Day 195 (Monday 5/18)

<p>It’s rare that I like Mondays, but I sure did like this one!! I took the day off because my little sister is leaving tomorrow to go back to Florida for the summer. :( So I wanted to be able to spend more time with her since she won’t be living with us like she did for the past few summers. </p> <p>I got up at my normal time and got some laundry and cleaning done. Then it was off the gym to get my workout in too! I went for <strong>31 minutes</strong> on the <strong>cross ramp</strong>, <strong>10 min run/walk</strong> on the <strong>treadmill</strong> at an <strong>incline</strong>, and then finished off with <strong>10 minutes</strong> of <strong>abs</strong> and <strong>lunges</strong>. It was a great workout!!</p> <p>Afterwards I got some groceries and came home to my sis still in her PJs at 10am!! She likes to sleep in!! :) I spent the morning chopping, slicing, dicing, peeling, etc while talking to my lil sis and her college roommate, who stopped by. So once again I’ve got all my good healthy, foods ready for quick snacking or meal prep. </p> <p>The three of us, plus the sister that went with me to WI had lunch at my house. I made <a href="http://happytexans.blogspot.com/">Kelly’s</a> <strong>Creamy Baked Chicken</strong>. Mmmm!! It was SO good!! I will definitely be making this again. I also had some <strong>cantaloupe</strong> and <strong>veggies</strong> w/<strong>cheese</strong> for a total of <strong>8 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUvtuh2HOziiame3Xej6rMux9fKBb5ySykLwgjwlZeqvBP7j-VDi61jL7alIQVatzKvVjOmqBMXLcxSLiJ-8q3ZtJrFyFRyUwX-RR9Y5hQOV1UuA2ThlILFRt9TbAoIPKlZkm4FrYpfHu/s1600-h/DSC02638%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02638" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7OuQsZZKmkZCRBHOgMpxePHOg-i4yUEiaZTREoIsT0XAp1234tgdUqiM2YuZyXeIFEDDaum0j89d_sSbzp78zdJX9TIX5e9xkVwE7wv7yxD1XOFEnhKfGhyhNPLeDxRdCH2u-xVIe3eF/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02638" width="324"></a></p> <p>We spent the afternoon chatting away and made some <strong>smoothies</strong>! MMmmmm!! I love these…1<strong> point</strong> for my serving!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l4J-4EKwgqhKBXCei5Vng7EB_aiNXQw2dQzLz4W-EPz0p3MnN_QX0z-O82SjfixTfi4uv-flwiFTA7_iTtfeXL0Uqdt_YmaOJOqh__9U-qykxE2fWYHBkopwmI7kUH7-CYYr7ZyhsFpN/s1600-h/DSC02641%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02641" border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c43HlD5kLY_tyJlFV4P2WABKvoT2auOO3nxXbRIYB0Iar0KgXycJdyxck-LPq-oBTu2Pz8pikEvWXJ7YPXawdKJNFd7gip1TU0adiv8s25zreGBv_tm8W7Jmbo8kAfBuCO_qn7FtAOOh/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02641" width="504"></a></p> <p>Then my good friend Sara stopped over with her little girl,Emma. I worked with Sara for a few years and then she moved about an hour away and got married! Emma is just SUPER cute and so smiley. Sara brought Emma’s stroller so we took a nice little walk around the neighborhood. It was so fun! Makes me excited for babies!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6PQAUyVO1J3jXb_HZbSZ5ICTO2diRQ9kdCfnBSYm9Yc1-F1vieD0sPIgkMphgJ2VkF_tjb5hhsoiLEFN_j_QiveHAU4OGkHU9bGvFsZkm2YSRbDjuAzSFKL1ZwCKTMamnldgBcchaU3a/s1600-h/DSC02642%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02642" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTVnKWIY7d7MgimhpIbvDbmz5g0lVc8F_sdiDrSfZfQVYoP4DU2XfOew40Cb_KOcZyZbPyJp01VFEP30IZs_4Tei8KWVivf6Zdl3hg3FQH6AaHvhDlMw0QMnNjj1TL6NEPLwikfgrvc92/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02642" width="353"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eYUe_7GWV66GVb-rEpsej_so87_cTB8gYwCcxq2835wsui9FUg5kL5-j0KxSLqKVVhGs5dJ3zg0YOzhsWgsg-aYTgxWXHqg6X0-LvDSbO8gvVudWrS_MWAzfYLQV7a5myUz5Bp1GHnM4/s1600-h/DSC02643%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02643" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsyVq6CloBjmLgyOM2NftoJ9rhuZ2_FcKSie5e2gyAol9KEoG6K_6S-K4hYzlKJZMS-RDR4zKWkNirvlOZrkS2zWSO5A_GWvbyEzLZGYu8xC8nZRNbTLaOkREYDr3EeP07HYe90Hd4ZuC/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02643" width="304"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYAeUro9MRUNGm7qanI8rTYmFRKTsOJecFG3Kva8L3wDCeOjkYd3qqp8dVRRfeggLU1hMK2bNw_IMjcyIyn2FznWoHfLGQL4nJ4mRBbFfTNJPVq6_dmT8szvbhHioRipnhKeVPZwuE4NW/s1600-h/DSC02647%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02647" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizirMZH5iQ3WZXSMBc7sK1iWqDtoPp1KVSDxmqH0gVmzNVI84vhX0GQWZ_SVAt7z2IZaWdhsnkV86RED-k4MBp14mUR67Kh0pII7G2FJeAqpLhJ1K1oqbTJkRpOwy8waTSDaQ41u3Zu-gE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02647" width="304"></a></p> <p>Sara actually brought a few dressed for me a try out for my SIL’s wedding in June. The dress I bought in January doesn’t quite fit me…too big!! :) So friends I need your help! Here are the four choices. <strong>Tell me which one you think looks best!</strong>            </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="420"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="209"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-x3i2PFNc_fHsF7lIOfcMzPcB_MJUGhFsIVtAaeWJWuev_AfZM0jkFjqTFyGV3Q51S2u1sD1Ok1dw8P0z2-6amdnyWhoUiM83DqLW0i3YwJG-pX-6QC6T6-3YHsfH9Pvd1tXBirUJYFg/s1600-h/DSC02649%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02649" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatEvWpkEoW88gVCvtWkeBrpUP9QDUMGQ83NdkGfPp5w39CArqbe7IeL7uurDI4bPWxr8-9kh1xSHWIyJpu7fzPMcNeqIa1KrmCSIakQL7HG1G-xzTbi4mo7Wgrx-0JYr3XOiXb7qZ40Yy/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02649" width="203"></a>#1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF_aqWwj6BP_dVqMFPs7Ion8RhFFHbpke2CTbyjO6-6C4p2GNN6kmzXM2_yuBdOAPjp6ABKxvcDuObKF4vSJNt0LHjNMpyxDX1yBBKriKGboC-buiu3KGnrw0rcq9Ops_Jh2j_eJemn7g/s1600-h/DSC02657%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02657" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMgLUlF3RD6kPs4WBQbiEmC1rsoxiqcEwe8xX41sNzo9zVvxSksxex2TVm7F6TFQ5Fa7un3Q8x6PB7bztBAyrvhPi3kvIhMDFJQExPGc8ajbi0kHSRiZ1NCVEAg322aMsZSRjKiw5Gygu/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02657" width="203">#3</a></td> <td valign="top" width="209"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkypuoMgX0wx_So5TBFKMoxrOtdY82sdnQqjf93gBw_AEH8WX-nwkSL2MvhbTn2tcVdGh_HfoL_OAEs4_YIJL7wABH2mzb1uozORUPbDow7OL-fNGJDNpnkwsEuAJiyqFvAGMg-nA5_Dd5/s1600-h/DSC02651%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02651" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPiYt1nX7Y3H_LMvhEqP_Vdt5wr-Ynb211ZoFIinFEhyk_atcdlr8H-NcJ4RQGr5xYujYw72ka2C09rubmWXaTRUsA6qnpKDP60b2CUjY-iARFSQAZRCXU5ri0D0hPrDk-0P14xS4f5cj/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02651" width="203"></a>#2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhpImQMbWyn5o5Ks51l8oOvAAnNa0-ReigrnzIbz8S88OKq4bnoC7tpzlsKDwMbodyyuHjligHuBjpb3oHDrjasecXqcFiRMJz6t8k19vRi23gjrfSZGIAHCdJvoFEpgXwqHVd_SrXJJv/s1600-h/DSC02653%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02653" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92nCvtUYuNzuBbzh0DxjYpRtdc7i3mtRpFYQrNqo6saRawEgGc50hskSSlJPIU5hyf9V67ZuCZFRByip2W1Om0hrcn4eaixOSp4GivyPv6iZZ-o8mfe4q0JFpEt9zd2_DBgR9cEMozQnH/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02653" width="203">#4</a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>  After “playing” dress up my lil sis and I had a few snacks. I had a <strong>hot dog</strong>, <strong>fiber one bar</strong>, and<strong> kettle corn</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9XpDXia5-nxmrAG0Hjvatwsrv7er_slCRr1DobcLFZLeg-moVbtbXRQsvKXvau4BTkaKQcLLcy-M2W0JaF6-F7NmDiFr-fyT8Dic59E3qGVFrYg7yTfsbRFPNNOG9ZKREAbqisugQff8/s1600-h/DSC02662%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02662" border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf2he3_6GX3PH0k_yK9dRmXsjrHIevthAva3CSKa-u4qxpPbdmDItpGgR8jzMUsgFwaN0OhOM1OcHg0bdZ39BsvLLDDSSgV05wjrPGlpv-YCe_ULj4sbsK3PDhJ5hV-H8W4cCWiX_GUHU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02662" width="334"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9vrf94F1JoSb4W1QEkHNFWAO-q-alBpf5_G7pphY6zztk3Ee-fQrQWfIGeitNM6kU8eWwDcOI2bMCudjPxZJcWkofBdCt4uRw00_Q19ryDahPJkF3Ev2wiI4ddPDi0PhhS8Z7Xx7vGq4/s1600-h/DSC02663%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02663" border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG35Jlls8v7QyH_HKsvBKbRjFIGmJa7hwlpoj__s2_l86fJtsgrtrhGdtcia7AX2egNGMmrGhhcKPUMOsoz3IrDHPytAwhkC039uzRRvEPNRzMtoESswubMECmBWF_i8j7KHRewsj45Nex/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02663" width="334"></a></p> <p><strong>MONDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 14/22 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = none left :(  <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 5 today/10 week <br>WATER = 94 oz <br>EXERCISE = 31 min cross ramp, 10 min run/walk, 10 min abs & lunges, & 10 min walk</p>

Day 195 (Monday 5/18)

It’s rare that I like Mondays, but I sure did like this one!! I took the day off because my little sister is leaving tomorrow to go back to ...

