tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572474890475876702024-03-05T14:32:45.152-05:00On the WingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger322125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-71652618992165628632013-12-05T07:14:00.001-05:002013-12-05T07:36:41.374-05:00The Power of ImaginationWhen someone says imagination, what do you immediately think of? A castle with fire breathing demons and fairies flocking to the skies? Perhaps the word <i>imagination </i>is nothing more than a term you've coined as a fictional tale that inhabits our mind. A figment of our dreams that seems to make their way to our conscious once we awake in the morning but dissolves by lunch.<br />
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But what if this word, this concept of imagination, followed you outside the confines of your front door and lead you into your daily routine... Not instead of the logical, for this logic is necessary to perform tasks that make us functional beings, of course. Tasks like figuring out how to be on time, watching for traffic when crossing the street, budgeting our funds to support our lifestyles.<br />
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No... Imagination doesn't have to mean conjuring up a thought of distant and unreachable realities. Take a step into the minds of some of the best imagineers...<br />
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An engineer imagined a place where we could escape to so we may revive the inner child we house inside our hearts. He imagined a mouse... or rather, a sense of tangible magic that we could share in order to make our lives more connected in whimsical spirit. He imagined, and so he did...<br />
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A man imagined a world of peace and acceptance. He dreamed of equality, happiness, and a world of diminished hatred. He stood up in front of our nation, he stood up in front of the world... and shared his dreams to the masses. He imagined, and so he did...<br />
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An author worked in a coffee shop, imagining a world of witches and wizards. This world in her mind made its way to paper in order to teach us "muggles" of our own struggles between good and evil- hatred succumbing to the power of love and friendship. She imagined, and so she did...<br />
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Imagination doesn't have to be a concept of fairytales, wishes, and dreams. We, as humans, have been given the mechanics within our minds to create a world among our own in order to teach, inspire, and share. And what a waste it would be to let this power that lies in each and every one of us fade away to the dismal logistics of our conforming world. Imagine a world where imagination lead the way to our future... What is on your mind this morning? What are you imagining for tomorrow?<br />
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Oh how colorful the horizon could be if we only utilized the paints of our heart. May we never forget the power of imagination...<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-87821057844563908972013-12-03T08:12:00.000-05:002013-12-03T08:13:50.211-05:00Quick workouts that really WORKIf you don't know me... then one thing you should learn real quick is that I love <a href="http://iammkroxc.blogspot.com/search/label/Running">running </a>and <a href="http://iammkroxc.blogspot.com/search/label/fitness">staying fit.</a><br />
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But sometimes with the rapid pace of the adult world, we always can't find the time to hang out at the gym or run for any more than twenty minutes. Too short for a workout, right?<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/moosetrax/">Pinterest</a>, that statement is WRONG! When you have a 10 hour work day, followed by the need to run errands, Christmas shop, AND maintain sanity... a 20 minute workout can be all too accessible. My personal favorites are below. Short, sweet, and sure to make you sore the next morning... in a good way of course!<br />
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Remember to mix up cardio and weightlifting/cross training throughout your week. Just like our minds, our bodies can sometimes grow comfortable in one certain exercise if we do it over and over again... and this means less calories burned, less muscle built, and therefore less results! Pick one of these workouts and try it today. I dare you! I know I will be finishing one of these tonight, so you should too!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-86599505104348631972013-11-26T22:22:00.000-05:002013-11-26T22:22:26.109-05:00Momma Knows BestA simple saying as we go into the Thanksgiving Holiday...<br />
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My mom sat down with me tonight before heading to bed and cupped my hands in her lap. I felt like a toddler on the verge of crying over spilt milk in the kindergarten lunch room. I saw her through tear-stained eyes as she said this...<br />
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"Your job is just your job. But your life is your life. Make sure you know which matters more and you'll find everything else falls into place."<br />
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Isn't it crazy, how no matter how old you get- your momma always knows best.<br />
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Getting lost in the craziness of my quarter-life-crisis seems to be all too apparent lately. But one thing is for sure... it's the holiday season which means it's time to evaluate the past and prepare for your future. But most importantly, relish in all you have in the present and give thanks to the grace of God for getting you here.<br />
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I miss my best friend who is in El Salvador- she will not be present at our annual Turkey Trot tradition for the first time in 6 years. I miss her so much, my heart hurts. I just got word that other plans I had for the future are no more, and that the significance I previously held in what I thought were priorities are now merely dissolving options... My heart is heavy, but that must mean it's full.<br />
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I need to remember... a job is just a job. A bad day is just a bad day. But this life is my life. It keeps going, and we make it all the way until the end. Better make it the best it can be while we can...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-69080411608566908452013-11-25T13:51:00.000-05:002013-11-25T13:51:18.434-05:00No Place Like Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is no place like home, especially when the weather turns cold and harsh. It's the best feeling knowing no matter how chaotic things can get in this big world, there's always a place to call home in your heart where people bring warmth and memories bring comfort.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-18329983502959412492013-11-18T07:04:00.001-05:002013-11-18T07:04:31.515-05:00Taking out the mind-garbageToday is Monday, and that means the start to another week of work. But, luckily for this girl- My work week will be cut short by the start of Thanksgiving festivities and Maryland traditions. I can NOT wait until I hit the road mid-week to see my family back in the Mason Dixon state.<br />
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The thing I love most about going home is that it bring so much happiness, relief, and peace. I get to immerse myself in time with my family members <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and I mean- ALL OF THEM)</span> and this blessing is one I still cherish every single time I see that yellow, red, and black sign on the interstate welcoming me home.<br />
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With that being said, I wish to re-enter Maryland with a clean mind and tidy thoughts. So here is my mind garbage... get it out of my head and onto a page... and leave it here:<br />
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*. Is it ok to break your "Healthy Eating" habits to eat half a <strike>cup</strike> container of peppermint bark muddy buddy's? Guilty... so guilty..<br />
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*. Pink glitter phase is in full swing. Glitter on my eyes, glitter on my toes, glitter on my fingernails. Where has this girly-girl been hiding all of my life and why is she deciding to park herself here when bows and glitter are <i><b>almost</b></i> unacceptable accessories at the age of 23?<br />
