tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13284001952456159072024-02-19T20:02:51.353-06:00Rose Valley RanchJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.comBlogger795125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-20339546347471950752014-04-21T22:28:00.001-05:002014-04-21T22:28:45.817-05:00Moving On Up!Please follow me on my new blog<br />
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<a href="http://www.gardenofniedens.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Garden of Niedens</a><br />
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See you there!!!!<br />
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<br />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-85138518351409802392013-10-01T21:11:00.005-05:002013-10-01T21:11:53.907-05:00Bad Blogger...BAD BLOGGER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So...I haven't been on here for a while. Obviously. Excuses? I have none. </div>
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Life...much like all of you, life has not stood still for me. I do miss blogging, though. I miss sharing all the wonderful events that I've been blessed with, seemingly, on a daily basis. </div>
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I hope to catch up the blog on all the fun things that happened this summer, but for now, here is a quick recap:</div>
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We got a kitty.</div>
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A few weeks ago we adopted a little female kitten from the Humane Society. We call her "Maybe," since that was the answer to all our questions about her. </div>
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Should we get a cat? Maybe.</div>
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Should we get this kitten? Maybe.</div>
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Will she ever grow out of her toilet paper fetish? Well, maybe we should have named her "Doubtful."</div>
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We had a lot of fun with our other furry companion, too. Sophie discovered her love of fishing.</div>
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That right there is my favorite fishing duo...ever.<br />
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We got to do a few fun things, too. We took the kids to Elitch Gardens. Clint and I were like kids there, too!<br />
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That same trip we took the kids to Casa Bonita. </div>
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We hiked a LOT and found history in them there mountains....</div>
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The views were always beautiful. So many memories made....</div>
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Clint faced off some prehistoric critters at the Denver Museum.</div>
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And this doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of it all. There is so much of the past to share, and we have some very exciting new developments ahead as well. This blog, my friends, has not ended.<br />
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It has just begun.<br />
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-11733413138915240462013-04-22T22:00:00.001-05:002013-04-22T22:02:35.626-05:00I'm Still Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Really, I am! See... <br />
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Clint hasn't thrown me off a mountain...yet! </div>
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We've done so many incredible things I've wanted to share with everyone, but I promise, I will get to it all in due time. </div>
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For example, we've had a few magnificent days of skiing in the most beautiful places I've ever been. I took this picture on the continental divide at Monarch.<br />
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I've been MIA for good reason, and not just because we've been busy skiing (and recovering from skiing). I'm just about through a pretty tough semester and surprisingly enough, have straight A's for the time being. I just hope I can end the semester with that track record. Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology II, and a psychology class I had to retake because they wouldn't take my A in it from 15 years ago. Plus, I've been working full time. I wasn't sure I could do it, but so far I've been able to pull it off.<br />
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One thing I do know for certain is that I couldn't have done it without my wonderful support system. Clint has been amazing. He's been working a lot and having to study for a certification test for work, plus he takes care of all our finances and does more than his share around the house with cooking and cleaning, especially when I have tests and papers due.<br />
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Did I mention my husband is amazing?<br />
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Okay, I just wanted to make sure I made that perfectly clear. On top of all those things he managed to find us the perfect little commuter car for when I start school. <br />
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We needed something inexpensive, dependable, in good shape, and with great gas mileage. Check, check, check, and check!<br />
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Then, as if I wasn't already spoiled, he built me this suburbanite-style chicken coop! <br />
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Many more pictures soon to come, but here's a little preview. I miss all my animals so much that this really meant the world to me. As soon as the snow storm passes this week I will be planting strawberries in the planter. I've always wanted a raised strawberry bed, too! Two wishes in one!!<br />
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I definitely plan on elaborating much more on all our recent events, plus writing much more in the future. My semester ends the beginning of May, so if anyone is still reading, please check back in again soon.<br />
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We never know what the future holds, but I do believe it will hold for the both of us many great things. This blog is far from over.<br />
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Until our paths cross again,<br />
~J<br />
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-2771374147276498122013-01-14T13:00:00.000-06:002013-01-14T13:00:00.907-06:00Eat to LiveMy diet has changed drastically over the last year and a half. In the past, I pretty much ate whatever I wanted, and what I wanted was LOTS of fast food. I'll admit it, I LOVE fast food.<br />
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Hello, my name is Jessie, and I am addicted to fast food.</div>
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"Hello, Jessie."</div>
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Now I eat fast food less than once a month and that less than once a month, 99% of the time, is Chipotle. </div>
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Hello, my name is Jessie, and I am addicted to Chipotle.</div>
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"Hello, Jessie."</div>
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Where am I?</div>
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Oh yeah. Well, now I eat at home. I bring my lunch to work. I eat to live, rather than live to eat.</div>
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<u><b>Breakfast</b></u> is almost always eggs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhW8K5-r0yXq1WUieQJ7OpmhsUNeB5E6L-VQEEFh0OCARVJahtjAD-xkS6g7BzJN3hotNL1qnrWEyrk5tZPC6CbaYklsr-zJmEk1hbKSfWkrTu-ZVTQlGJVoWP839Ju1WrEPtO4nSfpU/s1600/2735689978_949e3a02b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhW8K5-r0yXq1WUieQJ7OpmhsUNeB5E6L-VQEEFh0OCARVJahtjAD-xkS6g7BzJN3hotNL1qnrWEyrk5tZPC6CbaYklsr-zJmEk1hbKSfWkrTu-ZVTQlGJVoWP839Ju1WrEPtO4nSfpU/s320/2735689978_949e3a02b1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Eggs are cheap and easy. A whole egg is 70 calories. An egg white, by itself, is only 16 calories. I cook in a non-stick skillet using zero-calorie cooking spray, so as to not add extra calories. Here are some of the combos I cook up in the morning:</div>
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2 "fried" eggs (in zero-calorie cooking spray) with 2 pieces of dry toast (using multi-grain 45-calorie per slice bread). Calorie total: 230</div>
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Scrambled eggs (using one whole egg and two egg whites) with several spoonfuls of homemade cilantro-salsa. Calorie total: 120</div>
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Omelet using one whole egg and two egg whites, one slice of processed American cheese (70 calories), and sliced mushrooms. Calorie total: 200</div>
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If I don't feel like eggs, I have one serving of oatmeal with 2.5 tsp of Splenda brown sugar, 1/4 cup of skim milk. Calorie total: 220</div>
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<u><b>Mid-morning snack</b></u> is always a Clif bar. 240 or 250 calories, depending upon the bar flavor. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy83iDhU2csPrSCEszHYK4dJuAvl6qIyjPqsDQWOmvJNBWAnauPtj9jIN8rV_keJwJV6RAloiPH8PEcMnnqNu_1xw2_pYSMDXZBt0CsZCCK72p_eNwvnBMmixuo5BbWcGboKEBwh_ucg/s1600/Clif+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy83iDhU2csPrSCEszHYK4dJuAvl6qIyjPqsDQWOmvJNBWAnauPtj9jIN8rV_keJwJV6RAloiPH8PEcMnnqNu_1xw2_pYSMDXZBt0CsZCCK72p_eNwvnBMmixuo5BbWcGboKEBwh_ucg/s320/Clif+Bar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Macadamia nut is my favorite :)<br />
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Lunch is almost always a grilled chicken breast and a banana. Sometimes I pack salsa for the chicken breast. Other times I put hot sauce on it. Any way, it's awesome. Clint always grills up a bunch of them on Sunday and we eat them all week. Calorie total: 310<br />
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<b><u>Afternoon snack</u></b> is usually popcorn. We found a brand and flavor that backs four full cups in a serving for only 140 calories. That's a fulfilling, buttery, salty snack!<br />
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Supper is the meal that varies the most at our house. Clint and I seldom fix a meal on the weekdays. We usually eat salad or a sandwich. Calories vary, but my favorite sandwich is 45-calorie bread with low-cal ranch, half an avocado, turkey, fresh spinach and roma tomato slices. This substantial sandwich is still less than 400 calories!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABGaTF5El3V1_dVZ45YOSRz6MKtZcCDtuXfrB0UFNWM7pdL4Ekc26okSLVmvj0dV8jci4VloaE4UO6Ur4yX7AwncOSlkIg5DsAJcXFp9WSJTnILW808_EJDJK_UTj5HfR5Qhks_FO_ng/s1600/avocado.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABGaTF5El3V1_dVZ45YOSRz6MKtZcCDtuXfrB0UFNWM7pdL4Ekc26okSLVmvj0dV8jci4VloaE4UO6Ur4yX7AwncOSlkIg5DsAJcXFp9WSJTnILW808_EJDJK_UTj5HfR5Qhks_FO_ng/s320/avocado.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We go through a LOT of avocados. While they are high in calories and fat, they are GOOD calories and fat and they have a creamy, satisfying taste. <br />
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To satisfy my sweet tooth, I drink diet cherry pepsi, and every morning I have coffee with Truvia and sugar-free peppermint mocha creamer. If I get really hungry I cut up an apple and dip it in peanut butter, which is a surprisingly filling snack. Overall I try to keep my diet under 1400 net calories. The more I work out, the more calories I allow myself. <br />
