt950ykNJgg-AOSr0Pc-YtQKM7iLi9ZNRIQPXMTReNN1x4HZnWxneHlDqn_vP1qlGdxWJOw572/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06165" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>And also an <strong>orange</strong> (<strong>1 point</strong>) for some <u>vitamin C</u> to fight off whatever is trying to come on to me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hFDf2nbR2_R_k7llguEbleESw2NjCXHoRkU_c3SZW9BMaiR8O_QyNHUak8alfv9ZTeJM37LI_Vt8zEheR7P0szw1vXOSJFe_jJrH1l9SxSeXErH9XRaiOvyN_MHwo3SyUxYEUa5YZCiO/s1600-h/DSC06166%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06166" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Yj0qbPf-kYPbJGsJCmm7kUoDI8AchcJkbEHLLeY4NglGkkIMRV701_o7sS0PvXE8wpZLglGoCLiFa3b_SwzkXuCFaeueC3uSXdInjlVnldCQHxvx2IMqlFolO-uwqK4s7hV5xA3aL6S/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06166" width="404" /></a></p> <p><strong>MONDAYS STATS</strong> <br />POINTS = 21/23 <br />WATER =  120 oz <br />EXERCISE = 20 min interval run</p> <p>So I mentioned earlier that I gargled with hot salt water for my sore throat.<strong> </strong>I don’t have any other symptoms besides a scratchy throat & headache….but you just never know when those other nasty ones will pop up.I would love to hear from you guys. <strong><em>Do you have any home remedies that helps fight off a cold quickly?</em></strong></p>

I refuse to get sick!

Hope everyone had a great Monday! Mine was just ho-hum. Nothing too horrible, but nothing fantastic either. In case you missed it, make sure...

Read more »

