Reflections on Rwanda 1994

I just finished Left To Tell, a compelling memoir by a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. Imaculee Ilibigaza spent nearly 3 months cramped shoulder to shoulder in strict silence with a group of women in a tiny bathroom, while murdering mobs made periodic searches of the house where she was sheltered by a Hutu pastor. <br /><br />During that awful time she had a profound encounter with God through her desperate prayers for deliverance. Her book is not a theodicy but it is a testimony to the presence of God in the midst of evil and a tribute to the the human capacity to find grace even in the context of horror. Her relationship with God enabled her to survive and to move through grief to to a life of joy. It even set her free to forive the murderers of her family and friends.<br /><br />Not long ago I read a biography of the German theologian, Paul Tillich, including his escape from Germany just as the Nazi reich was beginning its campaign of violence against those who did not support their hatred. Reading such books in these times compels serious reflection.<br /><br />The Church has a theology and a spirituality, not a political philosophy. But politics is always susceptible to spirits that are larger and more powerful than ideologies -- sometimes, spirits of mercy, justice, and reconciliation; sometimes spirits of hatred, fear, and blame (Rene Girard). Whatever our political convictions may be, Christians have a duty to infuse politics with a godly spirit and to resist the spiritualy of malice.<br /><br />The Ugandan legislation imposing death for homosexuality is an example of a spirituality of malice. The Arizona immigration legislation is not as bad as that, but it is plenty bad enough. However, my concern is broader than specific legislation. I would not equate the extremist rhetoric of today's American politics with the Rwandan madness -- but it is deeply troubling -- not in its content, not in its political positions -- it is troubling in its malice, its dehumanizing of those who differ.<br /><br />Christian may hold any variety of political and economic theories. But we cannot forget each other's humanity, which means we cannot forget when we speak of each other that we are speaking of God's children. Our calling is always to bless and not to curse.<br /><br />The habit of blessing grows. The habit of cursing grows. They grow in opposite dirctions. Our basic freedom is to choose which direction we as individuals and as a society choose to follow.

Reflections on Rwanda 1994

I just finished Left To Tell, a compelling memoir by a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. Imaculee Ilibigaza spent nearly 3 months cramped sh...

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Like a fish out of water

That's how my swimming went today. You know, when a poor fish is on dry land, flopping and flipping around, gasping for air. Well, that was me, but I was in the water. <br /><br />Talk about being out of my comfort zone. Now I totally remember why I quit swimming at the gym a couple years ago, it was because I'm not good at it. I tend to avoid things I'm not good at doing. I swallowed a lot of pool water the first twenty minutes as I attempted to keep my face in the water, then turn to side for air. Turns out I can't hold my breath for more than ten seconds without the fear of drowning overcoming me. <br /><br />Then Mr. Olympian swimmer had to join me in the pool. I mean, it was 5:15 a.m. for heaven's sake, why wasn't he home sleeping? He was a really good swimmer and got in the lane right next to me, and he was a show off. For every lap I did, he did two. It was slightly embarrassing.<br /><br />After about six laps of the pool, I finally gave in and did the backstroke. I'm pretty good at it and had read some tips in the Women's Health Magazine on form for the backstroke. I really got into it, tightening my abs, reaching straight up at a 45 degree angle and back as far as I could, twisting my core  slightly with each stroke. It felt like a good workout, but I had to rest after every four laps because I could barely breathe. It was like I was completely out of shape.<br /><br />I managed a total of 25 laps and I think the pool is 25 meters long. That's not great, but my goal was only twenty. I was in the pool 50 minutes, so although that's not a very long workout, it felt like hours with all that of huffing and puffing and inhaling water. Seriously, it was like my first time on the StairMaster or on the elliptical, except I had the added bonus of drowning. <br /><br />I think Roxie is right and I need a lesson or two on how to swim. At this point I can't say I loved it because it was really difficult. Especially with all that water in my nose and mouth. Also my right ear was plugged with water most of the day.<br /><br />I'm not sure this is the right exercise for me, but I'll probably do it a couple times a week, but in conjunction with some strength training. My back and shoulders are sore in places they're usually not sore so I know I worked a few new muscles that I don't normally use. <br /><br />Today was a major hungry day for me, and I went way over my Points. All healthy food, a ton of fresh vegetables and fruits, fresh halibut and a handful of those delicious, calorie/fat laden hazelnuts my husband bought last week. I asked him to get a few at the bulk foods. By a few I meant maybe 1/4 cup. I want to make a really delicious salad we had in Denver at the Spicy Pickle. It's called the Forest and had hazelnuts, along with sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, onions and Portabella mushrooms, and chunks of roasted chicken on a bed of fresh spinach. Sprinkled with...roasted hazlenuts and served with a Balsamic vinaigrette. Really yummy.<br /><br />He came  home with three freaking pounds of hazelnuts. Why?

Like a fish out of water

That's how my swimming went today. You know, when a poor fish is on dry land, flopping and flipping around, gasping for air. Well, that ...

