Interfaith Relational Power For The Common Good

The Episcopal Church is involved in interfaith broad based community organizing in Reno and the Las Vegas Valley. Our efforts are really quite simple, but people have a hard time grasping it. This is such a different approach to our common life that it is like speaking a foreign language. It isn't starting with a divisive issue and gathing the people who agree to fight with the other side. Interfaith organizing believes relationships and knowledge lead to a different kind of power -- relational power to heal society instead of dominating power for win-lose controversies. It is a different way of being a people together. The statment below is how I explained our goals to a meeting of Las Vegas Valley Interfaith attended by 254 people from 72 different churches, mosques, and synagogues two weeks ago.<br /><br />From what Charles Redmond has told you<br />of our accomplishments so far,<br />you can see we are here to do something new<br />– something different.<br />We are here to change things at a deeper level than usual.<br /><br />Usually when we set out to do some public good, we start with an issue.<br />People who care about the same issue<br />get together, take a stand, win or lose, then go home and forget it.<br />Relationships have not been formed.<br />People have connected to causes, not each other.<br />The basic pattern of fragmented, broken community has not been changed.<br /><br />This is different.<br />Instead of starting with issues, we start with people.<br />We are forming a network of relationships<br />among Las Vegas Valley people who ordinarily<br />would not know each other.<br />I have new friends here I would not have known<br />and my life is already the better for it.<br />We intentionally cross the lines of race, religion, and politics.<br />We are Muslims and Catholics, Methodists and Jews.<br />We are Democrats, Republicans, Greens, and Independents.<br />We are black, white, brown, and Asian.<br /><br />We are knitting together this diverse community<br />by hearing each others’ stories.<br />We are learning together how our government,<br />our economy, and our schools work<br />so we can make them work better.<br /><br />We have no ideology except grass roots democracy<br />– common people taking responsibility for our common life<br />– and working for our common good.<br />We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the issues of this decade,<br />and we will still be standing shoulder to shoulder<br />in the next decade when new issues arise.<br />Divided, we are too politically weak to make our voices heard.<br /><br />But together, we can make a difference<br />in the foreclosure crisis, the decline of our schools,<br />the plight of families in which a member is undocumented.<br /><br />This Organization has a broad but clear purpose<br />– a better life for families.<br />Our Valley is not yet a family friendly place.<br />We have children in Las Vegas growing up<br />-- some on the streets; some in rent-by-the-week motels<br />-- children without a sliver of a chance.<br />We are an international hub of human trafficking.<br />Young lives are being derailed by gangs.<br />Tonight, you have heard some of the stories<br />about how life goes wrong here<br />for children, youth, and the elderly.<br /><br />But together we can make this Valley blossom<br />for all our families and all our faiths --<br />just as broad based community organizations have done in Phoenix,<br />Tucson, San Antonio, San Diego, Nasville, Charlotte, New Orleans.<br />Las Vegas is next.<br /><br />This big job takes broad-based, long term commitment.<br />To be stable and strong, we have to stand on our own feet.<br />We have to be self-supporting and self-sustaining.<br />That means we need the churches, mosques, and synagogues<br />to sign on, to commit both time and money,<br />just like we expect the people in our congregations<br />to sign on and commit.<br /><br />We all have other pressing demands on our time and our budget.<br />But you have heard the stories and there are countless more.<br />What are these lives worth to us?<br />What are the children, the elderly,<br />and ordinary families worth?<br />What is it worth to set our Valley free to flourish?<br /><br />Churches, mosques, and synagogues cannot change this Valley<br />if we remain divided -- feeding a hungry person here,<br />speaking out on a particular issue there.<br />But together, we can be a formidable force for the common good –<br />built to last, uniting people of all races and faiths as friends.

Interfaith Relational Power For The Common Good

The Episcopal Church is involved in interfaith broad based community organizing in Reno and the Las Vegas Valley. Our efforts are really qui...

Read more »

The return of hunger

This morning I decided today is really a new beginning, square one, of me on a diet. Yes folks, it's a diet. You may call it a lifestyle change, but to me it is and always will be a diet when I try to lose weight. Lifestyle change sounds pretty and easy and sort of fun...lifestyle, nice word. Diet, on the other hand, has all sorts of negative connotations. Hunger, discomfort, frustration, anxiety, misery, a challenge. I suppose that sounds a bit negative, but I'm just calling it like it is. If it was so darn easy as some people would like us to think then we would all be skinny.<br /><br />I worked out like a maniac this morning, 30 minutes on the StairMaster and 40 minutes of upper body weights. I pushed myself hard on the weights but I'm not sore yet. I was hoping for some triceps soreness with the 25-pound dumbell tricep presses. Maybe tomorrow. I define a good workout with a touch of soreness now and then, especially when I push myself like today.<br /><br />My food had been good, with every bite weighed, measured, documented. 1,485 calories. It sounds like a lot to me, but it's almost exactly what I was eating following Weight Watchers Point system (I'm still in Weight Watchers, just trying the calorie counting for a while). The water has been extra good today. 117 ounces and one mug of coffee. I forgot how much all the water helps with the hunger.<br /><br />About the hunger, yes, I've been hungry today. It's part of the diet, it's what happens when you cut back on your calories. My sister and I have said for years that hunger is a good thing. It means you're burning fat and losing weight. <br /><br />Funny thing is that I've seen other bloggers posting about hunger recently. <a href="http://almostgastricbypass.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-187-thursday-nov-18-2010-part-2.html">Allan</a> had a good post about it today. I've noticed some people never talk about hunger. From reading their blogs it appears they never actually get hungry. They're few and far between but I've decided maybe they just feel things differently than the rest of us. They're very lucky because hunger isn't fun, but for some of us fatties, it's just a fact of life if we want to lose weight we're going to have to experience a  certain level of hunger. <br /><br />It's almost 11pm and I would call this one of my best days of staying on plan in weeks. I'm very tired, ready to hit the pillow.

The return of hunger

This morning I decided today is really a new beginning, square one, of me on a diet. Yes folks, it's a diet. You may call it a lifestyle...

Read more »

A walk down memory lane

I'm typing this from my 1998 Dell desktop computer, Windows 2000. My beautiful, less than a year old Toshiba laptop hasn't been playing nice with my 23" monitor. I even bought a new monitor and new $40 HDMI cable for it, both big monitors are still red flashing lines at me. The laptop monitor is fine. I finally caved and asked my husband, the computer geek guy, to look at it. Something about the HDMI port on the laptop. Needs to be repaired. I have to take it in to the computer guys to be fixed. Bummer.<br /><br />Since I can't live without a computer with a big monitor (for work stuff), I thought I'd turn on my old faithful 12-year old Dell. I hadn't really used it since my first laptop in 2004. Amazingly it booted up, connected to the internet and works with the new monitor. The grinding sound the hard drive keeps making is annoying me, but it works. Gotta love old technology. <br /><br />I was looking at all the old files that I never bothered to transfer over to my laptops. Apparently I was much more career-driven in 2004. There are tons of work files, work goal setting documents and very few pictures. I found two pictures of myself sitting on the desktop. <br /><br />2004 - 240 pounds<br /><br /><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/AVvXsEiPDgXUj-hEPKcciqxBoEal3Ybqlf9F9VFwLm9wTj1DtRkTbvc2OkoMCpCZm8o12eSz8tNiXIgaLN8XwpIKf8FNPWuejfV6etsujrvWF2aJxWxtr0hAt8tIOdgbEgcAFvktt1Y0P1BBGVnQ/s1600/235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDgXUj-hEPKcciqxBoEal3Ybqlf9F9VFwLm9wTj1DtRkTbvc2OkoMCpCZm8o12eSz8tNiXIgaLN8XwpIKf8FNPWuejfV6etsujrvWF2aJxWxtr0hAt8tIOdgbEgcAFvktt1Y0P1BBGVnQ/s640/235.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br />June 28, 2009 - 156 pounds (I think I added this one when my old laptop was dying last year).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyHwNfNVtUMr9igIwE-m2Rr_KlAqfnN6_TyPBpFnBstQoiAO82Le4hOaKdiK9VIaLKOHwCHw7WqVA7dtjBXGV8anTa9yM_avbIKWBmu_fbQZqSMptHmc86Ht700PTHC4KPpLbCpW8RvxT/s1600/Diana1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyHwNfNVtUMr9igIwE-m2Rr_KlAqfnN6_TyPBpFnBstQoiAO82Le4hOaKdiK9VIaLKOHwCHw7WqVA7dtjBXGV8anTa9yM_avbIKWBmu_fbQZqSMptHmc86Ht700PTHC4KPpLbCpW8RvxT/s640/Diana1.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So where am I today? Sitting right where I've been for months. 175 pounds. Sixty-five pounds less than the top picture but 20 pounds heavier than the bottom picture (and I still thought I was fat at 156). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The reason I haven't been posting is because I've been in a slump lately. Just sick and tired of the whole thing, yet each day I start out full of hope that this will be the day I stay totally on plan, drink my water, and lose weight. Yet each day I fail. Not horribly because I'm not gaining weight, but still, I'm failing because I'm not losing weight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These pictures stirred something up in me. A little bit of sadness that I didn't stick with it and get to goal. A bit of hope that heck, I did it before and got so close that I can do it again. A little bit of fear, looking back where I started and what IF I go back there?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've printed both pictures and stuck them on the bathroom mirror. A visual reminder of where I've been, and where I want to go, but this time go even a step further and get to goal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other words, I'm back!</div>

A walk down memory lane

I'm typing this from my 1998 Dell desktop computer, Windows 2000. My beautiful, less than a year old Toshiba laptop hasn't been play...