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Days 193-194 (Saturday 5/16 & Sunday 5/17)

<p>Hello everyone! I made it home from Wisconsin Sunday around 7ish. It was good to get home, but I also had a great weekend with the family. I didn’t really stay very OP…but when I weighed in this morning the scale still said 158.5 so I was glad to see that!</p> <p>Saturday we lounged around visiting until the shower. Look what we saw on the way to the shower. I could NOT believe it so of course had to take a picture. It was just right along side the road. We don’t have things like that in Iowa…well at least that I’ve seen anyway!! Wow!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSv1bhSMRKgahgDjswcASZ6gXeTME0Ewb6v2z-WetuvsntX7Hq-qAYFC8KR7B_nJLDkkk2wCPr6h3ka9ZE4rlLJgtwZElxfxJM6JlfnkcSjZsWFLGiEa7RcxyqMy2174Lusnw5dJ8MGG2/s1600-h/DSC02623%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02623" border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd12p7eqnpW8tQbjUVdqg2MWJbMPZf2yzP_DGBbOvvs3HEIWpH77Pt6gb0RxoJMguXu7lc11ay_2xiNaL88ek3QzSNi2s0YQZdxxXrKJ1W54GGiJYZ8yuLIDhny6sH3YPq7lXRoLRymA9/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02623" width="338"></a></p> <p>My cousin was the most beautiful glowing, pregnant chic I’ve seen! So cute!! Her and I are just a few months and she is more like a sister than my cousin. I just wish she wasn’t 4 hours away! She is due in 3 weeks…a boy! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcBCpfKAixPYYL-B9Ug3amV-I1khhMB-iyit4prfT7vY2ED_JlQp_A_1kbgeB_xxkwH-yehlvKfmlv3-GxRui2hCi143iAq_ipaKM7HYhip4nhVvW6UBwFqYoQIKBl-F0TQllwEAVT7JK/s1600-h/DSC02616%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02616" border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0gfVgJsmg_HDpiFVADJ1YEIZwIhblu-MrV9FeY4A7m7HWn5DACjauhyphenhyphenw5zJKsd4yqNUqbLAlP8iM4QekIfIA7GTWSAqCiTSVSlvZwPYieSD3ZbKFCbACSs67LVv_Lb2mpEK7sJu_oleN/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02616" width="379"></a><img alt="DSC02622" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijusbPhqrIJgS5sljXASqFZDh3QpHBlqA4Lmn7OIVrX2HQLKRkKTJ8VBLUwObutgFJFOyLcnbg9vDldEZMdV3wZCZiPQp2Op2AZL7nUqru1fBVzaQ8xpZePLhMabnIsIxD8XDGIk1Z-Rnh/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02622" width="305"></p> <p>After the shower my sister and I shopped for a while and then spent time with all the family. I was a good girl shopping, only 2 skirts and some new undies! DH was proud!! :)</p> <p>Sunday we went to church with everyone and had a quick lunch before hitting the road. Here is a picture of some of us girls! It’s always so good to catch up with family!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcMs6X1RL4uX3bGYGbKCa3bQeONV1HvhQLZf71OhWGYuyaVbIGhxnQD2iAz__cq-CyrRvymYg-MRtv7NN8zJydiKxMF1kOEV2KIdpMdwb7frxtBLfZdX8_5G8g2QLOA0HOnKlKxaB5C-H/s1600-h/DSC02627%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02627" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2icmOuKBSTmMzFkjyx_W4V33fFjiybbyGLxjsOWJK8hqKVvYp7gRMOOwqqRuozY70yA839SZThisCP2bBUkjRuB6HcXZD_1jziKPeuZEEP3H8a4yCEtgvuPJvf84Z9xgXfDEq__OKeVFu/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02627" width="404"></a></p> <p>DH was busy doing some work stuff when I got home so I decided I needed to get my workout in and hit the pavement for a run. My lil sister texted and said she was eating with my Dad and Gma at a restraunt not too far away so I decided to run there to chat with them for a while! I checked out when I got home and it was about 2 miles. And it took me about 20 minutes to run, there were 2 KILLER hills!! :)</p> <p>Hope everyone had a great weekend!! I’m sitting in my back yard blogging right now because it’s SO nice here!!  See you tonight! I will be back to my regular blogging.</p>

Days 193-194 (Saturday 5/16 & Sunday 5/17)

Hello everyone! I made it home from Wisconsin Sunday around 7ish. It was good to get home, but I also had a great weekend with the family. I...

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Planning des permanences - Semaine du 18 au 22 mai 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#6633ff;">Permanences</span></strong></h2><ul><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 20 mai de 10h à 12h30<br /><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 18 mai de 13h30 à 17h,<br /> - le mardi 19 mai de 13h30 à 17h,<br /> - le mercredi 20 mai de 13h30 à 17h.</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#6633ff;">Ateliers</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 19 mai de 9h30 à 12h30<br /><li><strong>Lettre de motivation</strong> - mardi 19 mai de 13h30 à 16h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#6633ff;">Information collective</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong>Conseil Général</strong> - mardi 19 mai à 10h</ul>

Planning des permanences - Semaine du 18 au 22 mai 2009

Permanences Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage - mercredi 20 mai de 10h à 12h30 Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les loca...

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New Draft Of Anglican Covenant

The new draft of the Anglican Covenant has been released by the Anglican Consultative Council. You can find a copy at <a href="http://www.anglicancommunion.org/">www.anglicancommunion.org</a>. Honestly, I have just had time to skim it. I'll have a chance to read it seriously this week at College for Bishops. But my skim leaves me still reluctant to endorse this approach to our relationship. My mind remains open, but I still have huge doubts. In any event, we have not received the document in time to take it up at General Convention. So we probably have a good 3 years to read the fine print.

New Draft Of Anglican Covenant

The new draft of the Anglican Covenant has been released by the Anglican Consultative Council. You can find a copy at www.anglicancommunion....

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How Do We Know A Sin When We See One?

A recent letter to our diocesan newsletter chided church leaders for failing to teach that homosexuality is a “sin.” I don’t want to tackle the question of whether homosexuality is a sin or not on a blog. It takes more words and more serious reflection than this medium affords. But it does raise an important question I want to ponder a little. What is a “sin”?<br /><br />The letter to the editor sparks this question for me because Scripture does not define homosexual acts as sins. Only one specific homosexual act is prohibited and it is described as a ritual purity violation, which is quite a different matter. Ritual purity violations are in the category of planting two kinds of crop in one field or wearing a poly-blend suit, not the category of murder, theft, adultery, and other such moral issues having to do with justice and integrity. But if something is not defined as sin in Scripture, that doesn’t resolve the question. Scripture doesn’t say anything about “enhanced interrogation techniques” (torture), toxic waste dumping, or human trafficking – but I feel certain in my heart that those things are sins. So how do we know if something is a sin?<br /><br />We get some interesting notions about it. I grew up in East Texas where there were many small denominations of the Free Church traditions. They were divided over whether certain specific acts were sins. Some said all dancing was a sin; others believed only fast dancing was a sin, and others thought fast dancing was ok but slow dancing was a sin. Some believed it was a sin to go to a movie -- ever; others held it was ok to see a film on Saturday night but it would be a sin to do so on Sunday. Some believed smoking was a sin. Others thought smoking was a sin if done by women, but it was ok for men. The there was hair! We had letters to the editor of the Texarkana Gazette arguing that the male hair styles of the 70’s were sin. Others held that it was a sin for a woman to trim her hair at all. (That incidentally is the only one of these notions that actually had a Biblical basis.)<br /><br />One of the great virtues of the Anglican Tradition, always held, then made explicit during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, is that we are free to disagree about such things, but we don’t divide up over them. We still pray together and love each other as family. It is the nature of families to disagree. That keeps it interesting. But as we disagree, what kinds of arguments can we use? How do we discern right from wrong? How do we engage in moral reasoning?<br /><br />Scripture may not answer all our questions, but it is our starting point. The letter of the law kills, but the Spirit gives life. So we read our Bible looking for the mind of God and the heart of Christ. “What would Jesus do?” is a solid way to start.<br /><br />But when Scripture doesn’t give us a clear answer, we have tradition to draw from. That doesn’t mean we are stuck with the morality of primitive times. If so, we would still be practicing slavery and executing people for stealing sheep. Tradition is our warehouse of experience -- what have we learned from the past? Some practices have proven over the centuries to be wise and merciful. Others have done more harm than good. Tradition means we look at our experience and learn from it.<br /><br />And we use our God-given reason. Logic is part of that. Kant may be out of fashion, but not with me. He demonstrated that there is a rational core to the moral order. His principles of moral reasoning are an essential step: Is this a rule we can apply to everyone? Are we faithful to the rule to never treat another human being as a means to an end, but always as an end in himself or herself. Kant used logic to validate the Golden Rule laid down by Jesus. But there is more to Reason than logic. All we can learn from psychology, sociology, biology, economics, and the whole field of human learning is properly part of our moral reasoning.<br /><br />So that makes the question of sin something to ponder carefully. It takes a lot of thought and a lot of humility. I have come to the opposite conclusion from the man who wrote the letter about homosexuality. But I deeply respect many people who disagree with me. I just pray that those of us who disagree will study, think, pray, feel, and talk with each other patiently and in good faith. We may have much to learn from each other. That’s how you can tell a community of faith from an enclave of the like-minded doomed by their homogeneity to become small minded.

How Do We Know A Sin When We See One?

A recent letter to our diocesan newsletter chided church leaders for failing to teach that homosexuality is a “sin.” I don’t want to tackle ...

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Contagion Anxieties and the Common Cup

Ever so often, I encounter folks who are anxious about getting sick from receiving Communion. Nationally, there is a wave of that concern these days related to the swine flu outbreak. Our office is e-mailing a helpful web site on the subject to all our Nevada priests this week. Anyone interested may want to check <a href="http://www.anglican.ca/faith/ministry/69">www.anglican.ca/faith/ministry/69</a> for a concise, accessible discussion.<br /><br />Bottom line, the common cup used with wine (preferably with a high alcohol content) wiped appropriately by the chalice bearer after each communicant poses no significant risk. The practice of intinction does not improve hygeine. It may actually decrease hygeine. The riskiest part of worship is walking in the door. The only thing we do in worship that noticeably ups the risk is shaking hands at the peace. (Hugging is healthier.)<br /><br />That said, I have seen some pastoral relationships crash quite unnecessarily on the rocks of telling people how they should or shoud not recieve communion. And I have not found the laity in Nevada to be at all worked up about it recently. So I recommend calm. As Jesus and numerous angels said, "Fear not" -- aptly paraphrased in The Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, "Don't panic." If you want more info on this, google "common cup hygeine." There have been upteen studies and you can find a wealth of reassuring information. But facts don't always assuage anxiety, so if you have someone who is really worried, assure them they don't have to receive the cup to receive the full grace of the sacrament. Reception in one kind is quite sufficient.

Contagion Anxieties and the Common Cup

Ever so often, I encounter folks who are anxious about getting sick from receiving Communion. Nationally, there is a wave of that concern th...

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Days 190-192 (Wednesday 5/13-Friday5/15)

Hello everyone!!<br /><br />Well I already blew my May goal of blogging everyday! I will give you a quick re-cap. I am in Wisconsin for the weekend visiting family for a baby shower!<br /><br />Wednesday was an OP day....until we went out for 50 cent tacos and I had a few too many drinks! For my use only I think I am going to list my daily stats! Hope I don't bore you!! Oh the good news about Wednesday is that I FINALLY left the 160s!! My scale said 159.5!! And I got a morning workout in! Oh and since I am in the 150s now, I can have 1 less point per day. <br /><br /><strong>WEDNESDAY'S STATS</strong><br />POINTS = 31/22<br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 9 used/24 remaining<br />WATER = 72 oz<br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 3 today/3 week<br />EXERCISE = 35 min cross ramp<br /><br />Thursday I stayed within my points...but I was a little naughty! I had frosted sugar cookie at work! I am counting them at 3 points each. I didn't weigh Thursday morning, I didn't want to see what kind of damage those drinks the night before caused! DH and I went for a run in the evening, it was actually DH's 2nd run of the day! He is quickly building his endurance...will probably outrun me soon!! I am so proud of him!!<br /><br /><strong>THURSDAYS'S STATS</strong><br />POINTS = 22/22<br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 9 used/26 remaining<br />WATER = 96 oz<br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 3 today/6 week<br />EXERCISE = 30 min run<br /><br />Friday I only worked till 2:30 and then my Mom, my sis, and one of my little cousin's all hopped in the car and headed north to Wisconsin to visit family. And I am proud to say I was right on track! Oh and the scale went down another 1/2lb Friday morning to 158.5!! I could hardly believe it!! We were on the road for supper and they all wanted to stop at McD's, but I was good and went across the street and got Subway!!<br /><br /><strong>FRIDAY'S STATS</strong><br />POINTS = 25/22<br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 12 used/23 remaining<br />WATER = 72 oz<br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/6 week<br />EXERCISE = none...does riding in the car for 6 hours count?!?!? :p<br /><br />Well guys I need to get back to vising with family and get then get ready for the baby shower!! I hope everyone has a great weekend! I probably won't blog until I get on Sunday night or maybe Monday morning!<br /><br />Toodles my lovely blogger buddies!!

