tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46168803625220145452024-03-05T00:27:06.348-08:00traveling outside karmastories from the jungle of life. Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-10538799237581298592014-12-02T13:37:00.001-08:002014-12-02T15:59:34.458-08:00Legends. <a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTg1MzEyMzk5NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTE1ODQxMzE@._V1_SY317_CR1,0,214,317_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTg1MzEyMzk5NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTE1ODQxMzE@._V1_SY317_CR1,0,214,317_AL_.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I stumbled across the new show on Amazon called "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gortimer-vs-Frog-Ultimate-Doom/dp/B00I3MPMPA">Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street.</a>" It has a nostalgic feel to it, a mixture of "Are you Afraid of the Dark?" and "Stand By Me" with episodes titled "Gortimer vs. The Frog of Ultimate Doom" and "Gortimer and the Mystical Mind Eraser." Shaped around the three main characters, Gortimer, Ranger and Mel. Best friends in the tweens, every week they find themselves in the middle of some strange happenings in their neighborhood. It's one part mystery, one part feel-good adventures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Watching the show got me thinking of the mysteries of my own childhood. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One memory in particular popped into my mind. The legend of the witch on Eastern.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One summer, when I was seven or eight, I participated in my school's summer camp. It was a day camp, so every morning we would gather in the yard. This yard happened to be in a partially developed neighborhood, meaning that immediately next to our school yard was desert land and what appeared to be one small shack in the middle. It was far enough away that you had to squint your 8 year old eyes to even get a good look at it. And far enough away to definitely imagine a figure standing on the porch. This figure would later be described to me as the 'witch who lives there' by some older kids, perhaps junior high since it was a K-8 day camp. <i>"Did you know a witch lives there?" </i>It was a brief conversation, but long enough to ignite my imagination for the summer. <i>Who was this lady? Was she really a witch? What was a witch? Was she mean or just misunderstood?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many, many years later, I found myself back at that old yard. I remembered the legend of the witch, which was probably just some lovely lady named Delores who was an excellent baker...or something. Through the fence, I squinted my eyes her way, only to see that this mysterious land was now a suburban business park. Wonder where she went? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I watch shows like Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street, I'm transported to a time when stories and legends filled my imagination. </span>Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-79074957171791956932014-12-01T12:39:00.000-08:002014-12-01T12:44:31.026-08:00Granted. <div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year has been one of self-discovery, formed by St. Augustine's prayer: <i>“Grant Lord that I may know myself, that I may know you.” </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've always been an introspective person, so when I started experiencing some anxiety last year, mainly in the form of very vivid nightmares, I started seeing a counselor. I'm not new to counseling, but in the past I've seen my counselors as potential fairy godmothers. Waiting for a wave of the wand to help transform my pumpkin into a carriage, so to speak. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year, counseling has been less of a fairy godmother and more of a doorway, leading inward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">More than anything, my counselor asks (often mid-verbal processing unload), "what are you feeling right now?" Seemingly easy to answer, I actually found it difficult to pinpoint what I truly was feeling. My go-to feeling was often 'frustrated' or 'sad.' Great at waiting out the awkward, my counselor would sit patiently as I worked it out. What was really going on inward? When I really paused and considered what I was feeling, it was often something other than what I thought. This would often surprise me, as if I was the only expert on my own self. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I've gained a better grasp on what I think and feel (and why), I've been able to more honestly bring my real self to God. And others. </span></div>
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Having a supportive husband has helped me along this journey inward. Daniel patiently listens and asks good questions every Monday night as I try to remember my morning's insights and take him along that day's inward path. Daniel helps make the discovery of the unknown infinitely more enjoyable.<br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A year ago, we were newly engaged. Daydreaming together about our future with so many unknowns. Not knowing where we'd live, he'd work, or how to plan a wedding that honored our values and families. We didn't know a lot of things, but we knew that we were committed to figuring it out together.<br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A year later, I'm a bit more self-aware, a bit less anxious, and a whole lot more grateful, peaceful and joyful. </span></div>
Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-42092948115822061982013-06-16T10:46:00.003-07:002013-06-16T10:51:32.807-07:00My Baba. <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Father's Day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blessings and honor to all the first time and long time papa's out there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To the dad's near and gone, but never forgotten. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To all the momma's out there who were also dad's to their kids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To my own "baba", who loves us deeply, sacrificially and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">in his own mischievously hilarious way! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for all you've given, modeled and entrusted to us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For skipping to your own beat, standing your ground, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and finding creative ways to bless others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May you be blessed today and everyday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(And don't listen to what Adel says, I think you are rocking the new 'stache!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">:)</span></div>