Read more »

Weekend

<p>Hello my favorite blog friends!! I’m counting down the days till Kyle and I head out on our cruise…only 5 more to go!!! But first let me catch you up on our weekend happenings!</p> <p>It started out with a scare! My Grandpa was rushed by ambulance to the ER, he had fluid on his heart and it was racing. We all sat in the ER waiting room for 3+hours waiting to hear. They finally were able to stabilize his heart and Kyle & I made the tough decision to go ahead with our weekend plans, heading to Chicago. Thankfully he was able to go home from the hospital on Monday!</p> <p>Kyle and I with his parents hit the road to Chicago Friday night. Kyle’s sister & her husband live there. Also Kyle’s Aunt & Uncle flew in from CA.</p> <p>And we all went to the Iowa vs Northwestern football game on Saturday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D3Wl4WSKGd_MGNGJdjltprr69YS3pgiC8FpCvOxavDvzRS_BeVfmbCZmgHqoDLYJMRG-n2uXh5gK6PPM5Neooa7OTAzfPnDKFbwrN2DuY3rgQpPNY4Xm4C5ThCljlAJBeaxSPHrad2_L/s1600-h/DSC06568%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06568" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkBDkm6biw01EM89IWQzctstg99NAZjhEdz1mYL0q23U7_QnU0-Vp0ySxZpqESmNLPAew5ZQTc4_dHhJNtlywzR9x8VRFS1bPEliHMzMj2SdTZYul2RQToyENxee76wE-G6l1H-NWvuKU/?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="DSC06568" width="404"></a></p> <p>It was fun to see Kyle’s Aunt & Uncle from CA! They are quite entertaining!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNua3iCDys3W-cU35s3iFO13L8ME3GJ_reQlW9u9GjocK4OIKAcZ2ZIErbcboqsiE4VrbTJOnQeF5UpXKC2J7PgQjE8tx2uHFtcR_m4vy7e2g9OBwvd658q7klylkxEfCvBHaHsxsTwNe7/s1600-h/DSC06566%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06566" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7-aWnVdQYr8g_fxZUesKphmnnV4cHQ4SezxKYMtMuCKAGTCZKVXRw8mFN7x_H52eGkSbqlPZZW7gISSZOxwOLAeU3nmJ3NAYt4SxWlmFg5fWWk5X7P5onIozNO03Vdw_n8LiN9pasmt-/?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="DSC06566" width="404"></a></p> <p>And we all couldn’t wait to cheer on the Hawks!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v9vSk8LNIBjYnzeqwaisbsFLEVf-eyNWpgSksYOqVC6ypCF4kmCYnYLENa9F-DhBLJZ0cN7ApBIQqYiAh8Dy6ZPOSQJPtu8b4Mgdwt9bnL6tL8kRtr7K1mABtyLG7r0hSXGxtK1fAtAp/s1600-h/DSC06570%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06570" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQmSbUgrtp3WhxvVpa2smiHNCaQvyBH6i69tanpZJ8ogtR3hklslVV1ioEZOy6R1Y8pQ1vEy9lydV4EyprbPOyreSF1UFmAzJOIaaRo5i_XiJ4reQ_aF9oAvyrWe4ORWc7a0o5tDqkUUy/?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="DSC06570" width="404"></a></p> <p>If anyone says Iowa fans don’t travel well, they weren’t at the game on Saturday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGJb6Zq_Q5sHAdvbS6lCNsGKh_MnQRMLMyhrJvHIle1l1EKBwVSx5TaT5SqO8u3cxzLDNlbGGwA-xiTTXLm-mjyFJjxEkZ3MvVbJeY_iFS5JIt22YC2Fb_DQc1kHudINS66kWeLM2YSmN/s1600-h/DSC09320%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09320" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSKKI0c59oHn6Nqx-DwYB0qgbcjz6sXQE-TXrWY3oDE7qzUBd5ajjjNITbDHdZd3OtGS_meHUfjh8ytl53uMIsqTg9DVq2CXfG-Z0kCh9gjKIA8PBHc2DoVBbpAWPWWKFSsDwDvbgr4MM/?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="DSC09320" width="404"></a></p> <p>I don’t see much purple in that crowd!! It was awesome!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKm2buRs_tQDNZuX0TYYMMpGMBuiClRvSZQmVTSpUOJw-3qj0pmpIXCEISwAHPCmwxQUakH_dhf6SK-lcENm09r83_oNok_6lFgRrBcwJN9Vrj6iEx69mf8bPCmhrBUGQOYbl4IsT6fD6/s1600-h/DSC09319%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09319" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiFB8q16lYx0S6UGKj5HXwGorup_tDFetUi5iRRH_xuHcPU0IQpTpR4qLTCYjK7gbWTwJKwLV-nAN-kHXxtKSjDwh-Dn3hRIAUWemQEVg9crIGZCzMfZ4eIQc3tOLlMwW4VcmCSedI8_G/?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="DSC09319" width="404"></a></p> <p>Unfortunately it was a rainy, chilly day…!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIn-BcNOUIrLyHfxc5wXZTMTUr1NHosbunYQvbnSgBKHUmgpn0euUwf_11GU9SMy6pGvh9_VJLq8_yfVjFwDoSMhTMrvJYtOMZgn4Jkq3GvYIXmo6aYN9Gb3tqUpA7QFBP40-N2q2bdNO/s1600-h/DSC06579%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06579" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlKQL3i6BRm8l05XsQ8DFrX48l_pY4UPEEtLrhcVh6BA7wM4FhWHZZ8nHMaw8EX1PDmVArhF_pDv0gxsA_4qulQYbK3RDkYVASOdgcFnDFMdxpDPjRxVKxeye7b7NOQmg67gRcLanyY4f/?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="DSC06579" width="404"></a></p> <p>But we had our ponchos to stay dry!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILicjFn5eQsNu5BsHhZB2-mHJi5hPUCXJc3Ziy_M07zWJgatIVUPSD4OAJAEaKuQFYTsq-8bW1vFprFWT3iC4a1tOcIHHqLokT4KSzZsOydeFp4nhA-S0Bby6A1welq92zb6-b0HcrQxq/s1600-h/DSC09322%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09322" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb8K7TvZBoZU8XwOYNmodjykZ_vmgwvoQ5wTlp3CpO6vhRv6IhAb2mYjYUpszRHx4LyvrqlWW4p1ekWC8uRWbnPg9cAeumpHo2f2qGZ03HyBBryruPjTrttC2x6kjSgyFAO-YBryygkH6/?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="DSC09322" width="304"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7uuE7TaHXAro7gq5sMveLVUthNc3-zwMdcqtcO-hgYpWCCv4SYHqXny6knyrH8rBLdled-qxATlpokQi_xJKf8E65DJjdmwqe58prEy_hir-KaJDbcVa-dNRlJjvzkLdSF8tTmkGlXBZ/s1600-h/DSC06581%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06581" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CU_E_Spxo_30kJPo8VLhW1PvXvoYzu1Y3U6aCiXTg3mmhALUI8ztycVfWZrx31gHRjwfm5L6VC4K9HQG9wmeGQlg1djKDfcxaR6IS3uMyEZ57nAHYpHXHo43GgeIOmdUhxiykdCv78Kt/?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="DSC06581" width="404"></a></p> <p>Unfortunately the Hawks pull out a win. Such a bummer! </p> <p>Even with the loss we couldn’t pass up some Chicago style pizza! Giordanos!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSVn-ePyTDBv6XrEAaJce3li0D1lGXLJxy0LLuROqgBZpi6NDcLC3r1VMOXvp6eB9YAwdATY6BtAZYbIrpBprPDLzLrJYFRHnV31ycMfZH6_qJLUMGWR5yRtHkNHHnI-vhIQeAQNJBErN/s1600-h/DSC06142%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06142" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL29TyccRlzWChpNhMfIG3VqWyrQoonexIhvGFzBM0kLOlQL2FbfVBcKrDeaK-XJdW_gFYnhCtYKDX2gZcPiBxY0IfHmLVRjGN0XQuQIxU1LDtxiAA3ZEsXdVL3nR4gRE823Z2lDWPDhWr/?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>Aunt Debbie got her own personal sized pizza…no one wanted to share a spinach pizza! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKfdO7OkDG8-RMmqF-JM629c7IthVvdrCjTcmWnia3pWA_hQALs6E5OwF8PYj64jUIwdWDbx719zvsGcJx1dekh3_5admunSnuWkY64-k4f8XlkqI0Fqlm52aiRXDvRKaNHPLwFS0v-6I/s1600-h/DSC09324%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09324" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2iXBLNptHvT60Xiw5k0KE3RCFnIqBhDFb7SxSON6Nq2AcYrjYBzjuxRWlxSatW-2i-6Ov-QM-YYZfdvtpDpk5VIj_uWcqCiAQeB_Wq-UIsoHT-IW5yPoj2ffOOMPTRs9qAHDcId_U7JT/?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="DSC09324" width="304"></a></p> <p>Kyle and I split a Hawaiian with his sister & her hubby!! Mmmm, delish!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4udHdyX34cQCayxO6hKSVRqKUIZj_cGNeMTMS_UdoHtGBu8ULCcl2hhY6IX6Bp-NYzsdXEXNgcSG0ihNcPU_m8IpMkMjnBYhCfOOUF9q1X4s34O_INXzgVoiP-S6TqtzuB9QoeBZyV6i/s1600-h/DSC09325%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09325" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidWL7DQlr0pTWBIqGo6p2iLSozgXjCyCq6CzHq7tB8lUI4U3wz_dM9rcSQQ89U9Q9XSjJt4LQwLOLvnV44ayhVU5_4RFvZDueI7UVvuBrvYeSZC47HlGYhVuxad-coR2Y4H5oPdebo7Zk/?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="DSC09325" width="404"></a></p> <p>Mmmmm, love this pizza!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThscZ5sCouAuDJNZQsLJSpzVFsrHJWp9RZZhc74BRM9b9vEtzkcwbGkOc2Cjty9w8XlzdmT9BavzhQKGkROfQtOzWsyUy_-Jud5GCvwv1EFRwdPoQtXkKTKiPAoJIGEAbUS-EgEY9R8tS/s1600-h/DSC09326%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09326" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rzWsVrkjjSijcNxBWynBOsw8J6XJZmPSm2KpV82GQ3D7cGrFOCQ18Z-oh4hiVY6xeU2ibZrvy_UFuJQt-dOZhQeWbSUkQvx53kAMRXggu6-QcIyebCBzXR6pXec2nahYhZvrgCOJ7Z8s/?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="DSC09326" width="404"></a></p> <p>We let our pizza settle and couldn’t finish the night without some ice cream!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cXK48rt0SgMP28Bv26-uXteEp_rRHVTu4hC2IQ_WK9CxCT4bhne9e4lPvlSG7ZT7uKWKC-I0JtKWKb46aNJbQIn8u8fiPGisN5w6nxh6NWYXL_90D3Q-iWn-z55MTyMWLgnWP9zUETUT/s1600-h/DSC06587%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06587" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XNeQnSdZwFVJGxt97HvJrFe-JjS_FbmOTdSjEyRd5JcoCl6Fo70zhsmzTpa_MwdOI7V45tl8IOT4TZCrVPfEb4L6HxbsL-SgQ4IMz5GnMfWrlPmh_T0KIo6Q05uXhd_XPcqLMDqPme7C/?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="DSC06587" width="404"></a></p> <p>I <3 ice cream!!! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JGotOPR93VgMrxVPD2a2Wd32G0fBJeSn-KdK-6ekzzZ0TgTIr-ic9s9985GyVAGMt6wHzm7w5HMx7pwN-EAembvQJM8Hi9EiwxES_xX4jM85g8QRXIZffbrQL9m1cssUEvL9g9yr0fDy/s1600-h/DSC06586%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06586" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA5cyjsXhU-DfhWIVKnmc4YteD50SBythFST1E56C-9_z92xqh6yXxd9ovPF7T1OVlA_VlPcBOc_Q9PykpfIJ7Hcs_OZR-XSE1OVIPhNrdti12nsmNd8LDnBHCrewJgZXjf37UtLgfKKw/?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="DSC06586" width="404"></a></p> <p>We all passed out from our food coma and the sadness of the Hawkeye loss. The next morning we went out for breakfast before hitting the road. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZhMIaHjP7_Qa9s3iaLZw2TBGzg9czjqoJejw6fYKAxkLH4wXJPASPSk281MNZfPqd5EF9UmRnD5H4wqNUIkKQz8t-4md9xytJD7S8vuWCv_Zs9EOqDPCzM365Y0zsQGKm3SKNzadLO8v/s1600-h/DSC09328%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09328" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dl0SbD2MTGYj2yv3siEGyIn1sxqoMFl4W_gZgT6pmc3K0pAW7xQyhvDfYucZ-ZTaUdI1W3aWTUbN-rFTl11OT-qxb7kqvZuWUkxqZTr4UsWdOZnr4rtM1pQ2GtsNkKI5GX0q0Ylc9rzW/?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="DSC09328" width="404"></a></p> <p>We said our goodbyes and drove the 5+ hours home.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3mt21zikW6VOeWX4eO-XSbUJa86ikszC5ATQfWggfje5N-ySGTUZ_uxSXFMH2tlmK4J4kJOs2kH5MBVYHKUDexg6mgdhNRfW6A2DUIyN1K3xI6pW3oZsH_OEjHdmejq_KHfo6Aimo1E-/s1600-h/DSC09329%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09329" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ9rq1lRaBDk0khF4QeSllaJaeCaS7asSb7PdboDEmGpUDC1g0ZRKORhthZOr2s9kA-VxR_2vIR2_Y1sBOnvxt1P1shsrjXVRxQitTyk5vVsozUckwTg4p_N2N4ioyJ3iVCmAetD5vRIu/?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="DSC09329" 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>It was a good weekend, minus the Hawkeye loss! Now we’re looking forward to our cruise next week with my sisters and a few other friends!! Cannot wait!! :)</p> <p>Happy Hump day friends…only 2 more days till the weekend!!</p>