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Clint and I tend to have one "splurge" on the weekend. This weekend we treated ourselves to ice cream. Last weekend was Chipotle. Imagine that.<br />
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Dieting is not a piece of cake,<br />
~JJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-79401231389757148562013-01-13T12:00:00.000-06:002013-01-13T19:41:49.797-06:00On the Horizon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since my move to Colorado in October, things have really been streaming along.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uMRPbpUIWlBm6U_m6WULofOSzCQlM44yScPIjJPdefsDA6RA2MJ6GsaWcyodyCZReCJJ9465QN15HMfeyyRUTE4gUmjd4vtYAYI4S7M2CqGkTGW-CKUW92zhUfH05Uxjraki9FahkUg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uMRPbpUIWlBm6U_m6WULofOSzCQlM44yScPIjJPdefsDA6RA2MJ6GsaWcyodyCZReCJJ9465QN15HMfeyyRUTE4gUmjd4vtYAYI4S7M2CqGkTGW-CKUW92zhUfH05Uxjraki9FahkUg/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. School starts tomorrow. I'm taking my remaining prerequisites for the nursing program online so my schedule is free to work during the day. I'm terrified and excited at the same time. I had to request special permission to take three science classes at once, but those three, plus a psych class, were the ones I needed to start the nursing program this summer. </div>
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I went to Pueblo this week and purchased my books. $500+ later, they are sitting on my desk in the office, ready for use. Science is expensive! Here's what is on the agenda this semester:</div>
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Anatomy & Physiology II</div>
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Microbiology</div>
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Human Growth and Development</div>
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Pathophysiology</div>
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Wish me luck!!</div>
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2. I've been working a lot (including three on-call cases this weekend), but I love my job! I work with some really incredible people. The other techs, nurses, and doctors are always so supportive and helpful. These people are my inspiration. I can't wait to become a nurse!</div>
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3. I tried burpees for the first time last week. All I can say is WOW. Oh, and OW. And holy COW.</div>
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4. The playoffs...I feel the same way about them: wow, ow, and holy cow. These games have been more interesting than I can remember the Superbowl being in many years. And yes, I felt obliged to root for the Broncos. That's why they lost, I'm certain of it.</div>
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Sorry, Ponies. But look at it this way. At least you're not the Chefs.</div>
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5. I have the most amazing husband in the world. That is all. Over and out.</div>
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To infinity and beyond,</div>
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~J</div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-15737739420223207912013-01-12T22:13:00.005-06:002013-01-12T22:16:04.976-06:00Temple Canyon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Only a couple of miles from our house is a vast network of trails known as Temple Canyon. Last weekend Clint, Sophie, and I decided to go check it out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBbsvzXzy6xNNZ2VeURK-Q6eSAICj7BnC1N7gRO6D07YcRuurIgRAt31A6M1MQboYWwzLjfRVci8D4pDK26hrn5Ry9ZnlqmmEmKTHPa9yw9SoM9ndBl9vKKorJ5AnzHS_L1qkGplP_BA/s1600/z63644_4581645211960_657960631_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBbsvzXzy6xNNZ2VeURK-Q6eSAICj7BnC1N7gRO6D07YcRuurIgRAt31A6M1MQboYWwzLjfRVci8D4pDK26hrn5Ry9ZnlqmmEmKTHPa9yw9SoM9ndBl9vKKorJ5AnzHS_L1qkGplP_BA/s320/z63644_4581645211960_657960631_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We planned on going a couple of miles. Two miles quickly turned into four plus with this kind of scenery!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmeCzTQnZDMoK_b5Fiu_3WloLxIJUQeJNUCFSDvX119C0WwFCxxTliTCoZmQ2cbDfcoqlgQFI_XPKPhqo3pBlNidPLwbnMEoT1kGeqGdmYaOD3Bi8N62KMWK9yaAT47u9msiFvk2bCLU/s1600/z64061_4581654932203_1195918567_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmeCzTQnZDMoK_b5Fiu_3WloLxIJUQeJNUCFSDvX119C0WwFCxxTliTCoZmQ2cbDfcoqlgQFI_XPKPhqo3pBlNidPLwbnMEoT1kGeqGdmYaOD3Bi8N62KMWK9yaAT47u9msiFvk2bCLU/s320/z64061_4581654932203_1195918567_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had to walk across several frozen streams. I kept saying "light as a feather, light as a feather" and I didn't fall in. I told Clint, "I must be magical." His reply was, "Honey, you walk on ice, not on water."</div>
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Smart alec.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiJqBltZm2PXv8v7piFc3jEviIl8Qv4-FFVCynDzkZvEoG3aBcY7bwKV5wu5gfRdGX7zs0elsMxk9PTQVzCN4aGK8BPDoWhDOfa-aMlcAe56UvXjCqhVBQFfxWyFVgLDE3edbqAn1psw/s1600/z184563_4581655412215_1866534161_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiJqBltZm2PXv8v7piFc3jEviIl8Qv4-FFVCynDzkZvEoG3aBcY7bwKV5wu5gfRdGX7zs0elsMxk9PTQVzCN4aGK8BPDoWhDOfa-aMlcAe56UvXjCqhVBQFfxWyFVgLDE3edbqAn1psw/s320/z184563_4581655412215_1866534161_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A little ways into our hike Sophie found a very cool little animal cave.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMc42EeKgXgCSl76dZG7me7NyoC5xBgomJ_WRdMtedkXdXCzNYJN8jprY9I87ZB5EHlwTnzQDAbu_-VZa-u37zk93FTQyMJNemXKAz8IM_oFtLtXU2sSoI79XBdBL1DYKoX1jq0Accac/s1600/z68666_4581655972229_1465956723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMc42EeKgXgCSl76dZG7me7NyoC5xBgomJ_WRdMtedkXdXCzNYJN8jprY9I87ZB5EHlwTnzQDAbu_-VZa-u37zk93FTQyMJNemXKAz8IM_oFtLtXU2sSoI79XBdBL1DYKoX1jq0Accac/s320/z68666_4581655972229_1465956723_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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She was bound and determined there was something in there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9zUbpoyg2X4hfd-AKKCmzRc_GD1XvXHqdByUGGxL_dTjATusCuc3HCRQzJ2swTYEF9uhg5tWBF9fyhuPu1PZdXIfhM_-SpZXrjmP2e_hjqkCfRvgcqmXcD-QywhD-4apGNcs7mygXcA/s1600/z268418_4581654292187_179334405_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9zUbpoyg2X4hfd-AKKCmzRc_GD1XvXHqdByUGGxL_dTjATusCuc3HCRQzJ2swTYEF9uhg5tWBF9fyhuPu1PZdXIfhM_-SpZXrjmP2e_hjqkCfRvgcqmXcD-QywhD-4apGNcs7mygXcA/s320/z268418_4581654292187_179334405_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It wasn't long before a bone flew out from the dust. Looks like a humerus Clint said it was human, albeit a small human.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HZg3mPwNotMb2ll15x_CKACIDUs14I7TC0oDTAyGVDL15GQhGh9qmoRC-4_m-Zq8wt5W-rmvdMpjtBA2Ywy5ztwRSTGOjZ95jwo8k9aCS33hLIs7pkB3RLTqlk2MJOwJXnplRtMxge8/s1600/z545143_4581654732198_1745825210_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HZg3mPwNotMb2ll15x_CKACIDUs14I7TC0oDTAyGVDL15GQhGh9qmoRC-4_m-Zq8wt5W-rmvdMpjtBA2Ywy5ztwRSTGOjZ95jwo8k9aCS33hLIs7pkB3RLTqlk2MJOwJXnplRtMxge8/s320/z545143_4581654732198_1745825210_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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He can be humorous himself sometimes.</div>
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After all that digging, Sophie needed a drink, but she was too chicken to get too close to the hole in the ice, so Clint helped her out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A6E6t-4Ckn3PTNfGddaCnSHx-fVyj9aWIlyKF1PDY86097B-JyfjrhJ6ACX1UOiTbYX3HFtSsKXr9ze_oyBRZlc4qJgrm3lxGaiQmdx01eOCMTC5wNs6c77eQATRbBeGzJTmS3DskeQ/s1600/z393026_4581653812175_369672291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A6E6t-4Ckn3PTNfGddaCnSHx-fVyj9aWIlyKF1PDY86097B-JyfjrhJ6ACX1UOiTbYX3HFtSsKXr9ze_oyBRZlc4qJgrm3lxGaiQmdx01eOCMTC5wNs6c77eQATRbBeGzJTmS3DskeQ/s320/z393026_4581653812175_369672291_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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He can be really sweet sometimes, too.</div>
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The rock formations in Temple Canyon were amazing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizV3DtCKPL4BDikVTTgC16_2MoXpqeQvtDUNLHBAiMTlI97-IPh7aDTx9RQ0hidVmiqiyQ8FIAe9DnMrVqcKobiluA8SDog8ssb29cjj3MUqmercL9iK7X6cMFEdUT4ZoAqxNEqUEmkxw/s1600/z397085_4436252177225_1765458498_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizV3DtCKPL4BDikVTTgC16_2MoXpqeQvtDUNLHBAiMTlI97-IPh7aDTx9RQ0hidVmiqiyQ8FIAe9DnMrVqcKobiluA8SDog8ssb29cjj3MUqmercL9iK7X6cMFEdUT4ZoAqxNEqUEmkxw/s320/z397085_4436252177225_1765458498_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The ice formations were pretty neat, too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu9GXb82pyMFz48cZU7fmESvciE2NqRONTokOoDthkNwcLeMMUOp-0XCzBc7Ij-NDy9DntJyUBOI-I20PxSxb8q9ODMwal4ZVe436SvxFjFYCROslH8gnhABr8BLmaFeehKsgR5uGPIY/s1600/z400026_4581653332163_270757683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu9GXb82pyMFz48cZU7fmESvciE2NqRONTokOoDthkNwcLeMMUOp-0XCzBc7Ij-NDy9DntJyUBOI-I20PxSxb8q9ODMwal4ZVe436SvxFjFYCROslH8gnhABr8BLmaFeehKsgR5uGPIY/s320/z400026_4581653332163_270757683_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The trail goes on for miles. There is so much more to explore. It would be amazing on horseback!</div>
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Eventually our trail led to a beaver dam with a view.</div>
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We plan on going back to Temple Canyon when the weather warms. It was such a serene and adventuresome afternoon. It was inspirational....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5NFi-aSPPFQksRZQlKnqQ1HUg4q5hZrj3sWmEGgxhOPMD01nT5WF2soniw6gWxqG48oLwU9famRAQq6qbIkiOd6Jqq-X4jta-Rc0Xn_c9BEL4m83xzoxRrY2fAaXawTf9Mgmkj7BQVo/s1600/z397620_4581651172109_1338646477_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5NFi-aSPPFQksRZQlKnqQ1HUg4q5hZrj3sWmEGgxhOPMD01nT5WF2soniw6gWxqG48oLwU9famRAQq6qbIkiOd6Jqq-X4jta-Rc0Xn_c9BEL4m83xzoxRrY2fAaXawTf9Mgmkj7BQVo/s320/z397620_4581651172109_1338646477_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"...lovely, dark, and deep.</i></div>
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<i>But I have promises to keep,</i></div>
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<i>And miles to go before I sleep,</i></div>
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<i>And miles to go before I sleep."</i></div>
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"Frost"ed by nature,</div>
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~J</div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-63621228815192669492013-01-11T14:00:00.000-06:002013-01-11T14:00:02.899-06:00Ski Daze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The weekend after Christmas, my incredibly brave husband led a troop of very green, very novice skiers to Monarch to try out our snow legs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIuvnMoBQdigPKiLxBxrNrg-wO1nBfPB56VxslcvVdpQgmf0eoGWjSqDFGVsDIW9B20rv6eO82zTpV9mqt9A2dJXdKUU02J1qGYLG1CnDNmcrFWNNcXQKb831vxrbw4oqFurq58jaFEc/s1600/65157_4532422301418_1386494442_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIuvnMoBQdigPKiLxBxrNrg-wO1nBfPB56VxslcvVdpQgmf0eoGWjSqDFGVsDIW9B20rv6eO82zTpV9mqt9A2dJXdKUU02J1qGYLG1CnDNmcrFWNNcXQKb831vxrbw4oqFurq58jaFEc/s320/65157_4532422301418_1386494442_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have never skied a day in my life, but I am proud to say I made it down a green not once, but twice and managed NOT to kill myself.</div>
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Obviously. </div>
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Actually, you never know. I could be a ghost writer. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk.</div>