Weekend Chicago Trip

<p>Hey everyone!! Kyle and I made it home from Chicago on Sunday! We had a great weekend seeing the sights, shopping, and spending time with family! </p> <p><strong><u><em>Warning</em></u></strong>: this is a picture heavy post! </p> <p>We drove to Chicago Thursday after a short work day. We got to Steve & Melanie’s (Melanie is Kyle’s sister and Steve is her husband) house and chatted into the wee hours of the morning!</p> <p>Friday morning Mel was a wonderful host and made us blueberry pancakes before venturing out into the city!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aFKZ-0bk_dRjC_8su8ZXUfdtHc2tqhcp5Wh927uUL5I_GE2GioPTuWhW5xfFNKvs518auVjHQBFAaHHve6lOt2gYYHXup0_mU_PZE_ngaPIFHt4RvhUgMIgzyatUZRR9xlP4ywVfl8V5/s1600-h/DSC06079%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06079" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aUNteAgGCrHfUY-RzNyL1b1kPu4X-T_p23xuQP2kYYrPZVbqH13MXsNO3WYoJYb4IeThjZbCBTkyrdrMGCHUgrpric6amPbBSuT8cGkcZYKTHgVKeL0TLlQa62rq17MT7o4YIruwG6PJ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06079" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We headed downtown to the John Hancock building. We decided not to do the Signature Room for lunch since it was still early and just enjoyed the views from the 95th floor!</p> <p>Lake Michigan & <a href="http://www.navypier.com/">Navy Pier</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfRH0lxuDByCUPJgM8Pnot2WC9zzWgIDNFhIk-GMfqv3q4foAz9n_GYaRYh6s5sinDbehY8PG_u8T0NxJvMCqBCovY-yt2CEFG93y_JBGWNrv6gY3pi1H3J70zTWLYnOuNTBrFkXrojIB/s1600-h/DSC06081%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06081" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRi4J7itjcEZmsJ9cexeYNniPzTyxlpGV8OGVuZ-bIB8DkCgz3iaQjq4cgRZGDugDvoa-BJQVGzYrPURbJpHGcq858of7ujjwgtmVtPA3veh56JIHF37HuaX81xu7r7QFIWCMJjiOr34r/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06081" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Lake Shore Drive along Lake Michigan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyucVMOcfRNqjMGtQMLPvkRxHMTdK06kMniK1txMNTqiiqztekg9M3Zkb-vqcDRYQ7quoYPjchZdIVHtf1hXhAQHRroERV-aepHs0LzHksdTHHqbry_nqs9qV30cFGIgtVGeyZQStHwUI/s1600-h/DSC06083%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06083" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeTkf7CYEsIwUnZzOsUjdtFP-JwN2tguCxgNbkMhNdJ1HB_TuIWUmRmj4-n9yrM5350GMSUnRsjvMpyOhyphenhyphenUDevQmrRXOgMYQR-WID3v4nulQ1tgXES6oTG8dpHESB6jANS3FbzRy_LElI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06083" width="404" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zGjya_JMu81x-nNOyBKuD-g6GkB24pPgyIrL4G5gZc5cVnoghhcMkeQpzYkBPQquSHVSIwVhonXV3tydqEGQQ5pXfD7GIcmEW2D5qBaaXcJ9wRhiVrsWHjqMZZusJNRCA5sfeuOnbYUD/s1600-h/DSC06084%5B3%5D.jpg"><u><font color="#c94093"></font></u><img alt="DSC06084" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgowi_CFXxeFzOvyCompGBQUhOhTd5R7QD13ELudOXY3wFTpZzYBO5-VHsb4OFuSYiN1SFXNEnk16ZpDbTXLzWK1Jm70rG_2hECnrtBXZOJhUbKi2u13H4rt3tCJLXoRavDmBY6TcSL05/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06084" width="404" /></a>  </p> <p>More views of the city!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwKok7jkouChnZXvrNkY4lCXYp1wW_XPdxYeQzHxPKaEnsxJK2CC_LGTNSCvZBmAisYhqA0olaDqchid51clJoCL0iXxmVev-51mk9JcJRrmLDVDDKgd08AuykOq03jN6MNehQfV_xxsh/s1600-h/DSC06091%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06091" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQE0KA02ZWixTYpNkyPCzzd_fmHlmh9kZ5QGG6EYbJ4XpUfdG93zGHAVDOGUSwADajjvQmsgKjXvtZN6V6mADglEFQUcgcmxl5-UBTZkluPSThLAymGhIQMLO-QzOvZLEFyT5efU_fbwuL/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06091" width="404" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFicHSZ0B_36-ufi7yA3Qm_K0siBFXYlGDRTY4PWTSoHnTVHqNE8NQ_vb_f4UXNEU6UGWLtxljK4YR2VW95wWwRnAs7hsMfsBl3rbYhgQvaqwPHKL-63cLhRwC93bVMuidQzAunOiJ-rPI/s1600-h/DSC06092%5B3%5D.jpg"><u><font color="#c94093"></font></u><img alt="DSC06092" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUo8Di8Hq0L6xwRV3gZez9TJm0cKYpuZuV2ohaCSyB8x0DElcxXJfX3k2y4vj5_UDpozeARRfpt9NwIsrBiU29TKvK0-CoPwy6ypeD-RvUgEi8dHP-XFyGutzmtUAf13IcgixjfwB_hnY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06092" width="354" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.willistower.com/">Sears Tower</a> & the new <a href="Trump Tower">Trump Tower</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeWI8yY4_PYtMv-w7i2MfU9CSpq_x9OMIG9GO35RLIoICE-wZ450CYV6rm-KIFHGm88ihQqXXWTuvKnj1Vfn1ZGUBegs664_mEdH4wwHYyDU8YyoKVABrxs-gHriIaYTxiGXOIPpck142/s1600-h/DSC06094%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06094" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s16cOKwPnXNF41ZhTNy_9JYJvLy5B936fv0uhyphenhyphenQcqnOJyngYvqK_1OeDvGFPkqqhlzjk4Jk3L8_I5ytdKgXET2hKBYmR-yyzmyG3iI0QA3AGPnZ5nOuBky0NiHX5x8Hsv1uHFM70F0YT/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06094" width="404" /></a>  </p> <p>A view from the ground looking up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfBX6ilKcUN_vn7EFnQl8AFTb5JIP-O1l4Q7-F3IzBG1077Ox-yBAUCSkfrjsXSk5blnOE87DZNpABSWzIc_Ty5f0gGLh1ZeM-r2BlNMSLjBk71froLivLePMBNXLPswpuXr8tEJbaX7W/s1600-h/DSC06106%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06106" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRd2q7SRzEMCSQCMsR3zeOBqODObA1LLgCBY1EYdlikN0g5Qy66-CETrPjyVgwESczuw4GRDGPGdcUuEgy0vD3YxpwgJYrpOcTnFatI8p9wkwLH5HmhVc6DYOOoIt7qfcKUbZs7yiYnpk_/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06106" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>These signs were all over downtown! Luckily we didn’t get nailed with any falling ice! :p<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdiXMrWuJCwQd9Yq7Uqe-wwk37uOitQRODlbSWUe14Lb2iM6YQfiOTc34oktvMd-6jjwmZQLskCyDWnMNcTs0K61AP-gQ_x8toaKLGX5qdpAc7hT862fDYoOBo5WvYGLPa1M59fG4iTQF/s1600-h/DSC06107%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06107" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswyJeZxSgzFgdXpK-6sKNSGFXOw7XjDb7WHUj4tnnurSpJul07mLSOJ2vr345ug3ziokRLZEUUG5eZGI26IUtn2TCWhRJOCK1kL5sE8vGFImrcG5ppuO3IhTDOaqq9hLsqwjKCZOFR4CN/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06107" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>After the John Hancock building we walked a few blocks down to Nike Town! I was a good girl and only got 3 new head bands! I really wanted some of the new shorts they have out now! They are in fun colors and patterns!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZCexZIT71_6VQAkLPMbn8nm-e48soPtX8r5003Ll5y6E7Jt4IsGrzSlT-g3UHmZuTCXP45qKEvEGZ456wDELhQUYJyZ9dtD0OlPeUHXFI99xUkKe5G36eEzxOGZ_AzSCUZ5CdHuzvzBv/s1600-h/DSC06108%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06108" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyCPE7go7jVeAKPI7sTcebB-jlKoYmqj6Ps5frEz6K4fpqnWAEveQS9oLdM6FkKILvA-cvPDpLi_hQPuaumPWoSp78XJdz-jyiujW8qAHDN0o5w-knDthE44t1aLK1DGzwz8O1oUvP7iy/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06108" width="404" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>After Nike Town we shopped at Water Tower Place. Kyle found a few major scores…American Eagle jeans for $15!