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Confessions

<p>Hello everyone! I'm still around!! Life has been CRAZY, to say the least. There are so many things going on right now and in the midst of it all I let my running & eating go by the way-side. Bad, I know! Here are a few confessions, I need to get this off my chest! </p> <p>1. I've worked 60+ hours these past 2 weeks. <br />2. I've eaten whatever was most convenient, not the most healthy. <br />3. I haven't ran since May 9th. <br />4. I haven't been tracking my food. <br />5. I haven't stepped on the scale since May 12th when I had the 4lb loss. <br />6. I'm scared I've gained those 4lbs back & more. <br />7. I am scheduled to run a 20K in less than 2 weeks and I'm SO scared. <br />8. I leave on a 5 day work trip this Saturday. <br />9. I threw my husband a surprise birthday party and it was a huge success, he was totally surprised. <br />10. The bad thing about his party is that I ate TOO much! <br />11. My clothes are too tight. <br />12. I don't feel comfortable in my own skin. </p> <p>So that is my last 2 weeks in a nutshell! </p> <p>I wish there was a way to bottle up that determination I have at times to save for days where I have the "I just don't care" attitude". </p> <p>I have to find a happy medium. I don't not want my weight & health to be a roller coaster for the rest of my life. The only thing I can do right now is start again! And that is exactly my plan. So here is a recap of my day. </p> <p>I had left over <strong>fruit sala</strong>d for breakfast. Usually this is only 1 point for 1 cup, but I had a fairly large serving so I'm counting it for<strong> 2 points</strong>. You need to try this, it's SO good! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGbVxj6pTEuq8lerXg0k9N2WuXb2JxtumCB8UPzNgI0Ig4Bt1EDtcyBKDAJDY6pAnw4lBpZ3mn6VhA-4pJUcfo30ZeOorhpf4cV5WZSrnARacXecCf5X7raNKGHvpEJ2r9R0SXVs1ylS9/s1600-h/DSC07382%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07382" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1nng00788-xEhbihw2pjsiYERNcbjL97jDKkyQjJWl80LHZ0Ej0aZ2GkDeARz2PwoOkeSOrjezfmmEVf8_KrdrS0qCHlsuKwVDH9qpeMu7G9FXfBVRJzG2Kj9J9I_7m9Hy0XW17Or4JC/?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="DSC07382" width="404" /></a></p> <p>    *3 c sliced fresh strawberries <br />    *1 c grapes (i sliced mine in half) <br />    *1 container of ff cool whip <br />    *1 sf instant vanilla pudding <br />    *1 can crushed pineapple <br />    *1 c marshmallows </p> <p>Later on in the morning I had my favorite snack of<strong> strawberry yogurt, 1/4c </strong><a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html"><strong>homemade granola</strong></a>, and <strong>1 1/2c strawberries</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7e13TVO4Gjz9dqxRtppZN-2ZzajC5H7Dc0YUgaGzkVJnJHSur3mozbMcdj0SVrHuvzWu5QHjsJvqkz_bdvpp3RtQhNYIfzYtYZEWZ02HLA3PtBdrrKPVL780q6fvBcQ0dJlwMsEiroZb/s1600-h/DSC07383%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07383" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCrLeJ_PG7kFtmAr0qLjHWgiXT_mzMsswgcVT4ae_Sxjg4Cd_Tq-3dp4K_GRZf35eG9Kjh_dNnzSYdHAo6W6mdsu-UVh91USxc5g9Gbs_M3f3VRqiNB9aDtNzbW1kNInxz-2TCHI0Ob-a/?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="DSC07383" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I ran home for lunch today and had a <strong>turkey sandwich, 1/2c cottage cheese, steamed carrots</strong>, and <strong>1c fruit salad</strong> for a total of <strong>5 points</strong>. We had the fruit salad left over from Kyle's surprise birthday party on Saturday. I don't want it to go bad, so expect to see lots of it!! ;) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpPnL69daN-L_ZtirzXwn3zOPwgzX35eW7lI9Q7DDt82fqe4tfREzZ_5Kvgn4GkA4Y0MK5OxjjVAB-7jnfYBsKXZKKGnTlyhV_StLxkSMibMx7cDfQKv0CM5Z-BGCfCx86U9JqpLdA_AD/s1600-h/DSC07385%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07385" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisq5jW9WzjU-Nz83ROolyytXfZoW1akhwIyweMCMUhnjAQQ4gW-dfCDYLqphyrfouqtp20Io_-GVZbpEJ4X735u0Wj9GpezSR9GW0VRm-k1Q_uiyTTbz1FkDQAf0KzFD5TbVAE60T9H0gj/?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="DSC07385" width="404" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ2KaIhQ6G9ubkNCHhWIUIm0Ya350p_KL-BRCHsVS2cLYhnIPGzt6KrXC1fnmcju8Wgki2X2R4dArTlv-ritm52HN1Z8MCQKBa9sAx1DUOKPUjcpHuenL0bq6P7PW6fk8x9A61oF82z9O/s1600-h/DSC07384%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07384" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Qg38famk0P_OzgTmnJdrG7SOVwMN5ZmQ3oyfCLwCnVuPnShAFSDvGN54jiyyZEHLxu3qrsX9FduebMhyVRKVHnKGay2luLxAP3iFMkYT2cCeaUXKqNqR5G94IIwrMvfOuO2GsJXwcmXG/?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="DSC07384" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>My afternoon at work flew by and I rushed out of my office at 6pm to get a short run in before my 7 o’clock meeting at church. The run was hard & slow, but I did it! Taking 2 weeks off is NOT worth it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbLkNmIzjVgj4WgBg96vMU9CPqSEAcCCOGECLtkoq7nEBXY6nSwlLU26Fh1LoJSOXCMjAtq8zObEPkF7EKsBTR9SrqolPnc59kmyiindWGjkVT0gvSWw5iKRzO2VA6PIlVQCWA4x9-LzI/s1600-h/DSC07386%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07386" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIQoGG2v9yqfRswHhfLVFjMsnAxX9agEqyC4MUgbJtS8aSxsNsy5bZMXgZl7eaxGOwnRUhD3ypNsLlcmrOvsPyJgs_UmmgBZZcHXXyrKhUXQwgSHXqmlc9MjU42eDGH7K1XBom8msLJP5/?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="DSC07386" width="404" /></a></p> <p>When I got home from my meeting I had a summery veggie-ful supper, sweet corn & asparagus! I am estimating my supper at <strong>4 points</strong>. [i used olive oil on my asparagus and butter on my corn]<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy61Q_dVqvbscUk-eddtrGpRTNNMPw7IWkUHjM61YbpnFu-M6OFMtW6gpateydhxqKVI-Jyh7iArvfAFEk8hV5C9_1GuTwBqIQGfC-llvLRXgYCpnvgpLyItukaKPAEYzsl8gtpO4Z8yjm/s1600-h/DSC07387%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07387" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasCY4735MA9r0Rm5iSVsVM1ElAPG4Nj_LkClH_i30SJyNuBANXyXQeqm7PgZYmwVFKmF9WhYarBRwLukhU5n7_-Puo67xguRYwkmISbt1fUFsiyMJ5j4QAKq9EsswIGU49_AbbYQRtWsi/?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="DSC07387" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Well guys, that’s all for me tonight! Thanks for listening!</p> <p><strong>MONDAY’S STATS</strong> </p> <p>POINTS = 14/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 35 used/0 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =    3 today/3 week <br />WATER =  144 oz <br />EXERCISE = 22 min run</p>

Confessions

Hello everyone! I'm still around!! Life has been CRAZY, to say the least. There are so many things going on right now and in the midst o...

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Ready, Set, Go Swimming!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aH7XHExKbMm8pX3zvask3ejHhX2a7SFmf1xe-Ge3d8YSf_F8Wul5xJX6iHKaeiX6ejmEMI-aWB0V86aM9jNV6FPhVbHwIhDCZqOWGu9VX6ooXinh7GaH4E63nOqos_oHJjZXYvsZUxKm/s1600/swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aH7XHExKbMm8pX3zvask3ejHhX2a7SFmf1xe-Ge3d8YSf_F8Wul5xJX6iHKaeiX6ejmEMI-aWB0V86aM9jNV6FPhVbHwIhDCZqOWGu9VX6ooXinh7GaH4E63nOqos_oHJjZXYvsZUxKm/s320/swim.jpg" /></a></div><br />Tomorrow morning I'll be swimming to get in my cardio exercise. It's been at least two years since I went swimming in the pool at the gym.<br /><br />In February 2008 when I started Weight Watchers and made a dedication to exercise, I would get in the pool at the gym a couple times a week, but I never felt like I was getting a good workout. After a few months I gave up swimming for the StairMaster and the elliptical for my cardio workout. I'm a nut about my heart rate, and addicted to my heart rate monitor (as well as my music).<br /><br />Lately I've been feeling a little bored and tired of the elliptical, cross-ramp, StairMaster, and the hated treadmill. I'm adding in swimming to make things a little more interesting.<br /><br />I have my swimsuit laid out, along with a pair of sweatpants to throw on in the morning. My swim cap, goggles, swim shoes and towel are all packed in my workout bag.<br /><br />For some bizarre reason I'm a little nervous. It's totally silly, but it's been a while since I actually got in the pool. I know there's never anyone there at 5 a.m., and it's not even the fear of wearing a swimsuit in front of strangers. It's just because it's something different and something I haven't done every day for two and half years. I could do the StairMaster or elliptical blindfolded. Swimming seems like it takes talent. <br /><br />I'm not a strong swimmer, but I don't have a big fear of the water either. Having grown up in Alaska there wasn't a lot of opportunity to go swimming (short summers and ice cold lake water), so I've never been really comfortable being in deep water. <br /><br />My breathing technique is something I really need to work on. I sort of taught myself how to swim over the years, and have never had an actual swim lesson. My husband has taught me a few things too. He's like a fish in the water, he was a scuba instructor when I met him. It was his passion back then and he's still a really strong swimmer.<br /><br />There's a great article in the June 2010 Women's Health, "Swim Your Butt Off". I can't find it online yet, but it has a lot of tips on how swimming can be a really good workout. The line I like best is where they describe the swimmer's body. "Runners have the legs. Yoga chicks have the abs. Swimmers, well, they've got the whole package."<br /><br />Wish me luck!

Ready, Set, Go Swimming!

Tomorrow morning I'll be swimming to get in my cardio exercise. It's been at least two years since I went swimming in the pool at th...

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Planning de la semaine du 25 au 28 mai 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 mardi 25 mai de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 26 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 27 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 28 mai 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 28 mai de 09h à 12h30 (sur rendez-vous)</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 25 mai à 9h30<br /><br /><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 25 mai de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 26 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 25 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 28 mai 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 28 mai de 14h à 16h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 25 au 28 mai 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le mardi 25 ma...

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A bad weighin but I deserved it

I gained 1.4 pounds this past week. My weighin was 164.0. A total loss of 75.2 in twenty-seven months. I've hit the 75-pounds lost milestone so many times, coming and going, that's it's meaningless now.<br /><br />I'm still happy about the 75 pounds lost, but when am I going to lose the last 25 pounds? I should be there by now, at goal. Living my happy life.<br />I'm disappointed in myself. I didn't even try to stay on plan last week. The only thing I did right was exercise six days, an hour to an hour and a half each day. I didn't eat any junk or have any binges this past week, but I basically ate when I was hungry. It was healthy, nutritious food, no sugar, but I ate too much. <br /><br />Unfortunately, I think it's my lot in life to be a little hungry a lot of the time. I can't eat every time I feel hungry, because I'm always a little hungry. It's just a fact of my life, and one I have to accept, hunger is and will be part of my life.<br /><br />This week I'm going to try harder. The main thing I have to do is get back to tracking my Points (which I've done today!). I'm not sure why I quit, other than it's boring, and I sort of don't want to do it anymore. Really  it's not optional for me. I haven't figured out how to not count Points and lose weight. <br /><br />Today at Weight Watchers our leader had each of us set a weight loss goal for five weeks from today. I wanted to make my goal ten pounds, but I know I can't consistently lose two pounds a week. Not at this point in the game. I've set my goal at eight pounds in five weeks, or 1.6 pounds per week. That would put me at 156 pounds by June 26. Sounds doable, right?<br /><br /><strong>Great recipe</strong><br />Tonight's dinner was <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/halibut-with-balsamic-glaze-recipe/index.html">Halibut with Balsamic Glaze.</a> Very simple and easy and absolutely delicious. I love Alaskan halibut (wild caught of course). I didn't use honey in the recipe, but I substituted Agave instead, and only used one tablespoon. Since the marinade and glaze was just Balsamic vinegar and one tablespoon of Agave, I only counted the Points of the halibut (6 ounces cooked is 5 Points and so yummy).<br /><br /><strong>Movie review:  Avatar</strong><br />All I can say is that it wasn't nearly as horrible as I expected. In fact, I kind of enjoyed it. Definitely worth the $1.19 from Redbox. My first Redbox rental and so easy, since I'm horrible at ordering from Netflix (my husband is the Netflix pig) this is a nice alternative.