Weekend

Hello my favorite blog friends!! I’m counting down the days till Kyle and I head out on our cruise…only 5 more to go!!! But first let me cat...

Read more »

Sojourner Dream Of Grace

After giving a sermon on the spiritual journey at St. Stephen’s yesterday, I flew back to Henderson and had the most beautiful, healing dream I can remember. I was moving to Nevada. Much of the journey was on foot and I would stop in small towns along the way. The beauty of the dream was the kind and gracious way several people helped me. I feel like a new person today.<br /><br /> In waking life, the road was hard last year, to say the least, and the hardness has continued to weigh on me until now. My dream was a channel of grace and peace.<br /><br /> We are all on a path, often not of our choosing. We would prefer to stay in Abram’s home, Ur; or in Jerusalem, like the apostles who did not leap into fulfilling The Great Commission, but instead set up shop in Jerusalem until driven out by persecution. One way or another, we are all on the road, pushed out of our nest. I don’t know where the road leads. The song says it, does it not? “I know not where the road may lead . . . . (only that) I walk the King’s Highway.” But regardless of the destination, grace happens when people are kind to us at the way stations.<br /> <br /> Perhaps that is the wisdom embedded in the spiritual practice enjoined by the law of Moses to welcome the alien and shelter the sojourner, remembering that we are sojourners ourselves. As we go about being the Church, we might do well to think less on sustaining our institutions, to think more about the literal and spiritual sojourners around us, and find ways to extend a bit of consolation.

Sojourner Dream Of Grace

After giving a sermon on the spiritual journey at St. Stephen’s yesterday, I flew back to Henderson and had the most beautiful, healing drea...

Read more »

COFFEE TIME!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEgbqLmALtHZJ8As5Q6G770NRLpiIGSNbavNsCsLjGOk-NWWYVOVo43tn9O-6Dqtq5mVaLMz-cH1hCUDi-XCRC_xJmUbBI3pDxwCtwAsFxeGPIpuhRwVvKA99VdOWBYKKQ0VE5Tlg7_p9DYD/s1600/cwb_coffee_cup%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqLmALtHZJ8As5Q6G770NRLpiIGSNbavNsCsLjGOk-NWWYVOVo43tn9O-6Dqtq5mVaLMz-cH1hCUDi-XCRC_xJmUbBI3pDxwCtwAsFxeGPIpuhRwVvKA99VdOWBYKKQ0VE5Tlg7_p9DYD/s320/cwb_coffee_cup%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although Vincente Minnelli's 1945 musical <b>Yolanda and the Thief</b> is not one of his or Fred Astaire's most popular films, it contains a jewel of a musical number that has earned raves from day one...<i>Coffee Time</i>...</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the film was released, none other than stuffy Bosley Crowther, critic for <i>The New York Times</i>, was impressed: "...a rhythm dance, done to the melody of Mr. Freed's <i>Coffee-Time</i>, puts movement and color to such uses as you seldom behold on screen."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More recently, Stuart Klawans of <i>The Nation</i> was even more enthusiastic: "Minnelli puts Astaire and Lucille Bremer into the midst of a mad pulsation of dancers in mocha and cafe au lait costumes...the chorus swirls; the camera swirls; the gringo-Latin rhythms shift giddily...<i>Coffee Time</i>  is heaven itself, and a warm-up for the 18-minute ballet that Minnelli and Gene Kelly would create in <b>An American in Paris</b>."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Coffee Time</i> is the reworking of an earlier tune by composer Harry Warren called <i>Java Junction</i>. His collaborator, producer/songwriter Arthur Freed, created new lyrics for the updated melody. In the film, the routine begins as a captivating contrast in rhythms, with the orchestra playing in 4/4 time while the dancers dance in 5/4 time. The number goes through a series of variations and ends up a full-blown swing number showcasing Astaire and Bremer.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <i>Coffee Time</i> sequence is a fiesta for the eyes. Costumer Irene Sharaff developed the stylized combo of costumes and decor. She created coffee-colored outfits for the extras and, to set off the costumes, devised a pattern of rolling black and white lines on the dance floor that form an optical illusion. With Fred Astaire, choreographer Eugene Loring came up with a dance based on slow jazz rhythms. Minnelli's lighting and camera work added the finishing touches.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watch <i>Coffee Time</i> here - </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RrtyKQsVooI" width="420"></iframe></div>

Arthur Freed Eugene Loring Fred Astaire Harry Warren Irene Sharaff Lucille Bremer The Lady Eve (author) Vincente Minnelli Yolanda and the Thief COFFEE TIME!

Although Vincente Minnelli's 1945 musical Yolanda and the Thief is not one of his or Fred Astaire's most popular films, it contains...