Days 190-192 (Wednesday 5/13-Friday5/15)

Hello everyone!! Well I already blew my May goal of blogging everyday! I will give you a quick re-cap. I am in Wisconsin for the weekend vis...

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Truth, Faith, and T-Shirts

I was in the security line at McCarran Airport when a young man's bright red t-shirt caught my eye. It boldly proclaimed (as young people's shirts should boldly proclaim things):<br /><br />Truth<br />Over<br />Faith<br /><br />And too many philosophy and theology classes flooded into my head leaving me speechless which is just as well because I needed to empty my pockets, take off my belt, etc.<br /><br />In part I wanted to say, "That's so modern, so 1907. It's over." But I rememberd that the current wave of pop atheists means what is over in the academy is still chic at Barnes and Noble.<br /><br />So then I wanted to at least congratulate him for believing there is such a thing as truth to begin with. I took it that his upholding truth over faith must assume truth is objectively real as opposed to a social construct. Right on to that. Parallel lines really and truly do not intersect -- ever -- even if Euclid is a dead white guy.<br /><br />But then I would have to point out that his belief in truth is an existential stance; indeed it is a faith claim, a bold trusting of reality. One cannot assert truth without faith, without a basic trust in the core of things. If one does not believe the universe is trustworthy enough to be in some sense true, and that we are blessed with some capacity to apprehend truth and a desire to believe what is true as opposed to what is convenient, then once cannot speak out for tuth over anything -- and all of that amounts to a lot of faith in reality. He had started so brilliantly at the top of his shirt, only to fall into chaos just above his navel.<br /><br />It just all goes so wrong when we try to put big ideas on t-shirts and bumper stickers. He was trying to say something quite good -- like Galileo did well to look through his telescope and see that Copernicus was right (the solar system is heliocentric, not geocentric) and Aristotle was wrong, taking Thomas Aquinas with him. But he didn't say that. He set truth over against faith.<br />If faith meant being so fearful of the nature of things that one must wear blinders, then give us truth over faith. But that's not faith. That's willful ignorance.<br /><br />Faith trusts enough to face the world as it is. And as for truth, St. John's Gospel, Ephesians, and Colossians regard the Divine Logos (compare it to the Logos of Stocisim) to be Truth itself, the <em>urTruth</em> comprehending all lesser truths. Nothing true is foreign to the Logos. Nothing true is foreign to Christ. Jesus came that we might "know the truth" not hide from it behind rigid dogmas. When we learn more over the centuries, we come to know Christ more deeply.<br /><br />So the ranking of faith and truth, setting them in opposition, is really quite absurd. He should have said something to the effect that faith dares to embrace all truth, that truth without faith is just another dogmatism, and that faith without truth is really not faith at all but its opposite, fear. He would have to add something about how shifting theories (remember ether) must teach us humility in our certitudes and the limitations of epistmology, a bit of Heideggerian hemeneutical cirlce, to remind us that what we think we have discovered is true depends on a lot of what we already assumed was true, and "it ain't necessarily so" -- a touch of Gershwin for good measure.<br /><br />That would, however, be hard to put on a t-shirt. So perhaps for a young guy, the shirt was just fine. I just hope he changes it before he's 40.

Truth, Faith, and T-Shirts

I was in the security line at McCarran Airport when a young man's bright red t-shirt caught my eye. It boldly proclaimed (as young peopl...

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Day 189 (Tuesday 5/12)

<p>Hello everyone!! I am sure you are all doing the same thing I am…watching the Biggest Loser!! I love seeing these transformations!!</p> <p>I slept in a tad this morning, but still managed to get in a 20 minute run! It was tough, I think my legs were a little tired from that long bike ride with my sister yesterday!</p> <p>Got ready quick and had a quick breakfast on the go. I had <strong>1 c</strong> of <strong>strawberries</strong> and <strong>1 c watermelon</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. Surprisingly it really filled me up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_9BNlFqjHT87GtlQU2z_lGG3dpwW1o_ot15GpP7koSD8Omco1-os9ihPCpnWX9H-DAk3sVRXbJpvCSCHck4l8A4lZmdtLhvL0HxCBjyX_fq71vJEG8u0SKLn3VCxVn6QtH3mp0zendNh/s1600-h/DSC02562%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02562" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeK6-pvV7Tu26UAEVDQ457x6j7BFCPZWxrZIuUakJTtsP_58myEz6xS-c0HIHBaqweaVIN9Svr_xk3R3soAUVc7QAkOR7QDwCByOdUo41UO95Brdt8vfiy_Pk3R4cZFdOrj24mHA7Gvvi/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02562" width="404"></a></p> <p>\Around 11am I had my morning snack of <strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>yogurt</strong>, and <strong>grape nuts</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVykxrsgTS_VTN7F1D7OyeaB3GKe8nJss-EipeVgMf5SxcnfRWd0sgljhWLomvuPRzfujxP1T0a-Am_7ZsWeO9vKnv3e6TCjZTbg-QJIBKxSZU6dqB6C3DxJ2nnuG-DeVriVRg_zfSfyZo/s1600-h/DSC02563%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02563" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ATcMsWhU5TiyeTpYvuRkswoxkl7OJ4vqaUxyIzL2BZ4nkDb46YCtE7Pdq-weTGvnrP21ZNK4TiLZC0GDNGd23dZ5YP3S9WyY584EqT4070fLxy5mIdn7JyEli0Icjj1RmhsB345hp-lN/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02563" width="404"></a></p> <p>Today was my director’s birthday. Her Mom always makes <strong>cinnamon</strong> <strong>rolls</strong> to bring to share with the office. Well I was SO strong….until about 12:30…I caved and had a <strong>small</strong> one. I am going to count it for <strong>6 points</strong>. </p> <p>After eating that before WI I felt pretty guilty and chugged a bunch of water and didn’t eat lunch. I ran a bunch of errands and figured I would be fine until WI at 5pm. And I was. But still I would have rather not had a sugary carb filled lunch…instead I would’ve liked something a little <strong>healthier</strong>! But hey, not going to worry about it. </p> <p>After work I headed over to <strong>WW</strong>, nervous about what the scale would say. I really want to get to goal so I can go for <strong>FREE</strong>!! Well I lost <strong>2.2lbs</strong> from last week…so my WW weight is 161. So if I can lose 1 lb this week I will be at my WW goal weight and start <strong>maintenance</strong>!! Hoping to hit that next week!! :)</p> <p>I zoomed home to make supper and get ready for the BL!! I can’t believe it is <strong>3 hours long</strong>!! I cooked up some ground beef and had tacos for supper! I cut a flat out in half and made <strong>2 skinny tacos</strong>. Along side I had some <strong>sweet corn</strong>…frozen from last summer!! MMmmmm!! My super totaled <strong>7 points</strong>! Yum!!! Funny thing is though tomorrow night is 50 cent taco night!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE5LTJBFKUhJ6AWwh3ZBxz2ZMNeG8LeM5BIcsGhPbPvpxzlw738DEt80eU4Q35rCpmIHBO6auaVeViDbuJwV_36jlPeQe7QL-anuvxgc8fDKpfClMdnbC-V41NGUDwdg4QyLhdZeNfRlq/s1600-h/DSC02566%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02566" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSZOMdIq_6F-GJ04VcxY2WUSUNWQe75J761BsL0zc5UYgwdt9SYZIwh50C9Goff6nlCUOz0IozaYUrjEoWZkCvMI3GXJJcxRwbCvezo3vMWc0Aw5dpzmM8W4XYnYmj8LKqnihuILWo6Tq/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02566" width="353"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjov5phyphenhyphenStwcHd6e3j_3YmtKPWc42YA2NnEDlYaduD6RDQuNtVjhTFnaUyU-LGI_iRZ2ysNFsBSr-jC6ItbvvqCU14wYsEihpNGzeTWoupRSikOLUCVDFRX8mJoYcORXT_WBtapuwyqYm-a/s1600-h/DSC02568%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02568" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvexVDUtkPMzRVvdSKzF-UUQUp5ynyVTzrYGac4FUQkghbJsCHYvTfu0N3bKR2dQQ5CAj2xHp_M0iW7lv4Wdq-18yftm6HBr7hggXr95bxkgVeRJpLC500DgKY7ls2jN6SLxdEcIKCyYmd/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02568" width="353"></a></p> <p>So now I’m watching the BL….love all these transformations!! I won’t say anything tho…I know a lot of you are taping it so I don’t want to ruin anything!!</p> <p>Hope everyone has a SUPER Tuesday…what’s left of it anyway!! Need to get some things done on commercials instead of blogging!! :) And maybe get some exercises in too!</p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 18/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = none left :(  <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 2 today/23 week <br>WATER = 96 oz <br>EXERCISE = 20 min run</p>

Day 189 (Tuesday 5/12)

Hello everyone!! I am sure you are all doing the same thing I am…watching the Biggest Loser!! I love seeing these transformations!! I slept...

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Chiffres clés - Année 2009, n 2

<BR><br />Voici le 2ème numéro de l’année 2009 des « chiffres Clés » produit par l’Observatoire de la Maison de l’Emploi du bassin d’Orléans.<br /><br />Dans ce numéro, une place particulière est accordée à l'enquête Besoins en Main-d'Oeuvre (BMO 2009) de Pôle Emploi sur le bassin d'Orléans.<br /><br />Des rapports plus complets sont téléchargeables :<ul><br /><li><a href="http://info.assedic.fr/unistatis/travail/documents/BMO2009_Centre.pdf">Rapport - Région Centre</a><br /><li><a href="http://info.assedic.fr/unistatis/travail/documents/BMO2009_France.pdf">Rapport - France entière</a></ul><a title="View Bulletin 3 2 on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/15259272/Bulletin-3-2" 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 3 2</a> <object align="middle" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" height="500" id="doc_800990866139136" name="doc_800990866139136" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=15259272&access_key=key-1wl55ak2c5f2rm1jpp3j&page=1&version=1&viewMode="> <param name="quality" value="high"> <param name="play" value="true"> <param name="loop" value="true"> <param name="scale" value="showall"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="devicefont" value="false"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="menu" value="true"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="salign" value=""> <embed src="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=15259272&access_key=key-1wl55ak2c5f2rm1jpp3j&page=1&version=1&viewMode=" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" play="true" loop="true" scale="showall" wmode="opaque" devicefont="false" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="doc_800990866139136_object" menu="true" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" salign="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="500" width="100%"></embed> </object> <div style="margin: 6px auto 3px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/upload" style="text-decoration: underline;">Publish at Scribd</a> or <a href="http://www.scribd.com/browse" style="text-decoration: underline;">explore</a> others: <a href="http://www.scribd.com/explore/Brochures-Catalogs/" style="text-decoration: underline;">Brochures & Catalogs</a> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/tag/2009" style="text-decoration: underline;">2009</a> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/tag/emploi" style="text-decoration: underline;">emploi</a> </div><br /><BR>

Chiffres clés - Année 2009, n 2

Voici le 2ème numéro de l’année 2009 des « chiffres Clés » produit par l’Observatoire de la Maison de l’Emploi du bassin d’Orléans. Dans ce ...

