tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57658543398274678562024-03-13T13:18:52.691-07:00Becoming A FinisherSarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-21881546593008492002013-12-27T05:54:00.000-08:002013-12-27T05:54:51.742-08:00This is the EndI have been working through Susannah Conway's <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/2013/12/lets-make-some-magic-in-2014/" target="_blank">Unraveling The Year Ahead 2014</a>. It is a free downloadable PDF workbook. It is a super helpful way for me to organize my thoughts regarding reflecting back on 2013 and for setting goals for 2014.<br />
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At the end of the reflection time for 2013, Susannah asks us to write out anything we need to say to the old year or things we want to say goodbye to.<br />
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I had three things:<br />
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1. <b>Goodbye to the Edge</b> - I have been standing on the edge for a good part of 2013, watching and waiting and wondering when it was going to be the time to step off the edge. The time is now, 2014.<br />
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2. <b>Goodbye to Fear </b>- I took Brene Brown's e-course The Gifts of Imperfection this fall. A quote that was a big catalyst in her life has also really inspired me for 2014. The quote is by Theodore Roosevelt from his Man in the Arena speech.<br />
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<b><i>"It is not the critic who counts;</i></b><br />
<b><i> not the man who points out</i></b><b><i> how the strong man stumbles,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. </i></b><br />
<b><i>The credit belongs to the man </i></b><b><i>who is actually in the arena,</i></b></div>
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<b><i> whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes up short again and again,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; </i></b><br />
<b><i>but who does actually strive </i></b><b><i>to do the deeds; </i></b><br />
<b><i>who knows great enthusiasms,</i></b><b><i> the great devotions;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>who spends himself in a worthy cause;</i></b><br />
<b><i> who at the best knows in the end </i></b><b><i>the triumph of high achievement,</i></b><br />
<b><i> and who at the worst, </i></b><b><i> if he fails, at least </i></b><b><i>fails while daring greatly,</i></b></div>
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<b><i> so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls</i></b></div>
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<b><i> who neither know victory nor defeat."</i></b></div>
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Finally the 3rd one, which is the hardest one for me to say goodbye to, but it is time. I have been toying with idea for the latter half of the 2013.</div>
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3. <b>Goodbye to Becoming a Finisher </b>- This blog has served me well for two years and it was a great starting point for blogging. Some of my best and favorite stories are here, but it is time to put my focus on Paisely Rain Boots. No need to worry though the writing will not end, if anything I will be devoting more time to writing in 2014.<br />
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The words from Adele's song Skyfall from the James Bond Movie of the same name kept playing in my head as I wrote these three things out.<br />
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<b><i>This is the end</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Hold your breath and count to ten</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Feel the earth move and then</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Hear my heart burst again</i></b></div>
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<b><i>For this is the end</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I've drowned and dreamt this moment</i></b></div>
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<b><i>So overdue I owe them</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Swept away, I'm stolen</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Let the sky fall</i></b></div>
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<b><i>When it crumbles</i></b></div>
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<b><i>We will stand tall</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Face it all together</i></b></div>
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Time to stand tall in 2014 and go forth courageously.</div>
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Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-42542562991674234762013-12-01T16:52:00.000-08:002013-12-01T16:52:37.002-08:00Composting the Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Autumn I have lived very much in the moment. Particularly on a daily basis, through my camera lens. Everyday the focus was on getting the next picture for my 365 project, hoping it would be even better than the photo the day before. In this single minded focus somewhere along the way I lost my inner voice, that voice I rely on to write.<br />
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Now don't get me wrong my daily pursuit of my photography this Autumn has been more than worthwhile. I have learned so much about myself, my photography style, and yes how to get a better photograph. But when I am really honest with myself, for me photography is only half of what makes me whole. I need the words, the story, as much as I need the photograph.<br />
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I didn't realize how much I was missing that inner voice until I started reading Natalie Goldberg's <a href="http://nataliegoldberg.com/books/writing-down-the-bones/" target="_blank">Writing Down the Bones</a>. This book has been sitting on my bookshelf next to my bed for nearly a year now, but I always think you can't really read something until you are ready to listen to what it has to say.<br />
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When I got to Natalie's chapter on <b>Composting</b> these words of her's really struck a chord with me:<br />
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<i>"Our senses by themselves are dumb. They take in experience, but they need the richness of sifting for a while through our consciousness and through our whole bodies. I call this "composting." Our bodies are garbage heaps: we collect experience, and from the decomposition of the thrown-out eggshells, spinach leaves, coffee grounds, and old steak bones of our minds come nitrogen, heat and very fertile soil. Out of this fertile soil bloom our poems and stories. But this does not come all at once. It takes time. Continue to turn over and over the organic details of your life until some of them fall through the garbage of discursive thoughts to the solid ground of black soil."</i><br />