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(My writer friends will get that).</div>
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Anywho....the kids and I had never skied before. Clint's niece had snowboarded once. Clint has practically lived his life on them, but he was an incredibly good sport and took the day to teach us all the basics, which included, luckily for us, a very cool "lift" called the Caterpillar. </div>
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We used blades instead of skis. Clint said they were easier. It was still as difficult as all get out but I had so much fun I can't wait to go back! We didn't get a lot of pictures, but we did get some very cool videos:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ABh53iuPkNg?list=UUBErSPAdmLVLVeFgUqx6jJQ" width="560"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D5f_C2YCYl4?list=UUBErSPAdmLVLVeFgUqx6jJQ" width="560"></iframe>
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Click on my youtube channel to see them all!<br />
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We had so much fun. The conditions were perfect and it was the perfect way to spend our first Christmas together as a family. So many wonderful memories were made!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ooC0il7djIFzsIW-APYRhExSRpvPu4OHrdtSBxcE-xdOsfulsuQk4nyba7W12cge4vdhvdSoTkYG1IYaBZl53snr0TwRkxfb5fx7p72OXpczam6tK1H0VfcUliw1EYgszHC25E-adYc/s1600/318594_4056411014800_1270937243_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ooC0il7djIFzsIW-APYRhExSRpvPu4OHrdtSBxcE-xdOsfulsuQk4nyba7W12cge4vdhvdSoTkYG1IYaBZl53snr0TwRkxfb5fx7p72OXpczam6tK1H0VfcUliw1EYgszHC25E-adYc/s320/318594_4056411014800_1270937243_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm hanging onto him for dear life and I'm never letting go!</div>
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~J</div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-15845831647233047082013-01-10T20:51:00.000-06:002013-01-10T20:51:34.467-06:00Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2012 was a wonderful year for me. I could have never resolved to change my life so dramatically. I feel like luck has smiled on me and I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time and in the right place in my heart and in my mind to be open to change--the kind of change that turned my life upside down and show me what true happiness is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLto2vPzRivlNFDb31qvDgvUVCjHfIACmwoR2vIfq23jKFaYbvap66KHXxD197KBdcyPwQ9eZYPaIaFokCTPVh1o_Hrgfr3WkOb_r_6FFVmqw33hLEqQEOUBAqKCYEisQXpCIAEFXTeys/s1600/533752_4056410934798_1025987707_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLto2vPzRivlNFDb31qvDgvUVCjHfIACmwoR2vIfq23jKFaYbvap66KHXxD197KBdcyPwQ9eZYPaIaFokCTPVh1o_Hrgfr3WkOb_r_6FFVmqw33hLEqQEOUBAqKCYEisQXpCIAEFXTeys/s320/533752_4056410934798_1025987707_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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So what's left to resolve? Actually, plenty. I have always felt that part of leading a full and happy life is to never become complacent--to always strive for personal growth. So...after much procrastination I am finally getting to my list of resolutions.</div>
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1. I resolve to lose (more) weight and get fit(ter).</div>
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~I've reached my first and second weight goals. My third and final goal is to lose 15 more pounds. One would think that if I've lost 55 pounds already, that 15 more would be a breeze, but 'tis not the case my friends. These last few pounds are holding on for dear life and aren't going to give up without a fight, apparently. But they haven't faced an opponent like me.</div>
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Oh wait...yeah, they have. Hmmm....</div>
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Anyway, my goal is to shed these last few pounds and get a bit more toned, especially considering we have summer boating plans in the near future. Not sure if I can get away with swimming in a turtleneck. *Gulp*</div>
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2. I resolve to be more positive.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYvJy8VwAHy8yraAHNjgebSoGRGt50YFXeh6bliRdSqKY-tL06VIkq1sq5UwRoBLD2T64eCxNwVn-y-kGoh-uhDrR8IFW9GT8lrPMxCz35z95eZrbBPnWlB_PWchr0I2R6IfTVSlP3I0/s1600/558799_4390241266981_266042001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYvJy8VwAHy8yraAHNjgebSoGRGt50YFXeh6bliRdSqKY-tL06VIkq1sq5UwRoBLD2T64eCxNwVn-y-kGoh-uhDrR8IFW9GT8lrPMxCz35z95eZrbBPnWlB_PWchr0I2R6IfTVSlP3I0/s320/558799_4390241266981_266042001_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've actually been working on this one for a long time as well, but there is always room for improvement. I am making a concerted effort to change negative thoughts into positive ones.<br />
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For example, when I had to stay late at work today, I didn't think, "I have been here since 6am Oh. My. God. I WANT TO GO HOME." Instead, I thought "Oh good, I'm glad to have the hours while I can get them and before school starts." In this case the silver lining wasn't difficult to find, but I do know the more I practice at finding it, the better I will get at turning lemons into lemonade...or lemoncello, which is even better!<br />
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3. I resolve to be the best wife and step-mom ever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlsoPjHjnR9RMM5p7RYc5NCTwyDr2RaphAPQtFQf6g3eGw7j_euVCBf2N6o_jCX5hoaDfwS7Lu2gdi62F5pVZGp0BBGzno3Qs2XWtLIzWa0WFJv34FC0q8xCNc55GgfX4XGINQzKYqo8/s1600/534224_4056411054801_1127398403_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlsoPjHjnR9RMM5p7RYc5NCTwyDr2RaphAPQtFQf6g3eGw7j_euVCBf2N6o_jCX5hoaDfwS7Lu2gdi62F5pVZGp0BBGzno3Qs2XWtLIzWa0WFJv34FC0q8xCNc55GgfX4XGINQzKYqo8/s320/534224_4056411054801_1127398403_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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This one isn't hard to decide to do, and I would certainly be committed to being the best wife and step-mom anyway, resolutions or not, but it is so important to me to be the kind of person those I love most deserve, to never take them for granted, and to always be there for them.<br />
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4. I resolve to make a couple bucks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcW61Yp6EeCTbCEIkQ9LLmQ1Zf4q52qc54K04I_iQLmrJju6zEQuZyQrvyQPeBQvacgVZOBnytTSCLIX7x875rix_uCEMWCOjT5xYEEKI64xKiIb-gs-0LYXoy-0h3u-4MpltpLMeIVk/s1600/408691_4585986720495_1403507903_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcW61Yp6EeCTbCEIkQ9LLmQ1Zf4q52qc54K04I_iQLmrJju6zEQuZyQrvyQPeBQvacgVZOBnytTSCLIX7x875rix_uCEMWCOjT5xYEEKI64xKiIb-gs-0LYXoy-0h3u-4MpltpLMeIVk/s320/408691_4585986720495_1403507903_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not exactly what I meant. </div>
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Actually, this is not about money at all. It's about bucking the status quo, so to speak. My life has changed so much because I was willing to swallow my fear and head into the unknown. I want to continue to face my fears and take on new challenges as they present themselves. </div>
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5. I resolve to enjoy the little things.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_51GNbHVp5y-BLlGlZlWyDcaP7599WTOgkl8YWEU6u3wThGPfPP2oc6EJIelfUNuVTM5nNcBhdkCvJUtB-HaYy15UAEfuzVA_NvJC0y0LSqDtz_O5gsLdj48oXvnCVUVhNid8FdTOTmk/s1600/150239_4579108708549_142311781_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_51GNbHVp5y-BLlGlZlWyDcaP7599WTOgkl8YWEU6u3wThGPfPP2oc6EJIelfUNuVTM5nNcBhdkCvJUtB-HaYy15UAEfuzVA_NvJC0y0LSqDtz_O5gsLdj48oXvnCVUVhNid8FdTOTmk/s320/150239_4579108708549_142311781_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Yeah, something like that.</div>
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Resolved to evolve,</div>
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~J</div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-51830346438695489262012-12-25T17:57:00.004-06:002012-12-25T17:57:59.882-06:00Merry Christmas!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't mean to brag or anything, but we had a white Christmas!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTk5ffcpN04DepentwZhC3WOIzt8vzgI17CJF2AQKbdq4Y1X7a7QQBggIoHrkeYcC40JOf9R1mybXaq-pwY2MyFfUhOGM-Xpig5BEp7URkFLw88TY7OBZ8JfsHYo542rOzvHF4B7kpscc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTk5ffcpN04DepentwZhC3WOIzt8vzgI17CJF2AQKbdq4Y1X7a7QQBggIoHrkeYcC40JOf9R1mybXaq-pwY2MyFfUhOGM-Xpig5BEp7URkFLw88TY7OBZ8JfsHYo542rOzvHF4B7kpscc/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, so maybe I do mean to brag. I think it is completely justifiable, though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdffZfI6OG4C3RND6vTUa0rDL_cKap2IXt_RqEnhkolNeFDkVm4BPiVCvNaD6rIHh6uUJ_JrLG-qoamfiI39taK6SpSk-hRjatm3XCxc4g57dMFaDHeLv-D03iX5UD317pHUromkAVuwI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdffZfI6OG4C3RND6vTUa0rDL_cKap2IXt_RqEnhkolNeFDkVm4BPiVCvNaD6rIHh6uUJ_JrLG-qoamfiI39taK6SpSk-hRjatm3XCxc4g57dMFaDHeLv-D03iX5UD317pHUromkAVuwI/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My first Christmas with the love of my life, in the most beautiful place on earth. Life. Is. Good.</div>
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Happy Holidays to each and every one of you!</div>
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~J</div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-8950707427592035092012-12-17T20:58:00.003-06:002012-12-17T20:58:42.012-06:00A Great Move<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While it wasn't easy at first, this move has turned out to be probably the best decision we possibly could have made, and it's not just because of the beautiful scenery, although, the scenery is beautiful:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsQNswK8hYZVBllNXzplS0fzU4xRT_S4kq8rdjFfCjqg-djzkHnJtrc2JyWQoU15PWMbqaoc8JIlh4DITj6Vd4_oB89IEi-12fGvCerphjDPitAlyu2RVStGc8AAufgU3URSvQCGiUSI/s1600/397085_4436252177225_1765458498_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsQNswK8hYZVBllNXzplS0fzU4xRT_S4kq8rdjFfCjqg-djzkHnJtrc2JyWQoU15PWMbqaoc8JIlh4DITj6Vd4_oB89IEi-12fGvCerphjDPitAlyu2RVStGc8AAufgU3URSvQCGiUSI/s320/397085_4436252177225_1765458498_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These deer were foraging not even a mile from our house. It's not often you see a buck like that without a Cabela's neon sign hanging behind him.<br />
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I feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful place, but I also feel very lucky for all the good fortune we've experienced since moving here a tad over two months ago.<br />
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Shortly after making the difficult decision to leave the farm, I found out that the nursing program at the nearby university has an accelerated degree program, which shortens my education goals by an entire three years. It's not often that you find exactly what you need for less money and less time.<br />
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Then I found out that the application deadline to the program was the day before we were set to move, so I hurriedly got the paperwork in and then waited...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZpuaBnTy8db0S0HDiaMUz7bau22HKUW8REiUPMHXGsmfd7INKOh8iAODCARFMdcyurlDkW4KhHfcHJMuoEjsmGdoRD_KIsljo_Rc9FJYsUFAHRS3vd1ZPOuiPw_8f810OoZch4LId-s/s1600/550796_4314770780266_684383701_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZpuaBnTy8db0S0HDiaMUz7bau22HKUW8REiUPMHXGsmfd7INKOh8iAODCARFMdcyurlDkW4KhHfcHJMuoEjsmGdoRD_KIsljo_Rc9FJYsUFAHRS3vd1ZPOuiPw_8f810OoZch4LId-s/s320/550796_4314770780266_684383701_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and waited...and waited.<br />