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*. I should take out the (literal) trash this morning. But it's just finished raining... and I don't want to carry it all the way over to the dumpster with the 2% chance I could slip and fall and break my body.<br />
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*. Why am I listening to Sugar Ray right now?<br />
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*. Carrot Cake is a vegetable.... right?<br />
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*. Jessica Day is my new super hero. Take that as you will and don't judge.<br />
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*. It's only 7am on Monday and I have already listened to 2 songs by Ke$ha... dang it.<br />
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*. Heels. A love-hate relationship I am still trying to find my healthy balance with. I love to hate them or.... do I hate that I love them...<br />
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XOXO,<br />
MUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-78248403766064340992013-11-16T09:48:00.000-05:002013-11-16T09:48:06.038-05:00A Letter to Me at 18- The finale of the 4Dear 18 year old me...<br />
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You thought this final letter would never come, I bet! Well, here it is- the grand finale, the final chapter of the <a href="http://iammkroxc.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-letter-to-me-part-i.html">quartet</a>. While this letter serves with no theme, no overall idea to take with you<a href="http://iammkroxc.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-letter-to-me-part-ii-what-is-career.html"> into the office </a>or out <a href="http://iammkroxc.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-letter-to-me-at-18-relationships.html">on a date</a>, it is still a very important message in which I hope you take to heart. Short and sweet, here are my final words of advice that I hope you'll take with a grain of salt and a pinch of sugar-<br />
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Take leaps of faith, the bigger the better. The landing may be rougher after some dismounts than others, but you will not fall on your face as long as you keep your head high and your heart open to new experiences.<br />
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Learn to enjoy being alone. Learn to enjoy days without breaks from human interaction. Time is time and whether you are sharing it with your closest friends, mere acquaintances, or alone, it is time that is to be savored and soaked up by simply being alive.<br />
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Enjoy your body, please. Don't compare it to magazines, Victoria's Secret catalogues, TV actresses, and even your friends on Facebook. Instead of focusing on what it looks like, work it to enable you to do amazing things. You've already built up amazing strength to jump over 5 feet, 4 inches in the high jump. You will go on to run over a couple thousand miles with the short and long runs accumulated throughout your late teens and early twenties.<br />
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Eat right, fuel a motivated and active spirit. Don't dwell on the fact that you are either pear shaped, apple shaped, strait shaped, etc... "Confident" is the best body type, and the best thing about that is the fact you get to choose that body type- so choose it and move on.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/86679659/search?context_type=search&context_user=RunYourWayToHealthiness&page=2&query=healthy">Crd*t</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don't ever shy away from an opportunity to strike up a conversation. Even if it's with the man sitting next to you on the plane, the girl waiting behind you in the coffee shop line, or the family browsing the supermarket aisle beside you. Human interaction is a complex, beautiful, strange, and bemusing thing. We'll never understand why, but just complimenting her hair or their children's smiles brings immense joy in many forms to you and the ones on the receiving end.<br />
<br />
Laugh. Everyday. Notice how it makes you feel. Now, go out and make sure that you can make at least one person experience that happiness just by being in your presence. If you can make someone laugh and encourage happiness, you are doing a great service to humanity.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://data2.whicdn.com/images/86659871/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://data2.whicdn.com/images/86659871/large.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/86659871/search?context_type=search&context_user=Daizounina&query=funny">Crd*t</a></td></tr>
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Learn to enjoy children. You will want them some day (don't worry- not at 23, but you will later I'm sure). Plus, they know what's going on. Their spunk, enthusiasm, perspectives, and joy are the key ingredient to a young soul- keep this young spirit within yourself. Our bodies may grow old, but you can choose to always be young at heart.<br />
<br />
And finally- don't take life so seriously. I know this is a hard concept to grasp (I know because I am still trying to conquer this myself). But every single person on this earth is on the same team just trying to make it in this chaotic arena we call Earth. Thank God every day for your blessings, laugh off negativity, and just be you- you're the only You this planet will ever have so make your presence light, lasting, and full of life.<br />
<br />
Until you're here sitting behind your computer, typing letters to your ghost of the past, remember you are well on your way to the rest of your life. Every step counts, every word matters, and your thoughts define you. Make them beautiful, and make them yours.<br />
<br />
Love always-<br />
M<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-6266504860193295482013-11-13T11:41:00.002-05:002013-11-13T11:42:07.488-05:00An Elephant You'll Love-to-PlateAs part of our Monday routine, a small group of amazingly beautiful lady friends and myself gathered around steaming mugs of chamomile tea and gabbed about the recent headlines in our week.<br />
<br />
While chatting as the temperatures grew steadily colder outside the windows, we also took on a creative feat to design pottery with sharpies and paint. Once you add the design that's bursting from your fingertips, heat the oven to 350 degrees, place the pottery on the middle rack, and bake for 30 minutes. The design is set for life and will not fade with wash or wear.<br />
<br />
Because of the holidays slowly approaching, I decided to prepare mine as a gift for my grandmother. Her earlier travels to Africa are always ever-so-present in her discussions and will always serve as a capstone to her 85 years on this planet. That's how Eli, the plate surfing elephant, crystalized and materialized onto porcelain.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Here's to hoping Eli finds a great home with my Meemaw come Christmas day.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-21392786940137329422013-11-03T12:11:00.001-05:002013-11-03T12:11:29.072-05:00A Leap... A PoemA year ago today<br />
you said you would be here<br />with a million little "I cans"<br />and a thimble full of fear<br />
<br />
You brushed off the word unhappiness<br />and promised yourself success<br />you said you'd conquer insecurity<br />and solely work to be the best<br />
<br />
You dreamed of flying airplanes<br />into the sun and distant lands<br />you thought of the world you'd conquer-<br />
counted setbacks on only 1 of your hands<br />
<br />
You gave yourself some deadlines<br />took some consequential leaps<br />yet when time got lost in little trenches<br />
you let them invade the dreams inside your sleep<br />
<br />
Laziness took over<br />and a voice inside your head<br />took all the little million "I cans"<br />
and turned them into "I can'ts" instead<br />
<br />
Distractions became your to do list<br />your priorities slipped and fell<br />
and on lonely nights when the lights went out<br />you were left only to sit and dwell<br />
<br />
The people who entered and stole your attention<br />
you see now you should have let them leave you<br />but instead you kept them close to your heart<br />allowing their presence to deceive you<br />
<br />
So I tell you today<br />
a year ahead of your time<br />
before you go forward<br />and move out of your prime<br />
<br />
Sit down and write lyrics<br />blogs, poems, and stories<br />
turn battles and defeats<br />into grand, triumphant victories<br />
<br />