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-LrfL9E4ebvz2AQ5JEK4BEWxuuSZ25fl4D0l57Deu5LPNaWU_NDvOaFdK98g-1nvpvvdOr6g8NFWWHcljD5PeEs5Ark6YfSarO3xNjTyBdwGY8Iy3i8M-bFEniN8JYCfGeySokolpXLC/s1600-h/DSC06110%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06110" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdk98mntep4BZLQ34X2093bkLGVfj-sJ_3JYa8LfWDUwpA6AKgU0wheIXbj0PCHJDrtCzf5LpTk2WDsp3pcmF5dhr8Uj9R_pgXNVO2LxsB752EgJErZO3-yfuqKHfUqcc6-4j7RTllEua/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06110" width="354" /></a>  </p> <p>My  husband is a baseball fan as are Steve & Melanie so we did a drive by of Wrigley Field! The bleacher seats on top of the houses across the street were so cool! I had no idea there was anything like that!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMXH4F89uInZXPZyGgLbzRu8DF79dR505GZ2F3BOBef8CARzFQqEHw4ou-ar5WpeZ9uCJc_GLlu0BXS9CF1BR6bwJRHF52hGxp8bresbC9ZKx5OLiV97xHJkzu7H5faN4hXzKD8isihH_/s1600-h/DSC06115%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06115" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q6ov90Ev3faCx_sCLZRq3eaTqaGTKD25HSEOerz_eSe41GXLxmUmDzCexvmT-KnotnH7JPB2RW9d0MMV81RI4pmBJUJc3JYJ609MQmkDAVSoD5cC7DzLquBFuW8jygP4ACCM9NL0W0e5/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06115" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We headed out of the city for a late lunch. <a href="http://www.portillos.com/portillos/">Portillos</a>! I guess it’s a Chicago thing to do!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEU99IxM-eS1ZYSQzfDJbRBfAG_0tA973Z6n9675XNAtO4kZWdUKXaBcOYdTBbjD3bDWMymfZkfkHfIIEvMcL5UX34dhT7xFXMtce52q0kyqih0DlTNfHCcbK2xSIP6Za2VPGQYtKxc8ED/s1600-h/DSC06116%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06116" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaqXqoWElZPvccnBqqChUXOcfQiVEMQmkYbQ4638PpQGQ9Pxqi13o3AG06AQIp4FAJza3wZFhZMQ-B7dFEOwYENnMDr98jlEm5tAYGqprX2ETLM13EtVhG3hK04_yBTBcqaXUc4FaNc90/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06116" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I was boring and ordered a chicken sandwich. But Kyle got their famous Italian beef sandwich & a hot dog! I didn’t get a picture of the Italian beef…but here’s the hot dog!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuoSTvbZotBxhyYLAEGNJFcG1GKlhwci4iLGmnlVKKrLoIk9PVAPusNf2vOCXlSFqJr4CnRm-NEZsInHaOcKm0ZLl0udrjtBaP2npXBFiKLf3Bm1B7TVcQAUIX5G6J8KsXkK6WlSdnRL4/s1600-h/DSC06117%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06117" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEvRYYbvyk4fuX0mUnzScJYuYAZuaVHSP0bmUMPyO3aWZzkRTfg8FR0eXsaRjYtbkK5bHUwy95Zd16I0LYt6oGQYXcD5GLdNoyOXb7PwoPeerlYUTMB8dl7AvdUjIpYXQhyphenhyphencegSmKziNk/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06117" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>He goes in for the try…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieXqV7uIn7sT8heh17MWlE0jJFexAVmv1KL07qsXWIkfsB65t-6OTrRehyTn46ab4Cu1zrwnzpDVTJB-3KiL7Kf6FaktIS_iAw-ZUF1yN4lBQVjAG1_8uLMuH_0YhyphenhyphenQCfGcxkCvDmS_xA/s1600-h/DSC06118%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06118" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AtzjE_-CHfWzu4fpYxNGGqj9xODej7Jzn4at8uCFeryKIXZm18ip6WHFRHaqGrVaPEL-Qi66CvoINaGl6DL8mybK9GoFJhSWYGENFnJYzb2JJ3Uh2mrp8BP6UQCqHw4OXeRoUllV-HQt/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06118" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Thumbs up!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZC-iKP4ZBwCqGUp1z6yKdyYOSiuAUzxQULUwLa8IxtCyDXGb1JEZOAWfPWbYfoCgjGNTg4H_p1-qOcA6tdkbUVcmLsrYxYO5F_uUcKmgKFfOEgNzi910ajLftvMNGmKSyHAiEn3SJ-VP/s1600-h/DSC06121%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06121" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfK3ML0dHzgahJSM4oYvdZ3y3mcnNJUIpAGLuQ5UIC_QgdKqtfFiQKfXkvAk3srx2ujlf4xBbOSw5gV-pvdR0bm4lH2MfA2wBXCEWC_QuMWcFM8aFmBArl-uuYfxkhplRdDWsiWv23pLWd/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06121" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Melanie & I stuck with the chocolate cake!! This cake was SUPER moist & amazing!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzdNyKfO0jRpNLI0PC6dJKEmjujV-7qGIXHQ1fnUdUXjcjCCgoflWjM-lfA4rGRNvArvZywlqFefWssHnUHKKtzTWOkDGKIris0DDhZZ-MoAn-6aS28ISq42lCFiK93ECjxxgYkFNb1pX/s1600-h/DSC06122%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06122" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZnwDPmD4qUvhyB7BhCdFhXezqZnWx0ZEs8i2KPDD_3wm2t-hF9TGSJoqy-9W3etNBln9kE6ENACI9D9Aa0hlO35ptaVJuiwNUNNZSByWbIyGrHCDVhWCgVEqcu4zBgK2aL-3N1HuJats/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06122" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We enjoyed our new try!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsldWcrnkx3ylikGL7xs7wU29-OTz2OouqMSttR_7n6KcYobnUOTomrKOshayk1z069jXHWbsA071P1eilSpu_qvp7Gc1d5hepoTSC5xpZS-bgVN0rPzocYvcaXfYIj708NfWYaxYTfhlt/s1600-h/DSC06124%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06124" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2dhsPETP87yBDp_9_i5HqRIVrv4uOCP1oLcveaYFQo0PYWYKkYVRsdAlEp9M6TNYJ6Q9KG7XytI33AfJh3qcKtmb8EYsqVJss1z_aT0gyEp4eWbTfipdAIJjT1WABrObfabtFAN4syxT/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06124" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We headed backed to their place and took a walk. Kyle thought he could wear my coat! Silly boy!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVITCoe4f_2KsxCcDnTZY2cIlxL4jxzilPImcVjEaeXB3IxOrkj8whOtcX9Sqx_aJAruX3onFru5Dc1u9MAsquCnjpotApv133j2axoCV8ZC8XCU2FiiNqhyDBuude4q3M9Ok94B75mVR/s1600-h/DSC06131%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06131" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUuV_79EGluhxx5J6CJtJzEzcNf3qBqzbkXBWKp5_QGoZi1twsGiTKluLI8g25VsijTuzsvvmBQpcRcwANtwXX988emX4lnnSy6C1fYs22v8eBeGZ5p4u9zghuQ4ZqxtwGACcwVis6eXQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06131" width="354" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Sister-in-laws!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7WE842wzBV6vXUliA6WsGEgDO26zR6gZ-aKM_Gl-EarzryxYqOyTTxcI7L2OOhanDRKFPhQyhBK6Sri20hVw4QgCQlnP9zjxuFi-INDOsWGT0j0KIFlm9Lg9h4WmN3WCAPiM1s1YoRt4/s1600-h/DSC06132%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06132" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuejif-tFYQPMdlRG1iwDUjv_0W6ZTlUrmLLKYgdVPazi-oVF1QgCRGSRUJ_iYDxBZoJryBWO2-7FkuUM3-S4Hl68dYayi_1rhPEe5LmCvzwZUmsjiz5YAq1Bk8SHiiL7d2tvE1iBBXmC/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06132" width="354" /></a>  </p> <p>We spent the evening playing at Game Works!! Too much fun! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUjywXKcfRJKUngPR6zCwLFSlzg1felsMKMghtERLREZMLbbnjdQ1LUyqVSe_ks_jC09VSn85pDybMppTstynAXaP9p1XraFB_bkNgXRWH4iHO_po1xNWVxeTXO2vgodd1o9FTodaCfkn/s1600-h/DSC06136%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06136" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ehsur9cG9KcfBUtGrWT-wSn8pZ0daBR4KAxlIS6cZzGQrdxfI_GQwEUZpyynxh5BRjJak1QF7Vl8YbBFt9aY7J94Nn78DwY9LLPMLvXgoOiBSaP7cz-DfTzAz44BkGtpb0MXnkAIM5_i/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06136" width="404" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRb864VWkhhr6DxZ5K_7iyYadb8Hf-trXvwdyKELv35mDXPsKVuzuK6ya8UM5u1sdoVk88sgpZVebgz_-fnVa2ymPEu_YNa4JSvgyLcyoCJY38NUL5_mp9lf9oH6yJT1uVxFUqrHuiRCp/s1600-h/DSC06133%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06133" border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dwItI1ySzx52GW-0SJu6Th4ANyF6_5r9SddkBcbIhN5mpr1VkDhyphenhyphenlW8iXrhaxGGfyE8WxJaB6Cwyv7Oo8FNjjTvG_a1Ezemaz7YLVBdypRSd7eGD9R4gA6j_7jNPpUOa3gIjafmudUYi/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06133" width="354" /></a>  </p> <p>This is Kyle’s saying!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8LohQspw8STpMhVlk9q11KJySnJCubvkeBMn1aZra0CCiL00FquybcIu_3-KmkvYqgx19eMdGSJz15rMFAAvV2bAaRQ9rCoabJVzy4DBuCT8VP6HazS319AwJWwKOpWBultOrtj30bkH/s1600-h/DSC06138%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06138" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6dZkm8T9JtHqHgrt_FYUdY3s0Cev53clH2DEQNlaWBp2EAdwed4aHIIzRGw2rc6_XZfcGud05QaIWVcwbmUOtlDDqr3EJW9Q0sdOJeI693KDrGTNWjhXZMREWotFjdfv79AmTUR8_lh8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06138" width="354" /></a> </p> <p>The next morning we had breakfast at a cute little diner that seemed quite famous!! Kyle ordered the strawberry pancakes & LOVED all the whip cream that came with it! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpEeWwfhxGCIWLskZaE69wugdSRWXpTRGiL6YIILBPWqp5B9Vze1Rw1bKkMSrhSRqXuDD5c4ZeQ3_sXGW4t-w1y4D_MDIp57_QmQHxuonNIacpWFzo_jsPIVfkc2w326s8WT1pRgYZKMe/s1600-h/DSC06140%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06140" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpGzaj0pQ5DZ6zitV-mvUSrHpnCs1SoPxxgS6dPq2DIB17zIzjhBbEJtT9kQfZPngzvgxHRaF9mmXWkCenQxUsYEfx2J0uDxoKuMnnOMUvSwmWM6hGtACYinokqOKo_EANIFINg6Rd_tE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06140" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>The rest of the day we pretty much just shopped! Which was super fun!! I will take a picture of my look to post later! We also fit in an afternoon siesta before going out for supper.</p> <p>We wanted to do another Chicago thing….so we went for pizza at <a href="http://www.giordanos.com/">Giordanos</a>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQFQpwEAa3EoZLw3_jrBBREuXVNKbkIJCvFY-RmL5m2FqhYCUb5L0wzrZEhpN9yYTt4dSrd2uQS2Ti-nKdtIzijP_YtuCclp6MoXzSAzaooBk23nnOPVhLGuCKleQVO0qPlU8NnZkTFSy/s1600-h/DSC06142%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06142" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxl-ER2nD8DdK8UGKHnqBDhva_-g-_9K5RKZw96PzDwk-U38o4g-oxJd_bdmCC1yq1wSJUaG9F0QmOnE0vfreaqtzkPhsy1V624Zy0Jf5Bz9o_iUsXpX02OcPJ0YayUv0BBpNX2o79ClW/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06142" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Pure amazing-ness!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpiQnft6vHfaQ8MgRPxD35OjuM-O6-HxveMw-gF-At4KBXi3c5NOIQbsBGilYnJ2VVB_6vrJwy2ACsYfNWpIKyvavXtpC1uRKdYCu1UrhUkWl1qQtKdVJl6bNJPgoGhImP4QQNSKK3i1m/s1600-h/DSC06143%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06143" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUJ4W1hB6cyPkTjIZXuth52yDslnBgkS5GhL7ug8nzHNvchvLJ2cJ4R_UNlcbz1YG15ORC2uTkNkBLL1vGxQi5QUvvVm3GbIoW0YiciWDPAi3vZOE7KK4L-fKAAnWW0j2vX8Pjw6HhEXx/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06143" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We ordered Hawaiin and they got canadian bacon…look at all that cheesy goodness!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg7VgnCxzGMl7D6WLrYrZ_DErRItarZdIEA3P5upL_EE4KNgeTW4SwVVI0XAd1tEyqXkEsYDZNS7N7bnlwJGx3Y3dyLuV3E-tvCDpU3pi3WG8BnBCIFU6cvhrz0Ke6B1LdhEp3G0T6QbL/s1600-h/DSC06144%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06144" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbR7EEbXNnOaC8CcLhaOwiNx0YTaj_mtQjdzO3TA7nASVPIgkTcRK9rH1OLqX6tLqnoMCTvkqRgEQY1UImxRux-dn0i_y_kOf9jUzWMTXt1jCv-IvKABM8wqZW-Cu8Fnel7NAnqZxTnnr/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06144" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>This was our first time trying Chicago style pizza!! SO good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi-5hbh0Dk-iZiuJgjJ6H1X2sN3DSwOCsF31aPlHr12pDXUd1xj4ruxgsaLhFgTp8ACYH90GCaDCYgDXLJMO5UN41hUk3RdgHsy1RmMOFiGDM0UJLwUvbx1NlxE8o4wcr8-4-Q9DE3-6h/s1600-h/DSC06145%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06145" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaFOni_cPO78H8wopPB6z5H97ytT-wwE6mAfwKdJBiyYCuPkoYkJVVLSeim9UixScHeuIA7ojupnofh8pQNkrGeDSpT1c8gQ1flcfdE4UW_mcGV0IGc9JY4ZK0WPHoPx75jle2SpB2_dC/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06145" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Afterwards we hit up my FAVORITE place…Coldstone!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ0hXWsZR4yOQYs2jeTbnXPncu8GaMR4HQF3LkHYVKbZNgJBBNllFy-g38CKU0_fSwyqvCsGxJuCWoq9j25vzalcA7wVWtLIkqeFRDfho9cMaTkLydep-D91yWPbEtaG-C83VpmiL7ajb/s1600-h/DSC06148%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06148" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBmfkzoGazipycMscJTi3_9ZwqEHMbOpcIcKAJsYwq60Mh3etkQjbG-mgeaFVUhoBkXma_xRtN4aklrU9BVADuvOwE_LBZ4l-uobD3a-TR6hoe2oAjAg9YHlVRYuPAl8MwbGf3sV9D3tu/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06148" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We went the economical route and just bought a pint! Mmmm!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvkqIH__alzhkkYx6YPjdo2oIvq5O8ohySr3fTsqROy9JkMpV75eKEYAkyM61u3IQHQfodIRIsFPdkgn3SrBUT74gDaM-qQ9IXqq5XZqzCondbsWTCjoMzY1KNrgIehEl_C1QUSbrp0C_/s1600-h/DSC06156%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06156" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOsaHI2wshBtzo3zOEhlgiuFCqPkQr95_wUAE3QScovST0___zaumPigXLsNdXNOhy0asJ_NwbDm6zlOBIjh32vpwrE5xPsr88C8oMeKt45KdY3mjD_zlOveXH26yutR1n5hGPFNy9QFe/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06156" width="404" /></a>  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> Sunday was pretty much just a driving day. Thanks Mel & Steve for a fun weekend and being great hosts! Can’t wait for our next visit.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0TrCuprEa0k5ZNntL-KvdSA8rQnp-cVOjbCRGFt_q-gaXLJx4_qXN0M4y0Cd5FhJYIBTWd2mDUGGePk5pXZwzo7-TyJNVJtO-b8TJYJrTYtT71CNVOE9SEy4-Zw6rL0b2PTY46y-EIf4/s1600-h/DSC06147%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06147" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPg_JETmGv5GaYNOe7QFloqEiiflQNhf3tzI3St3VZDcn3xR9qdAWIedVp3Ud8rFUHsXk1Mf2tixv8fvWE6eTN65LcVpU8NnYZZb2QyApyXXWShueOvaAQWSoekUnvptz6g-0iD6HRFGu/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06147" width="404" /></a> <p>Food wise I was NOT a good girl. But I enjoyed myself and am now happy to be back in my regular routine! See you all later tonight, I’ll be back to my regular blogging!</p>