Read more »

Objectif Stage : un pied dans l'entreprise

<BR><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkup6naYceP00pjHxXVtEAaCLXnnwCOFtIeCrvLPve5Zip27w1arTpIW6IYAN0Cu2xBFU_UgMaLa8VOMJ0fZnFnQxG9y8yrMWlDlDqrFnHi7g2vazSN3zJ0QqBoVl1tiNjcn4-EwK7pAK/s1600/affiche-objectif-stage-2010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539758799602068786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkup6naYceP00pjHxXVtEAaCLXnnwCOFtIeCrvLPve5Zip27w1arTpIW6IYAN0Cu2xBFU_UgMaLa8VOMJ0fZnFnQxG9y8yrMWlDlDqrFnHi7g2vazSN3zJ0QqBoVl1tiNjcn4-EwK7pAK/s320/affiche-objectif-stage-2010.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" /></a><br />La manifestation <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Objectif stage : un pied dans l'entreprise"</span> aura lieu :<ul><br /><li>le <span style="font-weight:bold;">mardi 16 novembre 2010</span> de 9h à 18h<br /><br /><li>au <span style="font-weight:bold;">Centre de Conférences d'Orléans</span> - 9 place du 6 juin 1944 - 45000 Orléans.</ul><br /><br />Pour en savoir plus, consulter le site : <a href="http://www.grandmaillage.org">www.grandmaillage.org</a><br /><BR>

Objectif Stage : un pied dans l'entreprise

La manifestation "Objectif stage : un pied dans l'entreprise" aura lieu : le mardi 16 novembre 2010 de 9h à 18h au Centre de...

Read more »

Planning de la semaine du 15 au 19 novembre 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 15 novembre de 9h à 12h30,<br />- le mardi 16 novembre de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 17 novembre de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le jeudi 18 novembre de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le vendredi 19 novembre de 13h30 à 17h.<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 17 novembre de 10h à 12h30<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 15 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- vendredi 19 novembre de 09h 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 16 novembre de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 17 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 16 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Préparation à l'entretien</span> - jeudi 18 novembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 19 novembre 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 19 novembre de 14h à 16h</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Information collective</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>RSA - Conseil Général</strong> - mardi 16 novembre à 10h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 15 au 19 novembre 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 15 no...

Read more »

8 tips to apply for an out-of-state job

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/l3/ar5f41v68ht3lmcxtql3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/l3/ar5f41v68ht3lmcxtql3.gif" /></a></div>You've been looking for a job for months, to no avail, so you've decided to start fresh -- in a new city, in a different state, hundreds of miles away. Some people might think you're crazy, but expanding your job search might actually be the best thing you could do.<br /><br />"People should not limit themselves to one area. There are many jobs in specific fields that are hot in certain geographic locations [and not so hot in] others," says Gina Kleinworth, social media coordinator for HireBetter in Austin, Texas. "In these times when jobs can be scarce, you must be open to going where the jobs are. They are not going to come to you."<br /><br />While submitting your résumé to an out-of-state employer is a good way to ramp up your job search, it's not without challenges. Job seekers may worry that hiring mangers may not consider their résumé as seriously as a local candidate, for example, but that's not necessarily true.<br /><br />"At first, hiring managers may be inclined to consider candidates that are local or within commuting distance. But as the search continues they can become more open to candidates that are applying from out of the area," Kleinworth says. "Hiring someone from out of the area can be a great way to bring in top talent that you wouldn't otherwise find in your local area."<br /><br />The level of the position can also be an obstacle when you apply for a job out of state. An executive out-of-state applicant might be more appealing to an employer than an entry-level candidate, for example.<br /><br />"Generally, entry level jobs are more abundant," Kleinworth notes. "You normally see people relocating for a job because it is a step above their current level, a great new opportunity or is in a more desirable location. This usually isn't the case with entry-level positions."<br /><br />Other obstacles that job seekers might consider when searching for a job in a different state include: <br /><br />Lack of contacts <br /><br />Fewer (or no) opportunities to attend networking events <br /><br />Traveling for multiple interviews <br /><br />Difficulty obtaining current and accurate information on the local job market<br /><br />While it may seem like the odds are stacked against you, it's important to remember that you're going to face difficulties whether you're searching locally or out of state. And like all challenges, there is a way to overcome them, if you just know how.<br /><br />Here are eight best practices and tips that job seekers should keep in mind when submitting their résumé out of state, according to Kleinworth and Barbara Babkirk, master career counselor and owner of Heart At Work Career Counseling in Portland, Maine. <br /><br />1. Identify your career and personal goals<br /><br />"Clarify the type of job want. Are you interested in changing careers or just employers?" Babkirk asks. "Where do you want to live, including location and type of residence? What is your ideal time frame for moving?"<br /><br />2. Write a job description that reflects what you want and use it as a benchmark<br /><br /><br />"Know what is necessary or negotiable for you in terms of: salary and benefits, responsibilities, physical work environment, colleagues, skills and workplace culture," Babkirk says.<br /><br />3. Research the new location<br /><br />"Look at the quality of the schools if you have children, make sure the housing is acceptable and within your new price range, check out the crime rate where you'd be wanting to live, research the demographics, look into services available and how they compare with what you are looking for," Kleinworth says.<br /><br />4. Identify and research key resources in your industry or career field<br /><br />"Research the professional associations affiliated with your target job. The Encyclopedia of Associations, available in libraries and online, gives useful descriptions," Babkirk says. "Note the officers' names and the date and place of their annual conference. Plan to attend if possible. Contact the association's officers for help with networking."<br /><br />5. Be rational<br /><br />"Be realistic about what it will truly cost you to relocate if the new employer doesn't offer assistance," Kleinworth says. "Moving is expensive."<br /><br />6. Network your way out of state <br /><br />"Tell anyone you know of your plans to relocate. Ask if they know anyone who lives and works in your target location and if they would be willing to send an e-mail asking if you might contact them for networking," Babkirk says. <br /><br />7. Stay focused on your goal and take specific steps each week toward it<br /><br /><br />"Before you know it, you'll be living and working where you want to be," Babkirk encourages.<br /><br />8. Don't give up<br /><br />If you are committed to finding the perfect job- it does exist and you can have a job you love in a place you love living in.<br /><br />By Rachel Farrell who researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

8 tips to apply for an out-of-state job

You've been looking for a job for months, to no avail, so you've decided to start fresh -- in a new city, in a different state, hund...

Read more »

When interview questions get too personal: Tips for getting back to business

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/2y/ar5f13t72r0y9wcx6n2y.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/2y/ar5f13t72r0y9wcx6n2y.gif" /></a></div>Sure, it is an interviewer's job to gather information about someone who wants to be hired. But when questions veer into matters that have little to do with an applicant's ability to perform the job at hand, things can get uncomfortable. Here, experts and job seekers who have been there offer diplomatic ways to steer a nosy interviewer back on course.<br /><br />Off-limit topics<br /><br />"Some of the questions I've been asked at job interviews include age, religion, questions about my husband, more than a casual interest in what I do outside of work and my political affiliations," says Janis Badarau of South Carolina. "Whenever an interviewer has asked such a question, my polite response has always been the same: 'I'm afraid that if I answer that question I might be violating some kind of law.'"<br /><br />While she reports having received a smile from more than one interviewer with this response, the fact remains that employers are not supposed to venture into certain areas.<br /><br />"The basic illegal interview questions are ones based on religion, marital status, parenthood status and health issues," notes Linda Matias, president of CareerStrides and author of "201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions." "Oftentimes when interviewers ask a question that is off limits, their intention isn't to offend or alienate. Usually, they have a hidden concern and ask the wrong question to uncover whether or not their concern is justified." <br /><br />On-track responses<br /><br />Thinking about why an interviewer may have asked a question can help an applicant formulate a suitable response that eases worries without divulging unnecessary personal information. "You should never point blank refuse to answer a question because the refusal itself will be construed as a 'red flag,'" says Patrice Rice, author of "How to Interview" and president of the recruiting firm Patrice & Associates in Dunkirk, Md. "Either the employer will think you are confrontational or that you are hiding something. There are ways to handle questions without actually refusing to answer."<br /><br />A few to try:<br /><br />"I have been working since I was 18 years old, and I have never allowed any personal relationship to interfere with my job. I have great references." <br /><br />"I would prefer to tell you more about my transferrable job skills. What else would you like to know about my skills?" <br /><br />"That's a question I've never been asked before in an interview because it is so personal. Perhaps you can explain why you asked it and what kind of information you really want." <br /><br />Reconsidering your candidacy<br /><br />Erin Farrell Talbot of New York City, owner of a freelance consulting business, was taken aback when a prospective client said he didn't want to hire someone who would become pregnant -- and then proceeded to ask if she was planning to have any more children. Though she politely told him she would "take what God gives me and go from there," he persisted. Talbot finally told him, "I am a three-dimensional person with many aspects to who I am besides just a worker, and if that question or discussion comes up again, I'll resign from consideration." She landed the job.<br /><br />"Personal questions are asked by unskilled interviewers," says Ralph Neal, vice president of educational services at Employers Resource Association (a nonprofit serving small and medium businesses in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana). "This may tell you a bit about the professionalism of the company. Keep that in the back of your mind as you progress through the interview process, and pay close attention to help determine if the company as a whole is unprofessional or simply has a 'rogue' manager who needs interview-skills training."<br /><br />Richard Deems, a career coach and co-author of "Make Job Loss Work for You," adds, "If the candidate thinks a question was asked on purpose, and that the organization often asks personal kinds of interview questions, then we advise our clients to quickly think through if they really want to work for that kind of an organization. We coach our candidates to say something like, 'That's a very personal question and has no relevance to the position or my abilities to do the job very well.' Then stop. If the interviewer persists, we suggest the candidate end the interview and leave."<br /><br />A final thing Deems recommends after an inappropriate interview: sending a letter to the company's CEO. Respectable organizations aren't out to make anyone feel uncomfortable, and giving a heads-up to a higher-up may make a difference in how candidates are treated.<br /><br />By Beth Braccio Hering who researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

When interview questions get too personal: Tips for getting back to business

Sure, it is an interviewer's job to gather information about someone who wants to be hired. But when questions veer into matters that ha...