Because in a year this time today<br />you'll wish you had taken the risk<br />
to write the words upon your heart<br />to have all you ever wished...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-45478089801851073072013-10-29T09:01:00.001-04:002013-10-29T09:01:55.411-04:00The Little Red TreeOne of the greatest hurdles I've had to overcome <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and still tackle daily)</span> is the fact that I am no longer within a reasonable driving distance from my family. Perhaps it's the holiday season approaching, or the fact that I moved to the city where the majority of my friends (new and old) are from... seeing them with the option to spend weeknights and weekends with loved ones only reminds me of the time I wish I could spend with mine. Either or... this girl is homesick.<br />
<br />
One of the greatest joys of autumn in my hometown is the little red tree that sits outside of our home...<br />
Every single year for about a week or less, it sheds its leaves for the fall... only after they turn the most violent red that blindsides you as you drive past. One day almost 16 years ago as I hopped off the bus, my awkward pigeon toed frame walked hand in hand with my mom as I explained the poetry contest I wanted to enter at my school. The prompt was, "When I turn around I see..." but I couldn't think of anything grand enough to satisfy my tiny mind in the creative process.<br />
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My mom stopped me at my drive way, covered my eyes, and spun me around right on the spot- and when she released her hand from above my nose, the little red tree sat there in all its glory. I wrote about that tree, won third at the state level, and forever more held an inanimate plant so close to my heart, it soon became a tradition to admire its beautiful metamorphosis. This tree may not hold much significance to many on Winpenny, but to my family, it will always be the tree that inspired a blonde haired 6-year-old to write a poem that eventually turned into a passion for writing...<br />
<br />
While texting with my dad the other night, he sent me two pictures of the little red tree, explaining that the weather had been see-sawing this fall and the tree just didn't get its normal shade of vibrant red this year.<br />
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He continued on to say that it may just be because it is growing up, much like his little girl. Needless to say, my heart began to hurt as I turned off my phone for the night and the homesickness grew on. Closing my eyes, I began praying to God to give me strength to persevere until I can return home for the holidays next month... After the little red tree shed all of its color and its magic was long gone.<br />
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Yesterday, as I was walking home from a long Monday at work, the pang in my heart returned... but not because of the sadness brought on by the longing to be back in MD... but for the surprise that greeted me outside of my apartment...<br />
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The brightest of all reds swayed in the wind and a familiar rustle wafted on the breeze. I snapped a picture and sent it to my parents, tears in my eyes...<br />
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<br />
Looks like God knew if I couldn't physically make it back home, he could provide a little bit of home to me. This little reminder that his warmth and sense of comfort in the traditions and beauty that surrounds us was exactly the kind of the strength I needed. And as my dad reminded me with his response... God's fingerprints are everywhere.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-45744371062168067102013-10-22T07:40:00.000-04:002013-10-22T07:42:09.594-04:00A letter to me at 18... Relationships<style>
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</style>Dear 18 year old me…. Part III<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Last night I re-watched the Friends finale- you know the
one: Rachel is about to leave for Paris and Ross runs after her to persuade her
to stay with him and their daughter in NYC. The episode that made you cry the
first time you saw it and you had no idea why because relationships and love
just don’t seem to be your highest priority at 18... nor do you want it to fog
your concept of reality. But 5 years later… here’s what I have to say about
that-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/">crdt</a></td></tr>
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You are 23. And you are single… I know what you’re thinking,
“23 and single… What does this mean? Am I just so super successful in my career
I don’t have time to date!? Or maybe I developed a stutter and grew a third
nostril rendering me indescribably hideous? Well… no. Neither of those
assumptions are correct (especially the second, thank God!) You are not
incredibly successful in your career <a href="http://iammkroxc.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-letter-to-me-part-ii-what-is-career.html">*see previous letter*</a>, and you still have your
blonde hair, clearer skin, and LUCKILY still only one petite, normal nose.<br />
<br /></div>
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<br />
You have dated many guys, but have not found the ONE yet. It’ll
be difficult but try to find peace in that, even though you have been to over
15 of your friends’ weddings in the past three years and gone single to every single
one of them. Some of these weddings are for people you know from high school,
but mostly those of new friends you’re about to make. Yes, you are going to
make new friends that will stay with you for your lifetime. Just wait- the few
that remain from high school and the new ones you keep even after college-
they’re the best things that will ever happen to you. Evaluate your friendships by the level of happiness each and every person you form a relationship with brings you. If they bring you stress, don't bring them along on your journey. If they bring out the best in you, hold on to them no matter the distance between you both. People are your greatest treasures- you'll learn that even the dullest of moments in life can turn into the grandest adventures if shared with the right people.<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7ZE7HX-w3ZNeBlgvYjblN5DuKAQWGKxIMDMk_rsvdATCMg3iVYV0EQ9k2gcBR9vlxdfO81K0tOavxg6UXBcpXh50N_CMUxI1jXxu2EYPcFv1eCnq6EsLWo15MjD_WsS3O6QCUZOcBjY/s1600/395885_3125752175318_1878280141_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7ZE7HX-w3ZNeBlgvYjblN5DuKAQWGKxIMDMk_rsvdATCMg3iVYV0EQ9k2gcBR9vlxdfO81K0tOavxg6UXBcpXh50N_CMUxI1jXxu2EYPcFv1eCnq6EsLWo15MjD_WsS3O6QCUZOcBjY/s320/395885_3125752175318_1878280141_n.jpg" width="214" /></a>Remember that you deserve a godly man, one who loves Jesus
and follows the 10 commandments. Trust me- your mother will want to test him
when you bring him home. Oh, and remember when your grandfather said you want to find someone like him…
you’ll roll your eyes but he is right. He taught your dad how to be a good man,
father, and husband. And your dad will prove to be the best model of what you
will need in a man to be a greatest husband to you, father to your children,
and man of Christ. Just wait, he will blow your mind with his love. So yes,
find someone like your dad and grandfather.<br />
<br /></div>
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Oh, and don’t be ashamed to admit you’re a hopeless romantic
like I know you are when you’re 18 years old. It doesn’t mean you’re “too
girly” or “soft” or anything in the vicinity of “childish”. Being a romantic
means you’re opening up for the chance to experience extreme happiness with
another individual. It means you expect class out of the men who pursue you and
that you demand respect in all of your relationships. Being a hopeless romantic
will keep you wanting picnics like described in Frank Sinatra songs (yes,
you’ll learn to love Sinatra), black tie and long dress dances, and flowers on
your doorstep after a hard day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being
a hopeless romantic will also keep you on your toes to respect your man and
treat him like a prince- make him feel loved on a regular basis with sweet notes
on his lampshade to wake up to, dinner made from scratch and served on your
back porch, impromptu dates to the batting cage or a run in the rain. Being a
hopeless romantic doesn't mean desiring everything you see in a Katherine
Heigle romantic comedy- it means you love to be loved and to love others in a creative fashion- so embrace it and NEVER let your heart grow weary of it.