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Day 188 (Monday 5/11)

<p>Happy Monday everyone! </p> <p>Since it was such a busy, sleep-less weekend I decided to sleep in and not work out. I needed those extra zzzz's!! </p> <p>For breakfast I had a bowl of <strong>honey nut cheerios</strong> and a<strong> small sliced banana</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>.</p> <p>My morning snack was just like every other weekday, <strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>yogurt</strong>, and <strong>grape nuts</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6VWeFzyyW5tmJY2AMrSQzj93FgrK9gbrJz2iz0-mdwpI78n3OGzZY7V2Mz19Yi2n-_QApOqXHkRdZ4GvSfc1ZZELpcQpTde_DdOzbGQ6ZCnD6AoSIk0nnzOG0hgJ4YEl8M-jI4Za0d76/s1600-h/DSC02555%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02555" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYHrVIFGpNFnoxXTJ87EUlyxCFATh9IKFXCsHCRsr_wRQQeIC7BlZSw4j1an9TWdDV8bd1aRFUvAqnw1xTgM8UGiPF3SGhilRAtFfIMrTLse8XMYsudcdVQohV8MrUq55rakpbvzixL8k/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02555" width="404"></a> </p> <p>Lunch today was quick and yummy! I had a <strong>chicken</strong> <strong>salad</strong> <strong>wrap</strong> and a <strong>strawberry smoothie</strong> for a total of <strong>5 points</strong>. I love having a smoothie to sip on all afternoon. Really keeps me feeling full!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PCCY5p9MzF5lSp3DfuUmqOWNNhh-m85CtXnavfKUMTpy9mrYlQYXgt4EdqpODySq4JHHCfWN-D84ctSRm4YUHXy8Qyg-5F1Qf7DGHZqrkyi20G5sTguxHrteqk5yNN0yBEmpiPNhoeU-/s1600-h/DSC02556%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02556" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7R1A8B_kHqQS_UPaQ412NL1nbmUG3hQTsZ87SFGVvlZIgTueqAZY0zy7JzZipo-P1wYcV6a-DiRb7mDw_92Lp4NvsneakAiIBimqmCgEzXZ2oEdGmrpd5fvH9NvAj0jeJh8aKNbjopuw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02556" width="353"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8z5kbZIKW0tQNhmtlNdxq6HbMO2UfyjvzIBrtc_SKVY9ek-u531bIW4DFdVU76AZdAgDKxIpByWa96a7gsYjELh7I_4LoRbskt1oH5FBtVEzflZgoG1b7n3IzxI93h2PeatLZpU-efCs3/s1600-h/DSC02558%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02558" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQskL1q9UzzrhJiwnMGZd6tfeDg15oGPGTcTKvg_nrBZ3EO1TG1BhikCEhFNnuk3FahofXUCk1AtD2o0TskO5N-Ru8J59os2KSvWWS9o2y6uN68J6uYk2fkmIPwNz3v3kOsYkrWDFIm6F4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02558" width="404"></a></p> <p>My little sister got back from Florida today….but only for 1 week. :’( She will be heading back to Florida to find a job that she can continue throughout the school year next year. I was hoping for just one more summer with her! But I am going to enjoy my week with her! Might even take some time off work!! :)</p> <p>When I got off work lil sis and I hopped on the <strong>bikes</strong> for a <strong>ride</strong>. We had so much fun <strong>riding</strong> <strong>along</strong> and <strong>chatting</strong> the whole time! We ended up going <strong>WAY</strong> longer than what we planned! Our ride was over an <strong>hour</strong> long! It felt great…all lil sis can say now is how worried she is that she is going to be sore tomorrow! <img alt="DSC02561" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tTVC0XztX7q6KLTd-BF1a14Qm5RebrgF2tfUQP1VpwmBnjHO4lQdPQufUemUV3o-TF4v2EF-lE4ywSLX2H2oYUWSqextiVhIJTC42mBIDYsLfz6sROP4kEyTvcSF9PMYvynEP-lnF93h/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02561" width="404"></p> <p>When we got back our neighbor was working on cleaning out some old bushes. They tied a chain around the bush and then to the truck and ripped it out!! It was quite comical…until one bush won and the roots were too deep and ripped the bumper off the truck!! Yikes!!</p> <p>Afterwards I fired up the grill for supper. We had <strong>grilled chicken teriyaki, hot dogs, frozen sweet corn, watermelon</strong>, and <strong>green bean casserole</strong>….a classic summer meal!!! It felt great…yummy supper, bike ride, my sis is home from college!!! Summer is almost here!! I estimated my supper at a total of <strong>12 points</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92HT2NhbhGiIkWTf4Y8QQb2_6ynDMEP2S9XTDejCVz5OLXsT7JTnzDlQrqJS-ktapRLHOlmlj6GRfFm07c2FQafoQlH3L9woyysTuvR1Qq80tBn0vUYoXoB0hgLUpmAG6Tuz9lOYGQQzA/s1600-h/DSC02559%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02559" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce4f5-iV3umSImuns5JB3zs2lxZWR9Km-Ce6gnAeIGZqlpBJEQgCx-tVzix8IGszDM5yGTdA4NjPejhxy0Hln0gN7WMJp_dyy9-6DE4yZUQb-Tzyf-EHCaJGoV0eHoE96NMXJYMAvy-kC/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02559" width="404"></a></p> <p>Work was exhausting today…but everything else about today was GREAT!! Esp for a Monday!! I hope everyone else had just as great, if not better day!! Tomorrow’s WI…hoping I don’t gain!! Need to get out of that cycle. </p> <p><strong>MONDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 25/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = I’m saying they’re all gone! <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 4 today/21 week <br>WATER = 72 oz <br>EXERCISE = 65 min bike ride</p>

Day 188 (Monday 5/11)

Happy Monday everyone! Since it was such a busy, sleep-less weekend I decided to sleep in and not work out. I needed those extra zzzz's...

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Days 185-187 (Friday 5/8, Saturday 5/9, & Sunday 5/10)