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-76883813715160773692013-05-31T18:27:00.001-07:002013-06-03T18:53:26.630-07:0030 days later.<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apparently 2 challenges was one too many.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While I may have dropped the writing ball, I did keep my <a href="http://laylainreallife.blogspot.com/2013/05/mayday-mayday.html">Whole 30</a> challenge. I'm so proud of my whole house, actually, because though it was during a month full of parties and celebrations, we didn't waver. Pretty cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what did I learn after 30 days of saying no to lots of yummy staples while not weighing one self. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hmm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, I realized that weighing myself had become a way to measure how I feel. If I'm down, I'm feeling good. If I'm up, confidence shot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, the first week of not weighing myself was pretty tough. I almost lost it day 7 because I just needed to know. On one hand I'm motivated by measurement/numbers/progress (or digressions)... on the other hand, it can be an unhealthy habit. Not weighing myself has been freeing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That being said, the 30 days are over and this morning I hopped on the scale. About a week ago I had to come to terms with whatever number would appear. It helped me remember that this wasn't about that number, but about reseting my health and habits. Mission accomplished. It was nice, however, when I discovered that without counting calories, obsessing day to day about it, or really trying, I did indeed lose a few pounds, nine to be exact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, regarding the sugar. No sugar didn't just mean no sweets, it meant nothing with sugar. I quickly realized sugar is in EVERYTHING! It was one of the most frustrating things, not the giving up of sugar, but of finding whole foods that don't contain sugar. My trail mix, seaweed/nori, spaghetti sauces, salad dressings... things you wouldn't even think should have sugar, had sugar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did I mention I acquired the taste for straight up, black coffee? That was unexpected. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not much of a bread person anyways, so that wasn't too hard. Giving up beans and dairy pretty much meant that I had no reason to visit Chipotle for the month. In fact, eating out was quite difficult since most oils used were either canola or soybean oil. That's another thing, soy is in everything too. It's like the sugar and soy people made a contest to see who could sneak into the most foods. So far it's a tie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Basically my daily meals consisted of lots of eggs, veggies, nuts, chicken, steak, avocados, fruit, and fish. Thankfully, this is pretty close to what I eat anyways, since I've been dairy-free for over a year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be honest, I can't say I felt deprived this month. I got tired of making the same meals, but that was more on me, than the options.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One interesting thing we discovered was that by giving up all sugars, even the slightly sweet, sweet potato felt uber sweet. And fruit was off the charts, sweet. It really did feel like my taste buds were reset. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wondered if my standard coffee, cream and sweetener would be too much for me now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what does one eat after a 30 day fast-ish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be honest, </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">pretty much what I've had all month. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eggs, Spinach salad (though I did have candied walnuts (YUM), fruit, so far...though Daniel's on his way and, friend, let me tell you how excited I am to spend a fun evening out with him tonight. For a month, he's graciously frequented the same couple safe eateries and opted for homemade meat/veggie combo at home. But.Not.Tonight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, there you go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's me, 30 days later.</span><br />
<br />Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-68057886864736365692013-05-12T22:43:00.003-07:002013-05-13T15:34:25.337-07:00Mama Love<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dear Mama-san, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy mother's day to a woman who </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">is as beautiful </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">as she is tenacious! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who sends me emails like these...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">that warm my heart in more ways than you know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You light up every room with your </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">big, curious eyes and vivacious spirit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for giving me a love for </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">adventure, hospitality, and laughter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love you so much and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">am so thankful for you, mama. </span></div>
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♡</div>
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-77748428075973184992013-05-10T12:47:00.000-07:002013-05-10T13:00:17.921-07:00Treasure Hunt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj785vQCYjOhNX8MvH6eR0BYdDNnvpsokZqvR8YhfjoDzmVnq05EZGxP6oMbGPwizFATtXx9W-mQXo3ouuIo2_VqPsZqPR0O1a4WZ9qxhhrvZNSQLKNuzi4o60uS9DLMpuoT1E-HD0fYaA/s1600/483565_10152750144055574_2139468540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj785vQCYjOhNX8MvH6eR0BYdDNnvpsokZqvR8YhfjoDzmVnq05EZGxP6oMbGPwizFATtXx9W-mQXo3ouuIo2_VqPsZqPR0O1a4WZ9qxhhrvZNSQLKNuzi4o60uS9DLMpuoT1E-HD0fYaA/s640/483565_10152750144055574_2139468540_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Got my bags packed and my map rolled up.</div>
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Headed to Salinas for a little treasure hunt. </div>
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Heard there is a fine looking pirate there with a nice <a href="https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/booty">booty</a>.</div>
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Arrrgh, matey, here I come! </div>
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-19276893139928310602013-05-09T20:33:00.000-07:002013-05-09T20:33:46.689-07:00Take Your Breath Away Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yup, that's what the sky did to me tonight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Anyone else in Fresno see it?!) </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gorgeous. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*I will have to remember this moment of beauty when we hit 100 degree highs, scheduled for this Sunday.</span></div>
Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-24725207319799674212013-05-08T22:39:00.002-07:002013-05-09T13:58:58.098-07:00Five Words<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One day, steeped in contemplation, I began reflecting on the idea of character development. Not the 'writing a sitcom' kind, though that would be fun, but the actual idea of being transformed into the people we hope to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This question popped into my head. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What five words would you hope describe you in the future? </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I began thinking and then jotting down my list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Present </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joyful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Generous</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grateful </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Compassionate</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also began asking my friends the same question and collecting their words. That was one year and three months ago in January 2012. It feels like a lifetime ago and these words bring me back to what I was thinking, feeling and concerned about at the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I remember choosing 'present'. I remember finding that the more my life became technologically savvy, the harder it became to be present to the moment. I found myself checking emails at stoplights. I found myself itching from the inside if I forgot my phone while out. I still live in this tension and over the year have instilled several technological disciplines like disconnecting my email/facebook/internet from my phone, tech curfews, and tech free zones in the house. My hope was to "love people and use things, not the other way around". It still is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I remember intentionally picking joyful over happy. Joyful seems different than happy. Happy is like taking a hit off the helium machine, which I totally did when I worked at a shop that had one, but helium runs out, the high is temporary. Joyfulness is knowing you own the helium machine. Ok, that analogy seemed a lot better in my head, but my point is joyfulness is rooted in a deeper conviction. That's what I wanted. To live in the reality that God is good, each day is a gift and there is much joy to be had. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Generous joined my list because it is something I value and find joy in. It's not only a cultural value, but something I've grown up with seeing my family live out. I have been the receiver of the generosity of others and that's forever shaped me. I want to be a person that is not only generous with my resources, but with grace, laughter, forgiveness, and love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gratefulness was a virtue I fell in love with during my sabbatical, years ago. "Greed grabs. Gratitude receives." If there is one thing I struggle with it's seeing what is there, not what isn't. I hope one day that I'm described as a woman who lived a life that oozed gratitude. In those exact words. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Compassionate made the list because it's an amazing virtue. If I were writing the list today, I'd swap compassion for empathy. The movement from pity or sympathy to the desire to understand where another is coming from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are the five words I chose in 2012. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Five words to remember. If I were to write this list today, other words come to mind for other reasons (risk-taker, trustworthy, brave). Thankfully, we're not limited to five. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>So, what five words would you choose? </i></span><br />
<br />Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-75667696994491133002013-05-07T22:34:00.000-07:002013-05-08T20:38:52.927-07:00This is what it looks like...<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">when you get to your host home for the night only to realize that you forgot your laptop at the place you were meeting and have a daily commitment to blog for the month and decide to try and blog from your phone and realize the screen is much smaller than your laptop and it's hard to type with only your thumbs and the result is one really long runon sentence. yes, that the reason for my really long runon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">that, or a 12 day that has been full of meeting, planning, listening, honoring, celebrating and wonderful conversations. :) #readyforbed </span></div>
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-40757416540937335452013-05-06T23:15:00.000-07:002013-05-07T06:42:17.530-07:00Bakersfield is where it's at...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And by "it" I mean our tri-annual Divisional Staff Meetings. Three days. Roughly 40 staff. Despite the recent heat wave, we even had a cool, breezy afternoon with reports of an evening thunderstorm. (I thought of you, DV) I'm looking forward to these meetings, as they are often a place of great friendship, refreshment and vision for ministry. I am also leading a portion of them, so the idea of writing felt a bit cumbersome tonight especially after a couple of long days getting everything ready for this week, but now that I'm writing and getting something on the page, it doesn't feel as daunting as it did just a few minutes ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Well, I should end on a high note before heading to bed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is an infographic by InterVarsity's 2100 graphic team, in honor of these IV meetings. It's a venn diagram of the various things Senior Citizens and Graduating Seniors have in common. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pl-VJbyV_AOLFNUeVXaA2BMQrhs6wmpLwTByqEhcS2MSllHcUAuCCC0Uz1WzSN-6gVtyFZp9qosdvABHQzkwL6JDYktxIOGYsHuIa5DGtzQllkUu-jQALbyykzk4uMOr19mnOx6C8DE/s1600/943436_517907351579864_1302507934_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pl-VJbyV_AOLFNUeVXaA2BMQrhs6wmpLwTByqEhcS2MSllHcUAuCCC0Uz1WzSN-6gVtyFZp9qosdvABHQzkwL6JDYktxIOGYsHuIa5DGtzQllkUu-jQALbyykzk4uMOr19mnOx6C8DE/s640/943436_517907351579864_1302507934_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-67714624608592594672013-05-05T23:12:00.000-07:002013-05-06T08:37:59.783-07:00Bonds of kindness<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few weeks ago Daniel and I got out of the Fresno heat and headed up to the mountains. We read that for every 1000 feet you gain in elevation, you lose 3 degrees in heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With a high of 95, we eagerly tested the theory by heading up to Sequoia National Park. We enjoyed some great heights and hikes. We were dwarfed by gigantic trees. And instead of heading back the way we came, we decided to do the 60 mile drive through Kings Canyon. A very scenic drive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Some roads were closed for the winter and knowing that, we still proceeded up one particular route. Just as we reached the "road closed" sign and were starting our u-turn, we noticed two parked cars on the side of the road. A woman was huddled near her driver side door managing a stick through a door that was locked but cracked ajar. Instantly we knew what we were looking at. Daniel pulled over. The woman had locked her keys in her car. A kind young man, with limited English skills, was helping guide her movements from the other side of the car. They had been working on the car for what seemed like a long time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />We asked if we could help. They asked if we had a 'jimmy'. Nope. We did mention we passed a motel about a mile back and decided we'd do something, rather than nothing and head over there to get better tools. The motel was closed, with no sign of life, though there was one dusty parked car. We got out and poked around, thinking maybe we'd still find a good tool to borrow. That didn't turn up anything, except maybe a slight case of the heebie jeebies due to my overactive imagination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We returned with the bad news and they didn't seem any closer than before when another couple pulled up and got out. They began taking in the scenic vistas, either not realizing the woman's conundrum or maybe not wanting to intrude. I said hello to the couple and asked if they had a 'jimmy' or rod. That's normal, right? The husband examined the situation, said no, but then disappeared. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few minutes later he returned with the metal rod from the car jack and the wire from an antenna. All of the sudden it became a community event. One of us held the jack to pry the door as open as it would allow. One of us guided from afar. One of us held our breath and hoped. One of us fidgeted with the rod and "POP", in a matter of minutes it was unlocked. It was such a great feeling. Joy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Elated, the woman began giving us all hugs. We all were hugging each other (at least as that's how I remember it.) The woman, who was traveling alone, seemed so thankful. As she left she said, "You've restored my faith in humanity." In a matter of minutes we all returned on our way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As Daniel and I were driving home through the winding roads, we talked about how good it felt to help someone in need. It was a community effort and everyone played a small part that resulted in lots of joy in the end. Later, as we made another scenic stop on our route, we ran into the quiet husband and his wife, once more. We smiled, waved, and that sense of joyful satisfaction swept over us again. We were bonded. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVRR5eTgMePYwyxnOp39e9yzIlpVezJX49qKtg8GW3X8uLN7OMb8wpDoOA3jNcHCGJnoLWm0ePSek0D_cr4MQhNKmMdHALmvB3DsTox-HahTfWFuZrqvHZIavhPoeQHNf3t-0LjgkHbg/s1600/73923_10200950518315708_1516316463_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVRR5eTgMePYwyxnOp39e9yzIlpVezJX49qKtg8GW3X8uLN7OMb8wpDoOA3jNcHCGJnoLWm0ePSek0D_cr4MQhNKmMdHALmvB3DsTox-HahTfWFuZrqvHZIavhPoeQHNf3t-0LjgkHbg/s640/73923_10200950518315708_1516316463_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>photo credits belong to daniel. </i></td></tr>
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-50457959149864529072013-05-04T23:25:00.001-07:002013-05-05T11:33:59.459-07:00thousand words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">so, if this picture cashed itself in for its thousand words about today, it would tell the story about the day full of: </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">bocce ball, shady parks, tri tip, iron men, last to leave, extra scene, long drive, being deep, elusive peacock, cheese factory, my cows, u-turns, going for a walk, not going for a walk, warm weather, our favorite spot, roaming elk, cool breeze, declarations</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">, bravery, laughter, and love on a breezy and chili night. a wonderful day. </span></div>
Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-64817286722579598502013-05-03T22:33:00.002-07:002013-05-03T23:55:47.968-07:00Tomorrow Eve<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I was a little kid I would take naps in the afternoons. As I would wake up, with sleep still in my eyes, I would walk into whatever room my parents were at, having no idea how long I had slept. And since the sunsets were often as bright as the sunrises, I would have a tough time telling if it was evening or morning, the next day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would ask my parents, "Is today tomorrow?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would ask my parents this every time. It's still a phrase that comes to mind when I get really excited about things coming up the next day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today was a long day, in fact this week was a wonderfully long week. After all my meetings were over and the laptop closed for the weekend, for a brief moment this afternoon I closed my eyes. I'm not really a napper as an adult, but when I opened them, I found myself asking myself "is today tomorrow?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />I've got good reason to look forward to tomorrow, as I get to spend the day with a handsome fella. Tomorrow will soon become today. I'm off to bed, hoping that when I wake it will be tomorrow. The odds are pretty good. And soon today will become yesterday. </span><br />
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-61837297362377167272013-05-02T19:22:00.003-07:002013-05-04T19:36:47.605-07:00Counting to ten<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This may come as a surprise, but did you know that I'm an extrovert (energized by people)? Yup...big revelations happening here, friends! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not only that, but I'm also the external processing kind. I've been fairly self-aware of my extro-external disposition, but never more so since I've found myself in a lovely relationship with a handsome fella of the intro-internal perspective, a patient listener who asks thoughtful questions, I might add! =) (hi, babe!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, last week, I came across an article on Psychology Today providing an 'Intimate Peek into Introverts' Brains'. How could I NOT click. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One piece of advice that stood out to me was for extroverts to employ the "three-second rule" in which you count to 3 (silently) to let the other person finish their thought. I appreciate their mentioning the silent part, because I just imagined me counting to three in the style of The Count and can see how that could cause a bit of a distraction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week I also got the results of an assessment I was given as part of a leadership training on Emotional Intelligence. As part of my assessment, three growth activities were given to help build on my strengths and not so strengths. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Specifically, paying attention to when I do not hold back when I know my actions and/or words will not help the situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do they not realize that I'm Middle-Eastern? Not holding back is our love language. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The growth activity suggested: Count to ten. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Give your internal world a chance to simmer down, now. (My interpretation.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I continued to debrief the EIQ with the trainer, he invited me to commit to try 'counting to ten' over then next few months. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Though, he didn't specify silent or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I think I can do that! </span></div>