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Finally, last week, the letter I waited for FOREVER came: I was accepted! So, come May, I begin my 14-month journey toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Last month I resigned from two of my three jobs due to lack of hours in the day, but I will continue working the job I kept--GI Lab Technician--full time while finishing my prerequisites this spring. As summer approaches I will be taking on less work hours and more school hours, so it works out perfectly. I love my job and am learning so much there as well--it's an ideal situation!<br />
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Just when I think life can't get any better, that same week Clint got some well-deserved, long-awaited news of his own--he accepted a job offer from the city. He had been working at a "pay the bills" sort of job that was way below his skill level. I knew it wouldn't be long before someone recognized what he had to offer and nabbed him up--I'm just glad it was sooner than later!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirciykFiPhakStRYfZ8tJAhEp61SRjnwtZ9wxkk-hTeClGacWlMVNq7jmQVKcYAXpwVqrJfB_ui9KpFHj2ihyphenhyphenr31oaFyRH5v11TmGd9JOnyRblf6VJcjYHEKLSQgmdQwFaZCjK4XnA9O0/s1600/558799_4390241266981_266042001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirciykFiPhakStRYfZ8tJAhEp61SRjnwtZ9wxkk-hTeClGacWlMVNq7jmQVKcYAXpwVqrJfB_ui9KpFHj2ihyphenhyphenr31oaFyRH5v11TmGd9JOnyRblf6VJcjYHEKLSQgmdQwFaZCjK4XnA9O0/s320/558799_4390241266981_266042001_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've lived long enough to know that when things go right, it's best to embrace and appreciate those times as much as possible, because life is not a climb up just one mountain; it has all the ups and downs of an entire mountain range. However, I know Clint and I could not have gotten to this point without each other's love and support. I may be experiencing a streak of luck right now, but I know, and will always know, the luckiest thing to ever happen in my life was meeting him.<br />
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Love and Luck to All,<br />
~J<br />
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-68793127095773668232012-11-08T11:07:00.001-06:002012-11-08T11:07:45.179-06:00Tanner Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We live right up against the base of the Greenhorn Mountains. Being native Kansans, this is very thrilling for both Clint and I. I mean, <i>we live in the freak'n mountains!!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4Xd-PoJ2tTZtY89jszNBpzC4My8b1IMVfhf2ghGLyj2THvmapM5STFZ88TdNCBfQqtgqqgMJDsD0swyJTt_iofOSeaRsgr2jWTOPuZ9k_fuPqGck7WT6gLljwS0laGJE1X5p_rpj7us/s1600/18425_4283104028617_1878799949_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4Xd-PoJ2tTZtY89jszNBpzC4My8b1IMVfhf2ghGLyj2THvmapM5STFZ88TdNCBfQqtgqqgMJDsD0swyJTt_iofOSeaRsgr2jWTOPuZ9k_fuPqGck7WT6gLljwS0laGJE1X5p_rpj7us/s320/18425_4283104028617_1878799949_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sorry about that....<br />
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Anyway, since living so close to the mountains is still quite novel for us, last Saturday Clint and I had the idea that since we are relatively fit, healthy, not-too-old people, we could tackle an "advanced" trail. Luckily for us, Tanner trail, which goes straight up into the mountains of San Isabel National Forest, is only a few miles from the house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XDShEoVeqolSAG1yjxpQo5wGxXrMpLu0q3pe7Enc2JNq_t6NJpafu6mZk_8OKbA4YPV2NF1eerFR7VR7U64w2-1-I1vTm3F6665J5C45VtjeSS1PHFnbBoJeADT0LcO6-Qcaf37LJMI/s1600/521635_4282486373176_622494827_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XDShEoVeqolSAG1yjxpQo5wGxXrMpLu0q3pe7Enc2JNq_t6NJpafu6mZk_8OKbA4YPV2NF1eerFR7VR7U64w2-1-I1vTm3F6665J5C45VtjeSS1PHFnbBoJeADT0LcO6-Qcaf37LJMI/s320/521635_4282486373176_622494827_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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We took Sophie, of course.</div>
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I mistakenly believed the trail was 7 miles roundtrip, but it actually was 7 miles UP, and then 7 miles DOWN. We didn't leave early enough, so we ended up only going 4.3 miles up the mountains, then of course 4.3 miles back down. Even only at a little over halfway, we still scaled up 2600 feet in elevation, offering spectacular views.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtZ_Fk3U3gW76vbU_Egydt-QIwMCiCS1uT9s1uyUBZ58U2EVsjo0hOq1TfMTcM32E62A4JM-h1lLOPGTNIIGENxTU3rRtcKhpqDNIzK2ecJsfxX7-yQksb_no9aguy44P0cTsC_mqv3o/s1600/69112_4282095203397_1909885956_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtZ_Fk3U3gW76vbU_Egydt-QIwMCiCS1uT9s1uyUBZ58U2EVsjo0hOq1TfMTcM32E62A4JM-h1lLOPGTNIIGENxTU3rRtcKhpqDNIzK2ecJsfxX7-yQksb_no9aguy44P0cTsC_mqv3o/s320/69112_4282095203397_1909885956_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The land is nice-looking, too.<br />
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Clint took a picture of me as well, which fortunately does not show the exhaustion I felt physically after hiking over 6 hours. I needed a horse!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XDGg5pd0bUqrkvR6PjT_cyCHIzh7B2FQrMylXJH5YqCls9VO0vh3a08l933ZWlTbQXLZRRl_1x4EyCOQh4aBV1YkZ0f79BjXSjj6Z8h8emKNl-XXB8uKimwZg2q_51DsQsONh2Vki1s/s1600/28003_3829104572281_1265117506_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XDGg5pd0bUqrkvR6PjT_cyCHIzh7B2FQrMylXJH5YqCls9VO0vh3a08l933ZWlTbQXLZRRl_1x4EyCOQh4aBV1YkZ0f79BjXSjj6Z8h8emKNl-XXB8uKimwZg2q_51DsQsONh2Vki1s/s320/28003_3829104572281_1265117506_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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For some reason Sophie wouldn't carry me. Swine dog.</div>
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It was fun and quite an accomplishment for us, even though we didn't get all the way to the top. It leaves us with a goal--one day we will get there! Until then, or at least until I get some sort of more cooperative means of trail transport, we'll keep working up to it.</div>
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~J</div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-13951789344991069662012-11-07T13:40:00.000-06:002012-11-07T13:40:46.933-06:00Weight For It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fair warning: this is a brag post. If I had the technology I'd create a blatant bragging badge so you could prepare yourself by gathering your air sickness bag, map of Indonesia, and a pair of swim goggles.</div>
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I have no idea what the goggles are for, but one can never be too prepared.</div>
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Anyway, here it goes: in the last year and a half I have lost 55 pounds, 3" off my waist, and 5.25" off my hips. </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXuv9HIaNldfyEPPrcQjbd1Z2aDMqfxMMX4H-oqD7J-ot166TUkK4C32UgF5vKxACbk4p1opFotGQc9RACAZ2cBAtkbh5HNTgdKaWmoJSiutJhoXPltPYt85CGCbX4AbCOq8EhqEJGu4/s1600/beforeandafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXuv9HIaNldfyEPPrcQjbd1Z2aDMqfxMMX4H-oqD7J-ot166TUkK4C32UgF5vKxACbk4p1opFotGQc9RACAZ2cBAtkbh5HNTgdKaWmoJSiutJhoXPltPYt85CGCbX4AbCOq8EhqEJGu4/s320/beforeandafter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've gone from a size 16....</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsldNwx_48AoRQony2nrt-taEtpO44YHN0_UaexfSTaw_j6tfQultlvbZwnLPY8rKFhbZ6b4p9uehVISJ0nO0-eYK7l-3s9dJ2GbKlqqyBAPOUS0eDkFHsxZhklgzMgSzcLsMdynu-cE4/s1600/2461191284291004883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsldNwx_48AoRQony2nrt-taEtpO44YHN0_UaexfSTaw_j6tfQultlvbZwnLPY8rKFhbZ6b4p9uehVISJ0nO0-eYK7l-3s9dJ2GbKlqqyBAPOUS0eDkFHsxZhklgzMgSzcLsMdynu-cE4/s320/2461191284291004883.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...to a size 10.</div>
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I'm not quite done yet. I'd like to lose another 10-15 pounds, but last weekend we went on an 8.6-mile hike in the mountains, climbing over 2600 feet in the span of six hours. I couldn't have done that (and lived) 55 pounds ago, so I'm pretty happy I've been able to make this change in my life.<br />
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Not only that, but I recently accepted a position as a fitness instructor at the local hospital. Right now it is only as-needed but I hope the position will expand so I can combine a career in healthcare with my new-found passion for health and fitness!<br />
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How did I do it? Well, I had to tell myself often to be patient. The best changes take time, and anytime I tried to starve myself for quick weight loss it never lasted long. So, this time, I didn't get in a hurry. I made one small change at a time. Like a very wise woman once told me, all you have to do is be 10% better each day, and in 10 days, you'll be 100% better! In other words, small changes add up. Remember, there is no such thing as small change!<br />
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The closer I get to my goals, the more strict I have to be. Since my wedding I've lost another ten pounds thanks to having a wonderful husband who is as dedicated to a healthy lifestyle as I am (or wished I was at times)! We support and push each other. Once in a while we will splurge together, but then we help each other get on track so we can achieve our goals. It's always an easier journey with support.<br />
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I've also recently found an app for my iPhone I highly recommend called "My Fitness Pal." It is free and allows you to track your caloric intake and output and lets you know where you are at all times based on your weight loss goal. After breakfast and my morning hike I was actually at negative net calories for the day--talk about motivation!! <br />
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Ultimately, though, I had to make a decision. Anytime I think, "I deserve this bean burrito with extra cheese because I worked hard today," I have to stop and realize how ridiculous that is. I never <i>deserve</i> to sabotage my health! I <i>deserve</i> to feed my body good things because I <i>deserve</i> to feel healthy and energized. I <i>deserve</i> to like how I look and I <i>deserve</i> to feel great! I <i>deserve</i> the best and I need to treat myself accordingly.<br />
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Not that I don't have slip-ups now and then. Heck, if it was easy everyone would do it, and with the national obesity epidemic, obviously, maintaining a healthy weight is NOT easy. But I'm trying, and I'm doing. And there it is, folks, my shameless brag, and a little public reminder to myself to keep moving forward so the scale dial keeps going down.<br />
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And by the way, I need an entire new wardrobe now, so if anyone wants to nominate me to "What Not To Wear," my ensembles resemble a bag lady at this point--I'd be great show fodder, I'm sure (hint, hint).<br />
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Mind over platter,<br />
~J<br />
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-57969350520973555302012-10-18T18:35:00.001-05:002012-10-18T18:35:11.107-05:00Tunnel Drive Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few days ago, Clint and I heard about a trail close to town that really peaked our curiosity. It's called "Tunnel Drive Trail." Is it a drive? A trail? Well, sort of both.</div>
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We followed the signs and found the parking easily enough. </div>