<br />
<br /></div>
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There will be guys who tell you that this is a
too-high-expectation out of them and that fairytales aren’t real. And you will
keep in mind that not every day is filled with these moments. Some days will be
marked with disappointment, feuds, and disagreements… but don’t let it lower
your standards to be treated like anything less than you know you want.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/">crdt</a></td></tr>
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-</style>That being said… be prepared:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you will have your heart broken. It’s not fun, nor is it
pretty. You will be upset (some for longer periods than others) and you will
deal with them in varying ways. There will be buckets of tears shed… and that’s
OK. But remember to keep your chin up and keep moving forward. At the end of
the day, you can escape the voices of everyone else, but you will always remain
with your own thoughts and opinions of yourself. Make sure those are happy and
optimistic. Because boyfriends will come and go, and they will play a role in
how you shape yourself- but let it ALWAYS be for the development of who you
want to be. When they go, take what you learned and apply it to become the best
version of yourself (and to find someone better for you). And above all else-
Keep believing in your happy ending.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until the next lengthy note from me… keep going, lovely!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the best,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
M<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-68394627673298704082013-10-18T06:57:00.001-04:002013-10-18T07:40:17.091-04:00A Letter to Me... Part II *What is a Career?*<style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear 18 year old self,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me again. You know what I was thinking this morning as I was
writing this letter to you? This is sort of like the episode of the office
when Jim sends Dwight faxes “from the future”… One of your favorite
episodes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the way, on this day,
October 18<sup>th</sup>, 2008…. DON’T DRINK THE COFFEE! You’ll thank me later…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3rehb2tC03NdFQBjIAsVTNhukNA35HTu-TyK6oi4PA-QLUJmEa__qISMEBpVmklO7LdHQbRCL4zvBoFfNPP4WUqL6LZ1DayCqfPHvtExULLlz22F27Pfmra9foy2eMuJKjKueqf5iCQ/s1600/coffeework.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3rehb2tC03NdFQBjIAsVTNhukNA35HTu-TyK6oi4PA-QLUJmEa__qISMEBpVmklO7LdHQbRCL4zvBoFfNPP4WUqL6LZ1DayCqfPHvtExULLlz22F27Pfmra9foy2eMuJKjKueqf5iCQ/s320/coffeework.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
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Speaking of the office, I wish to send you a letter to
better prepare you for the working world and the adventures you’ll embark on in
order to find your calling. I can’t even tell you what your career is and what
you’re working towards. Really, it’s impossible for me to do so because I am
((almost)) in as much of the dark right now as you are at the age of 18. But
this is not a bad thing… and here’s why-</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
You will hold multiple jobs throughout the next five years.
You will work in several restaurants as anything from a baker to a barista.
You’ll also be an office assistant, PR coordinator, intern, event manager, data
analyst and advertising consultant. These will all be short-lived positions,
but all of them will offer the opportunity to learn what you like to do day-to-day
and what you do not. Don’t get frustrated if you fail at one of them (I won’t
tell you which) because this will show you that you are better suited for a
position that will open more doors to the people you want to surround yourself
with, the work you wish to pursue in the long run, and the freedom to produce the
crops of your heart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s when it comes to
pursuing the right major in college or your overall career after graduation.
Each and every single person you meet will experience set-backs and moments of
doubt about what they wish to be in the working world. It’s the people who
experiment with multiple majors, consider numerous career paths, or juggle
several jobs at one time that will gain a wealth of knowledge about what’s out
there and the kind of person they are hoping to become. Go to them for advice
when you need it. And by the way- your undergraduate major does not decide what
you will be doing right after college nor does it define your career. But- make
sure you use your time wisely and choose to study what you enjoy while you have
the resources to.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Rf4Kh7IAG-GzYC3vvnRe4dCbx9JBtZBekEpv9BDfCQll3NX_fVmRWacCFu2h5cwD9mHPFR70Ei5UMxX6NFgSALtQWKHPHZ8zUXD7dbQAfJSP3_NaBUeiIVO5_Gb8IOpqebFewQOT7DU/s1600/plane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Rf4Kh7IAG-GzYC3vvnRe4dCbx9JBtZBekEpv9BDfCQll3NX_fVmRWacCFu2h5cwD9mHPFR70Ei5UMxX6NFgSALtQWKHPHZ8zUXD7dbQAfJSP3_NaBUeiIVO5_Gb8IOpqebFewQOT7DU/s320/plane.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
One thing I did not do that I wish I did (and I beg of you
to consider now while you can)- go abroad while in school. I’m sitting here at
the age of 23 and I still have yet to go to a Spanish speaking country like I wished
for in high school. Your brother did it, and you should too. Learn diverse
cultures, adapt to differences so they are no longer differences but instead-
valuable perspectives, and contemplate how you can transfer your understanding
to others so they may too wish to close the gap on prejudice anywhere you go.
You’ll know people who DID go abroad and they will always tell you this was
something they will never regret.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember that money isn’t everything when it comes to your
first job out of college. Here’s a shocker- the economy is hardly getting
better, and this will make things challenging for you and your classmates. For
the time being, apply for internships and don’t be discouraged if you work for
less than you expect when starting off. Hands on experience in something you
love for less income will bring you more wealth and feed your overall
contentment. Don’t settle for a job that provides a fat paycheck only to pay for
material things that suppress your unhappiness in that position. If you are afraid of only one
thing- find fear in becoming unhappy- this fear will push you to be optimistic
and driven towards your greatest capabilities- especially in the workforce.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ban negativity from your everyday conversations- with others
and with yourself. Complaining never got anyone anywhere- and in a world where
time can make the difference between succeeding and receding- choose the path to higher ground,
climb like hell, and don’t look back. Like mentioned in <a href="http://iammkroxc.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-letter-to-me-part-i.html">my first letter</a>, the
tougher classes and job positions will lend way to a more enjoyable and
understandable horizon of opportunity.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Work hard, strive to yield results you can take pride in,
and take every opportunity offered to you to learn something new. And if none of this seems
relevant to you today… remember one thing- DON’T DRINK THE COFFEE!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love, <s>Future Dwight <br />
</s>M<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-14213173703054242452013-10-16T07:30:00.000-04:002013-10-16T07:30:04.036-04:00A Letter to Me... Part I<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear 18 year old me,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know this must be strange, receiving a letter from
yourself at the age of 23. No, this isn’t a school assignment (you’ve been out
of school now for 2 years, by the way) and no, I’m not sitting lonely in an
empty apartment with 14 cats scratching at my bedpost. You still hate cats. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am writing this to you on an idle Wednesday morning. I am
sitting in my cubical at work in Charlotte, staring at 32 unread emails and
drinking coffee. It’s almost the holidays and I’m thinking of what to be for
Halloween. But most importantly, on my walk into work this morning, I was
thinking about the past five years and how much things have changed. How much
I’ve grown, how much I’ve learned, how much I have obtained and how much I have
lost. I will be writing you four letters of reflection and advice, and this is
the first- </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love your family with all of your heart. You already do
this, I know, and you will continue to do this until this day. Your family will
go through hard times in the next few years. You all make it through only BECAUSE
of the love and support you carry for each other. And NEVER take them for
granted. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtuINxdan_d7_IcmFTI90pImlnuw3dKKu7eHgYbq1cxhyphenhyphenVoW6FSVqPmaucO0HZPc34jTPYgXvEvQOUGpSp6OTWKOl2uYWkGGAIzD6XdBZP6V5mOakSM2kAhiDYXQkIS3aufWFdP7CXQo/s1600/starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtuINxdan_d7_IcmFTI90pImlnuw3dKKu7eHgYbq1cxhyphenhyphenVoW6FSVqPmaucO0HZPc34jTPYgXvEvQOUGpSp6OTWKOl2uYWkGGAIzD6XdBZP6V5mOakSM2kAhiDYXQkIS3aufWFdP7CXQo/s1600/starbucks.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t be afraid to get excited about the little things.