<p>Hello everyone! I have to apologize I didn’t get a chance to blog this weekend. It was a CRAZY, busy, FUN weekend!!</p> <p>Here’s a recap, might be a little long!</p> <p>Friday morning I hit the gym extra early because I had to be to a breakfast board meeting by 7:30am. So I got in a <strong>22 minute run</strong> and <strong>25 minutes</strong> of <strong>weights</strong> and <strong>abs</strong>. I got ready fast and jetted off to my meeting. I knew what restaurant we were going to so on Thursday I checked out their online menu and the NI and figured out what I could eat for what amount of points. So I ended ordering the <strong>multi</strong> <strong>grain</strong> <strong>pancakes</strong> with <strong>sf syrup</strong> and a <strong>small cup</strong> of <strong>fruit</strong>. The website said each pancake was only 50 calories and 2.5 grams of fat, which comes out to 1 point. But they were fairly good sized so I counted 2 points each and ate 2 pancakes, leaving 1 on my plate. Oh and I ate the cup of fruit for 1 point as well, for a total of a <strong>5 point</strong> yummy breakfast out and OP! No picture though, I wasn’t about to whip out my camera and have to explain everything to a table full of accounting executives! </p> <p>I didn’t get back to the office until after 9am and felt behind the rest of the day! No good! By 2pm I hadn’t gone to lunch yet and my SIL called to see if I could make it to her wedding dress fitting. I was more than ready to get out of the office so I said yes, took off work early,  and headed up to see her. She looked GORGEOUS! I wish I could show you a picture, but should probably wait until after the wedding! </p> <p>Throughout the morning and early afternoon I did have a few snacks. </p> <p>I had my <strong>3 point</strong> snack of <strong>yogurt</strong>, <strong>strawberries</strong>, and <strong>grape nuts</strong>.<img alt="DSC02503" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMeYyVKcyhGMlV7kNecm_oK9qLlYps_OEXw6dH3MnBA88-mF1yhYmyWtG_LlQ3q6J51liD3hjqdlvjZmALIuYgnMDQrhx3_L2npn44gldrKg6c9zrdWZc0-1eSlBub1D5hNGsMUt8Cfnm/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02503" width="244"> Before I left the office I had a sliced <strong>cucumber</strong> with <strong>ff ranch</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>.<img alt="DSC02504" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6HxBGhnhoYQHpAsyiq-922wJ8vHpP5mJPv0g2Ymq8EKZuu5OM7D7QtKd8YybeViG7uXj5VgByQIkzWIFsz8cH6CZ8oeRcUeVsSAwb4K4Zl7SIKs7lDLrrHk2ieDHJF2Nfbpepz9dvI_v/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02504" width="244"> On the way to the bridal shop I snacked on a cup of <strong>grapes</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>. <img alt="DSC02505" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdw0SnKjkc4pNU6pkd2KvHcenJPjMCUtcW6kwKbieoeiCjO7ydxW7Nxi0cuqlVCFFciYJOfbZBCWsMDfIwvdfORv3SBUOPO_sxcVSzRXgAo3fJuTh3CnYOjh5MMEZ2q5yE2Z4NgLNCYmpB/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02505" width="244"></p> <p>I  got home a little before 6 and DH  was working away on some work stuff and I was <strong>EXHAUSTED</strong>! I think mainly from the<strong> crazy day</strong> at work. I grabbed a bunch of <strong>snacks</strong> and hit the couch. I think all my snacks totaled about <strong>10 points</strong>. I didn’t take pictures or journal them.  </p> <p>I fell asleep before 7pm and DH woke me up around 9pm to go get groceries since our Saturday was full with the shower at our house. So we picked up a few groceries and called it a night!</p> <p><strong>FRIDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 20/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 8 used/27 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 4 today/13 week <br>WATER = 106 oz <br>EXERCISE = 22 min run, 25 min weights & abs</p> <p>*************************************************************************************************</p> <p>Saturday I woke up with the <strong>chickens</strong>!! (not literally!) Just too early for a Saturday. I had to make a rice krispie log for the shower and forgot to get marshmallows at the grocery store Friday, so I hit Wal-Mart quick and whipped up the “log”! This is a family specialty!! I didn’t get a picture, but I will be making one for my boss’ birthday on Tuesday so I’ll show you then! Not ww friendly, but SUPER good & easy! :)</p> <p>I had <strong>lots</strong> of my “<strong>to-do</strong>” list for the day, so I had to <strong>stay</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>track</strong>! I worked out from 8am-9am (<strong>45 minutes cross ramp</strong>), tanned, and then had to do a few things for DH until after 10am. Then I got my nails filled (priorities right!?!?!) and shopped a tad! Got a new Fossil watch, a Hurley tee (LOVE IT!), roxy flip flops, and some new tanks. I didn’t get pictures of any of it, but will hopefully to show off my loot!! :)</p> <p>After that I rushed home and tidy-ed up the last bit in the house and then showered and dressed quickly before the in-laws got to my house to set everything up for the shower!</p> <p>We got everything set up in plenty of time and had a <strong>WONDERFUL</strong> shower! My living room was <strong>PLUM</strong> <strong>FULL</strong>!! We had about <strong>30 guests</strong> total and my <strong>SIL</strong> and <strong>soon-to-be BIL</strong> got lots of <strong>great</strong> <strong>things</strong>! MIL took care of all the food for the shower. She had angel food cake with fresh strawberries and ice cream with topping choices of oreos, M&Ms, and cookie dough bits (DH hooked us up with stuff from Wendys!). Mmmmm!!! I had <strong>2 ice cream sundaes</strong> and a <strong>slice</strong> of <strong>angel</strong> <strong>food</strong> <strong>cake</strong> with <strong>strawberries</strong> throughout the whole day. </p> <p>I didn’t have time for breakfast, which was probably a really bad choice of mine because then I ended up eating <strong>WAY</strong> too many sweets at the shower. <img alt="DSC02516" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVv8BK2rN79w988y1BXV08XtVw25A8DSJu1eq2pzJUjnDhPmTe56FXjWsnQGraLa4birTh3aXDUYg5s9oNy_Urbs0jBJsFXzj0Ts4abZ0_nJz8ti_SpTtBLN38mF1-JewFi1qjWd7ue9o/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02516" width="404"></p> <p>Got back to the house and everyone helped clean up and get my house back in order. FIL and DH worked on our vehicle (new brakes and put our custom chrome rims on!). DH & I both really appreciated everyone’s help all day!! It was a GREAT day and I have “0” complaints!!</p> <p>My <strong>friend</strong>/co-worker texted me and said they were going <strong>bowling</strong> at <strong>10pm</strong>! So of course we <strong>had</strong> to join them!! It was super fun, even though we didn’t bowl very well! And then we went down to a bar/restaurant for the rest of the night and got home <strong>WAY</strong> too late!! Totally worth it though…it was a <strong>FUN </strong>night (with a tad too much alcohol!)</p> <p><strong>SATURDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = ????? TOO MANY!!!! <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = I’m saying they’re all gone! <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 4 today/17 week <br>WATER = 50 oz <br>EXERCISE = 45 min cross ramp</p> <p>*************************************************************************************************</p> <p>Sunday was SO hard to get out of bed! But we did it!! DH had to usher at church so we had to be there extra early! 4 hours of sleep is just NOT enough! :)</p> <p>After church we went and sat with DH’s family while they ate quick so SIL could get on the road. We didn’t eat though because we had plans with my Mom!</p> <p>We met my Mom and her hubby for brunch. It was a <strong>FULL HOUSE</strong>, we had to <strong>wait</strong> for an <strong>hour</strong> for a table. But boy, was it <strong>worth it</strong>! Wait <strong>no</strong>…I didn’t mean to write that!! lol Once again, <strong>too many points</strong>!! They had this French toast that tasted more like a cinnamon roll…everything was AMAZING!! They had both a breakfast buffet and a full lunch buffet!! Too much food!! But we had a wonderful time with my Mom and her hubby. We don’t see them as much as we would like to and they only live 30 minutes away!</p> <p>And the other thing is that I forgot to take a picture with my Mom. :( But I had to put one up, so here is one from my wedding! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVgk76Krv3kLo9BUfQdzYUXZc8NpSgmkgkgU_kx0oMMCvnunAa25iXdDnzUITN02ibrc5Z-bUVTt-MQ2RUG_ugJFQZKSoY6JWt5NeQulsOuDsdlwJPHFs5jO-fhKPa-ESXA4HL7gCMEd8/s1600-h/8489689-R1-034-15A%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="8489689-R1-034-15A" border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOuPf8RD_N2rwTKS-YPhBOu3f4BBbBP6ns8cMu4ZJMQm3C18fmWT3LH0omqncG3imczQa065zHS92_E8MFsxmdUMz24vovo2Zd8_S1WwRYtnNTJY8B1IlKc889Kcr-KDzjf_b0q7Iy7KF/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="8489689-R1-034-15A" width="304"></a></p> <p>After brunch with Mom and her hubby, DH and I headed home and <strong>CRASHED</strong>!! We took a couple hour nap and then got up and went to DH’s boss’ house to let out their dogs. They have two sch-noodles, cross between a poodle and something else, either a shitzu (sp?) or a schnauzer…I can’t remember! But they look a lot like Abby, little, white, and fluffy!!<img alt="DSC02548" border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf1sHqUT9F7fGaqhyYUa2XHalenpPA3IjjHu4zKI9MSt2tA39G_YwbFiDrC97wjSEFxVURJVgUqJaObRYG6D_LMYT00-rhEo2fLve9VR4jZ5Q05tDINkBsMvE3Gm6eSrImwA1Ns6NwP8B/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02548" width="304"></p> <p> <p><strong></strong></p>Here are a few shots I got of Sophie and Max! They are fun and Abby loves her friends!! :)<img alt="DSC02540" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAH5XSEYmG0zRr3KqwQC7wemCZVTKqHh4lV5ZFH3DaBD1v_3RrS8BCz5SzpA7l_nbkERGSCc_WE-UU5PboyNJF9t0UWwTU5gdz6BPQ__vQU9wx0mevla-7XuYj8ljVQuxenHmX0aLsf5TR/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02540" width="244"><img alt="DSC02536" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBA2gLVWDx1lnNeBZn_p-G7TmVN4Q2DXQ6YcVoFl35Qj0BD7Uh6kxKdv2lMyBJKx5PfZ2e8IfTX0-nJwmM2TXUx_esgB_4VTklxq-14cjeOrzdr4PnpLIaOBzJ35gNiblDceU7lOwsN26C/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02536" width="244"></p> <p>When we got home we went over to go help our neighbor. He is building a new garage and attaching it to his house. So right now he is getting everything taken out of his old one and storing in our garage. Then we drove around looking at siding colors! It was fun!! While out, we stopped at a ice cream shop and got some ice cream!! I had a small strawberry cone but really I was still full from that GIANT brunch we had!! Oh and neighbor also showed me a short cut to get on the running trail. I used to run almost a mile just to get there and there is a trail that connects with it pretty much in my back yard!! I was pretty excited about that!!</p> <p><strong>SUNDAY’S STATS</strong> </p> <p>POINTS = ????? TOO MANY!!!! <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = I’m saying they’re all gone! <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/17 week <br>WATER = 75 oz <br>EXERCISE = none</p> <p>And that about sums up my weekend! It was super fun and went WAY too fast!! I plan to be back to my “regular blogging schedule” now! :) I hope everyone had a great Mother’s Day and weekend as well!!</p>

Days 185-187 (Friday 5/8, Saturday 5/9, & Sunday 5/10)

Hello everyone! I have to apologize I didn’t get a chance to blog this weekend. It was a CRAZY, busy, FUN weekend!! Here’s a recap, might b...

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Programme d'action et recommandations pour la diversité et l'égalité des chances

<BR><br />Le 7 mai, Yazid Sabeg, commissaire à la diversité et à l'égalité des chances, a remis au président de la République son programme d'actions et ses recommandations, conformément à la mission qui lui avait été confiée, le 17 décembre 2008. <br /><br />Parallèlement, le <strong>Comité de mesure de la diversité</strong>, mis en place le 23 mars dernier, <strong>doit rendre ses conclusions le 30 juin</strong>.<br /><br />Le rapport préconise <strong>76 mesures</strong> s'articulant en trois parties <strong>l'accès des jeunes à l'emploi</strong>, <strong>la promotion de la diversité</strong> et <strong>la politique de la ville</strong>.<br /><br />Le rapport <strong>"Programme d'action et recommandations pour la diversité et l'égalité des chances"</strong> est <a href="http://lesrapports.ladocumentationfrancaise.fr/BRP/094000202/0000.pdf">téléchargeable</a>.<br /><br />Au préalable, Claude Bébéar, Président de IMS-Entreprendre pour la Cité avait adressé à Yazid Sabeg un rapport : <strong>« Des entreprises à l'image de la France »</strong>, faisant suite à un 1er rapport remis au 1er ministre en 2004. Ce rapport dresse le bilan des actions menées depuis et actualise les préconisations en termes de mesures concrètes, à coûts maîtrisés, pour faire de l'entreprise un acteur décisif de l'égalité des chances. <br />Fondées sur l'expérience de l'IMS-Entreprendre pour la Cité et du Secrétariat général de la Charte de la Diversité, ces <strong>21 propositions</strong> pour une entreprise du XXIème Siècle, concernent trois catégories de mesures où l'entreprise peut légitimement s'impliquer : <strong>agir dans l'entreprise</strong>, <strong>agir localement</strong> et <strong>agir en amont avec les acteurs de l'éducation</strong>.<br /><br />Le rapport <strong>"Des entreprises à l’image de la France"</strong> est <a href="http://www.charte-diversite.com/docs/data/outils/documents/Des-entreprises-a-l-image-de-la-France-21-Propositions-pour-la-Diversite.pdf">téléchargeable</a>.<br /><br />Pour en savoir plus, vous pouvez aussi consulter le site de la <a href="http://www.charte-diversite.com">Charte de la diversité</a>.<br /><BR>

Programme d'action et recommandations pour la diversité et l'égalité des chances

Le 7 mai, Yazid Sabeg, commissaire à la diversité et à l'égalité des chances, a remis au président de la République son programme d'...

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Planning des permanences - Semaine du 11 au 15 mai 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#6633ff;">Permanences</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong><a href="http://www.egee.asso.fr/Website/site/accueil.htm">EGEE</a></strong> - lundi 11 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 15 mai de 9h à 12h30<br /><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 11 mai de 13h30 à 17h,<br /> - le mardi 12 mai de 13h30 à 17h,<br /> - le mercredi 13 mai de 13h30 à 17h,<br /> - le jeudi 14 mai de 13h30 à 17h,<br /> - le vendredi 15 mai de 13h30 à 17h.</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#6633ff;">Ateliers</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 12 mai de 9h30 à 12h30<br /><li><strong>Lettre de motivation</strong> - mardi 12 mai de 13h30 à 16h30<br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 14 mai de 13h30 à 16h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#6633ff;">Information collective</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/04/information-collective-cvs-proprete.html">CVS Propreté</a></strong> - jeudi 14 mai à 14h</ul>

Planning des permanences - Semaine du 11 au 15 mai 2009

Permanences EGEE - lundi 11 mai de 13h30 à 17h boutique de gestion - vendredi 15 mai de 9h à 12h30 Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera prés...