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-48154063345583712162013-05-01T22:06:00.001-07:002013-05-01T22:08:27.396-07:00mayday, mayday<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today May 1st. My dad's birthday. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(happy birthday, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150658349565574&set=t.564925573&type=3&theater" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">baba</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's also May Day. (happy...uh, <a href="http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Fresno+CA+USCA0406:1:US">spring</a>?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wish I could be with my parents tonight, celebrating my dad over a glass of red wine at Macaroni Grill or over a chocolate molten lava cake at Chili's, both his favorites. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">today, on my dad's birthday, I have harnessed my dad's love for challenges and kicked off not one but two challenges. And we all know I LOVE a good challenge. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />The first is a challenge my housemates have taken on is called <a href="http://whole9life.com/2012/08/the-whole30-program/">Whole 30</a>. It's 30 days free from "...</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">all the psychologically unhealthy, hormone-unbalancing, gut-disrupting, inflammatory food groups for a full 30 days.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"> " You don't say. Sounds, um, fun. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Open Sans', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Specifically it will mean 30 days of no </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sugars (including stevia), grains, soy, dairy (which I already do), alcohol, white potatoes, peanuts, and legumes. I'm surprised by how much I will miss legumes. Didn't expect that. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 30 days, the goal is to begin reintroducing each item and observe your body's reaction. 30 days is apparently enough to also free your body from the toxic stuff long enough to promise better skin, sleep, and energy. The prospect of healthier skin is alone enough to sign me up. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other challenge is to try and write everyday in May. Thanks, </span><a href="http://momcolumn.blogspot.com/2013/05/five-favorites.html" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teri</a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, for the well-received and much needed prompt! This is perfect timing as I was just observing the other day that I had started 24 posts over the last few months but never managed to finish them. A combination of not enough time and not enough confidence I'd found all the right words. Also, I imagine living in a home with three other ladies who've all given up sugar among other yummy things will yield some interesting stories over the next month. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So there it is. Two challenges. For you, dad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fitting, as my dad loves a good challenge. In fact, last year my dad participated in a fitness contest at work and WON the competition TWICE! Who does that?! My dad, that's who! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4378xx1ByYNXdyFsGjQHY_Z0l6XGLEqhmTqrj4haEPL75fJ-jofwQZJF8qTQHG7i-7hWU4GeLbFGKJw4yv9GZTRHrCQ4llsgQDAKUUZkfxAplxiiHlGrheYjUBrzxeOMCnVsaC-uuivs/s1600/IMG_7734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4378xx1ByYNXdyFsGjQHY_Z0l6XGLEqhmTqrj4haEPL75fJ-jofwQZJF8qTQHG7i-7hWU4GeLbFGKJw4yv9GZTRHrCQ4llsgQDAKUUZkfxAplxiiHlGrheYjUBrzxeOMCnVsaC-uuivs/s320/IMG_7734.jpg" width="308" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here's my dad hiking in January of last year with his svelte son. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycr8gwXM4Hqb2yIsA7Bi4oMW4gAFITJYThcl4TbutBnFvEBXFAf2ewLG7BvWQtaLVSkXU2HA-cAeAVbUH0t6y-Tq2deJT0hIJiSNimLZPZpNDcsiIkKUAzEVgZiOjqnVc6-TzJKM5hlo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycr8gwXM4Hqb2yIsA7Bi4oMW4gAFITJYThcl4TbutBnFvEBXFAf2ewLG7BvWQtaLVSkXU2HA-cAeAVbUH0t6y-Tq2deJT0hIJiSNimLZPZpNDcsiIkKUAzEVgZiOjqnVc6-TzJKM5hlo/s320/photo.JPG" width="156" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here he is looking svelte himself just 3 months later. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For Easter that year, he wore a suit he'd purchased in 1975, complete with (reasonable) bell bottoms. So itty bitty! How'd he do it? In addition to healthy eating, he worked out for 2 hours a day, 6 days a week. More specific, you ask? Oh you know, lifting weights, hiking, and ZUMBA. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, my Middle Eastern father took ZUMBA! That's dedication. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I would give to be able to see him sweating to the Latino oldies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Proud of you, my svelte papa! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And wishing you a happy, birthday, mayday, may day. </span>Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-20362343910828937622013-04-26T23:44:00.000-07:002013-04-26T23:44:00.292-07:00eight. <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/AVvXsEhGQINwEOrTa6PpEZZ_tu_mFM9b6MIH3fZ8WOu0608QljfUaq3whxkyOZzzN0-LwLrz8mHYYiJYpNFGoiO8wUtlpCycBfzMHmcx5vkBomjfkk2WR3kXkzimtZ0MJodxIQ-1K7gUvqlDcMA/s1600/picstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQINwEOrTa6PpEZZ_tu_mFM9b6MIH3fZ8WOu0608QljfUaq3whxkyOZzzN0-LwLrz8mHYYiJYpNFGoiO8wUtlpCycBfzMHmcx5vkBomjfkk2WR3kXkzimtZ0MJodxIQ-1K7gUvqlDcMA/s640/picstitch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eight months of joy multiplied and memories lived.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eight months of silly faces and beautiful places.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eight months of being known and exploring the unknown</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">together.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here's to many, many more, love.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">♡</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SruPWHkYFnUmTbPyiLDX-UeRG2CcVmSvQh_YzqqZraY-1o3SeUByZmG6ab9K07AjeKvTA9egR8558GZyYedQFrZED41Hg3x8yoi0vn-wVa7jJ-OjJOwzQEwXVCQhsb8HCQcEP8oQ1kM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SruPWHkYFnUmTbPyiLDX-UeRG2CcVmSvQh_YzqqZraY-1o3SeUByZmG6ab9K07AjeKvTA9egR8558GZyYedQFrZED41Hg3x8yoi0vn-wVa7jJ-OjJOwzQEwXVCQhsb8HCQcEP8oQ1kM/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-39170766614866318422012-10-09T15:31:00.001-07:002012-10-09T15:31:06.017-07:00Refreshed is...<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Refreshed is packing up the car and getting out of town.