Read more »

Should I stop my job search during the holidays? Stopping your job search during the holidays: The biggest mistake you'll make this year

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/yn/ar5f8c26bl9p8ydbpnyn.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/yn/ar5f8c26bl9p8ydbpnyn.gif" /></a></div>As the calendar year comes to a close, job seekers may be tempted to put their hunt on hold. After all, companies are too busy trying to get work done amongst office parties and days off to have time for new hires, right?<br /><br />Wrong, say many experts. Slack off during November and December and you might just miss one of the best times of the year to find a job.<br /><br />Company needs for talent do not take vacation<br /><br />"I would say taking time off from your job search is never wise, regardless of the time of year or season," states Frank Dadah, general manager at Winter, Wyman -- one of the largest staffing organizations in the Northeast. "Oftentimes, year end is the busiest time of the year for companies, not only because they are getting ready for the year-end close but because they are gearing up for a quick start to the new year. It may be a bit more challenging to schedule interviews during the holidays, but that doesn't mean companies aren't hiring."<br /><br />Elaine Varelas, managing partner at Keystone Partners (a career management and transition services consulting firm headquartered inBoston), agrees. "When there is a need, a candidate needs to be there. The idea that a candidate should suspend her job search during the holidays or that employers stop recruiting during this time is very dated."<br /><br />Take for instance The Knowland Group, a company headquartered in McLean, Va., that offers business development solutions for the global hospitality industry. According to communications manager Tom Crosson, the company is in the process of hiring 200 workers to staff a new call center that is opening by year's end.<br /><br />Likewise, Josh Jones, CEO of DreamHost Web Hosting (a Los Angeles-based web hosting provider and domain name registrar) says his company is planning a late 2010 hiring "spree" for about 20 full-time positions. "We're trying to gear up for what we expect to be faster growth starting in early 2011, and we want to have people on board and situated already by the time that comes."<br /><br />Potential advantages for applicants<br /><br />Dadah and Varelas both note that one of the foremost reasons to pursue employment during the final months of the year is a reduction in competition. By keeping your search going at a time when others have slowed down or stopped, you have a greater chance of being noticed. Also, job seeking during the holidays can show prospective employers your seriousness about landing a position.<br /><br />Catherine Jewell, author of "New Résumé New Career: Get the Job You Want with the Skills and Experience You Already Have," thinks that job seekers who keep at it are even more likely to be hired during the holiday season than at other times.<br /><br />"Human resource managers have year-end deadlines," Jewell says. "The new year brings a new budget. Toward the end of the fiscal year, hiring managers may have a number of new positions to fill. They will be evaluated on whether they get the job done."<br /><br />Other reasons why Jewell suggests keeping your job search going full throttle during the holiday season:<br /><br /><br />Holiday activities often put managers in a more receptive mood. When people are focused on family and fun through the holidays, they often are more open and receptive to conversation -- even from job seekers.<br /><br />Holiday events are a natural networking environment. Professional associations often have free holiday events. Job seekers should be sure to take advantage of parties given by associations, chambers and clubs that are of interest.<br /><br /><br />Holiday greetings by mail, e-mail and telephone keep you connected. People searching for jobs should harness the spirit of the season to amp up gratitude. Thank former clients, vendors and co-workers. Thank bosses and mentors. Thank everyone who has helped. <br /><br />So while it may be tempting to take a long winter's nap during the final weeks of the year, smart job seekers should write "looking for work" at the top of their holiday to-do list. They just might ring in the new year with a new job!<br /><br />By Beth Braccio Hering who researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

Should I stop my job search during the holidays? Stopping your job search during the holidays: The biggest mistake you'll make this year

As the calendar year comes to a close, job seekers may be tempted to put their hunt on hold. After all, companies are too busy trying to get...

Read more »

1st Film Noir Xmas coming to San Francisco…9th Noir Festival set for January

<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAGXx-UIgQFnfdZ0Yn3pA0rJ35KlkQ2wUHjhyqfTmzFlx-0b_GgqWoOlP8iggQuB1nSzljup-1Dgo9MvISmqaITQKmMQ01qp4e9ca5SOi_8dfhG18-oT1F4lvBu5_RDQjuZ0ZSmlxf3PR/s1600/noir+city+xmas%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAGXx-UIgQFnfdZ0Yn3pA0rJ35KlkQ2wUHjhyqfTmzFlx-0b_GgqWoOlP8iggQuB1nSzljup-1Dgo9MvISmqaITQKmMQ01qp4e9ca5SOi_8dfhG18-oT1F4lvBu5_RDQjuZ0ZSmlxf3PR/s400/noir+city+xmas%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">The San Francisco Film Noir Foundation has set its first-ever <i>Noir City Xmas</i> for Wed., December 15, at the Castro Theatre, and extends an invitation to </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>“enjoy a Cruel Yule...”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSpbOpUrb7oDgtf6v4Zxcpyje16UZV7iRLui_qtJir0xNe87kqLnR9RzigR8SFk_FlAegrtdc0r7DCtURo7tPYR9zHegROisPDyV08ayM2nsIy8XW9QEwQUtkA291Obdx-QoQa3-FedS7/s1600/remember_the_night_poster%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSpbOpUrb7oDgtf6v4Zxcpyje16UZV7iRLui_qtJir0xNe87kqLnR9RzigR8SFk_FlAegrtdc0r7DCtURo7tPYR9zHegROisPDyV08ayM2nsIy8XW9QEwQUtkA291Obdx-QoQa3-FedS7/s200/remember_the_night_poster%255B1%255D.jpg" width="126" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The double feature pairs <b>Remember the Night</b> (1940) and <b>Mr. Soft Touch</b> (1949).</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">TCM has been airing <b>Remember the Night</b> regularly in recent years, and that's where I first saw it. The film stars Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck as an assistant DA and a thief who share a memorable and affecting holiday before she is set to serve her  jail sentence. Directed by Mitchell Leisen, written by Preston Sturges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>A classic.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzaO7Wqim59WLzQgZSjT14E3UQNHpwS6KsbK_a8z3YdATLATrJD4J-d5sE5FVLXLQxoaLandAmyLC2AxUPpeTletuih_Yg5VHwN84adsBXmWPN0pJqhL9qUbYjAUiVpD6yPsWu8s5dXYd/s1600/mrsoft%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzaO7Wqim59WLzQgZSjT14E3UQNHpwS6KsbK_a8z3YdATLATrJD4J-d5sE5FVLXLQxoaLandAmyLC2AxUPpeTletuih_Yg5VHwN84adsBXmWPN0pJqhL9qUbYjAUiVpD6yPsWu8s5dXYd/s200/mrsoft%255B1%255D.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Mr. Soft Touch</b> stars Glenn Ford and Evelyn Keyes. A combination of “tight-lipped noir and broad comedy," it was shot on location in San Francisco. The film tells the story of a WW II veteran (Ford) out for revenge when he falls in with a kindly social worker (Keyes). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first viewing of <b>Mr. Soft Touch</b> will be this “freshly struck 35mm print.” </span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">San Francisco’s 9^th annual <i>Noir City Film Festival</i> will run from January 21 – 30, 2011, also at the Castro Theatre; I'll post the screening schedule and ticket information as soon as it's available. Film noir fans should try hard to attend this festival, it's a chance to see both classics and rare "B" gems on the big screen in an old-style movie palace. </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistXg9PlcZCpZbkwZBr0qczGD44rzg0IVUMZIbO7Wud6UfNAWuQtyOsSxKlUmPIdtIrnQTAMmgvjIYt2ha1PegjhAqbHX8ydHDsE00P-3-LdJJubeo4kOOScZ96Bo_55XgpsNkKAODkpI1/s1600/noir+city+9%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistXg9PlcZCpZbkwZBr0qczGD44rzg0IVUMZIbO7Wud6UfNAWuQtyOsSxKlUmPIdtIrnQTAMmgvjIYt2ha1PegjhAqbHX8ydHDsE00P-3-LdJJubeo4kOOScZ96Bo_55XgpsNkKAODkpI1/s320/noir+city+9%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>

Barbara Stanwyck Evelyn Keyes Film Noir Fred MacMurray Glenn Ford Noir City 9 Noir City Xmas The Lady Eve (author) 1st Film Noir Xmas coming to San Francisco…9th Noir Festival set for January

The San Francisco Film Noir Foundation has set its first-ever Noir City Xmas  for Wed., December 15, at the Castro Theatre, and extends an i...