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Remembering Elko From Ely

It is Saturday night at Ely's Historic Hotel Nevada, founded in 1929 and going strong. My shirt is from Elko's J. M. Capriola Western Wear, founded in 1929 and going strong. Signs of hope for our time.<br /><br />It is night. I have turned on not a single light, but the room is filled with a soft yellow effulgence. It comes from outside. Across the street, flashing yellow lights dramatize the solid bright blues and pinks of the Jailhouse Casino signage. Just outside my window, the Historic Hotel Nevada's own progressive flashing bulbs are tireless in their quick footed cicumambulation of the wooden sign. For some mysterious reason, a Mexican flag is waving in the Nevada night wind, patriotically illumined by flood lights, right beside my window.<br /><br />Below on the street, car engines growl and tires hum past and away. Hark, there is another unrecognizeable mechanical sound calling for some unknown reason. It seems to be imitating the mating cry of a migratory bird.<br /><br />Here I am, and glad of it. This may be an acquired taste. If so, I have acquired it. The lights outside my window remind me of long past callow youth when my legal aid office was above Wong's Chinese Restaurant, announced in pink neon outside my window where I worked many a late night.<br /><br />But that was Boise. I intended to remember Elko. The big event of course was ordaining two new priests and meeting with parish leaders to imagine their future. All that was splendid -- bagpipes, a colorful Caholic deacon preaching, hymns galore, the whole shebang -- but you had to be there -- so I won't say more about it.<br /><br />What I will say is that Elko was happening this weekend! I alway seem to be in Elko when the town is in high gear. Last time was the biggest event of the year -- the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This time it was the 2nd biggest event, the biker rally. If that were not enough, the biker rally schedule overlapped an RV convention. But wait, there's more: the Cinco de Mayo parade was transferred (like a Saint's day) to today. All this and a double odination.<br /><br />This great day was presaged on Friday by a full frontier moon. Beneath that moon, it was Karaoke night at JR's Bar -- my other favorite bar -- really I only have two. A variety of performances were given <em>gratis</em> by the good, the bad, and the ugly. It was the democratization, the <em>perestroika</em> of art, with decidedly mixed results. Let me focus on the good -- though I enjoyed the bad and the ugly just as much.<br /><br />One guy was a bona fide first rate star quality country singer. He was a swarthy man with black hair and a black mustache. He was about 8 beers a week away from handsome, as his wife was about 12 beers away from stunning. But vocally he was prime, and he sold his songs.<br /><br />Another guy with a a hayseed persona, including the scraggly beard and a missing front tooth, sang Frank Sinatra oldies like The Lady Is A Tramp and My Way. While he sang, an old couple who are there every single Friday night -- an old couple without wedding rings -- an old couple in Western attire -- I have seen them at Cowboy Poetry two years running -- this old couple danced in front of the stage. Not to be missed.<br /><br />I will say one thing about today. At the ordination reception, I sat across the table from the 87 year old father of one of the new priests. He was a retired lawyer from Grand Junction, and yes, a Cowboy Poet, who had grown up in Idaho. He recited a classic style poem of his own creation, "The Old Cowboy" -- a prototypical Western lament about the closing of the range and the loss of the old way of life.<br /><br />If ever this life, which I have been so undervedly graced to share, should fade from the ways of the earth, I will write a lament.

Remembering Elko From Ely

It is Saturday night at Ely's Historic Hotel Nevada, founded in 1929 and going strong. My shirt is from Elko's J. M. Capriola Wester...

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Day 184 (Thursday 5/7)

<p>Happy Thursday everyone!! And we all know what comes after Thursday right?!?! </p> <p>Alarm went off the AM, I jumped outta bed, got dressed, and hit the gym!! I am <strong>LOVING</strong> this!! I got in a 12 minute run before my sister & BIL got there. And then I lifted with them. My BIL is very smart on the "<strong>weights side of the gym</strong>"....the side that I say looks like a jungle gym and usually steer clear of!! But he was <strong>great</strong> with my sister & I! (I felt like we were little ducklings following him around asking all kinds of questions!) We worked mainly <strong>bi's</strong> today and a little <strong>leg work</strong> for a total of <strong>30 minutes</strong>. I am looking forwarding to more lifting with them!! I really want to tone some of this <strong>darn chub</strong> that refuses to leave my body!! </p> <p>After getting ready I headed over to my office and had breakfast. But was quickly saddened when I realized I had used all my blueberries yesterday and forgot to bring more. So today was just plain, old boring <strong>oatmeal</strong>...it was still <strong>good</strong> though!! Along side I had an <strong>orange</strong> as well for a <strong>3 point</strong> breakfast. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH27hyphenhyphen4IULHiXQAjRSChmXNzlUJLwfsLXAi8N0L7F5FYyKh5Lp3U27VpGZwl2YqLSosBGWOa7CSVi0qrxKiEQHa6g8iA3wQt9l2Dkrh0WIIyKY-uOSRlO7QbGN4ayBt4kKEyNw9jWC0gC/s1600-h/DSC02492%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02492" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREZDdmfUIJveIVkUs2x35o-jD2GLQruSQRW1k0HZz3nS0lteAsbCKbV1GeZyvp4XRYm8E93gp1zx3W0inofjg9eVscb7tS0ttrmSA6iwgJ7xK2AxDLHReG_tN9nifFFLao0Nn6PogKRN4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02492" width="353"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmA8eFC1qn2GWdxjSbmA-pL2MhE-vRRJLIm0WgquVnmyxA_QBfgUHJGUTRIUJjrLZ4x-LSmfnekZ3w31r08gfd-MWyzVVMg3GNRhu-WOvqjtHVEj1un7gqeRjudinnjsYV9HSNfY9IthD/s1600-h/DSC02493%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02493" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5d6oYXB1Y0MySfeU1UPZssZMkd6jd3kSjiu1Diyzn7osekQEfpIfpgQkE7d3Q_QNk3nXw-jSgO1KvFCVxHrIbaIiJxgIbIfRRllO0qs85TvuvA3FwUXAdLD9dJ7MsPUdDUmBEZUO6cS7/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02493" width="353"></a></p> <p>For a morning snack I had, <strong>you guessed it</strong>, <strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>yogurt</strong>, and <strong>grape</strong> <strong>nuts</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>! I just don't know what I would do without my favorite snack...it's so <strong>delish</strong>!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaidla9L_T82VE29-0l2FPXmDGWkyrpv-YRB9DL2j7elz4Bz9D9ES1J6IsC5vvAR0FRYG0KMJCFiUHmwGbPf03AMrp7IAct9hQW-GjF9o8vq8vjNV0gF439-uxSnnvI2uJaSN-QGxdPwWq/s1600-h/DSC02494%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02494" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50u-cFYk5peQxn6o8GLXuMcM_Sk9JUqkoJWmwztjcffOzSLCRAe3ryo0rNGY_VMdmkUDN6AmyrmDCKoadkETqizJICxtun9f-g41k2V2bKAY_Qb_wHQqtaXVzZK7x5urj_658oJ1CE2ry/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02494" width="400"></a></p> <p>My "<strong>appetizer</strong>" on the way home for lunch was some <strong>petite baby carrots</strong> for <strong>0 points</strong>. Hooray for 0 point snacks!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2nDDp2oN9mG20V8l3C7GqCzmYcf0PbWR-xQCdSA6-rvkHwEKydc6gkShY1feOKiZdtTGAdc3pr3pF0RzoHUDwGDbY_nQAFIoWBi8ccp0DtKoUwsezedBP-wqUrZRXbn-2lWG0BkrTBC7/s1600-h/DSC02495%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02495" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4Bc2C5Xw9BQDnI0U4aZOOU_0zMUKgalNUcn369m-o0MmQ6VvSBGo7s_uoy81Y257giUeztrQMowybPyzlD60FyfpH1PcEV-Gv3qt1jx4Vmq2qSVelp0W4nxLI9m-d90JfDeLYDEObTGU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02495" width="454"></a></p> <p>Lunch was <strong>simple</strong>, <strong>filling</strong>, and <strong>delicious</strong>! I had a <strong>hot ham & cheese wrap</strong>, a <strong>sliced</strong> <strong>cucumber</strong> with <strong>1 TLBS ff ranch</strong>, and 1<strong>/2c cottage cheese</strong> for a num, num yummy <strong>4 point</strong> lunch! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzG65eVRRL9g_uwmbfI6-4wxLyVoZlLZ1EWPDSpvIOYZ0U_L39EGbKnReAbSU03eQRf95SbS92DcVIjkcC6Fg93Q0c2NcU60wBSG83mAUiLbfnuLk_EhKW5SIP1Gmijua03Q7s_XJLWml/s1600-h/DSC02496%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02496" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNvgqmvsh82BLGnP9hc6bUv2v3OsForQdsbx9UOV_rONoaS6jpE3exlRggf4d7cbrKNavnvag1ew8PjCylhEK4plSI6ukBMawlulsMqZZt1NG9xn6MkxvL6JvJKTvxuUZh4fvnUueHFDv/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02496" width="329"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEclc-UHYJoP8rW2Fcxow9iwhdYGvuRPv23kAVsoxcnxwwaae5y6yAI57PwYSF8i7QV8DhgbVE2AIxUt5Sk61L0aSMkWGrpdYHECmU4VAHVYHz_RZhdIFOQRFt30FCvdU-7GW5b54ZK6Tg/s1600-h/DSC02497%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02497" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedOjh2GumMq_PmPeQ-t25HIl0ZHEBr8tXfZcFlz_o8F4-gTHXZR5dSUnvFl0qkw7MbzcJLxxhbMV6YlAYiniGLLD_To-2zkogo5NoSKoI4Rsz5v9TKRK3DrNHopSm2xHING7SxId-s3rz/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02497" width="329"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQIrhp2CkBNSiBa2qU034AAOf8Jql6CiG_dqoqDfTvgABqjDQkkcdfQKwuGZWUQzmKi0_RhdZ1v8g0gPO3ruT6MgCiFtKs67UuDIX1rKInE2Khtl8y0seBHElvBEk0gvjXxEYZbnwdikC/s1600-h/DSC02498%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02498" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbfEOs9jg8R8l_JP2CRI2PxAq-DThcGvq3MBYUJvyc48qwEo7IY5mn0Xj5QfluPEhxX-rqlIGuFyz9Grrt6lS8RamhcE_SLvgRebgSRCyZjHEF9SyADuwYgHyq5wxiLrj-4OGp_v4bXJS/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02498" width="329"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI9LNx0FJHkFWxn8KvIMCuDEPnzH8SUyx83yM8ucLwF0KXrs_qtW02ey3tTGKQKvTThsQhFafe9SrzRGGbSlKFxSiWaT7JG4EsFIqEHE47g5hrgl65bao9mCcAnJyb5imFb5nuthtkrVT/s1600-h/DSC02499%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02499" border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYZXYAvmU4LwcQsv-CxHW_UsbJ3ITVBuagg-2cAcw_VQa6VSA9EPFluZv33UYMcVUWmknA9ZDDyzZfyY3FduszhOyTzL0vd6_1SZIf7TJPzaZCLY-dglgE6QGX8cmuAMdoZXUxDNiJVba/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02499" width="254"></a></p> <p>After work today I rushed home ‘cause I knew I had lots to get done before <strong>SIL’s bridal shower</strong> this weekend (<strong>at my house</strong>….eeekkk!!)  DH & I mowed the lawn and then cleaned the house and re-organized the furniture so we can fit <strong>20+ people</strong> in our living room! I feel much better after all we got done. Saturday should be <strong>fun</strong>!</p> <p>Since we were cleaning and working like crazy I didn’t eat until after 8:30! I wasn’t really in the mood to cook anything so I had <strong>2 servings</strong> of <strong>Honey</strong> <strong>Bunches</strong> <strong>of Oats</strong> with 1<strong> C skim milk</strong> for<strong> 6 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmWPOaeN9LjzD0kEBH062vPWTamCdE0KpJxgXSLwhtlNYo5w1bXdQmSelAq2RvRFDPjLqLXqHURv1v1LIpxFgSAP9_mi655gWXSinoU5qwhDc_Y3IQzKRTkpiUFKxbeROk3hL1RM6Cd7O/s1600-h/DSC02501%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02501" border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi7Pgo0H2xFlUYHEdiQC0QNj6-SrC8Z4i43FGxmg0dszC6CNvO_FUtVw3HXSSHpmFdj9H9pJkmHSKULaInHC_K2znabmYJnTamgVrmRI6Nz-pFv7-vIDJZa5J25mkMfCqLz8pADlTqoV0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02501" width="430"></a></p> <p>couldn’t wait any longer!! I had to try the <strong>Larabar</strong> that I was given!! And I <strong>LOVE</strong> it!! So good and the ingredients are SO simple(ie dates, nuts, etc)!! It was <strong>4 points</strong> though so that is kind of a bummer, but hey I had some wiggle room tonight so it worked out perfect!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UXWzfoDyap4ZPnoFbY6CJC9wMUxaTc-f8JLeZbv_0Q5l_rohP9TrZ6kbiK4_DjxULwdsKmI0OKUZycQ-8H6x29F2q_Y91LprcwjKwv9rTdqqaV-87Gf3DQgCfYViQ3gp4GszsIUsvpyx/s1600-h/DSC02502%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02502" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFBlNnzKqbP_aXgk2_SN95kSVU1Sd9jI_-qR8N-BSGD2xZeZ58p3mYX7MRiKUau0NDJDDks9NCbQjTVlFHk3IFnA4ePDSMLq_GlpXg1QM-snFH8ba-iTHczK7AUmhB_98Ohi7amlZinco/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02502" width="404"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>THURSDAY'S STATS</strong> </p> <p>POINTS = 20/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 8 used/27 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 4 today/9 week <br>WATER = 130 oz <br>EXERCISE = 12 min run, 30 min weights</p> <p><a href="http://trimthefat-marisa.blogspot.com/">Marisa</a> over at <a href="http://trimthefat-marisa.blogspot.com/">Trim the Fat</a> is having a great <a href="http://trimthefat-marisa.blogspot.com/2009/05/rover-gets-giveaway.html">giveaway for your favorite furry friends</a>!! Abby is keeping her paws crossed that we win!! ;) Make sure to check it out, ends on Friday, May 8 @ 12:00 p.m. EST. </p>