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoGU79xLgaGX5xGaDKQEcjgysUPW8tIxUUEkuVjLklkZ-y-1bvnlJIuThWhRy2Wk3R31xsnxFYEhWDhpFRUgTYXKmsbEk-8s6Zlpk7rDkUQu2BeePdUM3QzVQau9zV-0sHqFqflR5hPE/s1600/IMG_2377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoGU79xLgaGX5xGaDKQEcjgysUPW8tIxUUEkuVjLklkZ-y-1bvnlJIuThWhRy2Wk3R31xsnxFYEhWDhpFRUgTYXKmsbEk-8s6Zlpk7rDkUQu2BeePdUM3QzVQau9zV-0sHqFqflR5hPE/s640/IMG_2377.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being in beautiful nature.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoiZrieIZ-4cceImy6xqnR1_Kt6JPqMAUgeYI5jwZUBHPpXNX9NuwsDgldansC5rXU6BaTwYaK2YSd0piMg5aZc_NbSnWasX5J94t-FZv_Ksc_BM2Q4JE8g2R2XMFwC0o9tbzTyWk8nc/s1600/IMG_2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoiZrieIZ-4cceImy6xqnR1_Kt6JPqMAUgeYI5jwZUBHPpXNX9NuwsDgldansC5rXU6BaTwYaK2YSd0piMg5aZc_NbSnWasX5J94t-FZv_Ksc_BM2Q4JE8g2R2XMFwC0o9tbzTyWk8nc/s640/IMG_2383.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz8BrpcRCV88-GY5Sm9DtmwTcmTkf_BZAAq03jl7yZvSLr7K__9E0ECODyp_TXXmizC0g4WnzPl98Mkkm6J7HwFjJUgXrJ_b8e7G16rN_-Z9b-7W5blIVK1eoCav16lGM2gFxB24UVJ0/s1600/IMG_2386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz8BrpcRCV88-GY5Sm9DtmwTcmTkf_BZAAq03jl7yZvSLr7K__9E0ECODyp_TXXmizC0g4WnzPl98Mkkm6J7HwFjJUgXrJ_b8e7G16rN_-Z9b-7W5blIVK1eoCav16lGM2gFxB24UVJ0/s640/IMG_2386.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feeling small (in a good way). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDEZ1JCIf50rB7aQU-93rkn4v71kRQwWDGnD1yRM5HJZtdMt9SMbyLaRbiy-7rtnDhTWHPl9ZCbbrb2FJgjliWX9LgCk_SmLYbHWBi6UXcflZjMdQb-eDTSRX5UK47sSESc1tiQdSXbw/s1600/IMG_2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDEZ1JCIf50rB7aQU-93rkn4v71kRQwWDGnD1yRM5HJZtdMt9SMbyLaRbiy-7rtnDhTWHPl9ZCbbrb2FJgjliWX9LgCk_SmLYbHWBi6UXcflZjMdQb-eDTSRX5UK47sSESc1tiQdSXbw/s640/IMG_2388.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWgyZw1D6ixDdkcaAbzZJnRtTAz7D-G051pSOzD0kAYmMVeZ7chyphenhyphenUWYWRYCa9fux5hbkD_sYi0nKhdC5in2nSLYSuTf4K75Uoehg05A-Y0E8ICFLWHlHAtuZHr_iC5BRidGTCGG8qjkQ/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWgyZw1D6ixDdkcaAbzZJnRtTAz7D-G051pSOzD0kAYmMVeZ7chyphenhyphenUWYWRYCa9fux5hbkD_sYi0nKhdC5in2nSLYSuTf4K75Uoehg05A-Y0E8ICFLWHlHAtuZHr_iC5BRidGTCGG8qjkQ/s640/IMG_2395.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UsrHhQqU41ln8Sk-AtxZZvtfjH2VjqYrNj9FtWDhxYqGXxKH3iEeFfucRvo0AE3-wl9sGHUfEmW2ExShVflbf8LJGlERO-ImN1zOamsx82s7Eu87Ehif-kLnqCLp36IYZV_Pnf-lcOU/s1600/IMG_2406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UsrHhQqU41ln8Sk-AtxZZvtfjH2VjqYrNj9FtWDhxYqGXxKH3iEeFfucRvo0AE3-wl9sGHUfEmW2ExShVflbf8LJGlERO-ImN1zOamsx82s7Eu87Ehif-kLnqCLp36IYZV_Pnf-lcOU/s640/IMG_2406.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Taking it all in.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsrpXjYpinzgBeLJHn3Wfl4OK7uwKuHlLdxZq_6usMOx2sgrnLHKkE4WE8iWlPMUGFTkzl08yIhfGBIP7oWVWqbbcAIFWUzoPyzec8fVSVGSSG5YFI5eKKvmY3wjFUXaWVuMOKzn2Xzk/s1600/IMG_2393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsrpXjYpinzgBeLJHn3Wfl4OK7uwKuHlLdxZq_6usMOx2sgrnLHKkE4WE8iWlPMUGFTkzl08yIhfGBIP7oWVWqbbcAIFWUzoPyzec8fVSVGSSG5YFI5eKKvmY3wjFUXaWVuMOKzn2Xzk/s640/IMG_2393.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Trying something new.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjHj320xnO7Z3mFQjB9hW7ZuPLWwNccAcvFDbA9RqCIIHJ58B1B-ktk3ecw12BTtcJmSNXWw1FQIbNEgYeyef39bGnOKlEPwBO_5kwPVFEkfJm8oKWGQUF7hcL1QS6OEYCfKljXCf8PQ/s1600/IMG_2429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjHj320xnO7Z3mFQjB9hW7ZuPLWwNccAcvFDbA9RqCIIHJ58B1B-ktk3ecw12BTtcJmSNXWw1FQIbNEgYeyef39bGnOKlEPwBO_5kwPVFEkfJm8oKWGQUF7hcL1QS6OEYCfKljXCf8PQ/s640/IMG_2429.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BObImpThU2E-78ycwlh9liCV3Sj7w4ImhRRuqBM12RawqP_hHSl3mY8RMO2A5uAzpN0nQDV704lRfikIcP-4AsQgrwc5q-mPLb5OoiY2U9wuy7edGI0P5Nr9vKymLR4Ikf4FUQOdVsg/s1600/IMG_2439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BObImpThU2E-78ycwlh9liCV3Sj7w4ImhRRuqBM12RawqP_hHSl3mY8RMO2A5uAzpN0nQDV704lRfikIcP-4AsQgrwc5q-mPLb5OoiY2U9wuy7edGI0P5Nr9vKymLR4Ikf4FUQOdVsg/s640/IMG_2439.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWB0nP-jkE2im_lm1KGkft2BiDGeaMQuv4bN0bnSruLzwwbdWDxgxGXwlcJtq-wbSEvnZ-UHuVYb2wrOQZxZijlYDIWaT5BDG-v8i22L8hR3JKFE7C0ztamVvRYbPNl9oUoBQpVGRz9s/s1600/IMG_2436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWB0nP-jkE2im_lm1KGkft2BiDGeaMQuv4bN0bnSruLzwwbdWDxgxGXwlcJtq-wbSEvnZ-UHuVYb2wrOQZxZijlYDIWaT5BDG-v8i22L8hR3JKFE7C0ztamVvRYbPNl9oUoBQpVGRz9s/s640/IMG_2436.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leaving joy-filled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CF7B08NLd8uv2eOsQy9oHsWOKsi6v-fIwa6E8UvdOBrG8GwEmCBh548EYKG4ry7wOX98I18samXXOKu08lGur_ghg9Re1A2cidTAmEmK6JD22s6P5snNgrFgEf3m47gm4SMymNVwl9k/s1600/IMG_2481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><br />
<br />Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-48633632509735816792012-10-06T09:28:00.000-07:002012-10-06T09:36:04.095-07:00I must go.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Muir-Project/240615075966884?fref=ts"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74QY4lzI3zKoL9GEbGM0pScah1YXgXDqb4rCTNz1INE2aB40d_raH4UsvOzRNDIyIiTKd59GgzfNq04AVoz7eFUMFHhnMrxr64fKryUtHR_ZvPlXr-QvBBp9i5QdS4-oWm7uv631Zc4o/s640/523071_503628949665494_2016966250_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Keep close to Nature's heart...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and break clear away once in awhile, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and climb a mountain or </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">spend a week in the woods.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wash your spirit clean.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://youtu.be/6bWiD0YC7s8">-John Muir</a></span></div>
Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-69254453554165605912012-10-05T23:38:00.000-07:002012-10-08T16:44:09.243-07:00When two wrongs make a right. <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You know the saying.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Two wrongs don't make a right. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It may be true, but when I think of my family...our story...I find the exact opposite to be true. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Coming from a shame-based culture, we don't often tell the story of our family, which is a shame to me because, while it's a story of brokenness, hurt and rebellion, it is also the story of confession, forgiveness and reconciliation. Nothing short of a miracle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had first heard about divorce in the fourth grade. A girl transfered to our private, Catholic school and her parents were divorced. By sixth grade, <i>I</i> felt like the oddball, having parents who were still married. I would sit down to our nightly dinners with tween-attitude scoffing at our family tradition. Just one year and many tears later, those memories would feel a lifetime ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When my parents divorced, I was entering the seventh grade. It was a year that triggered a number of rebellious years to come. Let's just say that floating between three homes (mine, my mom's and my aunt's) didn't make for the most stable upbringing. But I understand, in times like these you do what you can to survive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are many reasons for "what happened", as we call it in our family. At the time, much blame was cast. Wrongs done. Now, with hindsight and wisdom, we all realize the various parts we played. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In any case, the result? We were no longer a family, we were now a product of 'divorce'. Though my parents have been remarried 22 years, we've still got the effects of divorce woven into our family, like a thread of blue in a tapestry of golden yellow. Sometimes, you can't tell it's there until you look up close. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now you might be wondering how my parents got remarried to each other. That's where my wrong comes in. During my 9th grade year of school, my rebellion took the form of shoplifting. I'd like to think I was just really rebellious, but I did it for acceptance and I wasn't even really that good. In an act of providence, I got arrested. Busted with a pair of CK jeans and a rayon dress shirt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Somehow I managed to convince the 'mall cops' to release my co-conspirator and I to our cousin who worked at the mall. (This is where I can see my persuasive skills at work at such a young age.) In fact, I never even told my parents about the debacle... until my court date when I realized I wasn't getting out of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a rash attempt of 'coming clean' I told my dad everything. Together, we headed to court. My mom met us there. While I was getting my butt chewed out by a County judge, my parents had their first conversation in four years. There, they agreed on one thing for the first time in years: their wrongs were leading to my wrong. This one agreed truth led to the righting of our family. It led to more civility, which led to more conversations, eventually smiles, dates and the rekindling of a love that had held on to heat like the one coal that won't stop glowing long after the rest of the embers have been put out.<br /><br />Sometimes all it takes is a spark. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And a miracle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tonight, I'm getting ready to head up to Lee Vining for the weekend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm getting ready to spend a weekend in the beautiful High Sierras.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm getting ready to be reunited with the gracious, hospitable, loving community at Community Pres.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But most of all, I'm getting ready to share the story of how once, a long time ago, two wrongs made a right.</span>Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-6945878431905471622012-10-04T23:48:00.000-07:002012-10-04T23:50:19.377-07:00All of us.<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I normally don't like watching commercials. I usually try to mute them when I remember. It's a habit I picked up from Randy and Tina and my days at the White's House. I recognize the benefits of limiting the number of voices I let whisper into my ear. Often these commercials whisper things like "you really need this to be happy/popular/normal" or 'why don't you look/act/feel like that?' So avoiding commercials is one way to help better my odds for contentment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The problem is I really love stories. Commercials, the good ones, are often products wrapped in stories with a great soundtrack for good measure. I'm a sucker for those. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I once saw the sweetest love story told in less than one minute about a boy and a girl and a bottle of Coca-Cola. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, I came across this commercial/story yesterday. It's about a high school freshman soccer goalie, Daniel Cui. After experiencing a crushing series of losses, he was lacking confidence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />That is until something happened....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"He was a normal kid, just like us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have our high's. We have our low's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And that's when we realized we're all Daniel Cui." </span></div>
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-43397879740085874862012-10-03T23:59:00.000-07:002012-10-04T00:10:52.211-07:00Finally home...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">with a minute to spare.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Battery at 1%</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">though, mind and heart are full.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Came home from a long weekend </span></div>
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that still feels like a dream.</span></div>
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The best friends. Laughter. </span></div>
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The boyfriend. So charming.</span></div>
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Came home to a house full of college students</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">them and their sundaes and smiles.</span></div>
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Came home with a tummy full of sundaes of </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">my own</span></div>
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and a smile to outshine the sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Simply happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So sleepy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good night. </span></div>
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-50873642038977726362012-10-02T23:58:00.005-07:002012-10-03T10:32:12.614-07:00Sun and Earth.<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I came across this today on the internet today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Thank you, Facebook.)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not sure what book it's from, what context it was given in, but there is something beautiful about this poem. It's stayed with me all day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love how sweet and selfless it is. Bitterless. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How, because of the sun's commitment to be itself (and shine), the whole sky is blessed. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> resist the temptation to over-analyze the poem, straining it's words through the filter of my own understanding of love, wondering how truly healthy the relationship between earth and sun is. Maybe it's a by-product of seeing one too many marriages fall apart. Like love, appreciating art can often be a battle between the head and the heart. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rather, I read, smile, contemplate and simply allow myself to revel in this kind of love. </span></div>
Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-24219242496475623872012-10-01T10:58:00.000-07:002012-10-03T19:38:25.170-07:00Mail. <blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"One of the saddest casualties of the dehumanizing modern world has been (the) loss of the hand-written letter... The average American receives only 4 percent personal mail, of which 3.8 percent arrives at Christmas time. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We sit imprisoned in our climate-controlled offices with styrofoam cups of coffee in one hand and a plastic mouse in another, and throw open computer windows in our windowless cubicles. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What a blessed relief when at last we limp home to our hearth and find a hand-written letter waiting for us: a real piece of paper, once wrapped inside a living tree, actually touched by human hands-- not computer generated or enhanced-- but with the blood of a pen spilled out on the page in someone's inimitable scrawl... In the modern world, writing a letter is a corporal work of mercy."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-Thomas Ellefson, 1998</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Right now, waiting for me at home is a handwritten letter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Two years ago, I got <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/layla928/8052421793/in/photostream">this</a> email...and my heart just about melted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last year, my mom learned how to find and send an automated e-card. It was the sweetest things, especially knowing it took her about an hour to figure out. In fact, it took so long for her to figure out that when it came to typing a message, it said "Love, mom". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year, aware of that, when my mom asked what I wanted for my birthday, I told her that all I wanted was a letter. A handwritten letter, filled with stories. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcQiFyDsfHRgKg92E9qzrLk7KsQP9le5ciE39gCuF_F1-z4WkyODsLgwFBJNnGr4PekADDp8SbmdRyn_jpLwG0j-fMg28ixwIX3x_bk5n7_e9ClJLw_A9qSZurXpx7HeNZaYFTSlzpcQ/s1600/saturday.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcQiFyDsfHRgKg92E9qzrLk7KsQP9le5ciE39gCuF_F1-z4WkyODsLgwFBJNnGr4PekADDp8SbmdRyn_jpLwG0j-fMg28ixwIX3x_bk5n7_e9ClJLw_A9qSZurXpx7HeNZaYFTSlzpcQ/s400/saturday.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo cred: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2011/10/saturday/">here</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcQiFyDsfHRgKg92E9qzrLk7KsQP9le5ciE39gCuF_F1-z4WkyODsLgwFBJNnGr4PekADDp8SbmdRyn_jpLwG0j-fMg28ixwIX3x_bk5n7_e9ClJLw_A9qSZurXpx7HeNZaYFTSlzpcQ/s1600/saturday.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And now, while I am at the coast, I know that waiting for me at home is a handwritten act of love. A letter written in inimitable scrawl. In a language only few can translate, but is my first. I won't get it for a couple more days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She's called already excited to see my reaction, so I know it's good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can't wait. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-86249749795873715342012-09-30T23:44:00.000-07:002012-10-01T01:34:17.618-07:0030 days.<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://laylainreallife.blogspot.com/2012/09/thirty-days-hath-september_1.html">30 days</a> of telling stories, mine or otherwise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of taking the time to remember, reflect, and record, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">before letting the day move on forgotten. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Putting color to the canvas, so to speak, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and being amazed at the reflection staring back at me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feeling the satisfaction of completing a challenge, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">but more so, finding my voice once again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">30 days of spontaneous and planned adventures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With trips to both the right and left coasts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Full of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Us_declaration_independence.jpg">declarations of independence</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/layla928/8042696152/in/photostream">declarations of interdependence</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The joy of sibling reveling. Crazy family antics. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And messy memories made with mud</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On magical safari's with roaring elk calls and all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">30 days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of being brave. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Taking risks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Living in the present. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Winking back at life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of laughter. laughter. laughter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">30 days doesn't seem that long. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the grand scheme of things, it's just a drop in the bucket.<br />But something tells me, best case scenario, that maybe...just maybe these 30 days...will be more than that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One can hope. But two is even better. </span></div>
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Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616880362522014545.post-38886046349630053572012-09-29T23:44:00.000-07:002012-09-30T00:13:37.369-07:00Me, Too! <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/AVvXsEi2qHgtVFrhurNenTujupHJC1P_LAS06VMY3PPYhf_TdsOPe5OQlmzqlyZFXqs58rvoqDSsROJijp6hInJ_-f7oO8bV7baC5aHOTPr3DJPB-W8FiyXHn9VcsFZeg_bEReCkPVzFr3CDst8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qHgtVFrhurNenTujupHJC1P_LAS06VMY3PPYhf_TdsOPe5OQlmzqlyZFXqs58rvoqDSsROJijp6hInJ_-f7oO8bV7baC5aHOTPr3DJPB-W8FiyXHn9VcsFZeg_bEReCkPVzFr3CDst8/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Balcony view from our girlfriend's getaway! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">"What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"> -C.S. Lewis</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tonight, we inadvertently played a round of "Me, too!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over dinner. Over dark chocolate. Over a glass of wine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The seven of us sprawled out around the hotel suite for a casual night in. Telling stories, laughing. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It's what we do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You know that moment, with a group of friends, when you think about something to share and wonder if you should? Does it match their vulnerability? Would you be embarrassed? Something compels you to take the risk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is no better feeling in that moment, after you are silent, to hear... "Me, too!" And then laughter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Order is important here.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not only is friendship born in these moments, but nurtured. </span></div>
Blah Blah Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081200913214278766noreply@blogger.com0