Weekend Chicago Trip

Hey everyone!! Kyle and I made it home from Chicago on Sunday! We had a great weekend seeing the sights, shopping, and spending time with fa...

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I wonder why some of us figure this out, and some don't

We went for our walk this afternoon, only three miles but the weather was perfect. The blue sky was completely cloudless, and it was 58 degrees.<br /><br />Our trail is a little hilly, but we only did three miles of it (it's eight miles long). I wasn't even breathing hard on the steepest parts of the trail. My husband was having trouble. I think he's finally realizing just how out of shape he is these days. He's "only" about 50 pounds overweight, but that's still a lot of extra weight to be packing around. He's been reading books on weight loss for the first time in his life. He's determine to lose weight and get in shape. I say good for "us". I'm glad he's finally going to join me on my quest for health.<br /><br />After our walk, we had a wonderful salad, made with blueberries, strawberries (the best ever strawberries) and a variety of three leaf lettuces, with six ounces of shrimp on each salad. I made a balsamic vinaigrette and it was a wonderful dinner. <br /><br />Then I don't know what happened. I guess I always feel kind of cheated when a salad is my meal. It never feels like a real meal to me. This led to me grazing after dinner. Which resulted in going 26 Points over my target. I had the best intentions and poof!, all gone in just a couple hours. <br /><br />I've been at this for a while now. February 19 was my two-year Weight Watcher anniversary. I should have this all figured out by now. I don't. <br /><br />I read other blogs and so many people are doing excellent, week after week. The first seven months of doing this, I was pretty darn close to perfect. I guess that was my honeymoon phase. <br /><br />The last seventeen months have been a struggle. I kind of think it's going to be like this the rest of my life. I'm never really going to figure it out. Sometimes I wonder if this means I'm just stupid. Too stupid to figure out how to make this whole thing work without it being the most difficult thing I've every done in my life. It really makes me doubt my intelligence. Others do it, why can't I?<br /><br />I keep posting Mt. Rainier pictures and it's probably boring to most of you, but it's so beautiful that I just can't resist taking pictures of it. I love Mt. Rainier. Besides, there wasn't anything interesting on the trail today, besides a lot of people, which kind of annoyed me. The mountain looks so close, even when we're standing there looking at it, it's like we could reach out and touch it. It's actually about sixty miles from our house. Can you believe that sky? Seattle. February. Amazing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAevW2OvEJbbiPjBDZdXyw_2wBFj_r8Ud3Q5la6BMALfelz9EJDnSVhBTW0hPy9h1Rx0r_WcNGmdTdmsG8tz27FzWNnmeH0xmodqRcPD6IEf0YFLauGsSglPk7BNy0IttYUgYc9Ge-gcry/s1600-h/Mt.+Rainier+21FEB10+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAevW2OvEJbbiPjBDZdXyw_2wBFj_r8Ud3Q5la6BMALfelz9EJDnSVhBTW0hPy9h1Rx0r_WcNGmdTdmsG8tz27FzWNnmeH0xmodqRcPD6IEf0YFLauGsSglPk7BNy0IttYUgYc9Ge-gcry/s640/Mt.+Rainier+21FEB10+007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>

I wonder why some of us figure this out, and some don't

We went for our walk this afternoon, only three miles but the weather was perfect. The blue sky was completely cloudless, and it was 58 degr...