Celebrate Halloween with silly costumes, not "sexy" ones. Run the Thanksgiving
Turkey Trot with your friends and don’t be afraid to jog slow. Get up early to
see the sunrise on the beach before class (Yes, you go to school at the beach). Take up surfing, and go outside in
the many snow storms you are to experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk to friends on the phone when you can and listen to what
your parents have to say when they call you. Go to concerts that you REALLY
want to go to, pay the extra $5 for that peppermint mocha on a cold December
day. These little things will make up a big part of your character, and
therefore, the course of your life. No matter how inconsequential the task may seem, if it
makes you smile- DO IT.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before you graduate high school, thank Mrs. Jones for all of
the Spanish lessons she taught you. True, she seems very strict and
makes the class almost “impossible” to comprehend sometimes, but I promise you- you will go into college knowing more than you think
and do better than you ever would have with any other teacher. She was a tough
cookie- but sometimes that makes for the sweetest rewards. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, thank Mrs. Tringali. Sure, she made
you read about a book a week for five months and your hand cramped more than
you would like to admit from all of the essays (and rewrites) she required, but
you are seriously ahead of the game come college and she deserves a lot of
recognition for your future success. It's the toughest classes that make the road ahead smoother to travel to your preferred destination.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read a book a month. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrQha994t5q4nxx6X2gzAMRS1BiTfWIxvHKPCJRqXRk7wRXughkGDkQnP_7A5N1NG7uqPNCtdfZi4fr1U0JbRkQ3Qw27rlWNbR7C1WxQqkGV3xZYJegA0OpWJ0unUe8XrBhccu6JJeTE/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrQha994t5q4nxx6X2gzAMRS1BiTfWIxvHKPCJRqXRk7wRXughkGDkQnP_7A5N1NG7uqPNCtdfZi4fr1U0JbRkQ3Qw27rlWNbR7C1WxQqkGV3xZYJegA0OpWJ0unUe8XrBhccu6JJeTE/s320/books.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/">crdt</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Write a poem every day when you find
the time. Strive to gain knowledge in every nook and cranny of the library that
you can. I am not a novelist, I am not even in the publishing business, but I
am telling you now- keep up your writing and strive to use your passions for
your success. You love to write! And although you don’t believe it now, you are
very good at it. It is your strongest asset and so much of your creativity
rests in your fingertips. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have a passion. Don’t go through life thinking that all
things come to those who wander. Find a passion, work hard to allow this
passion to provide for your life. If you allow this to happen sooner than later,
this won’t be your work, it’ll be your wealth. You will have friends who have
done this for far longer than you have and you will envy their happiness every once
and a while. You are happy and successful today, by the way- but at 23, you
know you’re only on the cusp of something great. Don’t let it just sit on the
shelf and gather dust as you sit on your computer browsing Facebook (a social
media site better than Myspace that you WILL spend too much time on). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hold your morals and values. They are what make you unique,
strong, valuable, and motivated. You are still very hard on yourself- try not
to let this become detrimental. It is ok to strive for improvement, but once
you begin striving for perfection, know you’re only going to burn yourself out.
You will make numerous mistakes, morals will be briefly forgotten in weak
moments, and values will become muddled. But they aren’t far gone. You will
learn that life is good at distracting you, tempting you, trying you, and
teaching you. Don’t be afraid to slip and take a few steps backwards. You have
done this many times- but you have managed to take two giant steps forward
after the fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTFSBuZ4e36iT8RwWp_PkcyyW8BTWQ6otLsJIJPCyqiaRu-dLDWgzbcaW_V48mWS5WIml5UJDAtDfjD7l4Y72WrbWS1MjMkjx9A-Zk6YHfpCOXo4QClZOI4lp_IV03gKXEkoatVaNlJ8/s1600/danceart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTFSBuZ4e36iT8RwWp_PkcyyW8BTWQ6otLsJIJPCyqiaRu-dLDWgzbcaW_V48mWS5WIml5UJDAtDfjD7l4Y72WrbWS1MjMkjx9A-Zk6YHfpCOXo4QClZOI4lp_IV03gKXEkoatVaNlJ8/s320/danceart.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/82115194/search?context_type=search&context_user=lenalenalenalena&page=3&query=dancing">crdt</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep up your running but don't let it define you. You will learn
that you have an irregular curvature in your lower lumbar and you will
still fight for the chance to run in college... You will fail... kind of. You will go on to run half marathons, a full
marathon, a triathalon, and more than a handful of 5k's. Running may seem like your passion now, but trust me- God put it in your life for another reason and it serves you well... just not on the front burner. Just enjoy what
your body can do and love how it makes you feel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, learn to dance to good music, please. Take up some kind of
dancing like ballroom, interpretive, even just gym-class hip-hop for cardio.