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This is what I had been missing; that reflective time, the composting, the sifting of experiences to make rich, fertile black soil in order to grow words, grow stories.<br />
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I feel that December is always that month of reflection, a time to look back over this past year, the time and place to sift through our experiences. I am going to be doing some composting this month and see what black soil emerges.Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-5396403632153077782013-09-18T17:36:00.000-07:002013-09-19T02:22:26.400-07:00"So What Do You Do?"Whenever you meet new people the inevitable question is going to come up "So what do you do?" which translates to "What do you do to make money?".<br />
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From the time I was 18 up until two years ago that question never bothered me. I always had an answer to that question " I am a receptionist for a new home builder", "I am a data-entry clerk for a library furniture manufacturer", "I work in retail". People understood those answers.<br />
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Even the couple of years that I stayed home when Mallory was in elementary school, people understood being a stay at home mom.<br />
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But now...what do I say I do now?<br />
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Technically, I am a photographer. I do product photography for a furniture store for their website and Facebook page, and I do get paid for that, but what I do is so much bigger than that.<br />
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What caused me to start thinking on this subject is a statement from Stephanie Levy who is teaching the <a href="http://www.stephanielevy.blogspot.com/p/wild-courage-e-course.html" target="_blank">Wild Courage</a> class I am taking. She says "I often wonder why it is so difficult for most artists and creative people to say - publicly and out loud - I am an artist or I am a writer or I am a photographer".<br />
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The answer for me is FEAR. The fear of explaining what I do, the fear of being misunderstood about what I do. The fear of not being good enough.<br />
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What tangible evidence is there of my work? I haven't won any prizes for my photography, I haven't written a book. I don't do portrait sessions. So how can I say that I am a photographer or a writer?<br />
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I am not doing what I do for the money, I am doing it because I love it. I have heard in a couple of different sermons this year something that really struck me. God is the master artist and creator, he gave me these gifts and passions that I have, to use and be proud of, not to hide under a bushel.<br />
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So I am going to look fear in the eye, gather my courage and start saying "I am a photographer, a writer and an explorer". Who knows what interesting conversations might come from that statement.<br />
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What are you afraid to say that you do?<br />
<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-35851634360477614672013-08-28T13:54:00.000-07:002013-08-28T13:54:07.494-07:00Time AloneI have been alone for the past two days. Alone for the first time in almost two months. First there was the busyness of getting ready for a two week vacation, then there was the vacation itself. Once home again there was the joy of spending time with Mallory and getting her ready to go back to college.<br />
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All these things have been wonderful, but they have left me with no time alone to think. My creative energy has been running on empty. Yesterday I realized why I have been floundering, the voice in my head has been missing. That "voice" fuels my creative fire.<br />
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I have been super productive the last two days. I was getting so many things crossed off of my to-do list, but I still wasn't taking time to just be.<br />
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Last night I decided to go to one of my favorite places, Lake Michigan. Sand and water are tinder for my soul. I was on the hunt for "numbers", which was the prompt of the day for a photo challenge that I am participating in during the month of August.<br />
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When I reached the end of the pier I found my "numbers" in some graffiti. Content to snap a photograph with my iPhone to transform later at home on my iPad, I started to wander back along the boardwalk towards the parking lot.<br />
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During this wandering is when it happened, the voice in my head returned. That glorious voice made me do a leap of joy. I was all alone out there, but really I would have jumped even if other people had been around.<br />
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That's when I realized this voice in my head, which I have generally taken for granted or wished would go away, is my creative muse. Photography ideas started popping into my head in rapid succession, this story started writing itself, and I felt alive again.<br />
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Driving home with all these ideas swirling in my head, I began again the debate I often have with myself. Which passion to pursue? Photography or writing?<br />
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<b>Photography:</b> I love the challenge of photography and the learning that goes into the process. I may never hit it "Big" as a photographer, but I would like to at least print some of my own stuff to hang on my walls.<br />
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<b>Writing:</b> I love it when the stories effortlessly write themselves, but I must have that voice in my head in order to write. Otherwise I am just an empty vessel.<br />
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While reading before bed last night, the answer presented itself. I am reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Homemade-Life-Stories-Recipes-Kitchen/dp/1416551069/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377722968&sr=1-1&keywords=the+homemade+life" target="_blank">A Homemade Life: Stories and recipes from my kitchen table by Molly Wizenberg</a>. She was writing about why she blogs, <i>"I write about food and cooking, and in that sense I aim to be informative, but I write about my life some too, since it intersects with food roughly three times a day. I don't think many of us are terribly interested in recipes that have no stories or real-life context. <b>For me, the two are inseparable. One is pale and boring without the other."</b></i><br />
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Substituting my photography and exploring for her food and cooking, I had my answer to that nagging question once and for all.<br />