A bad weighin but I deserved it

I gained 1.4 pounds this past week. My weighin was 164.0. A total loss of 75.2 in twenty-seven months. I've hit the 75-pounds lost miles...

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Un portail unique pour les concours et le recrutement dans la Fonction publique de l’Etat

<BR><br />Un portail dédié aux concours et au recrutement dans la Fonction publique de l’Etat (FPE) pour permettre de centraliser toutes les informations sur les recrutements et faciliter les recherches des internautes vient d'être créé : <a href="http://www.concours.fonction-publique.gouv.fr">www.concours.fonction-publique.gouv.fr</a><br /><br />Destiné à toute personne qui souhaite intégrer la fonction publique d’Etat, mais aussi aux agents qui recherchent une évolution professionnelle, l’information sur les concours est complète et disponible en un lieu unique. <br />Des renseignements sur les <span style="font-weight:bold;">recrutements sans concours</span> sont de la même façon offertes à l'internaute : <span style="font-weight:bold;">recrutement des travailleurs handicapés</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">accès direct au premier grade de tous les corps de catégorie C</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Pacte</span> (Parcours d’accès aux carrières de la Fonction publique territoriale, hospitalière et d’Etat).<br /><br />L’internaute peut également accéder par un lien, à la <span style="font-weight:bold;">Bourse interministérielle de l’emploi public</span> (BIEP), afin de consulter les offres d’emploi correspondantes accessibles par la voie contractuelle ou par mobilité pour les agents.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pour effectuer sa recherche</span>, l'internaute a le choix entre deux options : « Je souhaite devenir agent public » ou « Je suis agent public ». En combinant un ou plusieurs critères, l'internaute pourra effectuer une recherche par administration, catégorie (A, B, C), grande famille professionnelle, métiers ou type de recrutement.<br /><BR>

Un portail unique pour les concours et le recrutement dans la Fonction publique de l’Etat

Un portail dédié aux concours et au recrutement dans la Fonction publique de l’Etat (FPE) pour permettre de centraliser toutes les informati...

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S’ouvrir les portes des métiers des travaux publics : visite d'entreprise le 26 mai 2010

<BR><br />En partenariat avec le PLIE, la Maison de l'Emploi du Bassin d'Orléans organise une visite d'entreprise pour découvrir les métiers des travaux publics<ul><br /><li>le mercredi 26 mai 2010<br /><li>dans les locaux de l'entreprise <strong><a href="http://www.citeos.com" target="_blank">CITEOS</a></strong>.</ul><br /><br />Le transport est pris en charge par la Maison de l'Emploi avec l'appui du PLIE.<br /><br />Le nombre de places est limité.<br /><br />Pour s'inscrire, contacter la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans : 02 38 24 18 03 ou <a href="mailto:accueil@news-these-days.fr">accueil@news-these-days.fr</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Départ</strong> : <strong>PLIE</strong>, Espace Saint Marc, 5 place du 6 juin 44, 45 000 Orléans (dans l'espace d'accueil), à 14h00 (<a href="http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=Espace+Saint+Marc,+5+place+du+6+juin+44,+45+000&sll=47.905526,1.937199&sspn=0.040851,0.077162&ie=UTF8&radius=1.79&split=1&filter=0&rq=1&ev=zi&hq=Espace+Saint+Marc,+5+place+du+6+juin+44,+45+000&hnear=&ll=47.906217,1.937199&spn=0.039412,0.077162&z=14" target="_blank">Plan</a>)<br /><BR>

S’ouvrir les portes des métiers des travaux publics : visite d'entreprise le 26 mai 2010

En partenariat avec le PLIE, la Maison de l'Emploi du Bassin d'Orléans organise une visite d'entreprise pour découvrir les métie...

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Lab results from the thyroid biopsy

No thyroid cancer! Woohoo!<br /><br />I was pretty sure I didn't have thyroid cancer. Everything I read indicated it would be okay, 95% of these nodules are benign (but I had several), and if the thyroid is functioning properly (mine is fine) then there's even less chance of cancer.<br /><br />When my doctor called today to give me the results I was a little nervous. Because I thought the technician that did my ultrasound that is deaf but sweet as can be, told me, or I thought she told me, that they would mail the results if it was good news and call me if it was bad news. So when I got the call I had a mini-panic attack and thought the call meant bad news. <br /><br />It's all good and I guess I shall live a little longer. At least I don't have thyroid cancer which is definitely a good thing.<br /><br />The only thing that concerns me now is seeing the endocrinologist. Since I have so many nodules on my thyroid there's some medication they want to give me to help stop them from growing and possibly shrink them. If they continue to grow they could become cancerous, or I could wind up with a big, ugly goiter on my neck (wouldn't that just suck?). <br /><br />I've worked to hard to be off of any kind of medication, except my asthma meds (Advair), but I rarely even use it anymore. I've been off my blood pressure medicine for over a year. Oh well, I guess it's just part of life, getting older and things start going haywire. Even if I do have to take thyroid medication for the nodules it would be better than cancer or an ugly goiter growing out the side of my neck. Things could be worse.

Lab results from the thyroid biopsy

No thyroid cancer! Woohoo! I was pretty sure I didn't have thyroid cancer. Everything I read indicated it would be okay, 95% of these no...

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Why I exercise

I'm just about ready to fall into bed. I've been sneezing and sniffling all night, allergies I think so I took a Benadryl. At least I'll be able to sleep. Waking up may be a different matter.<br /><br /><strong>To Anonymous:</strong>  thank you so much for the book review on Insomniac by Gayle Green. I just ordered it from Amazon and can't wait to get it. Maybe it'll change my life too!<br /><br /><strong>To Jenni in Seattle</strong> (<a href="http://fitdorf.blogspot.com/">Jenni's Health Journey</a>):  I love your blog and would love to post a comment but for some reason I can't. When I click on post comments it won't let me. I hope you see this!<br /><br /><strong>Why I exercise</strong><br /><br />I've been thinking about this one for a while, exactly why do I exercise almost every day? If someone asks me I give them the normal reasons, it's good for my health, it helps me lose weight and I can eat more. I feel better, my clothes fit better. All the normal reasons. I never really tell anyone the real reason I feel compelled to climb out of a warm, cozy bed every morning at 4:30am and head for the gym. <br /><br />It's because I have very low self-confidence. It's something I've suffered from my entire life. I've never felt smart enough, pretty enough, talented enough, funny enough. I've just never felt like I was "enough" of anything good. Even when I was in high school and weigh 135 pounds at 5' 6" I never felt skinny enough (or smart enough or pretty enough or...well, you get the picture). <br /><br />It's been a life long battle to try to convince myself that I am good enough, but it's a tough thing to make myself believe. That's why I exercise at least an hour a day, at least six days a week.<br /><br />It's like a little miracle happens to me every day at the gym. I work out hard, I lift fairly heavy weights for a woman. 20 and 25-pound dumbbells, 75 pound lat pulldowns, I go as heavy as I can manage with the weights and do 40 minutes strength, 30-40 minutes cardio. I do three sets of each strength exercise, a minimum of six exercises, upper one day, lower the next. I do crazy cardio workouts, drenching my body in sweat.<br /><br />While I'm working out I feel completely in control, and I feel a little...well...I'll be honest. I feel like the cool girl. I know it's silly and I know it's "just" exercise, but I'm proud of myself for how hard I've worked the past 2 1/2 years, and how hard I exercise every morning.<br /><br />It's gives me self-confidence. Not that I think I'm "all that", but I feel like a normal person. It's like hey, I exercise and I exercise hard. If I can do this then I can accomplish a lot. <br /><br />When I walk into a room full of people now I always stand up straight, shoulders back, head high, eye contact. I use to slunk into meetings at work, barely making eye contact with anyone. When I had to lead a meeting, it was a form of hell. I felt like everyone was looking at me thinking what a fat, lazy slob I was, and that I must be totally stupid to let myself look like I did at 240 pounds. <br /><br />It's so different now. I feel so different. Having some self-confidence is a new thing to me. And I like it. A lot. So that's really why I exercise and why I'll never stop. The other stuff is just icing on the cake.