And STAY AWAY from the Twerk. Miley Cyrus is no longer a cute Disney star, and
I truly believe the Twerk is to blame…This doesn’t mean you can’t learn the
“wobble”, the “wop”, or the “burney”. These are very important, I
promise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And on that note, I will leave you to wonder about what
would ever possess a human being to name a dance from the sound you make when
you swat a fly on the ceiling. Three more letters are to come… but remember-
You’re always living the next moment of the rest of your life. Make it count.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love, M</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-70276418504623166722013-09-27T10:34:00.001-04:002013-09-27T10:34:36.388-04:00A Runner's Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3lPLNZazaQtQ7dp76omyegl0VNEN0HmZTSkrT_uiob3F8BlBMP3uwdiyYUd8PbS8XEQC6xCQF9G6OE8dA9BMidv8u0iQa8wh9OYM_FvNSqAl2evboNR5NXZXGmJE7PbAYHVdTOgtpFc/s400/1236723_10151661066621430_1266148296_n.jpg" width="191" ysa="true" /></div>
Dear Lord... <br />
Thank you for waking me with a starry sky <br />
a promise that you're watching with a twinkling eye<br />
as my feet are lifted to the floor <br />
place my shoes on my feet and head out the door <br />
Thank you for the crisp September air <br />
and the subtle breeze that catches in my blonde hair <br />
thank you for the friends that bring a smile to my face <br />
and a painfree body for this 70 mile race <br />
Thank you for comforting our restless nerves <br />
a grace in which not one of us deserves <br />
you place your hands on our wheels until we park at the start <br />
and press your ear to my chest to keep my steady heart <br />
Thank you for the dew, and the foggy sunrise scene <br />
for my teammates and I to run into at a time so obscene <br />
thank you for the silence and the cricket churps too <br />
the hills and the hurdles that we all had to work through <br />
Thank you for my muscles, stretched and warmed up for strength <br />
and for removing my mind of worry, doubt, and angst. <br />
Thank you for family and their encouraging words <br />
and thanks for the humming of insects, the chirping of birds <br />
Thank you for each breath: whether short, sharp, or deep <br />
that carried us up and down bridges, slippery and steep <br />
Thank you for headlights, reflecting vests so bright <br />
and getting us through the 77 miles all alright! <br />
Thank you lord for my teammates, for our competetors too <br />
and we all survived the madness that is this sport that we do <br />
and as I lay my head down at the end of the night <br />
I say this runner's prayer and turn out the light. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-19473657303625771052013-06-29T14:18:00.004-04:002013-06-29T14:26:29.096-04:00A Donut Named Desire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJk8XPnbDb6Mz3TFkhqMr_pCqD8RKB9sy5IDlJ7nneHzl98FT2y7B2sp6SXSd6d1bccccNH3dQtAItAlXoPh_P0tDylq6DGjWyIJkd8CIN2NW6esbQJlPKp_N-D_OelkO5BlPOVcN0HQ/s640/coffee.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJk8XPnbDb6Mz3TFkhqMr_pCqD8RKB9sy5IDlJ7nneHzl98FT2y7B2sp6SXSd6d1bccccNH3dQtAItAlXoPh_P0tDylq6DGjWyIJkd8CIN2NW6esbQJlPKp_N-D_OelkO5BlPOVcN0HQ/s400/coffee.jpeg" width="400" xya="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes the greatest gift is a morning of deep sleep, thick yawns, and grey skies outside of the window. Combine this with a short drive to downtown Wilmington, where the few people that are awake are crawling over the cement like ants, and a breakfast of rich chocolate-bacon donuts dipped in coffee interrupted only by the good conversation of a great friend... </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
That can only be described as bliss. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another weekend in the beautiful beach town I once called home for three and a half years, I count my blessings. Celebrating an engagement this evening, I prepare to surround myself with good hearts, great food, and unforgettable memories. All I need is a silk ribbon to tie it all together and top it off with a bow.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Luke 12:15 </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-18368986215720688682013-06-26T07:03:00.000-04:002013-06-26T07:03:12.866-04:00Little ThingTake a feather in a rainstorm<br />
throw it off into the wind<br />
watch it fall down to the earth<br />
before its flight could begin<br />
<br />
Watch the grain of sand get washed away<br />by a single wave of sea<br />
unsettled for just a moment<br />
but then the earth will let it be<br />
<br />
See the branches in a snowstorm<br />
struggle under heavy sheets of ice<br />
then glimmer in the moonlight<br />
in the clearest of winter nights<br />
<br />
See the exhale of smoke from a burning fire <br />
dance across the prairie sky<br />
a gust of wind unsettles the rhythm of chaos<br />
and soon even the heat will die<br />
<br />
Listen to the lonely owl<br />
whisper secrets in the dark<br />
watching at dusk for his prey to sleep<br />
in the shadows of the park<br />
<br />
Hear the breath of the morning<br />
as the sun climbs the rungs of space<br />to greet each miniscule matter of life<br />
that bring a smile upon your faceUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-22915886727799338922013-06-25T21:14:00.003-04:002013-06-25T21:14:57.167-04:00My Life Lately...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-50663302637700332792013-06-18T21:07:00.000-04:002013-06-18T21:07:25.285-04:00Bruises and ScarsWe all have the ability<br />
to live in chaos or tranquility<br />
based on the course of our actions-<br />
acting upon priorities or distractions<br />
who we are and who we are to be<br />
depends on the world we choose to see<br />
for me, I want to be free of animosity<br />
but in life, this choice is not always easy<br />
<br />
We fall and tumble after a minor stumble<br />
over words, feelings, expectations<br />
shallow analyzations and personal evaluations<br />
bruised and battered, clothes ripped and tattered<br />
over things that may or may not truly matter<br />
<br />
But we walk and limp with discolored skin<br />
as if hurting and feeling were notable sins<br />
stoned to death by the eyes of my enemies<br />
as if hatred and self-loathing befriended me<br />
leaving my skin cut deep only to scar<br />
alongside the bruises that define who we are<br />
<br />
But the end of our struggles reside in our mind<br />and fall victim to hearts that are pure and kind<br />
and forgiveness heals all hard hearted fools<br />
for when we forgive we let go of the rules<br />
and love with compassion above boundries of law<br />
and see gold in the scars that once were of flaw<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />We give hope to the wreckless pirates of purity<br />
crumble boundaries of weakness and insecurity<br />
because when people promise love instead of hate<br />
we forget how to fight and only to appreciate<br />
the time we have with those that matter<br />allow glass ceilings to tumble, break and shatter<br />
and while scars never heal and bruises sink deep in our skin<br />we will prepare for restoration before the battle can beginUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-80792361523223058062013-06-12T07:21:00.001-04:002013-06-12T07:21:53.293-04:00Life in my 20's, a mini-seriesI may only be a low twenty-something...<br />
<br />
but I have learned so much in the past year since I became <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(and passed)</i></span> the double dos. Meeting new people, starting my life as a young professional, working <strike>9-5</strike> 7a-5p five days a week, going to weddings, being in weddings, going to baby showers, and spending evenings alone in my solo bedroom apartment... all of which has occurred just in the past twelve months...<br />
<br />
But with these new experiences comes knowledge, understanding, and perception... and a few new haircuts, additions to the closet, and injuries. Ironically, the latter is what I find to be of value above the rest, let's be honest.<br />
<br />
But as I continue each and every day in this realm of twenty-something chaos, I wish to share a few of those lessons and realizations I have come to in order to remain sane (or try to) in many or most situations this chapter of life throws at each of us...<br />
<br />
<b>1. EAT THE ICE CREAM!</b><br />
It is a proven medical fact that our metabolism is revving in our early twenties <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and will continue on until we are near 30).</span> And even if your metabolism is slower than molasses running down a tree in the middle of a freezing winter, EAT THE DANG ICE CREAM!<br />