Read more »

*almost* WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh8FYfSNmLRdhWQ2HdGm_27C78HK5JsyOlMThl8bVxmr29PW40yezw_HBH2KQgXP2gV-UI644HRuJzu_PZ8zPZrcpj8iqhoJLxvBS7qWXitzUyoznirY6zB4tnGeuw4hPhyphenhyphens_ttVgvI9Z/s1600-h/DSC09314%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09314" border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyZbah9x_AEPXXDzS9IVio5r_sC_R-PMAlkrRZ2Yvtc1rMiFIGKtzMfssbDyxtjNlIT10YLfedn161YIxSsXEppTaEyVOBbn7BBsmmtYEG4mp9S4CRDbCmZAJpSynn820ZNQA6iEZC73H/?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="DSC09314" width="304"></a> <em>no longer a honey crisp virgin! ;)</em></p>

*almost* WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

no longer a honey crisp virgin! ;)

Read more »

Slightly Bitter, Mostly Sweet Big Meeting

Last night’s organizational meeting for Las Vegas Valley Interfaith was on the whole a big success. I didn’t count the number of churches, mosques, and synagogues present but it was by far the largest yet – and the diversity is increasing. The evening began with music from a great Gospel Choir singing “How Excellent Is Thy Name.” Then Dr. Aslam Abdulah chanted the Lord’s Prayer in Arabic as our invocation. Evangelical Protestants were spontaneously murmuring surprise and appreciation of that beautiful gesture. Roman Catholic Bishop Pepe was there with a pledge of $60,000 in support of our efforts. We heard moving stories from real people about real life challenges in the Valley. I gave it my best shot to explain how broad-based community organizing changes communities at a deeper level than charity or single issue advocacy. People seemed to get it. I got Amens and was interrupted by applause, which feels good anytime but especially when it’s the teaching piece of the program. We received in one night half the pledges we need for the funds we have to raise by May.<br /><br />I was so proud of the turnout from our Latino/ Hispanic congregations! They may well have had the strongest turnout of any congregation of any denomination. Without them the attendance would have been disappointing. With them, it was something to celebrate. I'd call them playmakers. Fr. Hilario, Fr. Bernardo, and Dee had speaking parts done to perfection. Fr. Bernardo is going to Phoenix in the next couple of weeks to be trained as a community organizer.<br /><br />I was especially pleased to see a strong turnout of lay people from both St Thomas’ and St. Luke’s along with their priests. Fr. Tim told me afterward he would be taking this mission to the St. Thomas’ vestry so they can decide how best to support Las Vegas Valley Interfaith. It is inspiring and deeply gratifying to see St. Thomas moving on from a leadership role in our recent convention to a leadership role in our most important social ministry in the southern half of the diocese. Christ Church, Las Vegas was also present, represented by three clergy and a clergy spouse.<br /><br />There is much to celebrate for the mission, which I am confident will transform the character of the Las Vegas Valley in the profound way that can be accomplished only by an interracial, non-partisan, interfaith coalition. This is exciting.<br /><br />Personally, I also feel rather like President Obama the day after the mid-term elections. The absence of most of our Episcopal churches, including some I had expected to be on board, is definitely a message – I’m just still sorting out what it is. Shakespeare said, “There is a tide in the affairs of men (sic) which when caught at the flood leads on to destiny.” I saw that tide last night, saw it growing deeper, wider, stronger – and saw most of our congregations missing it. I feel responsible for that but am not at all sure what to do next. Thankfully, two of my colleagues may be showing me the way.<br /><br />The Rev. Candace Lansberry, District Superintendant for this district of the United Methodist Church; Fr. Bob Stoekig, pastor of Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church in Boulder City (he spoke to our deacons earlier this year); and I will be meeting soon to talk about how to introduce the same listening process within our parishes that we have used to build our interfaith organization. Perhaps that process will deepen relationships in the congregations turn the ignition for participation in our religiously pluralistic community. In the meantime, I’ll keep my hand on the plough and hold this in prayer along with our other diocesan missions, all our congregations and their leaders both lay and ordained.

Slightly Bitter, Mostly Sweet Big Meeting

Last night’s organizational meeting for Las Vegas Valley Interfaith was on the whole a big success. I didn’t count the number of churches, m...

Read more »

Sunny Tuesday

<p>Tuesday was a gorgeous day here in Iowa, sunny & 70 degrees! Too bad I had to work inside all day!</p> <p>Breakfast was a few left over <strong>pancakes</strong> with <strong>peanut butter</strong> for <strong>9 points</strong>. </p> <p>My first morning snack was <strong>cheese</strong> & <strong>crackers</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>! I love these 100 calorie pre-portioned cheese cubes!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsPlVFiq31BJRfnWJWTca9o47D4DH2q6NF7p72Htt_KF0DEf1lLaDivLlDb9qtFyniy74T4TVG_gIkKC5EU-PEyTMAx2PisPWwaIC5O4woQFDDpBHSX0lY7cH31tvhuDm4D-zdaFGqVCV/s1600-h/DSC09302%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09302" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfMmJGtjuAKsbLTsbMOzcUngRh2oayL27XH4esxzs1-Cu8lEH8C0ZmrmkkwkFmqR5tsRapbLQwbJ8EbF2SkIs5hNtP6C8cPTy1iRgypoZbCmQCAaJHjSH8s0zDlc5-1pplLP7Zw4DczFs/?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="DSC09302" width="404"></a></p> <p>Kyle got stuck in a meeting and it was after 1:30pm so I went for another snack before lunch to calm my tummy, a<strong> fruit parfait</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. I love how convenient these are…fruit, yogurt, & granola all in one container!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNYZhzKCWY7XvJ07ZL3fZpw2VfalM1-NsT9Zr2VOPgV-a3z1xPKAhNfsjFP2LvfFX-dbnIAyykA11CCQBrYgNGVZT7xFqaU_YbT9z84rdDRRWWQN6EqtPxa_Wu6q06omwoAC6mSRt8W7R/s1600-h/DSC09304%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09304" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ycbkd-qNGXztepmpCBJ0anpEXT3DFDeHGtBD__dfRNhZ_gLyKtzQ3SNmxs9KQEgCNmoADOQLRI2CKAJpYytQ84T0k8rAyjW0poVvUAdkjiMGpt3k6CU4ELJVYe5iYeJ55chBxLtIvXty/?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="DSC09304" width="404"></a></p> <p>We finally got to go home for lunch a little after 2pm, which I don’t mind because that means our afternoon at work <em>flies</em> by!</p> <p>I had a triple threat plate, starting with <strong>1/2c cottage cheese</strong> and <strong>pineapple</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JKcX6wD53UJHWlJ3f_eS22bUV3jvdeE5lxqDhIihsfC7sm3BVAXr51bsgc9fKrOuOrZE-yf_erUqrFQd640CIIJANTZ-FO_xdtnV9XgHIW3YqCvdHSJDFcigQwZL8s63uy-W7ZrOcPyy/s1600-h/DSC09305%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09305" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJcdujFatewScSLwYXt63vn4jwlJ9HEyaFyjQkEoqn7mafj0wuCIMdBjWN-xzcLZdOnV-dYLjy5QuI6KmrH-KGiZNmpy6tltB_weKHIUIhJOkxy1xVDLKnHzRk_3nn-aYWwMgyZctBIlt/?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="DSC09305" width="404"></a></p> <p>A serving of <strong>steamed broccoli</strong> that I <em>didn’t eat</em>, had a horrible taste. I think it was on the verge of going bad. :(<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRqL2hJfVBc16WDGjv28UPs-H9UJN09Je0Y7sE41I8ppBUnMpzU6N_VV7I9MeOqR-4ZPWq9tkWpXQkVsASLtMLimtvisP0Q_dPZIlmwqjelDBXNOUS6SDuFs6jGzO11k3ItZmGcuzHx97/s1600-h/DSC09306%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09306" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28rJIY0mwn8TWLpn5c-9B8e1qA_PXTPPhJPbXW4BNUu2wT3_cxdeJaU8gxNK5_K5RfhqO3XgsFNivAIZBuz5rsn5Hctl9RNgznqRDaskMLLanFAGv4MmDtOtdwNfTzttgV5ztn3Rytjbe/?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="DSC09306" width="404"></a></p> <p>And I rounded things out with a<strong> grilled cheese sandwich</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmSNC_qRDd5ht9W4ukK-XUe2ZOrfuc10qz_s2Zde7tDDx7XvLTbqTto12szsbPpU0nq7zuki8s4x102oOSUyBsJ7TstnMpbrzhJ9sofNZAhauAYd-HjDdJZpfkNee2JbNxZdae5hSH2jv/s1600-h/DSC09307%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09307" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX2DySJZzTTqGfpOWTn_2J8vLXXdFsMaEBjFfn7VnGYMPOZuvSLS_o-CUuM4Eud81ZzAJ38217o-rtBeym4pQYixHckN1hTB-J0mtutQTUxS8w3mbR5oVe4TUMm87s9qwuv5N8BD3RmOB/?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="DSC09307" width="404"></a></p> <p>Great lunch, minus the bad broccoli! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVx35tMbAZ5fvIkVkJ3CLr9c-MGxbLY6ZWDw1oRBkMIGdiPTvQS_P9fe_xt-3-PyasLQQnerUUNPl6zA5O1m_SrpZu8Q5V_FkPhZkLErfAQarzMZb5elHZEBhoEsUnNPhhJekVrXjltYVN/s1600-h/DSC09308%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09308" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfQ6eR5AlsXuWBA3zBlBJwAVmeYJBF3qzSJ6aeufhZJ0Gut-FQvCj1UAQ-tLJROIh9iReHCIGWD2JDLY7W_TMIUrffoGzVKaMsplMxURU8E5RKXbl5FdX6TURwWVVt5XT08NmqEegFIpB/?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="DSC09308" width="404"></a></p> <p>After work Kyle and I ran a few errands, had to make a quick stop at the post office to mail a <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/11/catching-up-and-winner.html">certain package</a>! ;) And then we hit up the grocery store, we were running quite low on food!</p> <p>By the time we got home it was after 7pm, so I went for something quick & comforting! The <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/crafty.html"><strong>mini pizzas</strong></a> strike again, <strong>6 points</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY5MoeUTa-1ZLAJqNn7zM7VXhmoQORoXr7czfLxNP4V3V1qqQriy_uSuh5z5rk5ur6XszE5OUAkeK3zFTWtPM-1UVMIQt3ZlVG_61cvORdwTzIAgdd-CNZYs8yHTMNT0ixYVeRLOCrvHR/s1600-h/DSC09312%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09312" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEccJ_TCbfy8E_Tb78WFAut-kQviIk8qujmIXkyPG4LkhtUaIJZr2EmMRVJ0fKdPJSsfnlZSpdkGtr6Ve6fBB6YfR3ZRw4vjwhVxbxfJZGR7178p2tHYmVJesVNs5WBFomtkDUZkd9zXr/?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="DSC09312" width="404"></a></p> <p>I had a craving for<strong> mac n cheese</strong>, so I made a 1/2 box and calculated the points. Not too bad if you have 1/2 a serving and make it w/no butter & skim milk. My serving was only <strong>3 points</strong> and totally satisfied my craving!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTSbKo1MzNjVEcEYBAJ-rQlyiFslxVN5fwCpyCd9VTCvZKLKGtCA0IkSZ_m1qu4cR7g49E6-pEh0fFdesWA6zWz3Hk-2AwQ8ilyqr4ydgU8oHs9VoA7jRPhH9N9XVPJtQyPPMlAQdSu5W/s1600-h/DSC09311%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09311" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vIV0XtrSjTqPo58KKUpEei91NdbMfXo2pD5jQnWAtGddNnyYnAwq21hoK4oKqHYxSOGtWhxudyQ3pp5NkRYrfynMFS96SWWfZjWXowLTe2TAzgUuoqGb0Bez8J-Rr4X187SnbWypYsiP/?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="DSC09311" width="404"></a></p> <p>I had to show you guys my dress I wore today! It’s pretty simple, but I love it! I had already ditched my heels, walking all day at the office & grocery shopping was enough! ;) Can’t wait to pair it with leggings & boots this winter!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jfAqf-zl6DMrW6pmeOvvmTwSU_hHDtnaFtBdos9v0nssp65lyjQtZccnXsxuZ9wPzIAFcTicKBVFWrI5GO216PveiEkymUur_apjz1Se5SudxdTWBBxR2R1YorsKX3rLTi-n1IFotu4M/s1600-h/DSC09310%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09310" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5pAWOAZqj4cI_-HnqyvEm0CP9yUr5Sf1GplTBaUAQ-FPAtNTWkMM3yF84wvDwRb6tsO4WeXuWOjqXwuJHqv75RkpPJkRl75b7UVixLlLtK24Rdmk80pFngmPyO7vARwiKPWhu-e6T9My/?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="DSC09310" width="354"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS<br></strong>POINTS = 29/23<br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 6 used/29 remaining<br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/0 week<br>H2O = 88 oz<br>EXERCISE = none <p><strong>Are you a dress girl?</strong> <em>I would say I definitely am! But I don’t wear them often enough!</em>