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My Saturday weighin

My weighin yesterday was 176.4. Up a couple pounds. It's okay though. I haven't been tracking and definitely eating too much healthy stuff. No junk or cake or anything that would be considered unhealthy. Just too many calories. <br /><br />My exercise is back to each workout being my best workout ever. I'm crediting Women's Health "The Big Book of Exercise" for my new enthusiasm at the gym. Plus I've totally given up the treadmill. I hate it and it hates me. <br /><br />Lately with the great weather we've been having in Seattle I've been walking outside every day at lunch this past week. My husband I are going for a walk in about an hour because the weather is once again totally spectacular. It's 58 and not a cloud in the sky. Did I mention it's February?!<br /><br />I'm psyched up to get back to tracking and eating less. I tracked yesterday and ate 30 Points (I'm allowed 21). That's a little high but at least I tracked, and I already have 8 Activity Points in the bank. <br /><br />I went to the gym twice yesterday. My husband decided to go last night so I went with him even though I went before my weighin for a last chance workout. I'm really sore today from doing several new exercises, but it feels good.<br /><br />I'll try to find something to take pictures of today on my walk. I was so busy running errands yesterday that I only took one picture. Another picture of the mountain, this time from the SuperMall where I bought another set of Tanita scales for $100. I've gone through three Taylor scales in the last six months, and they were all a piece of junk (and at $40-$60 I was annoyed taking them back each time). I love my Tanita! She's worth every penny.<br /><br />Mt. Rainier at about 2pm, 2/20/10 - from the SuperMall in Auburn, WA (that's why there's a streetlight right in the middle - gotta love suburbia).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UkN7dU8l9Tz6MfW33XAfmLFivZ6nyhlngD3DS0zUtsTl6DDaRZeO7l9Tnt7wpfNU705ZECKCdTQ6gNp5w-2K3nYNprtOeZvjJYNXAl8DRs6CN8NfGA-Hp_8WNfGQCJWumWh2xG7_C3HN/s1600-h/Rainier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UkN7dU8l9Tz6MfW33XAfmLFivZ6nyhlngD3DS0zUtsTl6DDaRZeO7l9Tnt7wpfNU705ZECKCdTQ6gNp5w-2K3nYNprtOeZvjJYNXAl8DRs6CN8NfGA-Hp_8WNfGQCJWumWh2xG7_C3HN/s400/Rainier.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>

My Saturday weighin

My weighin yesterday was 176.4. Up a couple pounds. It's okay though. I haven't been tracking and definitely eating too much healthy...