Why I exercise

I'm just about ready to fall into bed. I've been sneezing and sniffling all night, allergies I think so I took a Benadryl. At least ...

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Chiffres clés - Année 2010, n 2

<BR><br />Voici le 2ème numéro de l’année 2010 des « chiffres Clés » produit par l’Observatoire de la Maison de l’Emploi du bassin d’Orléans.<br /><br />Dans ce numéro, un éclairage particulier est accordé aux résultats de l'enquête Besoins en Main-d'Œuvre (BMO 2010) dans le bassin d'Orléans.<br /><br /><a title="View Bulletin 4 2 on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/31546906/Bulletin-4-2" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Bulletin 4 2</a> <object data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" height="600" id="doc_178164242493357" name="doc_178164242493357" style="outline:none;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=31546906&access_key=key-39t6mj04hsri2jig765&page=1&viewMode=list"> <embed id="doc_178164242493357" name="doc_178164242493357" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=31546906&access_key=key-39t6mj04hsri2jig765&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed> </object> <br /><BR>

Chiffres clés - Année 2010, n 2

Voici le 2ème numéro de l’année 2010 des « chiffres Clés » produit par l’Observatoire de la Maison de l’Emploi du bassin d’Orléans. Dans ce ...

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Still dragging but hanging on

It's late, 10:14 p.m. as I write this post. I promised myself I'd post every day this week, like I've done for the past two years. Except for the past month, I've barely posted once a week. It's not like I'm out living a fabulous, fun-filled life, it's more like I'm just trying to stay afloat.<br /><br />I continue to sleep the sleep of the damned, waking up several times during the night. I've tried all kinds of things, Ambien, Simply Sleep, meditation, quiet time before bed with Sleepytime tea, Melatonin, and sleep techniques I used when I worked a graveyard shift thirty years ago that always worked like a charm. NOTHING is working. Now it's to the point where the more I worry about it, the worse it's getting. I really don't want to go back to the doctor for a sleeping aid, but I'm not sure what else to do at this point. I just know it's kind of killing me. Everything is in shades of gray when I'm exhausted.<br /><br />Even my workout this morning wasn't up to par. Usually I can fake my way through it, and I kind of did that this morning, although I seriously contemplated going home after five minutes. I made it through the hour but felt like I was climbing through mud when I was doing the StairMaster. It was as close to torture as I care to get.<br /><br />One bright spot is I have to retire my size 12 slacks. I have several pairs that I bought last fall because I gained twenty pounds when I was doing all that traveling for work. I've almost lost all of it (19), and now my size 10's all fit. This is the first time in many decades that I'll start summer at the weight I was last summer, which is a weight after losing 75 pounds. Usually by now I would have regained all 75 pounds plus an extra 10-20 for good measure. Of course, I still want to lost another 20+ pounds. Will I ever be happy with my weight? Probably not.<br /><br />I don't feel like I've beat this thing by any means, but I'm closer than I've ever been in my entire life on figuring this out. <br /><br />Today a coworker, someone that's thin and at his healthy weight, made a comment when I said "I'm soooo hungry!". He listens to me all the time saying I'm hungry. He's always watching his weight, being very careful what he eats. I complained that some days it feels more out of control than others and today was a really hard day for me food wise. He just looked at me and smiled, he said "I've just accepted that being hungry sometimes is a fact of life." He's right, that's all it is, just a fact of life. Sometimes I'm hungry, and sometimes I'm not. It's just a fact.

Still dragging but hanging on

It's late, 10:14 p.m. as I write this post. I promised myself I'd post every day this week, like I've done for the past two year...

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Green Buds On The Branch

We baptized three people at St. Christopher's, Boulder City today and received another into the Episcopal Church. Last week, we confirmed three teenagers at Christ Church, Pioche. That may not seem like a big deal to larger congregations. But to me it is something special.<br /><br />Christ Church, Pioche is in a small community that has been bypassed by the economy since its mining hey day now long past. A couple of years ago, their matriarch and priest -- then in her 90's -- suffered a fall and had to move away to assisted living. The congregation went through a difficult time of grief and adjustment.<br /><br />Unlike Pioche, Boulder City is thriving but St. Christopher's was not. They went from being a 3 priest church to a no priest church in a short time, as one moved, one became ill, and the third retired. Their understanding of themselves and how they could go about being church was no longer working, but they had not yet found a way forward. That was just last Fall.<br /><br />But Christ Church, Pioche just had an engaging upbeat home made curriculum confirmation class modeled on Jeopardy -- a class that ushered 3 teens into the Church. The congregation, inspired by the teens who now know so much interesting stuff, has decided to take the course themselves and reaffirm their Baptismal Vows next year. Meanwhile to the South, St. Christopher's, Boulder City, continues its strong tradition of community ministries, and is now growing again. I saw lots of new faces today in a church considerably more full than I've ever seen it. They are continuing a process of discernment about their future with an outside consultant. They have called Fr. Jim Lyons to serve as their priest, at least for now, and they celebrated his ministry with grateful statements interrupted by several outbursts of spontaneous applause at our forum.<br /><br />Since I have been in Nevada, there have not been intitation rites (baptisms, confirmations, receptions) at either Christ Church, Pioche or St. Christopher's, Boulder City. But now on back to back weekends, we have celebrated new life in Christ in these congregations. There are green buds on the branch. It must be Spring.

Green Buds On The Branch

We baptized three people at St. Christopher's, Boulder City today and received another into the Episcopal Church. Last week, we confirme...

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25 Best-Paying Jobs for Women

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder Editor <br /><br />When you look at Forbes magazine's most recent list of highest-paid CEO's (chief executives of the 500 biggest companies in the United States), you won't see a woman until No. 48: Irene B Rosenfeld, CEO of Kraft Foods. In a country where women make up 47 percent of the workforce, women make up just 3 percent of Fortune 500 CEO's. In addition, women who worked full time earned an average of just 80 percent of what men earned in the same positions in 2008, according to the BLS. <br /><br />But is salary disparity between genders the issue or is it something deeper? <br /><br />In the Harvard Business Review blog, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox wrote: "Women represent one of the world's biggest and most under-reported opportunities. The business world has been so focused on stories like the rise of China that it has not been invited to see that, much closer to home, business could be reaping the benefits of the rise of women. Companies -- and their business school feeders -- have been slow in adapting and profiting from this shift, and part of the reason is that media too often focus on small, sensational and misleading parts of the story, including aspects like the wage gap." <br /><br />Catalyst's February 2010 Pipeline's Broken Promise report examining high potential graduates from top business schools around the world found that, even after taking into account experience, industry and region, women start at lower levels than men, make on average $4,600 less in their initial jobs, and continue to be outpaced by men in rank and salary growth. Only when women begin their post-MBA career at mid-management or above do they achieve parity in position with men -- a situation that accounted for only 10 percent of the women and 19 percent of the men surveyed.<br /><br />Whatever the cause, the BLS reports there are only a handful of occupations where women's earnings are equal to or exceed men's including construction and extraction occupations; special education teachers; installation, maintenance and repair occupations; life, physical and social science technicians; and counselors.<br /><br />We wanted to know, what jobs pay women the most money? Here are 25 jobs where women earn $1000 a week or more, according to the BLS. One thing to note is that they all earn a fraction of their male counterparts.<br /><br />Pharmacists<br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,647 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,914 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 86.1%<br /><br />Chief executives <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,603 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,999 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 80.2%<br /><br />Lawyers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,509 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,875 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 80.5%<br /><br />Computer software engineers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,351 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,555 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 86.9%<br /><br />Computer and information systems managers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,260 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,641 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 76.8%<br /><br />Physicians and surgeons<br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,230 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,911 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 64.4%<br /><br />Management analysts <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,139 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,391 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 81.9%<br /><br />Human resources managers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,137 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,433 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 79.3%<br /><br />Speech-language pathologists <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,124 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: * <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: **<br /><br />Computer and mathematical occupations <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,088 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,320 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 82.4%<br /><br />Computer scientists and systems analysts <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,082 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,240 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 87.3%<br /><br />Physician assistants <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,077 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: ** <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: **<br /><br />Medical and health services managers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,066 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,504 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 70.9%<br /><br />Physical scientists, all other <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,061 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,535 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 69.1%<br /><br />Postsecondary teachers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,056 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,245 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 84.8%<br /><br />Marketing and sales managers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,024 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,601 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 64%<br /><br />Physical therapists <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,019 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,329 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 76.7%<br /><br />Occupational therapists <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,016 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: ** <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: **<br /><br />Registered nurses<br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,011 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,168 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 86.6%<br /><br />Managers, all other <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,010 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,359 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 74.3%<br /><br />Psychologists <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,004 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: ** <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: **<br /><br />Computer programmers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,003 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,261 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 79.5%<br /><br />Architecture and engineering occupations <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,001 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,286 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 77.8%<br /><br />Advertising and promotions managers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,000 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: ** <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: **<br /><br />Education administrators <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,000 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,398 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 71.5%<br /><br />*No data or data that do not meet publication criteria.<br /><br />** Data not shown where the male employment base is less than 50,000.<br /><br />Kate Lorenz is the editor for CareerBuilder.com and its job-seeker blog, www.TheWorkBuzz.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow CareerBuilder on Twitter www.twitter.com/CBforjobseekers.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