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Next time I am feeling uncreative or lose that voice in my head, I know that I must set some time aside to be by myself, head to the beach, and all will be well again.Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-89832017781285595472013-08-11T10:43:00.000-07:002013-08-14T03:58:19.200-07:00The Pool of Chaos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When you throw an introvert into a pool of chaos it quickly becomes a life threatening situation.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KLK3TyuwAw/Ugbdh6MOg0I/AAAAAAAAEpY/DHddyWtkOmY/s1600/Crowded-Swimming-Pool-Tokyo-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KLK3TyuwAw/Ugbdh6MOg0I/AAAAAAAAEpY/DHddyWtkOmY/s1600/Crowded-Swimming-Pool-Tokyo-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
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If a life preserver is not offered to the introvert in a short amount of time, the feeling of drowning begins.</div>
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The Life Preserver - is a place far from the edge of the pool. A place that is quiet and filled with only the introvert. The introvert needs this place to see the chaos but not be a part of it. A place where they can observe and process what is going on, so they can figure out where they will best fit into the pool party. </div>
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Drowning - If the life preserver is not offered the feeling of drowning soon begins. The introvert thrashes out trying desperately to keep their head above water, but quickly they become tired, the life drains out of them and a feeling of depression fills them instead. </div>
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One introvert can not save another introvert because they are too busy trying to keep their own head above water.</div>
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An extrovert will never understand the feelings of the introvert, as much as, the introvert tries to explain it, or how many times they go to the same pool party. For the extrovert, Life is the pool party.</div>
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The only thing that can save the introvert is that life preserver, the place, and time. So they can figure out where they fit in and always, always the introvert needs a purpose.</div>
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Give the introvert a job, a purpose, a way to use their gifts and talents and they will be so happy. Resuscitation has occurred.</div>
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<i>*After I wrote this story I decided to reread Susan Cain's - Quiet: The Power of the Introvert in a World that Can't Stop Talking. Trying to make some sense of my Introverted Life.</i></div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-30499888486002075102013-06-29T08:07:00.002-07:002013-06-29T18:39:38.729-07:00All That is Left is the Roses<div style="line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennifernish/5715417971/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="classy"><img alt="classy by jennifernish" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2413/5715417971_e4cceb471b.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennifernish/5715417971/">classy</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennifernish/">jennifernish</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
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We have lived in our current house for almost 10 years now, and many days of those 10 years have been spent walking with Riley and Scout through our neighborhood.<br />
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I have seen many changes to the neighborhood over these past 10 years. Mainly in the form of houses being bought and sold. Younger families moving in and older couples moving out, needing a smaller place with less yard.<br />
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There have also been the cases where the moving truck comes but only half of the house's possessions leave. A sad reminder that vows pledged to spend a lifetime together didn't go as planned.<br />
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There are also two houses that I know of where only one spouse remains but for a different reason, a reason of great sadness. The lifetime that they envisioned together cut short by a ravaging disease.<br />
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The two houses that I thought about most this morning on our walk have experienced the ultimate loss, the loss of it's sole surviving occupant.<br />
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The first house was owned by an elderly lady, who was easily in her 80's when we moved here. She only lived in the house in the summer. I am assuming spending the colder months in a warmer climate.<br />
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<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c66LeU10mv8/Uc8QNUE4EPI/AAAAAAAAETU/ktaTm56RZfc/s500/7346644374_249cb145cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c66LeU10mv8/Uc8QNUE4EPI/AAAAAAAAETU/ktaTm56RZfc/s1600/7346644374_249cb145cf.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buick, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cdine/" target="_blank">cdine </a>on Flickr</td></tr>
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I remember she would come roaring out of her driveway in her monstrous Buick, making me extremely cautious as I approached her house. In the Winter when I walked past I could see through the thin sheer curtains the mannequin she had sitting on the couch. As the Winter wore on the mannequin's head would tilt closer and closer to her shoulder. Anyone just causally passing by would think the dear lady had passed on and was slowly deteriorating.</div>
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One Spring there was no roaring Buick but instead a For Sale sign in the front yard, and all her possessions were lined up in the driveway as part of an Estate Sale. Quite quickly the house was sold to the people next door, who tore it down and made the former site of the house a green space and garden. I miss the old gal and her Buick, but most of all, I miss seeing that mannequin in the window every Winter.</div>
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It is the second house that got me writing this post in my head as the dogs and I continued our Journey towards home. As we rounded the corner at our half way point in the walk, there they were...his lovingly cared for roses lit beautifully by the early morning sun. In glorious full bloom along his split rail fence. Each Spring he would be out there on his wheeled garden stool, tenderly weeding around each rose bush.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saskia II (KC-19) a photo by<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handforged/" target="_blank"> handforged</a> on Flickr</td></tr>