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Lenten Reflections: Part 1

Dear Blog Readers,<br />God has wonderously saved me so many times, and I have prayed so often "Lord open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise," but I have not praised God an iota of a percent of what God's saving mercies deserve. This year I want to devote the season of Lent to praising God with a series of devotional reflections on the hymn Rock of Ages. The lyrics of that song have captivated my heart these past months. I am finding them far richer than I had known, full of paradoxical and evocative metaphors. So my plan is to work my way through this hymn with reflections annotating the verses. If they are helpful to you in your lenten observance, so much the better. But I write because God is good and I am compelled to proclaim God's praise. In this first reflection, I will write of the very opening words "Rock of Ages."<br /><br />I.ROCK OF AGES<br /><br />I live in a land of crags, cliffs, buttes, and stone escarpments. My Honda CRV rolls up thousands of miles each year as I roam the Great Basin’s Mojave Desert, once a vast inland sea, now parched beneath the bluest skies on Earth, a land now home to coyotes, lizards, jack rabbits, and me – a nomad bishop with a Bible, prayer book, and shepherd’s staff in the back seat. 312 mountain ranges divide the territory I traverse to visit churches in the scattered centers of mining, ranching, and farming. Hawks, ravens, and eagles fly overhead.<br /><br />This land speaks. Sky, raptors, Joshua trees are its words. But the greatest word, hardest and truest, of this bare and barren land is rock. From the vertical cliffs of Zion National Park on my east to Yosemite’s El Capitan on my west, rock speaks a voluminous silence. Passing through the stony arroyos, I feel the holiness of a cathedral. The rock formations of Cathedral Gorge make it explicit and tell me this intuition of holiness is not just my idiosyncrasy.<br /><br />One evening, just before sunset, a low hill, but a steep one, caught my eye. It was a pile of black stone, no doubt volcanic. The earth’s depths send messengers of rhyolite, basalt, and pumice. I pulled over and scrambled up the hill, standing there looking out over the plane as the sun set behind me and the shadow of night extended into the softening air. But the stone did not extend. It did not soften. It was immovably there. That is the rock’s way.<br /><br />“Rock of ages” – what does it mean? A rock that has endured the ages. A rock that the ages rest upon. The rock which arises from the ages. It is an evocatively multivalent phrase, a symbol that goes back to some of the very oldest verses of our sacred text. Half way around the world, thousands of years ago, rock spoke to people in another desert. It told them something about God, something they needed to hear, as I need to hear it now. Perhaps if we listen closely to their words, we may glean something of their experience, the experience of simpler people, closer to the earth, maybe closer to life. Perhaps we may learn something that will save us from becoming lost in the shifting sands of post-modernity.<br /><br />In you O lord, have I taken refuge<br />Let me never be ashamed . . . .<br />Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe;<br />You are my crag and my stronghold.<br />Psalm 71: 1, 3<br /><br />Verse 3 must have been a recurrent longing. “Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe.”The same words appear verbatim in Psalm 31, v. 3. It is a cry for deliverance and protection.<br /><br />O Lord, I call to you;<br />my Rock, do not be deaf to my cry;<br />lest if you do not hear me,<br />I become like those who go down to the Pit.<br />Psalm 28<br /><br />The Psalms give voice to the variety and complexity of human emotion in a primitive rawness unequalled in any other ancient text, more than Roman odes, more than Greek drama. No passion is more pronounced in the Psalms than fear, the primal cry “Save me.” It is not fear of God. It is fear of the world and a scurrying to God for safety. “Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you.” Psalm 16: 1; “O Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me.” Psalm 7:1.<br /><br />When help was not forthcoming, the people of old complained bitterly. “Why do you stand so far off, O Lord and hide yourself in time of trouble?” Psalm 10:1; “How long O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” Psalm 13:1. But the prevailing theme is expressed in the rock Psalms. “Let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1; and :<br /><br />I love you, O Lord my strength,<br />O Lord my stronghold, my crag, and my haven.<br />My God, my rock in whom I put my trust,<br />my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge;<br />you are worthy of praise.<br />I will call upon the Lord<br />and so shall I be saved from my enemies.<br />Psalm 18: 1- 3<br /><br />Do the rocks still speak to us? Do the stone escarpments of the Mojave say to me what the crags of the Sinai said the Psalmists?<br /><br />Modern people assumed a heroic posture, a Promethean defiance. When atheism chided the religious for our fear of the world, we were ashamed. If we kept to our religion at all, it was an ethical religion of which we need not be ashamed or perhaps a cheerful religion of celebrating what a wonderful world we have been given. We did not want to admit to anything infantile. We did not want to admit we are afraid of the dark, the thunder, the shadow on the x-ray, the fragility of the eco-system, the avarice that devours an economy wiping out life savings, the fine print in our health insurance policies. We did not want to admit that life still scared us.<br /><br />I will not judge the hearts of others. I don’t know what happens in those secret chambers. But I, for one, am still afraid. Granted, I may be more afraid than others. I have anxiety disorder. In my worst bouts, I have rolled xanax like prayer beads in my pocket, afraid of sundown for no reason I could articulate. I have also known fears that had real causes. I have seen my life teeter on the precipice. In the words of T. S. Eliot, “I was, in short, afraid.” A religion that begins with the assumption of human self-sufficiency -- a “religion of happy mindedness” William James called it – will not do for me. I have no need of a polite tea with God. Truth be told, I tend to forget God when I feel self-sufficient. I have prayed fervently at times, but my most unadulteratedly sincere prayer has always been, “Help!” I do not long for the beauty of the Lord. The law of the Lord does not delight my heart. I am Peter sinking on the sea.<br /><br />But when (Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink<br />he cried, saying Lord save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him . . . .<br />Matthew 14: 30-31<br /><br />“Rock of ages.” “Who is our God, but the Lord? Who is the Rock, except our God?” Psalm 18:32. “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.” Psalm 62:2.<br /><br />The Psalmists are not being spiritual. They are not concerned about the afterlife. They are afraid of the perils haunting this dusty earth. Just so, many of us are afraid our children will be sent to war, afraid of tornadoes, afraid of pandemics. The Psalmists, in their fear, remembered the rocks of the Sinai as we might remember the rocks of the Mojave. The rocks spoke to them about God.<br /><br />Part of what the rocks said about God, who created them to express something of the divine nature, is that God is strong. The power of God works wonders. One can take refuge in the strength of God because God is stronger, vastly stronger, than the forces that assail us. I have been saved by God’s surprises again and again. I know others have not apparently been saved. For that I have no answer, only hope for some future redemption that I cannot yet see. But my experience and what I have seen in the lives of others is that God’s power moves inexplicably in the affairs of this world effecting gracious ends. The power of God sometimes seems to intervene from outside. But it is not really an intervention. God is already here, already the rock solid foundation of reality itself. We can take refuge in that. Even if what we want is deliverance from a particular threat and we do not receive the deliverance we wanted, there is still a rock solid foundation to reality, a place in which we can take refuge – if that foundation is kindly, if that foundation cherishes us and has not cast us off.<br /><br />There is something more to the rock metaphor than strength. There is fidelity. God’s love for us is as unshakeable as rock. The word most expressive of God’s heart in the Hebrew scriptures is hesed. We usually translate hesed as “loving kindness.” But the word has more to do with dependability than sentimentality. It means a love you can count on, a bond unbreakable and sure.<br /><br />Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,<br />for his mercy endures forever.<br />Give thanks to the God of Gods,<br />for his mercy endures forever . . . .<br />Psalm 136<br /><br />And so the Psalm continues recounting God’s act of creation and his assistance to people throughout history, echoing again and again, a full 26 times, “his mercy endures forever.”<br /><br />The foundation of reality is merciful and gracious. Our human foibles and the vicissitudes of history cannot shake that foundation. The love of God cannot be defeated even by our unlovableness. We may refuse to love God or each other, but we cannot stop God from loving us. Even our deaths will not end God’s love for us and what God loves cannot finally die – not if God is the rock solid foundation of reality.<br /><br />I have imagined that people who lived as long before the Pslamists as the Psalmists lived before us must have been awed by the majesty of stone. I have imagined them worshiping a stone mountain like El Capitan in Yosemite, Northern California.<br /><br />My fathers bowed<br />before your granite face<br />sun crowned terrifying.<br />But what had they worthy<br />for sacrifice to you<br />gargantuan monolith?<br />What could they offer<br />colossal you who already consumed<br />the very sky?<br /><br />The Psalmists saw such stone not as idol but as icon, as a sign of the divine nature, a silent word of God. That word spoke awesome majesty, a place of refuge, and a promise of God’s eternal mercy. When “the changes and the chances of this life” are shifting beneath my feet, I need to hear that word.<br /> Copyright Dan Edwards 2010

Lenten Reflections: Part 1

Dear Blog Readers, God has wonderously saved me so many times, and I have prayed so often "Lord open my lips, and my mouth will proclai...