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Diet, Shmiet- Be happy and enjoy the sweet taste of creamy goodness on occasion! And try every flavor! Life isn't about holding out, it's about holding on, and I'll gladly ask Ice Cream to join my side in the fight for sanity.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2. Chill with the 'Rents every chance you get!</b><br />
They are the best friends that <strike>will</strike> can never leave your side. Even if they are the goofiest individuals to walk on this side of the nuthouse...<br />
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they are most likely the most loving, caring, responsible, and all around understanding people that will be a part of your life. And let's face it, they won't be here forever, so pick their brains, make jokes, learn about their past, and teach them what you've learned. They will listen, I promise- as will you!<br />
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The two best friends I'll never be able to replace.<br />
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<b>3. EXERCISE, FOOL!</b><br />
This is pretty self explanatory- Before the achey joints set in, get off your rear and move! Take a walk, run, race with friends in awesome runs like the <a href="http://electricrun.com/">electric run</a> or the <a href="http://thecolorrun.com/">color run</a>! If nothing else, dance in your living room... Feel the music, jump up and down, sweat until you drip... Your body is in its prime for only a few more years, put it to use!<br />
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<b>4. Don't worry about your "marital status."</b><br />
Like I mentioned above, I have a large group of friends that are currently married, just got married, will be getting married, or are in serious relationships. Me, well... I couldn't be further from that chapter in my life. And that's OK! This is a great place to be in life if you still want to try new things and want to figure out where you're going. I don't know where I'll be in a year, HECK! I don't know where I'll be in a month- but I can tell you for sure that I am growing and learning about myself and what I am capable of in more ways than one.<br />
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The kind of growth I could only experience if I did it myself- I am on a different path to a different destination than every other person on this planet (and guess what- so is the one person that has their path eventually intertwining with yours). So enjoy the scenery, take in the sights and smells-<br />
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You'll have so much to share and teach, experience and learn, when you meet the person that's being prepared to journey alongside you soon-<br />
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There is surely more that I've learned about my twenties, but I'll let these settle in until I dive in further. But if you don't agree with anything I have posted here today, please leave with one thing in mind....<br />
<br />
EAT THE DANG ICE CREAM, People!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-25059094770397983932013-06-04T07:09:00.001-04:002013-06-04T07:09:53.743-04:00Hit the ground runnin'After two weeks off of running due to a grade 3 ankle sprain, my legs were getting so antsy that sometimes I woke up at night with them twitching and needing to be moved.<br />
<br />
Restless leg syndrome, we meet again...<br />
<br />
Two Tuesdays ago, while running around in the twilight of morning, I sprained my ankle. I fell off of the concrete <strike>trying to save an infant child, crossing the street from a runaway truck barreling down the highway strait towards us</strike> while looking at my ipod trying to find a Ke$ha song.<br />
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The doctor warned me not to get back into the saddle before my ankle looked completely normal without bruising and swelling, but I couldn't help it. The weather cleared up from a stormy morning, the temperature rested right around 75 and the humidity was low. In other words, to this runner's mind, the atmosphere was whispering "perfection".<br />
<br />
I laced up my new <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/running-apparel/feeling-squeeze?page=single">Brooke Ghost 5's</a> and put on my compression socks. Whether these gave me any kind of stability, I won't know.<br />
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But getting back to the pavement felt so good, I decided to run 4 miles instead of my originally planned 3. Although my ankle was a bit more tender after the run, a brief <a href="http://running.about.com/od/injuryrecovery/ht/injuryrecovery.htm">RICE</a> session brought the comfort level back to normal.<br />
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This is a good sign considering I'll be running<a href="http://www.colonial200.com/colonial70"> this little relay </a>in the fall... Bring it on, ankle! Can't hold us down!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-68486348485936003432013-05-31T07:02:00.000-04:002013-05-31T07:02:12.222-04:00And the Return of: Hey, It's Ok!It's Friday. The week has finally come to another end. This week may have been short due to a day off on Monday for Memorial Day, but somehow the universe thought that spinning the world on its axis a little slower than usual would be humorous...<br />
<br />
Dear Universe... You are not funny. In fact, this qualifies as just plain cruel...<br />
<br />
But slowly finding our way into the weekend, I thought it only fitting to go back to roots and bring forth one of my favorite Friday traditions...(<a href="http://iammkroxc.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-its-ok.html">which hasn't been seen here since May 2012</a>) Yes, friends! I wish to revive the beautiful thing that is...<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HEY! IT'S OK...</span></b></span><br />
<br />
1. You are STILL envious of Jessica Beil and the man she scored...<br />
<br />
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I am in no way saying she doesn't deserve this beautiful specimen of pure handsomeness... I mean, look at that woman! Beautiful, of course...<br />
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But <u><i>maybe </i></u>I'm saying I deserve it more. I <b><i>CAN </i></b>make a mean cup of coffee, Justin. Remember that anytime you need a cup of <strike>jo</strike> <strike>your perfect woman</strike> coffee!<br />
<br />
2. If you <i>INTENTIONALLY</i> let your bananas get so moldy, you have NO CHOICE but to make banana bread... sweet, sweet, dense, delicious, carbo-loaded banana bread...<br />
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3. If Beyonce has been your best friend for three days strait...<br />
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I mean, with her Diva status, I wouldn't ask her to leave my headphones either... especially when she's been supplying the goods without disappointment.<br />
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4. You're <i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">almost</span></i> excited about a bad day at work because it gives you an excuse to buy a<strike> few</strike> slew of new <a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/swimwear/bikinis">bathing suits</a> to lift your spirits...<br />
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5. Your previous weekend gives you NO excuse to not use any sunscreen below 70SPF<br />
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Happy Weekending, loves!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-50423587633163482232013-05-30T07:10:00.002-04:002013-05-30T07:12:27.880-04:00Don't Whine! Do Wine!I love painting. Am I a natural Van-Gough? *cough* Ha! Funny joke! *cough*<br />
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But I really do love the art of splashing paint on a list of different kinds of canvases. Using water colors, pastels, and oils on paper and wood pallets was my go-to when stuck at home on the farm...<br />
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When I was in college, wine bottles littered the streets outside of the campus perimeter on Saturday and Sunday mornings . So it's no wonder I became a dumpster diver to rescue interestingly shaped bottles to place my own story upon...<br />
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Remember my <a href="http://iammkroxc.blogspot.com/2012/07/with-touch-of-glass.html">Mickey Mouse venture</a>?<br />
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Or my Pixar dream that came true after I just kept swimming towards the final product?!<br />