25 Best-Paying Jobs for Women

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder Editor When you look at Forbes magazine's most recent list of highest-paid CEO's (chief executives of ...

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Why Do Employers Care About Your Credit?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/sv/ar5m6ly680lntn7gd7sv.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/sv/ar5m6ly680lntn7gd7sv.gif" wt="true" /></a></div>By Rachel Farrell, CareerBuilder.com writer <br /><br />When you're looking for a job, you're probably not thinking about your credit score. <br /><br />But, you might want to start. <br /><br />Though many people argue that credit scores have nothing to do with their capabilities on the job, some employers say differently. Sixty percent of employers recently surveyed by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) said they run credit checks on all or some potential new hires. That's up from 43 percent in 2006 and 25 percent in 1998.<br /><br />Opinions on whether or not this is fair vary. Supporters of credit checks don't think it's any different than checking a candidate's references. But opponents see it as unfair -- especially in this economy. And rightfully so. Medical issues, divorce or a job layoff and subsequent missed bills can wreck an otherwise perfect credit score in an instant. <br /><br />"There are lots of good reasons not to hire someone. Usually, bad credit alone isn't one of them. And yet, it's become the reason du jour, to disqualify an otherwise highly qualified person to do a job they're particularly well suited for," says Milan P. Yager, president and CEO of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations. "As job fields become closed and increasingly competitive, you can bet that more employers are utilizing credit check options than ever before." <br /><br />So, why do employers look at your credit history?<br /><br />The reasons vary. Sometimes it may be because of the nature of the position to which you're applying. <br /><br />"Certain categories of employers regularly review credit histories [such as] banks, brokerage houses, government and other financial institutions. Evaluation of credit history is [also] frequently applied to accounting and money management positions where there is potential for fraud and embezzlement," says Wendy Powell, author of "Management Experience Acquired." "Employers have a responsibility to assure that the proper due diligence is applied. Be prepared for the possibility of a credit review, not only in the application process, but also throughout the employment relationship."<br /><br />Other employers look at credit histories in order to separate one candidate from another.<br /><br />"Credit report information is an excellent data point when comparing and contrasting two or more candidates for the same position," says Jay Meschke, president of EFL Associates, an executive search company. "If, for example, an applicant reports a significant level of personal debt obligations or credit delinquencies that might distract that person from his or her job responsibilities, then a hiring entity may take that information into consideration when comparing such an applicant to another comparative candidate without such distractions."<br /><br />Or, maybe a company just wants to get a better idea of the person it's considering to hire.<br /><br />"Financial information may not be the employer's priority. Insuring that your employees are responsible and ethical is a must," Yagar says. "Relying on character references is becoming less reliable than verifying records and professionally screening workers beforehand. It's true that credit checks can verify demographic and location information. They will include identifiers such as name, spouse, social security number, alias, address, phone and previous employment."<br />Barry Maher, author of "Filling the Glass," adds that a credit report can provide a snapshot of a person's economic life that may confirm or contradict the résumé. <br /><br />"Perhaps someone claims they made a good six-figure income for the last 10 years yet they show repeated credit problems during that period. Are they lying about their income? Are they poor money managers? Do they have a major financial issue that's draining their resources? Any of these might (or might not) have a negative effect on their job." <br /><br />The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs almost all issues related to the use of credit reports. Job applicants have the right to a copy of his or her credit report, and law requires the hiring entity to provide a copy to the job applicant. In addition, if an employer decides not to hire a candidate based on the results of a credit report, the candidate must be told the reason why and be provided with the credit report information.<br /><br />Job seekers must be prepared with how to deal with a potential employer looking at their credit report.<br /><br />If you have a less than stellar credit score, here are three things you can do: <br /><br />1. Be prepared for the scrutiny<br /><br />"Just as you would if showing your home to a prospective buyer, tidy up your credit record before you put your career on the market," Yager says. "Know your credit score, and examine your credit record. If there's an error, U.S. residents can visit the Federal Trade Commission's website to learn step-by-step how to dispute and correct the error. But keep in mind, there is no quick fix that instantly raises a credit score so have some patience."<br /><br />2. Bring up issues on your own<br /><br />"As an applicant, if you've got credit problems and the company asks permission to run a credit report, you're far better off if you bring up any issues they're likely to uncover proactively, getting out your side of the story before the company even realizes there is a story," Maher says. "A lot of people have problems with their credit, particularly nowadays. But you need to control the story, not let the credit reporting company control it. Hiring companies understand no applicant is perfect but they want to understand that imperfection, whatever it may be."<br /><br />3. Realize you're not alone<br /><br />"In most cases, a degradation of credit history is a slow process and would most likely affect those candidates that have been out of work the longest the most. Remember, if your credit history has been damaged, you're in the same boat as countless job candidates. And don't forget, it's a huge boat!" Powell says. "Employers have a responsibility to hire the most competent and qualified candidate. Be prepared and have a plan."<br /><br />Get the latest job search news and advice on CareerBuilder.com's job seeker blog www.TheWorkBuzz.com and follow us on Twitter @CBforJobSeekers.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

Why Do Employers Care About Your Credit?

By Rachel Farrell, CareerBuilder.com writer When you're looking for a job, you're probably not thinking about your credit score. But...

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Forget low energy, I have NO energy

I'm not sure what is wrong with me today but I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep forever. I'm exhausted and that's after eight hours of sleep last night. Maybe it's the twelve and half hours of flying in the last week and a half. Seattle-Denver-Seattle, Seattle-Dallas-Seattle, almost back to back.<br /><br />I just feel like my life's blood has been sucked out of  me. I managed a really good workout last night at the gym. Thirty minutes on the StairMaster and fifty minutes of heavy strength training. I'm dressed right now for the gym but just the thought of exercising is exhausting me. I'm not sure how I'm going to actually get there and do a good workout. <br /><br />In addition, I'm hungry! Sometimes I just have days where all I can think about is food. Today is one of those days. It's not even lunch yet, and I'm starving. <br /><br />Tired and hungry is a really bad combination for me. It makes me feel weak and really susceptible to out-of-control eating. I guess today is going to be one of those "one minute at a time" kind of days. <br /><br />I'm heading out to the gym and then run a few errands. My plan is to be home by 2pm so we can just relax before the work week starts. Maybe a nap is in my future. :)

Forget low energy, I have NO energy

I'm not sure what is wrong with me today but I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep forever. I'm exhausted and that's after ...