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From there it was a steep climb by foot up a hairpin turn to the top, where the trail leveled out nicely to a pretty view.</div>
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Sophie enjoyed the view, too.</div>
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Soon enough we discovered the "tunnel" portion of our drive-trail. Clint gave Sophie a reassuring pat before venturing inside.</div>
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After each of the three tunnels, our views improved.</div>
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Careful, honey! Oh, why does he have to be so fearless? Maybe it's because I'm fearful enough for the both of us....<br />
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Sophie soaked up the sun.</div>
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She really loves all this adventuring....</div>
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Why is it that both my husband AND my dog are daredevils? I really don't need any more gray hair at this point.<br />
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The Arkansas River in this area is so much prettier than it is back in Kansas (where it's pronounced the Ar-KANSAS River, which is really weird when you think about it).</div>
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The two sweetest daredevils to ever peer over a steep cliff:</div>
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Did I mention the view? Just want to make sure.... Sure is purty here in these parts.....</div>
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Clint and I both thought the striations in the hillside were very cool.</div>
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After a mile, we made our way back through the tunnels. The trail is two miles long (one way) but we'll tackle that second mile some sunny day soon.</div>
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In the meantime, happy trails to you!<br />
~J<br />
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-38592561807066459222012-10-17T08:30:00.000-05:002012-11-08T10:30:11.281-06:00QuestionsNo one is more aware than I am that my life has changed VERY quickly over the past three months. When confronted with significant change, it is only natural for people to ask questions. Rather than leave these questions unanswered, and therefore open to speculation, I thought I'd just come right out and answer them here on the blog. It isn't feasible to do a "town hall" format here, but it isn't hard for me to guess what your questions might be. In fact, I'll start off with the one I'm asked most often:<br />
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1. Are you pregnant?!</div>
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~I never realized that the number one reason for a woman to make any change in her life is because she is knocked up. I do admit, while it would be a good reason, to me it certainly isn't the only one. People don't ask, "Why are you making so many changes?" They just assume, "Well, she must have a bun in the oven or things would always stay the same." I find it all a bit humorous. </div>
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Anyway, no...I'm NOT pregnant.</div>
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2. Why did you leave your farm?</div>
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~As I mentioned a few times, I did not own my farm. It is owned, and is still owned, by my dad. Clint and I lived out there for a short time but were not able to negotiate something that would be beneficial for all of us to be able to stay there. It is a sad fact that sometimes no matter how hard you'd like them to and no matter how hard you work at it, sometimes things don't always turn out how you would like them to. Fortunately Clint and I had a second opportunity come up where a little sacrifice and a lot of hard work now and in the next three years will hopefully make for a bright future for us and our family.</div>
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3. Why Colorado?</div>
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~Why not? Actually, the real reason is because this is where the opportunity brought us, but it turns out we have many more reasons to be here. Clint has always wanted to live here. I love it here and I am closer to my Colorado kin while not being that far from my Kansas kin. Since we are in southern Colorado, I won't freeze to death--it's the best of both worlds: mild weather with a mountain view!</div>
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4. Are you still going to school?</div>
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~Yes! After we had already decided to move here, I started checking into school programs and I found out if I am accepted into the program, I can complete my educational goals in half the time I could in Kansas. Yay!</div>
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5. Will you give up your farm life forever?</div>
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~Absolutely not. Our goal is to return to the farm life in three years, in the area we now live in. On a daily basis we talk about the areas we like, how many acres we'd like, etc. I am so fortunate to have a husband who understands my passion for my horses and fully supports that. </div>
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6. What will you DO?!</div>
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~I admit, it's a big change. But I also firmly believe that the only way we grow is through change! Soon I hope to be very busy with school, plus working part-time, plus when my adorable step-kids are here, I am sure my days will be very full and fulfilling. I have already picked out a spot for a veggie garden next spring, so I do plan to bring a little of the farm life to my new suburban home. I am also very much committed to being fit and healthy with Clint: we support and motivate each other. Working out and researching healthy but yummy recipes takes time and commitment. Of course I plan to continue to blog as we explore the area around our new home--there are so many neat trails and other things to do in and around these beautiful mountains! </div>
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7. How are you coping with all this?</div>
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~While it is a lot to take in, this isn't my first rodeo, and as I've reminded the people who have asked me this, in the past I have always had to do it alone. Clint is amazing. He is my rock--as steadfast as they come, and I don't even have to falter for him to be there to catch me. He is always there for me, so I dare say there hasn't been much "coping" to do. We've had trials but when you're used to always having to face obstacles alone, finally having someone to hold hands with and face them together makes any mountain seem like a molehill. So...don't worry about me. I'm in an amazing place in my life. I feel so blessed. </div>
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I'm sure there are other questions, so if you're dying to know anything either pm me or leave it in the comments. I'm back online and settled in now, so I won't be a stranger, and don't you be one, either.</div>
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Ya'll come back now, ya hear?</div>
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~J </div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-62771651924159219962012-10-16T13:59:00.002-05:002012-10-16T13:59:46.725-05:00No Such Thing as Small Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You probably thought I fell off the face of the earth. Well, not quite...just computer-less and in the midst of a huge, life-altering transition:</div>
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Yep. As blurry as that photo turned out (my Blackberry is so old it's now moldy), I'm sure you can still read it, even if you can't believe it. I have to repeat it to myself often, even after being here for two weeks now:<br />
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I. Live. In. The. Mountains. Now.<br />
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Of course there is a LOT to catch up on, and while the "funny farm" portion of this blog has been temporarily changed to "funny suburb," there will still be lots to share, including the occasional shot of my adorable hubby from behind.<br />
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Dear Lord, I apologize.<br />
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While I may have temporarily traded in my farm girl coveralls for a jogging suit and an obligatory accessory cup of Starbucks, it doesn't mean much of a change for the format of this blog. There will still be lots of nature, lots of critters, and lots of mishaps courtesy of yours truly.<br />
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For now, keep checking back as I post daily (I promise) updates of our new adventures.</div>
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~J</div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-83320351929136647302012-08-29T08:26:00.000-05:002012-08-29T08:26:00.075-05:00High Above it All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple of days before the wedding Clint and I took the kids to the Royal Gorge Bridge.</div>
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In case you're not familiar with the Royal Gorge Bridge, it is the highest (at over 1000 feet) suspension bridge in the world. It is located just outside of Canon City, Colorado.</div>
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Clint and I both had been to the bridge as kids, but we wanted the kids to have the opportunity to experience the bridge first hand. While I had been to the bridge, I actually had never even walked across it before, so for me, it was like visiting it for the first time!</div>
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See that little suspended red car in the background of the above photo? Yeah, we took that. Yeah, I was scared senseless. Yeah, he married me anyway!</div>
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Before that, though, we crossed the bridge and posed for a few pictures.</div>
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On the far side of the bridge there are all sorts of neat pioneer-day activities. Of course the first thing Weston spotted was the giant tepee.</div>
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They also panned for "gold," or at least some colorful stones.</div>
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Nicole discovered what might have happened if she was a little too showy with her panning loot....</div>
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Then Weston found out what happens when he gets too lippy with the law in these here parts!</div>
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After we bailed Weston out, we headed over to the tram, which basically a moving cage that goes straight down the side of the cliff of the gorge. Yikes!</div>
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I was scared. I'll admit it. But Clint and the kids have no fear, so I swallowed mine, put on a brave face and headed down with them. </div>
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Once at the bottom we explored the river and took some fantastic family photos. First, father and daughter:</div>
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Then father and son:</div>
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Then me with the love of my life:</div>
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Even though we were at the bottom of a gorge, we felt like we were on top of the world!<br />
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High on life,<br />
~JJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-35740708837465753872012-08-28T08:30:00.000-05:002012-08-28T08:30:03.146-05:00Bishop's Castle<span style="text-align: left;">After the wedding, we headed back down the mountain to Bishop's Castle. </span>
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The really cool thing about Bishop's Castle is that it was hand-built by a single man--Mr. Bishop--using local materials only. </div>
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I've been to a few castles in England and Ireland, but this one is much, much different. For one thing, I've never been to a castle with a big dragon head on the front of it!</div>
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Also, those castles were built centuries ago by many people. This one is currently under construction, still, by a single man. I have to say it is altogether mysterious and awesome at the same time.</div>
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Clint, the kids, and I all ventured inside. Nicole and Weston posed inside one of the very large fireplaces in the main hall.</div>
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Past the main hall where large columns that held staircases that spiraled up towards only the imagination of the builder--they are incomplete and quite treacherous. We carefully made our way to the very top, keeping the kids safely toward the middle of the column while Clint held onto me at the outer edge. </div>
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Needless to say it's a very good thing I trust him so much! Here is our view from the top of the castle:</div>
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We made our way back down shortly after reaching the top. Nicole was just as happy as I was to be heading back down!</div>
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We had such a great time there and it was a fitting beginning for us...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWnbf7Ji7jlJDUtxR-7U_KpIxR_LxuNQShB-Lmjco0ciIvzesBmF2VfD6sS0npk2_dOGGgtqNWArUdD6uZLqoQUcTcpbNYQusx3zhYTe98Msigyk74UOug0x3sIGUFf-baYN86XXBlFI/s1600/bishop+castle+clint+and+jessie+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWnbf7Ji7jlJDUtxR-7U_KpIxR_LxuNQShB-Lmjco0ciIvzesBmF2VfD6sS0npk2_dOGGgtqNWArUdD6uZLqoQUcTcpbNYQusx3zhYTe98Msigyk74UOug0x3sIGUFf-baYN86XXBlFI/s320/bishop+castle+clint+and+jessie+ground.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
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...to begin our tale with a castle,<br />
~J<br />
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<br />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-68109772432665081592012-08-27T10:31:00.002-05:002012-08-27T10:31:58.354-05:00A Mountain Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On August 18, 2012 Clint and I decided to officially start our journey through life together.</div>
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It was the happiest day of my life. I not only gained an amazing husband, but also two wonderful step-kids!</div>
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We had a very small family gather at San Isabel Lake in Colorado. Everything about the day was beyond beautiful.</div>
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I have finally found the love of my life. Simply put, he is wonderful in every way. He has more heart than anyone I've ever met.</div>
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It was a perfect day.</div>
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Perfect...in every way.</div>
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I'm officially a step-mom now to two of the best kids in the world (okay, I might come off as a bit biased but honestly I'm not--they really are the best)!<br />
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Aren't these the dearest faces ever?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy2LhxqHf9F9l5srs8uiLIGV9ijwQSVb5_0i1ky7P7U-dGSFMNUlltdB5IXqJ2v1dKPK_g68uxUYge0zOLH9uLZDoxb3se26XQX21mMVWLNtbAiq5jovSkW-aql8orDWheiR1sEtE_q8/s1600/wedding--nicole+and+weston.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy2LhxqHf9F9l5srs8uiLIGV9ijwQSVb5_0i1ky7P7U-dGSFMNUlltdB5IXqJ2v1dKPK_g68uxUYge0zOLH9uLZDoxb3se26XQX21mMVWLNtbAiq5jovSkW-aql8orDWheiR1sEtE_q8/s320/wedding--nicole+and+weston.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had a small, family-themed (aka sparkling cider) celebration. We had a perfect site, perfect weather, and perfect company. It was a memorable day!<br />
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I used my past horse-show-changing-in-public skills to change into something a bit more appropriate for our next stop in our travels--Bishop's Castle, which I will cover in my next post. </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT6kns6VkmWS8yS4jQIpuyNFJOZmYuT8z2pgIbNYzicXQdp-sJt8QXeEqupl9N2R0102hnJ_eS20lGh2hXIm2kc2ftf5Ir5IALYCJS7Q1l5PrvLqVpSiBsgsoZsyvxOud-4WBpih1IgA/s1600/wedding--getting+changed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT6kns6VkmWS8yS4jQIpuyNFJOZmYuT8z2pgIbNYzicXQdp-sJt8QXeEqupl9N2R0102hnJ_eS20lGh2hXIm2kc2ftf5Ir5IALYCJS7Q1l5PrvLqVpSiBsgsoZsyvxOud-4WBpih1IgA/s320/wedding--getting+changed.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, thank you for accompanying us along the next phase in our journeys. Life is really incredible--you never know what the next day, week, or month will bring. Sometimes it brings hardships, and other times your life can change for the better in unexpected and unimaginable ways. I am thankful beyond words for Clint and his wonderful family--my life has truly changed for the better and we are looking forward to traveling through life together and sharing many adventures along the way.</div>
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~J</div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-40840482052286275202012-07-29T12:35:00.001-05:002012-07-29T12:35:41.933-05:00Good Things Come...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...even to those who wait for years, apparently.</div>
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My long-time readers know I don't post about men I meet or date--that's not what this blog is about. I've shared my passions with all of you--the farm, the horses, my mini-adventures, both good and bad. However, for the first time I'm writing about a personal relationship, because for the first time I have found something that is true and real. </div>
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I am so unbelievably happy. I mean that literally. I feel like I should pinch myself every day. The realism is starting to sink in, though, that I've found my match and my match has found me. Everyone, meet Clint.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D_5aGuKNchjLN4DZNgsoGFrEOjImQzpILd1RDVCFDERwUyMlCBLuzOoRtR6W8gR3OXptkd2cB684u0zuvdKqGgz_jD8n2dAmWGGnret4rET0-jGmYTY_Eu58ZaBf-VEi3x7V39AppIE/s1600/7.22.12+-small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D_5aGuKNchjLN4DZNgsoGFrEOjImQzpILd1RDVCFDERwUyMlCBLuzOoRtR6W8gR3OXptkd2cB684u0zuvdKqGgz_jD8n2dAmWGGnret4rET0-jGmYTY_Eu58ZaBf-VEi3x7V39AppIE/s320/7.22.12+-small.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
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I could start an entire new blog about all the wonderful attributes this man possesses, but let me simply state for now that he is without equal. He is perfect for me and wonderful to me. I love him with all my heart. He's the one I've waited so long for.</div>
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In future posts you'll get to know a lot more about him as we move through life's little adventures together. I am so happy to have shared the last few years with everyone, and I...we...are looking for to many, many more!</div>
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*doing the happy dance*</div>
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~J</div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-89671280140332461922012-07-08T17:37:00.002-05:002012-07-08T17:38:50.932-05:00Night Shift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's really true: you can never judge a person until you walk a mile in their shoes. It's true about a lot of things, but it's especially true about night shifters.</div>
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No, you're thinking night crawlers. They're worms. They don't wear shoes.</div>
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I'm talking about people who work the graveyard shift, night after night, only seeing the light of day in the wee hours of the morning before most people even begin their day. I've known people who worked nights and I tried to be empathetic to what, I thought, must feel like hours on end of lonely nights, crickets chirping, fighting the urge to sleep like a never-ending battle between immortal enemies. </div>
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All those things are true, to a certain extent, but there's also an unexpected upside to having a schedule compatible with the workforce in Asia. I present for your consideration the top seven advantages to working the night shift:</div>
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1. You can have breakfast for supper every single day and no one will think anything odd about it at all.</div>
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2. On the flip side of that, you can have a margarita for breakfast (on your nights off, of course) and no one will call you a drunk.</div>
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3. When you go out on your nights off you're the last person to get tired.</div>
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4. The bad news is you can't remember what day it is. The good news is you don't care.</div>
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5. Waking up in the middle of your sleep cycle doesn't seem quite as bad when it's daylight out.</div>
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6. It's easier to fight the urge to play outside with the horses instead of doing housework on your nights off when it's dark outside.</div>
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7. Bad hair "days" aren't quite as stressful when you know only two other people will see you.</div>
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Of course, even with all these advantages, I am still looking forward to the day school starts, when I can get back to the land of the living. <span style="background-color: white;">In the meantime this schedule has made me look at things in an entirely new light. For example, what if you mix the mayonnaise in the can, WITH the tunafish? Or...hold it! Take LIVE tuna fish, and feed them mayonnaise!! Oh this is great. I should call Starkist!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div>
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(Only a handful of you will get that reference, and that's ok.)</div>
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I'm an idea man, Chuck.</div>
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~J</div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-16650179732174808772012-07-04T14:36:00.001-05:002012-07-04T14:36:41.156-05:00Happy Independence Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu6s7ChkUZrjhZhCbuv95MChzTOB42YEMiQWaNGGGLDfBQAC19zrp7rhx8sLCvoanBtSIJQNNz6UPDeqUOG0cIFEw_FW8JdYzkBQO1ayJ7kxxTkdKUa-bqEKdmbFFwwU3irkI3Rf1dcU/s1600/DSC00080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu6s7ChkUZrjhZhCbuv95MChzTOB42YEMiQWaNGGGLDfBQAC19zrp7rhx8sLCvoanBtSIJQNNz6UPDeqUOG0cIFEw_FW8JdYzkBQO1ayJ7kxxTkdKUa-bqEKdmbFFwwU3irkI3Rf1dcU/s320/DSC00080.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I hope everyone is having a wonderful Independence Day! It's such a fun day to spend with family, cooking out on the grill, enjoying the height of summer, all culminating with a fantastic fireworks display. </div>