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After taking a short hiatus from my wine painting days, I believe the time has come to get back to my roots and get the juices flowing again. Especially after a midnight walk that led me straight to a plethora of blank canvases just screaming to be painted...<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-21891424457627697552013-05-29T10:15:00.002-04:002013-05-29T10:15:39.525-04:00To YouWho am I to you?<br />
like wind that drifts below the trees<br />I'm there for a second then drift away<br />like the lapping waves of angry seas<br />
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Tossing, turning beneath dirty sheets<br />who am I to you today<br />the warmth of skin upon your shoulder<br />
the kind that fades away<br />
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You see my face in the crowd<br />nonchelantly dismiss my smile<br />who am I to you tonight<br />another shadow in your heart's exile<br />
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The rain scatters on your furrowed brow<br />your eyes have never looked so blue<br />
we say nothing, I speak to your ghost<br />
Who was I to you?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-15543587586491076762013-05-29T07:12:00.002-04:002013-05-29T07:12:53.371-04:00Looking for Adventure<div style="text-align: left;">
I found this article via <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a> and had to share...</div>
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<a href="http://www.solitarywanderer.com/2012/02/date-a-girl-who-travels/?fb_action_ids=10151389707553372&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map={%2210151389707553372%22%3A10150556199207282}&action_type_map={%2210151389707553372%22%3A%22og.likes%22}&action_ref_map=[]"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.solitarywanderer.com/2012/02/date-a-girl-who-travels/?fb_action_ids=10151389707553372&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map={%2210151389707553372%22%3A10150556199207282}&action_type_map={%2210151389707553372%22%3A%22og.likes%22}&action_ref_map=[]">Date a Girl Who Travels...</a></div>
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I don't post this as any personal ad or self declaration WHATSOEVER, but solely as a reminder to everyone- Explore the world we have set out before us! What is it if we stay in one spot and experience the same schedule day after day?</div>
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When I went to Canada and Alaska, I met some of the most interesting people in a no-name coffee shop reading Kierkegaard, I tasted the freshest native foods, appreciated the snow<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>--and glacier water--</i></span>on my tongue like never before...</div>
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Traveling to places outside of our homes opens the doors to so many possibilities and endless encounters with deeper perspectives we ever thought imaginable. We may not be able to take trips every month or every year, but when the opportunity arises, make sure you travel somewhere that will broaden your horizon. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">((Can you tell this girl is getting antsy for another adventure...? But to where...))</span></div>
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(Santorini, Greece)</div>
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(Mykonos, Greece)</div>
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(Cliffs of Ireland)</div>
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(Barcelona, Spain)- Get my Spanish tongue a-talkin'! <br /></div>
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<span class="bqQuoteLink"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="view quote">Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.</a></span><br />
<span class="bodybold"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/miriam_beard.html" title="view author">Miriam Beard</a></span>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-74433720436286873902013-05-15T08:31:00.001-04:002013-05-15T08:33:11.557-04:00Sit In the Green Garden (playlist)There is little I love more than a good playlist to rock my mind into sweet spring time. <br />
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Check out my playlist below by clicking the next arrows... I promise you'll find at least one new song to add to YOUR own list of personal favorites...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLiq1LimwHqq9r6Lyx4sZdJ0hDWiWCDS9n" width="425"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557247489047587670.post-49642662938947406112013-05-14T07:01:00.000-04:002013-05-14T07:01:00.723-04:00Free Fallin'<div style="text-align: left;">
This past weekend, I had a few visitors stay a while. We spent Friday night sipping Harris Teeter's finest and crunching on potato chips. Truth be told, we ladies like to indulge in the world's delicacies...</div>
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The next morning after a good breakfast at the <a href="http://www.flyingbiscuit.com/">Flying Biscuit</a>, Emily and I made our way to <a href="https://www.carowinds.com/">Carowinds</a> for a day of roller coasters...</div>
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cotton candy...</div>
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Pink Tongues...</div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Q083fLWzsdS5SFVItIBqBPhQL4tXKiXU6UxixZppAxnjgJc2i21bS8glHveltLbTtOIYztEs7F3PqBppwVQI7FbbOrqAazrUAV0ipFMmA5msyUJ02X8K7fDFsfbvlu-Xi6NQtVCyFss/s320/943169_10200705725458090_951210944_n.jpg" width="320" /> </div>
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and a little thing call <a href="https://www.carowinds.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/Xtreme-Skyflyer">skyflyer</a>. </div>
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Ever wonder what it's like to be lifted up 150 feet above the ground by pulleys and bungee cords? When I was younger I would pass these contraptions at amusement park after amusement park, ride to ride, without a second thought. But today, the arch caught my eye as a group of people fell from the sky and rushed forward in vests and vines. Being the adrenaline seekers we were, we signed up without hesitation...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFtSS44rbbg57j8etWxcmNLt5-gF9JY1uj90NW1aVrGHE469UzmEtSLObEaxeh-F9jiUP_EVv6k7yqrB6E6MxWVGZPlB8R7P_nPlfwtcKKug918sL3bKfjeun5enfrMK2BNPmBFEPRcY/s1600/946303_10200705724658070_474055653_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFtSS44rbbg57j8etWxcmNLt5-gF9JY1uj90NW1aVrGHE469UzmEtSLObEaxeh-F9jiUP_EVv6k7yqrB6E6MxWVGZPlB8R7P_nPlfwtcKKug918sL3bKfjeun5enfrMK2BNPmBFEPRcY/s320/946303_10200705724658070_474055653_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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The day was a complete success...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MVztVNM1DgWFyz4eskcV3dhes4C4ehF6MeD73EdjczJyj70SNFd2F5ysPo80G2bBgAOfEXa6of82bE8gwaCpDvR5kq-l-FH9RQXneU1iUHdsJIqtPyh2SBbMWvGjadHmpyIjcuiw6bo/s1600/934720_10200705722338012_1940460776_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MVztVNM1DgWFyz4eskcV3dhes4C4ehF6MeD73EdjczJyj70SNFd2F5ysPo80G2bBgAOfEXa6of82bE8gwaCpDvR5kq-l-FH9RQXneU1iUHdsJIqtPyh2SBbMWvGjadHmpyIjcuiw6bo/s320/934720_10200705722338012_1940460776_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YkWkuij2nwK9vb8JBqYR4y0p7BlGIKAF5CQ3o09VDrbWoaGQ1JwL7yAlSqMMtwYDWIAFVJm_ci3_IdXV0jux9Z98QYpADoGj9h8EU3ViP9KVy3C0v56xvdgtYUaynFbesw3FpE8w9uA/s320/942936_10200705725818099_561256521_n.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0FaOgSMvq70SVeBLGh9cnIU_73Xs6XvzGDcL4j0kZLXDghQ0J7tvNI_BAAee3n49W9NAJ7ZORpXcSfVIXUzDS_-7z_n4CyBdhV2TjldOcxzCkziUe8RZPWdg9ukSqGT2YxnKerYbB3A/s1600/944223_10200705722058005_120848012_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0FaOgSMvq70SVeBLGh9cnIU_73Xs6XvzGDcL4j0kZLXDghQ0J7tvNI_BAAee3n49W9NAJ7ZORpXcSfVIXUzDS_-7z_n4CyBdhV2TjldOcxzCkziUe8RZPWdg9ukSqGT2YxnKerYbB3A/s320/944223_10200705722058005_120848012_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymXEG742Hv4sjWmA-qSxpS05gkB_VLo9AyocQRVwzmZZYAYCoB3bNg7Dy8rqehI9ZkOmA4p_gmQhTqEhoQJTuKk6TYL5Ya42_JDPhWxsiuJUH52P8MuLhzNTM6i4eIoWrdtX18Wq5M_w/s320/946440_10200705726738122_2143411989_n.jpg" width="320" /> </div>
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Another weekend, another adventure. Now on with the work week, where the pace of everyday is much like the fall: full of excitement!</div>
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Happy Tuesday! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0