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Planning de la semaine du 17 au 21 mai 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 17 mai de 9h à 12h30,<br />- le mardi 18 mai de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 19 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 20 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 21 mai 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> (sur rendez-vous)<br />- lundi 17 mai de 13h30 à 17h <br />- vendredi 21 mai de 09h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarits-nouvelles-face-au-chmage.html">Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage</a></strong> - mercredi 19 mai de 10h à 12h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 18 mai de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 19 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 18 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 20 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 21 mai 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 21 mai de 14h à 16h</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Rendez-vous Grand Maillage</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong><a href="http://www.grandmaillage.org/article-petit-dej-grandmaillage-20-mai-2010-48887931.html">Petit déj Grand Maillage</a></strong> - jeudi 20 mai de 08h30 à 10h <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineha-kWXe2qGMxu8B4N0rXcx-SNjM0dfZr9KBWe4E8lYbWyGP9zbBODLp8i4_Fw82ul8fvXc6J7SiaHnJBMSuJyyriXIaRYj_9yf_6vMInRNmZeH-dpmDibjau1Yl71qauPgjcHQ4hIdC/s1600/Petit-Dej-20-mai-2010-copie-1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472145936295213938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineha-kWXe2qGMxu8B4N0rXcx-SNjM0dfZr9KBWe4E8lYbWyGP9zbBODLp8i4_Fw82ul8fvXc6J7SiaHnJBMSuJyyriXIaRYj_9yf_6vMInRNmZeH-dpmDibjau1Yl71qauPgjcHQ4hIdC/s200/Petit-Dej-20-mai-2010-copie-1.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" /></a></ul>

Planning de la semaine du 17 au 21 mai 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 17 ma...

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I'm still alive!

It was a very busy week. Last weekend we were in Denver for my niece's graduation and got home on Sunday. Driving in to work Monday morning and thinking about all the things I needed to do at work that day it hit me, I had to go to Dallas on Wednesday and return Thursday night. Somehow I had totally forgotten about this trip. <br /><br />The Dallas trip turned out to be fine. I was a bit apprehensive since I was traveling with a coworker that was fairly new to my team (one year), and I barely knew him other than a few casual conversations. We got to knew each other better and he's a really great guy. I think I've found a new friend on my team. It always amazes me the experiences people have had in life and what interesting lives they've led. John was no exception and has had a very fascinating life (formerly a musician traveling with famous rock bands and now a software developer - I had no idea). <br /><br />Yesterday was my fine needle aspiration on my thyroid, which is a biopsy to check for cancer. 95% of the time these thyroid nodules are benign. I was prepared with  my eye mask, my noise canceling headphones and my iPod, and I was on Xanax. I won't say I didn't feel a thing, because I did, but it wasn't bad. It was more the idea of needles being stuck in my neck that was sort of causing me anxiety than the actual process.<br /><br />The doctor told me he wanted to do six needles, but most people stop him at four. Six is the preferred number because each needle only gets one or two cells. After four needles (and I was counting) he lifted my headphones and said we've done four, can we go on and do six? I told him no problem, go for it, I was fine. <br /><br />The weird thing he was doing is that the needle doesn't just go in and come out, but it goes in then he pumps the needle up and down several times. It didn't really hurt since I had a local anesthetic in my neck, but it didn't feel good either. I lost count but knew he'd done more than two additional needles. <br /><br />When he was done he told me I was a real trooper and that he'd done twelve needles in my neck and thought he had gotten some really good samples to send to the lab. Again I told him it really wasn't that big of a deal and he said most people wouldn't agree with me. I'll get the results back next week. A phone call if it's serious, by mail if it's not serious.<br /><br />The sweet nurse told me my neck was thin and long so it was easy for the doctor to get to my thyroid. A lot of people have short, thick necks and the thyroid sits down on the collarbone making it really hard for the needle to get to it. I never thought I had a long neck but apparently it's longer than most. I don't think that's really a compliment, but if it causes less pain for something like this then I'll happily live with my long, skinny neck. <br /><br />Exercise this week hasn't been the best, with only two good workouts on Monday and Tuesday. I attempted working out in Dallas on Wednesday and Thursday but the hotel fitness center was tiny, the equipment kind of wobbly and rickety, and everything felt sticky from the humidity. Plus I was just totally exhausted. I attempted to work out both days and actually got on the elliptical but only last five minutes each time. It felt like it was going to fall over sideways. Plus it was hot, humid and I was tired. <br /><br />Considering I was walking and standing up both days in the airport while I worked, I think I burned a few more calories than I would have if sitting at my desk all day.<br /><br />I tried to eat healthy both days in Dallas, eating salads at T.G.I. Fridays, the only restaurant that had halfway decent food near our gate, having grilled chicken breast and double the broccoli at the hotel restaurant where I happen to know they serve the great Chicken Alfredo. <br /><br />At the hotel I ate the free breakfast buffet, but skipped the gravy and biscuits with bacon (which my coworker ate), and had two boiled eggs, a banana, and a bowl of raisin bran with non-fat milk. I ate a tiny little 4 ounce non-fat yogurt and read the ingredients later. Corn syrup and 16 grams of sugar! My breakfast was 12 Points. I was somewhat horrified since I usually have a delicious 6 Point breakfast at home, but the damage was already done. <br /><br />I weighed in this morning at 162.6. Not bad, almost a four pound loss since my last weigh-in of 166.4. <br /><br />One thing I want to mention is that I don't have this all figured out. A couple posts ago I wrote this is my new normal, eating right and exercising. For the most part that's true. <br /><br />Yet sometimes I still have moments where I feel really hungry and really want to eat massive amounts of unhealthy food. My guess is that this is similar to what smokers and alcoholics go through after they quit smoking or drinking. I have to fight the urge with all willpower when this happens. It's been weeks since I've had a serious binge (maybe months), but I know it could still happen at any time. I'll have to remain on guard the rest of my life.<br /><br />I received a postcard from my Weight Watcher leader this week. It said "I'm so proud of you. Do this until you die!". My husband thought it sounded morbid, but I know she speaks the truth. I have to do this until I die. It's just a fact of life, and I'm okay with it.

I'm still alive!

It was a very busy week. Last weekend we were in Denver for my niece's graduation and got home on Sunday. Driving in to work Monday morn...

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Tired Tuesday

<p>Hello friends!! Was that totally mean of me <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/celebrating-mothers-day-saturday.html">yesterday</a> or what? Well I won’t keep you in the dark any longer!!</p> <p>Remember <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/coming-clean.html">last week</a> when I was honest with my weight and that Tuesday’s are my WI day, well I weighed in this morning and the scale said <strong>168</strong> which means a<strong> 4.5lb loss</strong>! I’ll take it!</p> <p>Monday night I didn’t sleep well at all (maybe an hour or 2)! I ended up taking a 1/2 day off work to catch up on sleep. Kyle was kind enough to make me breakfast when I got up for my day at 11am! He made me <strong>ff pancakes</strong> with <strong>bananas</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cXgK3MXrJJNvKwrB2dnpTNnJCIahWGEmdlLvR7eW2_MnKm3Ie7PMaXIsgB_WwOI8-d7gmqaWSqlPWZ2urRHpNztkYGio5ZX4K4Rsq7fgMdi9ruujIV018BlM3TXfKS5ObFQitSHXNsGc/s1600-h/DSC07255%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07255" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdonnlmAO5EZOj3Eu0SGp83Mo-jUx1mCrXijoqOXQAov2s6RQ11JU3j8ZzpCcx74uEU_zME5zxBvQ1Q2M3ojFHRqBxUZI1MqfJa52jkNF1QUJS7GkFV1l3QZ0FpI4cz4KOVwi-zgIuopH/?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="DSC07255" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I got to work mid-day and didn’t slow down until I left at 7pm! I did take a little time to have some <strong>yogurt</strong> with <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html"><strong>homemade granola</strong></a> for<strong> 2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7G3JyhMKRR9gJS7bputJ844jus7Hx_LG_LE2BhnjASjuDPZyk96DvOEepQbAd6nyvvyQw1FJVYXVZJa5Y7yNBjM2KNkTXnFqXhfVqkhPrsaPSRUKb3CHyNnCTAlK1T_GHzQ8167A1yRo/s1600-h/DSC07256%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07256" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjGqwNtpuAFa02wd2nNxq5EilTQTaJyQiiwxjrKnaUxd8pRVFOVvkcMCIDIDWPZbuBNu37-uuHxI8MAs_n4T5dirFmX140Blh24fkAMTq_72Mr_8231R_r77H8brtV_rD6NsBFblxDBDT/?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="DSC07256" width="404" /></a></p> <p>And I can’t forget my super sweet husband brought me and my staff in my office some <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/ram-5k-park-time.html">lemon ice cream from the Dariette</a>! I think we all appreciated it! I was so excited though and didn’t get a picture. (<strong>8 points</strong>…it was a big serving)</p> <p>I think Kyle is on a role today because he also made me supper! I had this delicious looking plate ready for me when I walked in the door! It consisted of <strong>ff hot dog</strong>, a <strong>cheeseburger</strong> on a <strong>sandwich thin</strong>, <strong>strawberries</strong>, & <strong>grapes</strong> for a total of <strong>10 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTeI54Ds6SdULfHGNrsc6g3uYMuK-O0UWKA3bqlu14O45S_lTf-NRxdKA2MKz6xgFaaOioZuA6DWCANmTUxicYojbfjKus6kT3pUzwRuPw7_tisi695AkBHkBOQwEh0goyCz9vpLtrZE3/s1600-h/DSC07257%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07257" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCzEXzVJ43KombIx0D_d_1npdeSSDy-56tqdIFfwzzGqCtIjNTrGMU7frs6zWeULpnG0jy_SrNkItVKynxV33D6b0WQSiI0S9FA-U62aPFMVhKxMECbF1pXjdv9_btOI_PHSI3TXLPNAc/?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="DSC07257" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I haven’t ran since Sunday, but I can’t let it get to me. I need to take care of me. If I am exhausted from little sleep and stressful days at work I think it’s ok to rest from work outs, as long as its just a day or 2. </p> <p><strong><em>What’s your take on rest days?</em></strong></p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 26/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 3 used/32 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   0 today/0 week <br />WATER = 64 oz <br />EXERCISE = nada</p>

Tired Tuesday

Hello friends!! Was that totally mean of me yesterday or what? Well I won’t keep you in the dark any longer!! Remember last week when I ...