Sunny Tuesday

Tuesday was a gorgeous day here in Iowa, sunny & 70 degrees! Too bad I had to work inside all day! Breakfast was a few left over pancak...

Read more »

Catching up and a WINNER!!!

Hello friends! I've been MIA the past few days! LOTS going on! :) I'll give you the short version!<br /><br />Thursday was my blogiversary...hard to believe 2 years ago I was in a much different place! If you missed my post make sure to go check it out <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/11/2-year-blogiversary.html">here</a>!<br /><br />Friday was work like normal and then we spent the evening w/my family! Always love family time! :)<br /><br />Saturday was an unexpected road trip to Kansas City!! I packed my bags quick...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllURDDNxz0AU5UlIpuVXMZDCjjQfnFAKqNuNdgTKFqmpkw2MLAsYkC6feUHYMtreVjelgp1pw8BX6JbsNTcdQDApzX_YULUnUYneQ1m89fikS12qO9gmHrXvvyAF3NBIIX_cAlREkdUk_/s1600/DSC09285.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537621209266599202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllURDDNxz0AU5UlIpuVXMZDCjjQfnFAKqNuNdgTKFqmpkw2MLAsYkC6feUHYMtreVjelgp1pw8BX6JbsNTcdQDApzX_YULUnUYneQ1m89fikS12qO9gmHrXvvyAF3NBIIX_cAlREkdUk_/s400/DSC09285.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Had some cereal in my favorite bowl...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVWqshzJZZ4Zhoarhb5XI7sbv_yb1UokhhF174QcgiHR3JPbpH6nmPkXlqkcOtbe8L7wEUERBDEf6EyvKEO0ZsEfpp_EV1lZz3VpJ4sEDNkW13po9e3yECPfm6Zfb_QAHPwjriLXjFvWJ/s1600/DSC09283.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537621595534796290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVWqshzJZZ4Zhoarhb5XI7sbv_yb1UokhhF174QcgiHR3JPbpH6nmPkXlqkcOtbe8L7wEUERBDEf6EyvKEO0ZsEfpp_EV1lZz3VpJ4sEDNkW13po9e3yECPfm6Zfb_QAHPwjriLXjFvWJ/s400/DSC09283.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />And my sister, Mindi, and I hit the road!! She had a wedding to go to and I was going along for the ride & to surprise my friend who lives in KC!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFmUcyLlB4xHZXgo6wigx2Pq5TNtm2y8Y7AKPe0tHwTU6-C_eWeuH8IlBQXdRi2UqPPk5fWN38ifk-Ux5u_cj9qERMETK-OvldQCECvGUOYUdkC_vk6BjQ1tPWLoSrJLel3c6WKGBuBX6/s1600/DSC09298.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537621315864290018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFmUcyLlB4xHZXgo6wigx2Pq5TNtm2y8Y7AKPe0tHwTU6-C_eWeuH8IlBQXdRi2UqPPk5fWN38ifk-Ux5u_cj9qERMETK-OvldQCECvGUOYUdkC_vk6BjQ1tPWLoSrJLel3c6WKGBuBX6/s400/DSC09298.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />We had a few snacks along the way...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy54_Zoslffbk81LEP2sp2DXgqcgtMtvxFv4Y0J0-dURGBKJQ_kMZPhwLTxYtpOZwU8YWJgrjeBzj8sbxuPcKFBOdAi3bT3Vm4wiblX_6NViotu5TpqJhi-2MRvg6LEuqR77AjRJ5M2Jl/s1600/DSC09290.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537621906779600386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy54_Zoslffbk81LEP2sp2DXgqcgtMtvxFv4Y0J0-dURGBKJQ_kMZPhwLTxYtpOZwU8YWJgrjeBzj8sbxuPcKFBOdAi3bT3Vm4wiblX_6NViotu5TpqJhi-2MRvg6LEuqR77AjRJ5M2Jl/s400/DSC09290.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Some healthy...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExmYPkk14HfYRWQb7UsP-qxMm-4QPuPvbIwjS1qdIoVaZcG2KsLwrH05m6zj2IH0o1SmtZAFQKZ07-OVLDoy4Ksx1ScQi0uY2Q7yPSzzSh0bg2htnvkeYUPj9fM1Fbe3AXlbSMpPJIbXj/s1600/DSC09287.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537621896770004290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExmYPkk14HfYRWQb7UsP-qxMm-4QPuPvbIwjS1qdIoVaZcG2KsLwrH05m6zj2IH0o1SmtZAFQKZ07-OVLDoy4Ksx1ScQi0uY2Q7yPSzzSh0bg2htnvkeYUPj9fM1Fbe3AXlbSMpPJIbXj/s400/DSC09287.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Some, not so much! But I counted out my serving! ;) The 4+ hour trip flew by, I always enjoy sister time!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N5oF_sZxaBqIev42i8QxNP5lYitL_BWn6J5yG84rtbEQRG2W3QBI_Nmk7zkPXhxVE3CPtMWBmZZS8putSddn7Y1pcGXsn6wlW-jXaHZ9Q9TIFKN0GV32Mjr3Gakbv2MkIjW0f8CWTk20/s1600/DSC09288.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537621891137521618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N5oF_sZxaBqIev42i8QxNP5lYitL_BWn6J5yG84rtbEQRG2W3QBI_Nmk7zkPXhxVE3CPtMWBmZZS8putSddn7Y1pcGXsn6wlW-jXaHZ9Q9TIFKN0GV32Mjr3Gakbv2MkIjW0f8CWTk20/s400/DSC09288.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Our first stop was the Legends at Village West Outlet mall!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj2m-3Z6d_RRvhLteKV4jaYRsfKUD1NGX24NkRPIh_HhymVy22qTamUnbWqtHDQJpMx2RfdOpczYrk31HfMicqKAeLxgZynNYkzYMzjkZTddCboqIANNIre2ciSDVcyb9r_ayqpUXCedv/s1600/DSC09291.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537621204686069154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj2m-3Z6d_RRvhLteKV4jaYRsfKUD1NGX24NkRPIh_HhymVy22qTamUnbWqtHDQJpMx2RfdOpczYrk31HfMicqKAeLxgZynNYkzYMzjkZTddCboqIANNIre2ciSDVcyb9r_ayqpUXCedv/s400/DSC09291.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Mindi made friends with some "animals"!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuWhmCxux11PlaTIDdVMNXQTH6w1DCUOPV_3H9_6JQY-7yfg2awvkWZRpbRT4L7PxxEkFPISYofzHOUOStH5ebkhhC-tZZnIWgvliMRLyPCsOwoJp-x4ytsg5rvxoZqNtnxOoIJihE5zF/s1600/DSC09292.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537621195396468770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuWhmCxux11PlaTIDdVMNXQTH6w1DCUOPV_3H9_6JQY-7yfg2awvkWZRpbRT4L7PxxEkFPISYofzHOUOStH5ebkhhC-tZZnIWgvliMRLyPCsOwoJp-x4ytsg5rvxoZqNtnxOoIJihE5zF/s400/DSC09292.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />We couldn't shop on an empty stomachs though! We made a quick stop at Five Guys, a new try for me!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj-7TJJ9M0Zv0-wK62OQadU2bq7E3VxZNg3FRZ8Cp9IHaypFbYO9VN9PqsAXEfS07oeGpsVlb6Ldcufafzuh8TMC_ashlPodL3tzLxdhAwitw6GdLlqjMv2WblHYSGa0SZNxtYSnphuF0/s1600/DSC09293.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537621181761980402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj-7TJJ9M0Zv0-wK62OQadU2bq7E3VxZNg3FRZ8Cp9IHaypFbYO9VN9PqsAXEfS07oeGpsVlb6Ldcufafzuh8TMC_ashlPodL3tzLxdhAwitw6GdLlqjMv2WblHYSGa0SZNxtYSnphuF0/s400/DSC09293.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I got the "little" burger, but there wasn't much that was little about it! ;) But it was one good burger!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsWWuVNcOHxxbtcxpBcbKiOTIoCzPpAF1JGvSscXrSvic2b5Lu5qDMxDFqiLGMvQWeCF-dtgsEHRRNnC4p78zeHxTv73km6RpZU4ufNVNS_THishyKXlhYpN2qCsDTlOvNVwwhBduwqP3/s1600/DSC09295.