Day 184 (Thursday 5/7)

Happy Thursday everyone!! And we all know what comes after Thursday right?!?! Alarm went off the AM, I jumped outta bed, got dressed, and h...

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The Long, Lonely, Lovely Way To Elko

I drove north from Las Vegas. Near Creech AFB I saw a sureal silver plane gliding through the bluest sky -- not a Thunderbird -- it was a slim cylinder with narrow wings straight out from the sides. Between Indian Springs and Beatty, I saw a mystery. A Native American man in white was running south along the highway carrying something that looked like a sheaf of grain in his hand. He raised whatever he was holding toward me in a salute or greeting. A good long distance later, I saw anohter Native American man holding the same thing and he greeted me too. Another long distance, and there was another. All in all, it happened about 6 times. Some of the runners were women. They did not greet me. All were Native American. The last one was carrying a pole with something that looked like a dream catcher at one end. He raised it toward me as we passed. At Tonopah Station, I asked the waitresses who told me there was a Pow Wow and that this running and the objects the runners carried was a spiritual thing.<br /><br />At Tonopah, I bought the Parhump Mirror, Nye County's Only Independent Newspaper, and learned that the ACLU has issued a report hightly critical of the jail in Pahrump. It pleased me to think I had only last weekend I read in the Lincoln County paper about the flap between the Lincoln County Commissioners and the Lincoln County Fair Board over the plans (or lack of plans) for a 2009 County Fair. The ill feelings have subsided, apologies have been given, and the fair planning is well under way. I like knowing what is happening East and West.<br /><br />Outside Tonopah I caught Nevada 376 north through the Big Smoky Valley where I had never been. It was quietly, then awesomely, beautful. Driving beside the the Humboldt Toiyabe Range which curved in front of me and soared upward gave a long slow view of its snow capped majesty. I thought to myself how much I prefer highways named Nevada to Highways named I or U.S. The broad valley leading toward the blue white mountains felt somehow consoling.<br /><br />Carvers is the city to note in the Big Smoky Valley. It is a picturesque town. The Carvers Cafe is a small but elegantly rustic place. The waitress was perky and polite. The view from the parking lot was mountain beauty brought to earth by the caterpillar tractor parked beside the simple car wash across the highway. Yes, this was all value added to the cup of coffee. But $2.09 for a small sytrofoam cup of Maxwell House! A grande Starbucks is a dime cheaper in Las Vegas!<br /><br />Near Eureka I turned east on Hy. 50 and wondered if Hy. 50 really is the loneliest road in America. It is pretty lonely alright and it is longer than Nevada 376, but mile for mile 376 is lonelier. Hy 50 had more traffic and there are actually towns along it -- some of them pretty substantial, like Ely, Fallon, and oh yes the state capital Carson City. Still, I passed through not a single solitary town on Hy 50 on this trip and I was on it long enough to feel the lonely seeping in. So I truned on my cd player and listened to a bit of Leonard Cohen:<br /><br /> Ring the bells that still can ring.<br /> Forget your perfect offering.<br /> There is a crack -- a crack in everything.<br /> That's where the light gets in.<br /><br />A subtle allusion to something Dame Sitwell once said about William Blake.<br /><br />Then I turned north again on Nevada 278 through the Pine Valley. I didn't see many pines but it was positively verdant. Wallace Stegner said to appreciate the West "you have to get over the green thing." Not entirely, you can drive through the Pine Valley in May. Perhaps its all those miles of gray-green bushes that make these green fields and pastures such a joy. There is irrigaion equipment operating in the fields, but the green is not just there. At first I couldn't see what was greening the land. Eventually there was a winding little creek which grew into a sensously curving river, the South Fork of the Humboldt, I think it was. I had no idea such a river flowed through the center of our state. It was magnificent. All this close at hand, while the snowy grey blue Ruby Mountains looked down from the distance, and I thought of Shoshone Mike who led the last "Indian uprising" in Nevada in the early 20th Century. He and his small clan were trying to get back home to the Rubies when they were tracked down and killed by law men out of Winnemucca. The whole tragic story began when some members of Shohone Mike's family had killed a few cowboys in Idaho who had wantonly murdered Mike's son. Later they killed some white men in California who they mistakenly believed were hunting them.<br /><br />Eventually I came to I-80 near Carlin, and as I passed the dramatic rock formations just beside the road east of East Carlin, I realized I had been unfair to highways named I. Dear old I-80 celebrated in the Buckaroo Girl, Adriene's album Highway 80, has much to offer -- like these rocks outside East Carlin and the broad shouldered hills West of Fernley.<br /><br />Now here I am in Elko at the Gold Country Inn. The only thing that could be better is if it were Cowboy Poetry Festival. But I'll be back for that when the snow is on the ground.<br /><br />And yes, I know this is not the shortest way to Elko from Las Vegas. I have already driven the shortest way. And I will go home that way, via Ely. But this trip I wanted to see these valleys in Springtime. I'm so glad I did.

The Long, Lonely, Lovely Way To Elko

I drove north from Las Vegas. Near Creech AFB I saw a sureal silver plane gliding through the bluest sky -- not a Thunderbird -- it was a sl...

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Day 183 (Wednesday 5/6)