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Celebrating Mother’s Day

<p>I’m going to try to keep this short, but sheesh I didn’t realize how many pictures I took on Saturday (over 70)!! </p> <p>I started my morning out working at our graduation ceremony at work. I was bummed I couldn’t sleep in, but once I got going I was a-ok!</p> <p>Afterwards I raced home, chatted with Kyle a bit, and then met my Grandma and 2 of my sisters at a local tea room!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZKsun_bWq1yRknUEhr2n3lTZ5qJD6iFHkmacASDbS7yakbhRv5uXXaVPVN7bEoaXTAGOrYWJGtIhXhNluCBfYzHiH_A2q3kQbzkkDzExCtV50THITk0h9WpG1B-lr5oWgthSo2Z7cdRE/s1600-h/DSC071983.jpg"><img alt="DSC07198" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o6I4MRvjuuSQaoMo3nXUVGdFFxq792Q9qZGdcO1Zb0oGpHoF_X6-op0z1tUM4uIckgQi4TF2V64QcGJsgsOnXe4oR8VKuDdeJmJfiXjRY4TIslTfuYXN-fKTyGhVs3dVhh7vN7OSFQSN/?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="DSC07198" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Tea rooms hold a special place in my heart. A farmer/neighbor growing up owned one and I started working there when I was 12. Yes, 12! I drove the 4 wheeler to work on all gravel roads! I started a dish washer and after that (and I got a little older!) I waitressed, hosted, and worked in the gift shop! It was so fun. But unfortunately it closed. So whenever I get the chance to go to one I’m all for it!</p> <p>The menu changes each day while keep a few of their “staples” like soup in a bread bowl or their famous chicken salad! I ordered the <strong>Almond Chicken</strong>. Here is the description from the menu:</p> <p align="center"><em>A boneless breast of chicken is lightly breaded with crushed almonds, and seasoned bread crumbs. Baked and served with real mashed potatoes, and smothered in a creamy baby Swiss cheese sauce, and served with candied carrots, a homemade Italian Style cole slaw, and our home baked sweet bread.</em></p> <p align="left"><strong><em><u>Amazing!!</u></em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4adxtWTv6Txb70G2UoT64HgKGdIq6LNMZn7ioFIWkJhT3E0Ts669wkcojGhjrShR7Pc4fNan9KUfGTrw7uoibQ_in46dVVEgBZ2XPcz7kxvBB0aPli6Q712t1n6jBJwpa-k722retrtk/s1600-h/DSC071953.jpg"><img alt="DSC07195" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqQItBWtJP4Q3aqY9hxRy7XGZmc-rSlFIvFO0DmWlB-WDriY22do1QJk1WqYBeu82zL-2vdCDL9Pgs_BjqI5MyEUpoejxkRD0qZX4nNUb98vr1sNdDWV3j6JjVDfApMLreZ9REiBgewBF/?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="DSC07195" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">For desert we ordered the puff pastry…look how HUGE this thing is!! The middle is filled with vanilla mousse, strawberries, banana, and whip cream. Don’t worry, we split it 4 ways! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsQ6O8vzVtADGhjy89cYRHfrddhTOG5pZmUqLr8qPPxrBEjPfCd2OTRABKc4PkoDsVT_9B87kTbv0LbMMPTov5zFfxTDsJBN6O3Rf1XkAgQBZrB2g7RvNAik_Ru_gq8gUtoojn47DVIYC/s1600-h/DSC071963.jpg"><img alt="DSC07196" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE19stZolIu4OuoMZ7IS-0_NPtq2d6x4DKgxzU_mZbXvKl37rE2Di-64cv0jTLBplaOyLwfULH2emqZWHlNQJ23Ss1Mu2irluG-6D_Vx6Vy9kQdpCMqoSj4KjyOu5qo75R1riRaxkdXcAk/?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="DSC07196" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">Happy Mother’s Day to my Grandma! We had a wonderful visit and didn’t leave there until after 2pm!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cIx8rySHQwWFbPVLceSOdBoPBc-hothmYD5bboUgT5PM4x3O5mGV3vlROwJDKZjJQODSK1Lj8dhyphenhyphen-2NVV2HtrCHZgsO1sosR4b9PC_NivJnOmiyo5xDi9xwJHhyJF1Ftep2vfWi8iIaI/s1600-h/DSC071973.jpg"><img alt="DSC07197" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcXw97bRpgqazVqnYt1iBpMiiwO9-sLWnVAyVSW86wYZweRHFi7hQWqvRF6Z5nfRR5_WZrR559hBIWSk62i6z7xn3pemeY4HPFv9qDfy4biD49U-u0tPPERGMg5ZgDZ5Pv0d1g4JraS6K/?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="DSC07197" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">Next up was celebrating <strong><em>Mother’s Day with my Mom</em></strong>! And can you believe in the 6 hours we were at her house I forgot to get a picture with her. Here is one from my little sister’s college graduation this past December. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pY0YuE7povZIXfUB_yZdApkxXGhplkJkX8pCbo3CQBEfR5CnRfmYZPU6HCoct4RuCSgdN5d85K6uq7PGzGmDJJ9svlHG0FqDkqBWQjQnZiWjDfqvG_5vifZ39nJ2oNgEthcxZ3pTLftz/s1600-h/DSC053003.jpg"><img alt="DSC05300" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-qycO3gAmyGv9MOGgM0hWouw92S6j3J7Wu-LuWXC96SGP28dYzmULDXwY5bhymHsmGCGAUBwK-S3wjX7KlvLdqObiSaCmmzMZQVV2XlFtUpqvtEVHFH29INMwreKwlHrEyp3krFIE-jg/?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="DSC05300" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">My Mom & Step Dad were watching my niece, Maya, while my Step-Dad’s daughter & her husband were on a mission trip. It was fun to have a little 4 year old add some extra entertainment to our evening!</p> <p align="left">She took an extra special liking to Kyle! Here they are giggling on the couch!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxLNoYKR2QNojEUVWKHp_D9FJriHNTMfYCswPZiM5206Cy6KRoyjZ2hYm_J9Vonhm-rcyiFPdLGURPudd2rFSzQCnxhyks6CYvbKCQsv0R7pub6Hq8OWN1VVqI1Gt_oSvaUn1voiSJ-bY/s1600-h/DSC072003.jpg"><img alt="DSC07200" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_aeT_xsC4thurrtqY5SpxfSuRyIz-NLEHo4QTyO3ZvZ_vjyUVGz9acwU35_ysLwbYpim-pY0DNOQXhpu5Owrx5Arh-jrwJRGIIIYpO43Z25BmVpIMGJu5SR_w5oMFKo5c2IEEoxMprbn/?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="DSC07200" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">We grilled for supper. Here is what my plate consisted of: ff hot dog, roasted potatoes, asparagus, and fruit salad. You MUST try this salad!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVrn1cIkite16-DJHbGLgYbvdAToTYjlUk39INZTuuwi7WdFDvghcJWIAh4Uj6Ez79SrFysHxd_xT-vGworDwzDK1hYidkKW0RtlyCgAxCGAtpshalHZPzQlEZ6KaoKgt-Q99Y9zhc1OS/s1600-h/DSC07202%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07202" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gYCWpNLIRngE440Nv5lCOD1p7qIFXdKCYg2gtq6M4Ml6L4eqgPqpApcRZB6f3WBuz85T2L2iMXRDWrB43dJEKaCWMPB1u7AP-tiDAwG_oj1VIph0DcWS4KtmfpcwGrvI1Q_2baSD_GFD/?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="DSC07202" width="404" /></a></p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">3 c sliced fresh strawberries</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 c grapes (i sliced mine in half)</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 container of ff cool whip</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 sf instant vanilla pudding</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 can crushed pineapple</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 c marshmallows</div> </li> </ul> <p align="left">Mix pudding and crushed pineapple together, then fold in cool whip. Then add fruit. 