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537621168889201442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsWWuVNcOHxxbtcxpBcbKiOTIoCzPpAF1JGvSscXrSvic2b5Lu5qDMxDFqiLGMvQWeCF-dtgsEHRRNnC4p78zeHxTv73km6RpZU4ufNVNS_THishyKXlhYpN2qCsDTlOvNVwwhBduwqP3/s400/DSC09295.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Mindi's got the little burger too...but went "all the way" with her toppings! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPYi_I23onpPREGCnPJhzdkouM_46yw3CvuyHNOIW7zEy-2GX7EVk7J_p3TsN3KRu8rYlvv0Z4Kjm6usAaQN4XoAoHVzZ-AYrCkMMAUBz80AL8Bq6eM2fViiwCH6rFgaLmSos6lub6-xk/s1600/DSC09296.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537620739924947986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPYi_I23onpPREGCnPJhzdkouM_46yw3CvuyHNOIW7zEy-2GX7EVk7J_p3TsN3KRu8rYlvv0Z4Kjm6usAaQN4XoAoHVzZ-AYrCkMMAUBz80AL8Bq6eM2fViiwCH6rFgaLmSos6lub6-xk/s400/DSC09296.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Word the wise, if you go to Five Guys, get the regular fries! Our little container was overflowing. We barely made a dent in them!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAg_mjEesri-WK2FyTlbiCshWw5NuEyUVTr2i0mgOtxz9EAyFpW0qjNYbgwJOkc4KELAaew1-IOttkmPH7lzyEwkvHoJk1hyeXidmJIObvEKcmvF-luBcNyw8biD3Ju2dfYmv29bAUffg/s1600/DSC09297.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537620732945088626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAg_mjEesri-WK2FyTlbiCshWw5NuEyUVTr2i0mgOtxz9EAyFpW0qjNYbgwJOkc4KELAaew1-IOttkmPH7lzyEwkvHoJk1hyeXidmJIObvEKcmvF-luBcNyw8biD3Ju2dfYmv29bAUffg/s400/DSC09297.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />We shopped the afternoon away and I made a quick call to my friend, <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/03/guest-post-2-jenna.html">Jenna</a>. She had NO idea I was in town and was TOTALLY surprised!! I love surprises!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45zrQkRjrRFFCBygFqAPZs74g0Wh4eZXXnR5HYAyhUSHnKKKUzO6SncF_yt9203uZ57V2ak3m4BbToTEgsU4L_Oq0AnaKBo4Amq2fZxLUIVAMxaAaIemXkrMBuMWfLvkzfJqkwpkWStYJ/s1600/mejenna.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537624848874799730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45zrQkRjrRFFCBygFqAPZs74g0Wh4eZXXnR5HYAyhUSHnKKKUzO6SncF_yt9203uZ57V2ak3m4BbToTEgsU4L_Oq0AnaKBo4Amq2fZxLUIVAMxaAaIemXkrMBuMWfLvkzfJqkwpkWStYJ/s400/mejenna.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />We met up downtown at The Plaza for some more shopping. It was EXTRA fun to see her because she recently got ENGAGED!!! For supper we hit up one of my favorites, Cheddars!<br /><br />We had their homemade onion rings...LOVE these!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KVlYV6rHNYcOh64416iJzOGgUnCdPgrH1_bMZ6wAD_XofGI_EC8dF-Rov09gCHA-bWeITBhLf34VI24YSifBq-ikkqfwbWvh90sPfUhap3DIQGhu2-ptaPO8Z62TGAUn6w7hG0NTHUmM/s1600/DSC09299.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537620728552163698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KVlYV6rHNYcOh64416iJzOGgUnCdPgrH1_bMZ6wAD_XofGI_EC8dF-Rov09gCHA-bWeITBhLf34VI24YSifBq-ikkqfwbWvh90sPfUhap3DIQGhu2-ptaPO8Z62TGAUn6w7hG0NTHUmM/s400/DSC09299.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />And I got the chicken tender wrapper! I think they changed something on it though 'cause it wasn't the same as past times. Why mess with a good thing?!?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUHg-jXHJL_Szk-holHidclF4G_3AX9evwIlvvUnFKtPDPHcO3_3WANnRb6PH4-5X01ABejr7m5AZBkRudsIEJoWRCA-bIk8BxsydWwKbu9R5yenC2NITBjvXK65qbIKXUPG15yIDGc24/s1600/DSC09300.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537620719505982114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUHg-jXHJL_Szk-holHidclF4G_3AX9evwIlvvUnFKtPDPHcO3_3WANnRb6PH4-5X01ABejr7m5AZBkRudsIEJoWRCA-bIk8BxsydWwKbu9R5yenC2NITBjvXK65qbIKXUPG15yIDGc24/s400/DSC09300.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />We enjoyed supper and met up with my sister from Omaha, Stef, who was also in town for a wedding. It was a fun girls night! Oh and Jenna asked me to be a bridesmaid!!! Can't wait for your big day Jenna, you're going to make a gorgeous bride!!!<br /><br />Sunday involved sleeping in, more shopping, and Mindi & I made the drive home! We didn't get back till after midnight though! I was one tired girl!! It was worth it, such a fun weekend!<br /><br />Now on to some blog business!! My first giveaway ended yesterday and I used random.org to choose a winner. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuy5XrhDvTpeEPLblW2EU5_v3siVGgGB22bz7o6oCnxxizbkUCIWeCd80d76WmUvh2FpmxCRPx2rg_jPA6lKfWhyphenhyphenaDhtdh_0pVVoRuth9LyoAt5Gr20tclmvqO9oNlV-vWY6-qWnCY4iG/s1600/random.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537619795044873378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuy5XrhDvTpeEPLblW2EU5_v3siVGgGB22bz7o6oCnxxizbkUCIWeCd80d76WmUvh2FpmxCRPx2rg_jPA6lKfWhyphenhyphenaDhtdh_0pVVoRuth9LyoAt5Gr20tclmvqO9oNlV-vWY6-qWnCY4iG/s400/random.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 289px;" /></a><br />Comment #3, my good <span style="font-style:italic;">[blog]</span> friend & fellow Iowan Alyssa from over at <a href="http://ajourneytothin.blogspot.com/">A Journey to Thin</a> said:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwLq5gx-Zx9PBpBCiIFu9u-yO98S5BJA4DsA5GxVomy1FuMLK2HCFF1yaEI3cKuW6__66XEOpi_LoXPmjYt4DIKwRym410eFAsq-qsspmdbw6Jshcl5aOj7k8R5xKnIL2AK0VobFjNdFb/s1600/maeflowers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537626960827925714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwLq5gx-Zx9PBpBCiIFu9u-yO98S5BJA4DsA5GxVomy1FuMLK2HCFF1yaEI3cKuW6__66XEOpi_LoXPmjYt4DIKwRym410eFAsq-qsspmdbw6Jshcl5aOj7k8R5xKnIL2AK0VobFjNdFb/s400/maeflowers.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 192px;" /></a><br />Congrats Alyssa!!<br /><br />Ok, so question for you guys! <span style="font-weight:bold;">Do you enjoy last minute trips? Or are you a planner & don't like to change plans?</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">I'm usually a planner, but I didn't have a whole lot going on and figured "what the heck"!! Glad I did! :)</span>

Catching up and a WINNER!!!

Hello friends! I've been MIA the past few days! LOTS going on! :) I'll give you the short version! Thursday was my blogiversary...ha...

Read more »