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While in the past I've mainly concentrated my 4th of July posts on the latter, this year I'd like to focus a little more about what this holiday is about--the declaration of American independence from England.</div>
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That long phrase basically comes down to one small idea--the birth of our country. The United States would have never become the United States without the courage and fortitude of those who fought for our independence. Recently, I've concentrated my genealogical research on this era of our nation's history, and I am proud to say I have been able to trace my heritage back to at least six Revolutionary War Patriots, each with his own unique story.</div>
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Perhaps one of the most fascinating is the story of <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mccandlessfamilygenealogy/surnames/pasley/thomas-clopton-pasley" target="_blank">Thomas Paisley</a> (my Grandma McCandless's paternal grandmother's great-grandfather). He entered the war when he was only seventeen. Only a year into his service he was captured at the Siege of Charleston.</div>
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He became a prisoner of war and was shipped to the West Indies where he endured four years of hard labor in one of their prison camps before being returned home. Over 45% of Revolutionary Prisoners of War died in captivity, so his mere survival speaks to Thomas's strength and courage. Luckily he returned home, married, and had twelve children before passing at the age of 82.<br />
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Another one of my ancestors, <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mccandlessfamilygenealogy/surnames/cotton/james-cotton" target="_blank">James Cotton</a> (my 3rd great-grandmother McCandless's grandfather) came to America from Belfast in 1769 and enlisted six years later, helping to bury the dead after the battle of Princeton. <br />
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More of my Revolutionary War ancestors can be seen here: <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mccandlessfamilygenealogy/veteran-ancestors">https://sites.google.com/site/mccandlessfamilygenealogy/veteran-ancestors</a> <br />
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It's truly amazing, once you start researching your heritage, all the ways that we would not be here had one of these individuals had chosen a different path in life, or had not survived. I am thankful to all these brave men and their families, and so many others like them, for without them, today we would not be celebrating the birth of our country.<br />
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American by birth, Patriot by choice,<br />
~J<br />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-91848380145279842552012-07-03T07:58:00.000-05:002012-07-03T07:58:00.319-05:00My Favorite RecipesI'm always trying to healthy. With my hectic schedule, lack of a proper kitchen and my epic level of impatience when I get hungry, it can get rather difficult to find recipes that work for my situation. However, I have found a few and to boot...they are delicious! So, I thought I'd share the wealth. You can try them first and then thank me later. Click on the pictures or recipe name to reach the webpage with the recipe.<div>
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<a href="http://www.thenovicechefblog.com/2012/01/salsa-verde-chicken-tacos-in-the-crockpot/" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;">Salsa Verde Crockpot Tacos from The Novice Chef</span> </a><br /><br />
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<a href="http://www.thenovicechefblog.com/2012/01/salsa-verde-chicken-tacos-in-the-crockpot/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmEQc877OpdsqYPotaa1U_Q4VIGkdvsRq1pTiiF0I55tBUPi3ZZC4SKwYwbvhz5hESJc8rBt890pslt7L4JEQm2cHJThWio7vu2SbMT9-yHW7K-2qUwTZn-Ctcppn4EEV8K-fghB4BM4/s320/salsaverdetacos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo from The Novice Chef</i></span></div>
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These tacos are AWESOME. If you can't find the cotija cheese she suggests, any cheese, or even no cheese at all, works. I also prefer bottled salsa verde over canned, but the canned isn't bad by any means.</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1264267211">The Pioneer Woman's Asian Noodle Salad</a></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/03/my_most_favorite_salad_ever_ever_ever_ever/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PoXUacp61vviSjU6MoMWNO1T4txTNH-1OftleupHjdEKD7CgjWX0bmZfD57szURQSSMNxGgTEh7AvJUhMCE8M62TUUn-qbSXIYOFwWn-IArHueOAfvIL52uYZir_w50ZlAcql_yewIM/s320/asiannoodlesalad.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo from The Pioneer Woman</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I have a difficult time getting through two weeks without a strong craving for this amazing salad. To say it has a lot of flavor is like saying Tom Selleck has a mustache. Don't panic if you don't want to buy 20 kinds of veggies--just pick out a few favorites and go with it! All the ingredients is great, but as they say, the secret's in the sauce!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Cilantro-lime Salsa (no link because this one is my gift to you, kids)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5YMe0aa2goKo12-0pBnjx4TT_UDcBRsAnp6iNoKnHu3YuIAtflsDXfcGKSpIlDIJCTaYpFoxEjrtewGT94fS75trH3YjwBGha-SVLMtOrDVmpl_rMJplF5vD0DiML2-6isQkoTj81Sk/s1600/salsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5YMe0aa2goKo12-0pBnjx4TT_UDcBRsAnp6iNoKnHu3YuIAtflsDXfcGKSpIlDIJCTaYpFoxEjrtewGT94fS75trH3YjwBGha-SVLMtOrDVmpl_rMJplF5vD0DiML2-6isQkoTj81Sk/s320/salsa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Not my photo, but it looks just like this.</i></span></div>
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I love this salsa on about anything--chips, baked potatoes, a sweet pepper frittata, mixed with ranch dressing for a wrap--you name it! It's also easy to make--just be sure to eat it in two or three days because the cilantro starts to turn after that. If it goes bad you can taste it, so don't worry. Much like my overly acidic stomach, it will let you know when it's about to turn on you.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">1 can rotel</span></div>
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Juice of 1/2 of a lime</div>
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1 jalapeno (remove the seeds if you can't take the heat. You can stay in the kitchen, though)</div>
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Onion to taste</div>
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1 clove of garlic</div>
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I throw the jalapeno, garlic, and onion in a food processor and chop, then add the cilantro and lime juice and chop again. Then I add the rotel. <span style="background-color: white;">You can add salt if you like as well.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Easy peasey!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I hope you enjoy these few recipes that I blatantly stole off the internet, then tested, time and time again, before feeling they were worthy of my awesome audience. It was hard work, but then again, you're worth it--both of you.</span></div>
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Let there be an abundant farmhouse feast,</div>
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~J</div>
</div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-51023006477163434992012-07-02T01:27:00.001-05:002012-07-02T02:24:20.434-05:00Hay, Hay, Hay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It looks like we're in for another long, hot, dry summer. Temperatures have hovered above 100 degrees for the past two weeks and there hasn't been a drop of rain for longer than that (except for last night--more on that later). Last summer began like this and my hay seller only got one cutting of alfalfa in. I was able to buy 20 bales and that didn't last long. The rest of the summer I bought and fed bagged alfalfa, which, at $15 a piece, where a very expensive and inconvenient replacement. My horses got fed, which is the most important thing, but they and I both would have preferred the real thing.</div>
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So, this year, I got a jump on things quite early. Usually I'd be buying winter hay in August or September, but this year I got all the alfalfa I need <i>for the next year</i> in June. As they say, the early bird gets the worm...or the bales.</div>
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I got the first 200 bales delivered this weekend, and it is absolutely gorgeous hay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFpsZ6iz8T6nKRlTMo_V0DGu6KM-_3hkX4Vk1x9HTvI7PLPngp7cX42JHNn6nS9EIqP9rNEWTNfEN_dFjJdQZtBrnqKyf1g9IhJkVxe7B0k-wlceO14sHCPjNTp0KC_ltJpeQcN3e9DM/s1600/alfalfa+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFpsZ6iz8T6nKRlTMo_V0DGu6KM-_3hkX4Vk1x9HTvI7PLPngp7cX42JHNn6nS9EIqP9rNEWTNfEN_dFjJdQZtBrnqKyf1g9IhJkVxe7B0k-wlceO14sHCPjNTp0KC_ltJpeQcN3e9DM/s320/alfalfa+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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All three of my equine children "say" it tastes as good as it looks.</div>
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Thank goodness for that spring rain!!</div>
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Green, leafy, fine-stemmed. I haven't seen alfalfa this nice for close to two years now. I'm so glad I was able to get 400 bales of this beautiful hay.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fei5zEnFenzKDrL2sQD3Cmh6usPsfV4y-7iz5twHWZYCzUw_XT47BQvupS3rWUdS-uIHl8dXbSFuHekkuWEMSJy-INCl42OS6VEq6oeeiH__mhEeIV2-GHVwSK3oJ2szqyAHcPU7pHQ/s1600/alfalfa+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fei5zEnFenzKDrL2sQD3Cmh6usPsfV4y-7iz5twHWZYCzUw_XT47BQvupS3rWUdS-uIHl8dXbSFuHekkuWEMSJy-INCl42OS6VEq6oeeiH__mhEeIV2-GHVwSK3oJ2szqyAHcPU7pHQ/s320/alfalfa+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The horses don't know how lucky they are. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60twnefP8eX8o91hOBiX-vD0VbudaciB-1W0XhGwMRG9B5QKmPgMoFy8t6lIDN6eTHrDa2P7I-tfbsEPS5YoZtEHZ1diGRD50shSkGxzZSNNVG-L55tWo8JyWVLUfW2ZOhnR65ToYMkY/s1600/alfalfa+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60twnefP8eX8o91hOBiX-vD0VbudaciB-1W0XhGwMRG9B5QKmPgMoFy8t6lIDN6eTHrDa2P7I-tfbsEPS5YoZtEHZ1diGRD50shSkGxzZSNNVG-L55tWo8JyWVLUfW2ZOhnR65ToYMkY/s320/alfalfa+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't think they realize how much we go through for them, either. My hay guy got stuck in the sand taking back roads to my house, so after working all night I changed in a hurry, unhooked my truck from the trailer (which is up on a jack because of a tire issue--more on that later as well), went and pulled him out after unloading some hay onto my truck for weight, and then we got to my house and unloaded and stacked bales all morning.</div>
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Then I hit the hay.</div>
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Maybe I should rephrase that--I took a nice, long nap. Then that evening I went and picked up more pallets,<span style="background-color: white;"> and the next morning I re-stacked hay. Then I looked at my arms.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe7SAIm7Bruuzs8wefN0_pfuszvkeusUPsGNoIH5zdeDAm76JQEXOVO3AEtJzdrzRMSzDouKFIjKA06CNvhfrJzKBadkAyictzORFksLR3XwetNOo8xAaSnfmNJdCTirbv5f1x1P1Eo8/s1600/alfalfa+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe7SAIm7Bruuzs8wefN0_pfuszvkeusUPsGNoIH5zdeDAm76JQEXOVO3AEtJzdrzRMSzDouKFIjKA06CNvhfrJzKBadkAyictzORFksLR3XwetNOo8xAaSnfmNJdCTirbv5f1x1P1Eo8/s320/alfalfa+020.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then I wept like a small child.</div>