1 c = 1 point!! You can also substitute 3 apples for the strawberries. This recipe is from my friend, <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/03/guest-post-2-jenna.html">Jenna</a>!</p> <p align="left">Maya thought it was silly that I photographed my food and wanted her picture taken too!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixcnF3lRFD3Ol8zyz6kND1jKPZ83x13HSactEUJDEySuS9ZZPIMcSM0gjhwzVz6QKT5YufDqeLKmrbELpLADfBaqkykUmhynTAARJMvgFPbcrBh6wVAXG2PdjOkA2yQNMotaILyIn1Lrt/s1600-h/DSC07203%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07203" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKrM_NeBaf_V__PIZj_nhv5-CXoOnmuHx_OgirjFGEQLN8aurltPF9xIKQ42d3JYJjQMFF9M1j82KEW6DfFngB4FExeK4sA9cD79T81qGtNbRa5o9GreR0ghMtwcKBnek-CUmEpU5B6ou/?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="DSC07203" width="404" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> And her plate too! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKriQXIoySB6m22CFtkTZ3IWbDs7htwzMh1V79Jaqp_K1iytH05fLWb0fIA87bKz1Z04WE_UyEH4jitnWxNSHZ5FUCRUcxn3oFSff__ajgr8tC8I_FxrdHDFcBb0AXaDD7shL6syKSOx7/s1600-h/DSC07204%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07204" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6bgqLhkPurdmaeP2XLrQHwTsxtMECVO7C6mb6vjp0vvNYEZzip4-ADYXJjmW7hLXeMZo0mSL__VCMK_ohKaVznn4nfmMS86wM2djThKihB8Xk9Dndcaus7o1iQLphDTct7a8S6Sdd_oS/?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="DSC07204" width="404" /></a> <p></p> <p> After supper we went for a walk…the whole family!  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcsPgUPr-jvA_E-PTAn7RiXpQDnLSSvyJ3KbrcuMHRmclpOt963-BOUjfuq37zGueq6HDfN1EmAlyR9_nWJTXcm3HMd_9nJdRkr7LpFweGertoiOGhwYNTvTZyh1aayoiVHkNI4ywCBe6/s1600-h/DSC07206%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07206" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PZY3AicAj4wX8IcDkHdXwoYyxgiVPU8qaXkLyhvoZmhDVAvjlhG9_TbCUDk7MjTCO3tcwPzIXN81rly_ggxltydpxFooC1_yRLaLps93lXlSmhqAsP0vmL5PYZ7JE3Ulc1mg19ZFx159/?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="DSC07206" width="404" /></a></p> <p>We made a stop at the park for Maya…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNLhekK49GUmg86xoeToS3UHnc323ng3Y7lBGIlqcvOcwuhVNchtjm_syEn5Zu1rF4fUr4276lT_xPhkUF-2eD_C-x2O7mAaYC_JTYJLtxF7ImQaupNnX7Fh0QU6WoCCcpAAunJUlKMqF/s1600-h/DSC07215%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07215" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SsBJ4FcEYKAvQ-YOIMFmxQMzJjv4WzZaM9jrd0Ln-R9jRYU5eUjEEaY-f72LfiYuvjkr_n3wzGyFVb8yATauvurIWM4JL7vH2ViiKzvT26OBVdVO_NyYYZVCCWNMJFNeNf5tUBdswGyj/?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="DSC07215" width="404" /></a></p> <p>And maybe for the “big kids” too! ;)     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9lDegucaLoWJqTVXvTChoKqSYwDf7eAVhu2DQSEml84Mhi1GdV7pwQ17LamdFGM5PrI5Q6U7Xd0LY4Pz7Ab3X2BBN9w-w5oKXwcD3yaQBOYCTNFwH5Wo3bLVpmw71KllFx8ZSqkw-IAQ/s1600-h/DSC07217%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07217" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvHH5sgCQxdGUpHQjyq9rQ2lx0Fou53qGe6FgoB5Db-TlWClUVaNbNtNx6nR-YFEdjtZ2fC6VBuhihIzKRaTOMOnguZdcC5yQdKOBYny67qTNLaD5F9yAw4VFWmW62_HXpfKl4lcMA28s/?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="DSC07217" width="354" /></a>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF64ch3dTAfvcDLL0mPlRLMsDffBwu4URKEZTmdiAiZfIi11GTNVVy56v5hkl6T2RlnUY4nCgNHXhLq9ujjkH5iVQPLLtxjai4FzwrQgFPFKOfgL4ueR66ZTueoTVURtrCyaiy_QrFTlnl/s1600-h/DSC07219%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07219" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtifp2KoMLHEloKBHdQfpnSAIWBeq1sUYnweuq6on9Cx9oyWsyexp5HEoTSOEd0JJSqBl3JTyUw-1HWtsX1ZW9cQDFGRubXx9t0qcfdeR6ITzDegl9wdmLrajF7_DF9GRr-FkIsqwQRPL/?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="DSC07219" width="404" /></a>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm8j83_7WKdCDLWF5xXtybGL2Nl4w2pyf3VlulNC8VIr7-E9Z0YpVsxEFveb24JjRAo74zM7JtI_F6dLaNbzUxWve9yo1pVDZrWpVSAci_K4Uo3DkM2hg07GiQXl5T83ymN3Lma9Ryz6l/s1600-h/DSC07221%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07221" border="0" height="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW59zWzmDai9dmwCzntgPZnkNyzi_Bb_JAXrtBQxaxTnVq-ZFu-Qz1Ay83cWIL7944Z0fs1R1OoLxL7Hf4vduHzg20Py0Pm1P-2S1RVJPgpnLBMpUi0ajQi9K6-sxMljZ0FpdFCn2DNEb8/?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="DSC07221" width="384" /></a>    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_Pxf2KmmkcOOM1rd_tcnD5BGXxt57fMAuSU9q8XfC3dLkJmJaHSUDNMJnvsKhp3jCVrikLmG1X_qdMs3XBalj3A-YK4VZ-tAPKnDcU8t-NceNU2o3_l8oWLTpxxDnP56cLuKijKEMBNb/s1600-h/DSC07225%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07225" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnM5IjgRkTFAIoWx7ZaJhFQEFqW2aReK2pgzstP4y1RGmP054Pg62qGDrNCVYC3U-7zNQcCOHAc-OLHK47NmnCrn6Ar5ekuX3-ARbpRt4inHkk2Ai2U6gKSmqBJb9hllF6VSmy4Zwe5gQ/?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="DSC07225" width="404" /></a>           <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEKoB4MYK7PAAYK6N-pJBzDFbq54ivzIQat9Bi7xf66PlKevrHWC1R5sSZxEnX3pzZ2ms78jWnFVkjsClLr4u6xed8KYMmsG2G5tHCFR7pHd1WVZq2aWkcpsns0DpCk5LAN9Pb-nb2-LR/s1600-h/DSC07236%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07236" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5H0GXuo5a9iXCp71-AeARH3-_g9Ts7D6HOKhu4Sa9JQhtu8y9Q1jB_zRFF8zXi6llbEw44e-k9vR8A9kuRcgdCLlKNH-HTWSW7RfzL31ZoUDBJOKSZNibr2wZfp1CSIOgnG2lnO-z4Sk/?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="DSC07236" width="404" /></a></p> <p>After our park time we finished up our walk and headed back to my Mom’s. (You can tell from the pictures that it was getting dark!) We had desert and called it a night!</p> <p>Sunday we celebrated Mother’s Day with Kyle’s Mom with going out to a brunch buffet after church. It was a great weekend celebrating the wonderful Mom’s in our life. I hope you were able to spend some time you Mom!</p> <p>So I know this is late getting posted, but wanted to share my weekend with you guys! The beginning of my week has been eve CRAZIER than my busy weekend, if that is even possible! But I have good news for you guys….</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>But you will have to wait till tomorrow find out! ;)</p>

Celebrating Mother’s Day

I’m going to try to keep this short, but sheesh I didn’t realize how many pictures I took on Saturday (over 70)!! I started my morning out...

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