<p>Guess what????????????? I got my rear of out of bed this morning and went to the <strong>gym</strong>!! (Oh and Kelly, I didn't need the alarm clock I have to chase either!!! lol) It was <strong>GREAT</strong>!! <strong>Thank you sis</strong> for getting me there!! I did a <strong>12 minute run</strong> while I waited for my sister to get there and then we did <strong>36 minutes</strong> on the <strong>bikes</strong> <strong>together</strong>!! I felt <strong>so great</strong> to be back in my old routine!! </p> <p>I headed over to my office and made breakfast of <strong>oatmeal</strong> with <strong>blueberries</strong> and an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. Mmmm!! Oh how I missed you oatmeal!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoQUtOK83z6iU3S6ejs1oRnMLzdBUMb3snfFRifKbT9cuepAttHrJbjSay5GcBJr4xoFwljhykz9Xh8tagz2IZntxg3aA9RyVkKzAIcuYhq4fZ2C0yjeR4FCmcW7zx1OS52wwV_ZCjX23/s1600-h/DSC02470%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02470" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPIHCeL2UbwCPJzHeQ-wETZn99ZpVpq9VgLZzvNNnPmCTEaR2HT1UdVPe-cWWOb3WwqkrmcQ-fp9kZU9_X4w_-gQuaJDiE8D1s9jnQLZYwKquaBcrjJO02kRwj4h4PWR8rlufBXR4qbhE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02470" width="404"></a><img alt="DSC02471" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx79q8ZTD9t0_W_KwcYsZh8bj0nFldKW-Wajks6pxXxjealg7dwksNoGVUAQZv23EIDJ6iireRFQpt8viL__lWHv8z42VtSQFV1tqN9pptY-w8yIBYXOKzjJBcoAUH89P7yhQrpNEZkiDE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02471" width="244"></p> <p>I wanted to check with you guys...I've heard that with my new header it<strong> cuts the words off on the far right</strong>...is this happening with all of you? I am wondering if it is just on smaller screens or what?? I look at my blog at work and home and both screens are 17". If it is happening with everyone I will re-work my header! I don't want you to miss out on anything I write!! Ha ha...like's its that exciting!! <strong>Let me know if it cuts off for you and what screen size you have!! Thanks!! :) </strong></p> <p>Around 10am I had my "<strong>morning mush</strong>" (that is what one of my co-workers calls it!)...<strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>yogurt</strong>, and <strong>grape nuts</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>! </p> <p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsTr008DYQPPabK2ClkmzvK9LE7oSw3YLt-OPKRzu0lUiock2vbumnPPzAPYrNUFhV-e_k1apj9K1s99tzYdtqA9KRGGq5H1FkjCLXxzzDI60YItg4bpq8r81Fny13azDL5mtnTwITuu8/s1600-h/DSC02472%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02472" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy60lDYrE3kuX2oGhyphenhyphenrifUs5-oW1j6YzK9iTOb6zMBDRjCr8Tmogvh6Lq1xZEX42-yVNvzrPbAj-IQwqVISpw2GHxUbMDcRP9hMrG2xU0liUTqA5cgWMpt7BZxU_05HSUggOa_MKiWDTu4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02472" width="400"></a></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>I had to run a few errands for lunch so I grabbed some <strong>grapes</strong> to munch on while running around town for <strong>1 point</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWnywi31ObO5RWNbjXOwOcA7bmGuNts4o8HAZg633isOJzCuKqNlQWpM6CR6Xw0lJsMd9KpJspYwkIcUDl1CPgVxQBy65YDoDfuMte5_3B0LxeD12kCeqnLFByk9B-hF1zzNkdDC1Qj6e/s1600-h/DSC02474%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02474" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyvwHKN-vic5cnvd7z-BvHM_U1Hrfat6IeglNuh0KHVM5HiVVVyqLB90tu-a5cgi0daDRv13TMpRsBGS46C4_-edUlQIaQbkOoEzE8koV2OthCEk51V0cjtSQFeyXG3Ckmzf5CfARDjg9/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02474" width="404"></a></p> <p>When I got back to the house I made a <strong>chocolate PB2</strong> and <strong>banana wrap</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>!! I looked at <a href="http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/raw-wednesday-being-a-teacher/">Leah's blog</a> before going to lunch and knew this was what I wanted!! And plus I was reading "<a href="http://adauntingtaleofscalewarfare.blogspot.com/2009/05/ordered-package-of-pb2.html">A Daunting Tale of Scale Warfare</a>" this morning and saw you could get <strong>$3 off PB2</strong>!!! So I ordered some! I had to call though because the coupon code wasn't working online. The offer ends at <strong>midnight</strong> tonight so check out their website <a href="http://www.bellplantation.com/">http://www.bellplantation.com/</a>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUYLXtntA7SB2KgP1VM1J5p22INuymaMKqccWaYAsU1nNFKaBE71GqB6e3ObGmkgscBAScDuwAbxd7zuSzJkPxLJ1OXaCBmcO6kUaD52_cLvLq2ZGu-I7irxboxfuVQ9IMvCk6TzYFJ-S/s1600-h/DSC02478%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02478" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc5XLRcWXLvsGiC0jRLN_9NA5atKYKJLLcakRmN5WXkXXle8_IEiEd8WPbgDoquS9MCAHGVK5ZyuEfLvXvZbXUmSuK4kcBl4QD9BB8I5kKXT_rlgvhj3GNvMuoKY4f71n6hUB0CCrkUDA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02478" width="404"></a></p> <p>Sorry...back to lunch. I knew the wrap wouldn't quite hold me over all afternoon so I decided to make a <strong>smoothie</strong> again to take back to the office. Today it consisted of <strong>strawberry yogurt</strong>, <strong>strawberries</strong>, a <strong>small banana</strong>, and a <strong>bunch</strong> of <strong>ice</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. I sipped away at it all afternoon! De-lish!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIsRisYOf9hqhCs_FHx45wJwRGpvikz_ZBA29Mk8kjK6I2lowdvWsETQ529lv9GAvekxKDfHavv_SpiZ5Cv34IucHrGCECgNydaoY6ljiVyVX1VftbQLSvmCsJlHXTaGmg4e7ZxBwBIIY/s1600-h/DSC02476%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02476" border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lhy4UD84qslKMq28XLuoClhuS5od86E0eJloixIdDrbWifnZFhiFBG6beegJiH3ByYCsZWpf-VjR3bjFIBKnw_EyaDgZ5Ak_VOzPaSzYaeMPcozwNZsQBJuj3_LLoeL8EsZPAv7lhoyg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02476" width="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrU7EI4wdyoVWHGDCwvyH0uNJ7Ek2mV8Ta5TboFgHF2s0RiX4B0doVd9HOG4ujIsb1QoQy5y-IWdy6F0yPph7zhtfG0ZoLeH76FYOPno1xdemnq-udvriri6ZRnxLo-MH8BzXQo-NQRVA/s1600-h/DSC02477%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02477" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov5kHSFNiicP8KU3liIfIkiIJa2bqqTNgwk2dH69lenY-55-TQHPPWiLRs1abHa0rw2f7hNfLCO8FPjudg08xRj6fYBdy48aStqp_Xv2Y4z69MFDzTY2qlPlk4QFRcAwm5L2h2QMnM2Ku/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02477" width="353"></a></p> <p>For supper tonight we went to our favorite Wednesday nite “hot spot”….Third Base! You get free <strong>chips</strong> and <strong>salsa</strong>, 50 cent <strong>tacos</strong>, and $1.50 margaritas!! I had some chips and salsa and two tacos. I decided not to have a margarita because they are like 5 points each…so instead I had a couple <strong>Bud Lights</strong> with my food…so total <strong>13 points</strong> for everything! It was a fun evening with everyone!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjItPEpqGppwHzmE8jxutOxPWRtw07qUD66UfMYLOpSsPSfvnb-w1DjGx8LVnux2tm0DV3Gmg6cxbZwUBaDctKniXTv7bU_kZHnVd10RBVAZVUwpKWdYdA3Hsz4FWeWkbGkiH79UNPnee/s1600-h/DSC02479%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02479" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSDND7n1PTvaXEv2iLxuZ-bZ3ux1rplVb35wTDdalAYdwaF6zH_EUxKpsvVmzndkaOL-nrHkNCAk_CGqPe6fXHGT_6zQomOj8n5VogrJlwMSyChoUPzVCXzvyUonjm_Xre6Igg3QMqQGe/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02479" width="305"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5uS3HzjXFjV11nz3dmzZqi_MqxHHmaFGWSzlJFKk30n4rbpWUH-9Cnl4x0-0FMjRD_NIHb0gbkHfRvBlxW74xhqpgJXR_dHDEwY0z5c3xA9OOunwr_b0cuFs13cCLCOppmsPGeY2itjM/s1600-h/DSC02482%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02482" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAnNtMP6R3ZJionzS0G1RK_6u1EFTpCC5aVNfCU95MqHSmVbnhZyME6ZStQoDMB6qvOpgc5f6rAOKGLXCsGN4kKhiAMEZ_mX-BDYseXgutwprS2zSdgivewDE2DKRcHe1GBTMy3xsFjvS/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02482" width="404"></a></p> <p>A friend of my sisters (<strong>my new friend</strong>!) joined us as well! We e-mailed a bit throughout the day and she mentioned she had to run to the store to pick up some <strong>Larabars</strong> before she came down because they are on sale. Now I have seen these all over the “blog world” and of course had to inquire what she thought and what her favorite flavor was. She said <strong>cinnamon bun</strong> and one other (can’t remember!). Well she showed up to Third Base and brought one for both my sister and I!! <strong>How sweet</strong>….<strong>Thanks Randi</strong>!! Can’t wait to try it!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHR_9EP39qoYlexZjn6tz7hZxIvvTdHY-IuiyKOXUAIBEunuFPxa8cNBs0ipuipULSIwyuR0Q-UKGkKXkyOhaZS7X0s5dU1wfjXX6mQfSeKLrvmAwfuy1YDkXq5o_uygvMjXGGCn95NzU/s1600-h/DSC02480%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02480" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDep_sK1PxxKQNT4utH2K9aiBzybKJocQm6aItAfym42pvv39gAF3Mvisy_FyYX4-qfGnIUJjuajLNWWCYmjAPo6a7UDbaYYp5Y3ufKpHjn1W80cnNvTSLPyKSw_c8lJL2keV7QTM4hx7/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02480" width="404"></a><br><br>This is me and my sister…the one who got me to the gym this AM!! Thanks sis!! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YWRwFLz_G-DJcWsaLbdfKLHctVKq7QYOpCcEBPjbn89Bpz_NQkqsHVLvRESFGciD1igX6pof_WRTF3ngn8p6ssMV_5GxlEh_Dn0WgVEokXGy1kzvtjP2dEyyPZmTw2faHyqKhimHAAWw/s1600-h/DSC02483%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02483" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uhelBsKxUJDKK78hjV7LIL4fZaasUtlR3_YoVuDtA0-_qU6wtSIEIABe21lTkq3dSZbGLXQlnthcSudA8eb7zRNLxXeET0xfsTU5iX5E2K3LuR-UvyLmJtG30FBICEEla_-CNPagpJYN/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02483" width="324"></a></p> <p>After tacos and drinks we headed about 2 blocks away to a locally owned ice cream shop for one of my <strong>favorite</strong> summer treats!! They have a <strong>new flavor</strong> each week!! Last week it was mint, this week it was <strong>strawberry</strong>!! And if you haven’t noticed….I <3 strawberries!! :) So I had a <strong>small cone</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1J3DePNJuXSUW_1RPNwceC-_LwyzZOT7SZgFJj4i3RMadPz1iJ5Kd7ud2qRfmwuTs7fo0x9EiDoQWA1xBhINmSGhmxtBzGcFLhAIM0FS643cPgpU36FkKQBHo2W_TfhNoyC4rgx42eYh/s1600-h/DSC02491%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02491" border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieygjBFoChFzvng10KyBjrH85SoazFK8myziZ2h1tDy20jiB50W_3EYG_RCylckQL1rr6f8_8QHqaONXu-IKr9cG_cTogRhAvsS9eTZ9SOo3IEVMCO8nEEn8m0StTxqT6WNCX4TYur5AXo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02491" width="354"></a></p> <p>Well everyone I am bushed!! It was a great day, started out <strong>great</strong> and ended <strong>great</strong>!! I hope everyone’s was just as great, or even better!! :) See you tomorrow my favorite blogger buddies!!!</p> <p><strong>WEDNESDAY'S STATS <br></strong>POINTS =31 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS =8 used/27 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 5</p> <p>WATER =106 oz <br>EXERCISE = 12 min run and 36 min bike</p>

Day 183 (Wednesday 5/6)

Guess what????????????? I got my rear of out of bed this morning and went to the gym !! (Oh and Kelly, I didn't need the alarm clock I h...

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Transforming Hate

I was standing in line at McDonald's in Hawthorne, NV. The man in line ahead of me looked like he might have been a biker. Longish hair, droopy mustache, a muscle shirt. The shirt is why I noticed his triceps. Along the left tricep was written the word "WHITE". Along the right tricep was written the word "PRIDE". It gave me pause.<br /><br />That aggressive statement of racist feeling struck me harder becasue of something a good friend is dealing with. She has just discovered that another good friend of hers is a Nazi. She had known he held a racist ideology, but she only recently discovered the depth of his hatred for ethnic minorities and even greater hatred for whites who befriend ethnic minorities.<br /><br />I had also just read in the newspaper that Aryan Nations is actively organizing in Northern Idaho again. I honestly didn't know they had stopped, but apparently there was a hiatus of several years. Now they are back.<br /><br />Were hate groups always so active? Am I just noticing it more now? Or is the Department of Homeland Security right that the emerging threat to our national security is more from home grown right wing terrorists than Moslem infiltrators from the Middle East? Homeland Security was picking up on a violent (not meaning intense, but literally violent in its propositions) opposition to the Obama administration, the proliferation of guns, and the economic distress and untreated PTSD afflicting too many veterans. Strangely, this Homeland Security memorandum was decried for disrepecting veterans. It seemed to me it was an alarm that we absolutely must do more for veterans.<br /><br />Guns and violent opposition to the government: The day before I saw the White Pride guy in Hawthorne, a shopkeeper in Austin showed me a $O bill with President Obama's picture on it, showing him smoking and looking disreputable. He got the bill from someone who got it at a Gun Club in Reno.<br /><br />It seems to me there is a tide of demonic hatred loose in our time. There is a tremendous amount of hope and light to celebrate. But the great lesson of the 1930's is that we cannot ignore the "blood-dimmed tide loosed upon the world." If we do not ignore it, what are we to do about it?<br /><br />According to today's New York Times, the Enlgish have banned a number of people from their shores. Some are Muslim militants, as you would expect. But the list includes several Americans with established track records of hate-mongering: The Rev. Fred Phelps and his daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper (who have brought their message to Nevada more than once and on the most bizarre pretexts); Michael Savage (San Franciso radio talk show host); Eric Gliebe (web radio broadcaster); Donald Black (of Florida, former KKK grand wizzard, whose web site they say stirs up violence); and even a militant Jewish-American, Michael Guzofsky. I don't know about any of these folks myself, except Fred Phelp who just amazes me, not with the depth of his animosity, but the breadth. His contempt for so many people is astounding.<br /><br />I don't blame the English for not wanting our people spreading hate in their land. But what are we to do here? Especially, what are we as Christians to do? I don't believe it is to respond in kind. Our ire and contempt will not help. Our righteous indignation will not help. We must be more creative, more clever, and more kind than that. But I don't know how that should be carried out. I would love to hear your thoughts on how Christians should respond to hate in our time.

Transforming Hate

I was standing in line at McDonald's in Hawthorne, NV. The man in line ahead of me looked like he might have been a biker. Longish hair,...

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