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Then I took a break.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCwAFrECMpfWLT51GRjupYtK1NNOjwp70EBCdj9cYSD6KvjGosx6mDeIU7w2K7isusoZqs5vE2gnwyEO_Plx8cZjD6q_dgY-d6dJDzGIMtcaxGikBigrIeVgWngXKAfLzdtCGPZY0DMM/s1600/alfalfa+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCwAFrECMpfWLT51GRjupYtK1NNOjwp70EBCdj9cYSD6KvjGosx6mDeIU7w2K7isusoZqs5vE2gnwyEO_Plx8cZjD6q_dgY-d6dJDzGIMtcaxGikBigrIeVgWngXKAfLzdtCGPZY0DMM/s320/alfalfa+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, yesterday morning, I got it all, or the first 200 bales, anyway, stacked. The night before we got about an eighth of an inch of rain (although none was forecasted for the next ten days--it rained just enough to ruin good hay), so I had to put a tarp over the part where the roof isn't quite finished. The roof should be finished in a few weeks, but again, more on that later....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJ9pfrkgasOtAhaPp8ZSubLoKzDYjoTYS_ycIKGB_KKkAqGeejraGQJtLvl52O_0wva8EEeMFK5OTKPSifQxrr8ujyGy5-AvwWFPbHbruzajasbm3-CPDNZUI0dr4xD6bMhRwSaWzZhI/s1600/alfalfa+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJ9pfrkgasOtAhaPp8ZSubLoKzDYjoTYS_ycIKGB_KKkAqGeejraGQJtLvl52O_0wva8EEeMFK5OTKPSifQxrr8ujyGy5-AvwWFPbHbruzajasbm3-CPDNZUI0dr4xD6bMhRwSaWzZhI/s320/alfalfa+043.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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For now I'm going to sit back, admire this small accomplishment, tend to my cross-hatched arms, and await the next load of 200 bales. After that, I just need to stock up on about 12 or so grass roundbales for when the cold weather sets in (horses warm themselves by fermenting hay in their gut, so they need constant roughage--in addition to the calories that alfalfa provides--during the winter). </div>
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Hay ho, Hay ho, (what did you just call me?!) it's off to work I go,</div>
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~J</div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-65722136125132049922012-06-25T06:06:00.003-05:002012-06-25T06:06:55.133-05:00Fulfillment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First of all, I want to apologize for some of my previous posts being uncharacteristically deep and thoughtful. I'm going to blame all this reflection on my odd schedule. Being up all night and sleeping all day leaves entirely too much to the imagination, I'm afraid. Once in a while I do wake up in time to get outside on a beautiful day and get a good dosing of vitamin D.</div>
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On the other hand, I can't really help but be at least a little reflective. After all, I honestly can't remember when I've been happier about the course of my life. My path is clear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKWa8ld5gIGh1YkLfEM3Vx1fN-vavK_WYeATZzMdvsBc_7wqsBZkv5Hh7rQndoUacBTXUKH6x-_O6_KrGnnfFThXlT8_m_XbiljKETE7vyBOX2HyAw7fWVUzZ5yOOEWm_nGvzpRNcR7Q/s1600/backyard+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKWa8ld5gIGh1YkLfEM3Vx1fN-vavK_WYeATZzMdvsBc_7wqsBZkv5Hh7rQndoUacBTXUKH6x-_O6_KrGnnfFThXlT8_m_XbiljKETE7vyBOX2HyAw7fWVUzZ5yOOEWm_nGvzpRNcR7Q/s320/backyard+001.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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Through all the shadows of my past, the light is starting to shine through.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WJkTqKAHfg5z99i28Culxmh1TWimq7nwB47-ppU_5O2P7zgoEiE07dgYDehBkGLRgyRFdY4qNWD-RjNZUuvdvupy1ys6EAfkUwsUVObpMsXLEkXlesroriAnFhn5ysshxzYTvrRymyw/s1600/backyard+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WJkTqKAHfg5z99i28Culxmh1TWimq7nwB47-ppU_5O2P7zgoEiE07dgYDehBkGLRgyRFdY4qNWD-RjNZUuvdvupy1ys6EAfkUwsUVObpMsXLEkXlesroriAnFhn5ysshxzYTvrRymyw/s320/backyard+003.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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For the first time since I was in my early twenties, I feel like I'm growing...in all the good ways!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6JEYPI1kgJJZzrtQZmE9i9NEtn-UAaLbmyYqk1R-fpJa0diGkMRnO6VvAiVczyZK_NSIHHJVS-DF0Y1BDZTRGG-BhagwrtHA9mzpf6iIsIaiAsXyNB3wPgbsY73Mt-oCaraaxJgJZzY/s1600/backyard+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6JEYPI1kgJJZzrtQZmE9i9NEtn-UAaLbmyYqk1R-fpJa0diGkMRnO6VvAiVczyZK_NSIHHJVS-DF0Y1BDZTRGG-BhagwrtHA9mzpf6iIsIaiAsXyNB3wPgbsY73Mt-oCaraaxJgJZzY/s320/backyard+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used to ride along in life, like a passenger on a train, content to allow it to take me where ever it went. The only plans I made were just in case the train derailed. I was too scared to choose my own destination.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraWBKuRyHHlugDJgucR_qUm5UDZeAwgAIrHZSWzFObQxuVkYg7aTQ8ZBiG7QS1YHYnH0KpFU_PFv61QY5v4e51TonA_16w-s06ln_kV5zC9lR-HWKAIhIx9FiVd4ck-zTcb369-8Iilw/s1600/backyard+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraWBKuRyHHlugDJgucR_qUm5UDZeAwgAIrHZSWzFObQxuVkYg7aTQ8ZBiG7QS1YHYnH0KpFU_PFv61QY5v4e51TonA_16w-s06ln_kV5zC9lR-HWKAIhIx9FiVd4ck-zTcb369-8Iilw/s320/backyard+011.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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However, the train didn't just derail. It disappeared altogether, and when I looked down the tracks I saw an option that had never occurred to me--I could simply step off the tracks and head in whatever direction I wanted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfU5UyyGOPDlD7y12gLeWYnDq6L6YmJCOopLudlkg750OwUsBbgmMwsl_GpZXFQMXWYdF8qMlF2olVGfTM0_VFf27ClA6QycZ8rD35Qj0Y9ACmWCkh-94Uf2bh_MQWiT6og6ygUOTlrQ/s1600/backyard+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfU5UyyGOPDlD7y12gLeWYnDq6L6YmJCOopLudlkg750OwUsBbgmMwsl_GpZXFQMXWYdF8qMlF2olVGfTM0_VFf27ClA6QycZ8rD35Qj0Y9ACmWCkh-94Uf2bh_MQWiT6og6ygUOTlrQ/s320/backyard+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a little harder walking on my own, than it was riding along in the train, but now I can actually see where I'm going. The going is slow, but steady, and I'm learning things along the way that I never even knew were possible.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiPd2bVRWwCsKNR-WJNgrCq5K_Ui8M65Wye4BvZ4Nk9Tk2vEfQ3TdbjLAc33RNT5dI2OMzvdIzFfcZfd_OxemrMw0C1G4G4Cdd6LE5RPPJL0nD8eOtX_ycLImrKO_Bj8IdTXZveRXDsY/s1600/backyard+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiPd2bVRWwCsKNR-WJNgrCq5K_Ui8M65Wye4BvZ4Nk9Tk2vEfQ3TdbjLAc33RNT5dI2OMzvdIzFfcZfd_OxemrMw0C1G4G4Cdd6LE5RPPJL0nD8eOtX_ycLImrKO_Bj8IdTXZveRXDsY/s320/backyard+023.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm learning a lot more about myself along the way. I'm learning to develop my strengths and be aware of my weaknesses. I'm learning how to balance what I love in life with what I must do in life. The result is a sense of joyous accomplishment that fuels me along this long road I'm traveling. I feel as though this old plant is blooming once again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ4EmbdswoTAXNg2KnckcztVkKvLjn_ehWkFO60TPK1I294HOfygim4ZPKthj3Lk37GOVrnZqSWE6SBILAfePUqTtwVKBbG-L3ykCLX0A-TjmDAlrVfTEITbRRfGTvsE1fG80GJl_QXo/s1600/backyard+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ4EmbdswoTAXNg2KnckcztVkKvLjn_ehWkFO60TPK1I294HOfygim4ZPKthj3Lk37GOVrnZqSWE6SBILAfePUqTtwVKBbG-L3ykCLX0A-TjmDAlrVfTEITbRRfGTvsE1fG80GJl_QXo/s320/backyard+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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"I will be the gladdest thing</div>
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Under the sun!</div>
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I will touch a hundred flowers</div>
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And not pick one."</div>
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~Edna St. Vincent Millay</div>
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~J</div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328400195245615907.post-20697948376476429812012-06-21T22:48:00.003-05:002012-06-21T22:48:42.829-05:00Do it Anyway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: medium;">The Paradoxical Commandments</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: navy;"><i>by Dr. Kent M. Keith</i></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;">1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor">Love them anyway.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5-wimzUBckvcrtrOZv7pFUTxNxMDxwmSZrfM_TTjU2lvSWKrxOLtdvnrORV5VC9pSg2cGkgES4OVMgcvzkcEZ6aDDwXKG-Ew04q4GzZGyuSLTWcikDLiYIbyXYROsrm69oGBHm4T_Cs/s1600/backyard+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5-wimzUBckvcrtrOZv7pFUTxNxMDxwmSZrfM_TTjU2lvSWKrxOLtdvnrORV5VC9pSg2cGkgES4OVMgcvzkcEZ6aDDwXKG-Ew04q4GzZGyuSLTWcikDLiYIbyXYROsrm69oGBHm4T_Cs/s320/backyard+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;">2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor">Do good anyway.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;">3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor">Succeed anyway.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;">4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor">Do good anyway.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheccWm5CtuZlIetQPc47hbQGgyVFU1M6_pmco5QLPDKKbXtOjXv9sLTD9LUyuOkteeMSat2L4x7pg14GaHzGIGlTS6jKRsIR7_Nq2MDAtJywal-tJSJeDVJbPAG-wO2eMBQhSaQN1KQKE/s1600/backyard+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheccWm5CtuZlIetQPc47hbQGgyVFU1M6_pmco5QLPDKKbXtOjXv9sLTD9LUyuOkteeMSat2L4x7pg14GaHzGIGlTS6jKRsIR7_Nq2MDAtJywal-tJSJeDVJbPAG-wO2eMBQhSaQN1KQKE/s320/backyard+002.JPG" width="231" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;">5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor">Be honest and frank anyway.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;">6. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor">Think big anyway.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;">7. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor">Fight for a few underdogs anyway.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;">8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor">Build anyway.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor"><br /></span></span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qI7Kfre6c1x2QWjPtGEwARYXKmlmxbm79NTf4D2Ti_WzQ-Wd1qCneu00Bjusfe5tdXoPWC8-ZfxVpbjdieIMvnL82P7Q4HSRktulTS3rMyh1ud-9B7pUV7h9qqcm5OsPx9HcXKRaFUY/s1600/backyard+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qI7Kfre6c1x2QWjPtGEwARYXKmlmxbm79NTf4D2Ti_WzQ-Wd1qCneu00Bjusfe5tdXoPWC8-ZfxVpbjdieIMvnL82P7Q4HSRktulTS3rMyh1ud-9B7pUV7h9qqcm5OsPx9HcXKRaFUY/s320/backyard+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;">9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor">Help people anyway.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;">10. Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor"><br /></span></span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3JMWWcllw7CyA9VEkt7idG2Xvw6OylURBE-eyZqqUzmJa4DCnRP_b0Gf9ttjIZMDPND9a281Mi024UdA0zgsb61efMmGYgTsYpGqIL_ICshZa2yvbxOOK04TrQ5TYcXY3NSJQbIU_K4/s1600/backyard+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3JMWWcllw7CyA9VEkt7idG2Xvw6OylURBE-eyZqqUzmJa4DCnRP_b0Gf9ttjIZMDPND9a281Mi024UdA0zgsb61efMmGYgTsYpGqIL_ICshZa2yvbxOOK04TrQ5TYcXY3NSJQbIU_K4/s320/backyard+028.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #009900; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="bodycolor">Give the world the best you have anyway.</span></span></b></div>
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</div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03651276792780847232noreply@blogger.com1