Read more »

Planning de la semaine du 22 au 26 février 2010

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 22 février de 9h à 12h30<br />- le mardi 23 février de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 24 février de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 25 février de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 26 février de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de Gestion</a></strong> - vendredi 26 février de 09h à 12h30 (sur rendez-vous)</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2008/12/atelier-parcours-emploi.html">Parcours Emploi</a></strong> - mardi 23 février à 13h30<br /><br /><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 23 février de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 24 février de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 23 février de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 18 février de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 26 février de 10h à 11h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - vendredi 26 février de 14h à 16h</ul>Cette semaine, l'atelier Parcours Emploi aura lieu le mardi 23 février au Relais Emploi Insertion de Saint Jean de la Ruelle (75 rue Charles Beauhaire - 02.38.79.33.49).<br /><br /><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Information collective</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>Boutique de gestion</strong> - lundi 22 février à 14h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 22 au 26 février 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 22 fé...

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Great morning workout on Thursday

I had a great workout this morning. I added four new lower body exercises from my new book. I love this new book. It not only has hundreds of great exercises, but also some really good tips. I detest lower body workout days. If I could do only upper body workouts I'd be a happy girl. Of course, it's my hips and thighs that need the most work.<br /><br />I was at the gym at 5:30am and left at 7:10am. When I was driving home (about three miles), I saw something I see every day if it's daylight and not rainy or cloudy. Usually that's a rare day this time of year, but not this week (57 degrees and sunny). Every day when I see this I think I should really stop and take a picture, and every day I don't do it because I'm in a hurry. Today I took five minutes, stopped and took a couple pictures (love my new camera!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Mt. Rainier</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQRlWdK4pCX_uo9IylXRtiEpcHtYeRTlC8qXCNsHACKSo88ooNNmho6AtyNL2kApW-izKe6Uyy1yqVsqBP_vtP13xk-4oToQUDl8r2o0WaNrVZmnuPKfxyz0B-23sl5eyJcvtPGHQTyAH/s1600-h/Mt+Rainier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQRlWdK4pCX_uo9IylXRtiEpcHtYeRTlC8qXCNsHACKSo88ooNNmho6AtyNL2kApW-izKe6Uyy1yqVsqBP_vtP13xk-4oToQUDl8r2o0WaNrVZmnuPKfxyz0B-23sl5eyJcvtPGHQTyAH/s400/Mt+Rainier.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've always been fascinated by contrails. Probably from growing up in Alaska in the sixties. Very few jets flew overhead and when they left a contrail I thought it was really cool. This one is from this morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuu67h2F1bmHWirM68fShGGYBkcrZYEA5Ty-rnBFTyr0VIUVCDAQihKWS6VHID9l8T3l_x3WoPHDLMvNRpvDIJ0OrlLU1HPk4LcHuGvRubQTHNaJf1E0_emdZf8ficIImBSXQCKfOoCHa/s1600-h/Jetstream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuu67h2F1bmHWirM68fShGGYBkcrZYEA5Ty-rnBFTyr0VIUVCDAQihKWS6VHID9l8T3l_x3WoPHDLMvNRpvDIJ0OrlLU1HPk4LcHuGvRubQTHNaJf1E0_emdZf8ficIImBSXQCKfOoCHa/s400/Jetstream.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I can't figure out what a vanity plate means it makes me a little nuts.  I saw the one below on my walk during lunch today. I asked a few of my coworkers if they knew what it meant. No one had a clue. It was on a shiny, bright blue PT Cruiser. I thought maybe "kill American Airlines too". Honestly, I'm not a terrorist and love American Airlines (well, kind of). It was the only thing that came to mind. I know, totally stupid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I once drove twenty minutes behind a big, red pickup truck with RDFRTRK plates. I was going crazy trying to figure it out. Obviously it was a red -- truck. A red "fur" truck? When I got close enough I could see the Firefighter's emblem decal on his back window. Oh...Red Fire Truck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one stumped me:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozxu-6h98biYxIEHqxNGRMr_Rhq_5lSULB-PJKfV2UbZg2y5cP5kanN96RawCTKCAPFj3HrmFuo3Cu2xFcg_hdyLVDLSjYzTJN1rF35gUm15R3gD9_hSQG3ynDXKhGMwjeF0R-jxceZ-x/s1600-h/Klaatu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozxu-6h98biYxIEHqxNGRMr_Rhq_5lSULB-PJKfV2UbZg2y5cP5kanN96RawCTKCAPFj3HrmFuo3Cu2xFcg_hdyLVDLSjYzTJN1rF35gUm15R3gD9_hSQG3ynDXKhGMwjeF0R-jxceZ-x/s320/Klaatu.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finally Googled it. It's the name of this guy, from The Day the Earth Stood Still. The guy on the alien ship. Keanu Reeves played Klaatu in the 2008 remake (not anywhere nearly as good as the original). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc6Ypxq3ygYZzEBYQlaMp_IRzko-C9vAC0iNqNOFzWN_xlCv0rQJoV6nkJUwzW53FBh7z4Pr3r9gFhB_I_2l3akIhsLN1njJwfS5jR-u0m6j4THuhis04pyMNfIwHl0nnGF46M9E5dtNM/s1600-h/klaatu+the+day+the+earth+stood+still.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc6Ypxq3ygYZzEBYQlaMp_IRzko-C9vAC0iNqNOFzWN_xlCv0rQJoV6nkJUwzW53FBh7z4Pr3r9gFhB_I_2l3akIhsLN1njJwfS5jR-u0m6j4THuhis04pyMNfIwHl0nnGF46M9E5dtNM/s320/klaatu+the+day+the+earth+stood+still.jpg" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Great morning workout on Thursday

I had a great workout this morning. I added four new lower body exercises from my new book. I love this new book. It not only has hundreds o...

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