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I never exchanged many words with him other than the occasional "hello", "Good Morning" or "it's a beautiful day", so I don't know much about his life other than what I observed. I know that he loved to sail at one point in his life, since there was a beauty of a wooden sailboat that sat in his side yard. I never saw it leave that spot though, so I think he was past his sailing days, but once in a while I would see him on a ladder next to it tinkering away, so I know he still loved his boat, possibly as much as he loved those roses.</div>
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I knew things changed the year the ceramic Christmas tree stayed on the table in the front window through all four seasons. Then the sad things happened, a For Sale sign went up on the sailboat, and a For Sale sign went in the front yard. I saw the cars with the out of state license plates emptying the house into a U-Haul truck. </div>
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It took a while for the house to sell, and I am not sure the new owners live there other than in the summer. Thankfully though they have left his roses and have even weeded around them. They still bloom gloriously every summer, an ongoing testimony to the love he put into them. </div>
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Someday we will sell this house and downsize, moving closer to wherever Mallory finally settles. This made me wonder what people will remember about me and our house. I am hoping they will remember the lady who dutifully walked her two golden retrievers through the heat of Summer, the rain of Spring and the cold of Winter. They will remember the house that always had it's garage door open when we were home. They will remember the lady who did still life photography on her front porch, and the year she finally did something with her hideous side garden and made it beautiful.</div>
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What will people remember about you and your house? I would love to hear your story.<br />
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Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-5328904820333915172013-06-16T15:18:00.000-07:002013-06-16T15:18:02.119-07:00Not Much to Say...Ok... that isn't really true. I have lots to say, just no time to say it.<br />
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Summer is flying by way too fast. I know for those of you with kids in Elementary School through High School your summer just started, but for those of us with college kids, our summer is half over already.<br />
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Mallory leaves for her 5 week Campus Crusade Summer Mission Project trip to Montana in less than two weeks. We leave for our two week road trip to Montana in just over a month. By the time we all get home from Montana, there will be two and a half weeks before we pack Mallory up, take her back to school and move her into her apartment. So time is becoming very precious...<br />
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Hence why I have not been writing much here at Becoming a Finisher. I have been focusing my spare time on my photography this summer. I am sure it is because of our road trip. I want to be the best I am capable of so that I can capture some awesome shots on this trip. The scenery promises to be amazing, so I need to bring my A game.<br />
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For the moment I seem to have worked through all my heavy, thought provoking problems. I am sure given time that some new ones will find me.<br />
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Exercise - I am still working out with my personal trainer, Maribeth once a week. I am also still taking the High Intensity Interval Training class on Thursday nights. I dropped yoga for the summer, just to free up a day. I have started on the chin-up bar in the last couple of weeks, I am up to 5 shaky ones. Goal is to get to 7 strong ones.<br />
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Weight - Is in the maintenance mode, mainly I am gaining muscle, as we continue to concentrate on my upper body strength.<br />
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Self-Portraits - I haven't had much spare time to work on these this summer, and to be honest no burning desire to work on them right now. I did convince Mallory to take a new profile picture of me this week. It is current - the current season, the current hair style and length, although...new glasses are coming next week.<br />
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Food - Meals continue to be hit or miss around here. I am mainly sticking to things that can be heated up quickly and fast meals. Although, Mallory did make a delicious, healthy Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp the other night. Get the recipe<a href="http://cookieandkate.com/2013/strawberry-rhubarb-crisp/" target="_blank"> here</a>.<br />
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Yes, the ice cream may diminish the healthy qualities a wee little bit, but it is so yummy!</div>
<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-72198701805358906072013-06-02T12:08:00.000-07:002013-06-02T12:08:35.013-07:00I'm a Glasses Kind of GirlI wanted them to work...<br />
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Okay maybe I was only kind of hopeful they would work. But I did give them a try and much to my disappointment or delight they just aren't for me.<br />
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I spent last Wednesday morning in a one-on-one contact session, learning how to put them in and take them out, as well as, general care. It only took me ten minutes and I had the whole in and out routine under control.<br />
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I have worn contacts before, but that was back in high school, so almost 30 years ago. Back then you had very few choices, basically there was hard or soft. One pair lasted you for a whole year, hopefully.<br />
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Today there is daily wear, two week wear and more.<br />
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I tried the daily wear last week Wednesday. I was not impressed with those. They don't make the prescription I need for my right eye, so everything was a bit fuzzy in that eye. There was also a weird gapping on the sides in my peripheral vision. I couldn't wait to get home and take those out.<br />
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Today I tried the two week wear ones. They fit better and the prescription was correct for both eyes, but my close up vision was not so good (normally it is fine). I had to don my husband's readers to write my check out for church. So what am I gaining here by going to contacts? Nothing!<br />
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The really weird thing about wearing contacts for me was that I felt so exposed. I never thought I was hiding behind my glasses, but I guess they are a barrier between me and the world, and I am okay with that.<br />
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I have been looking at new frames while all of this has been going on. I have found a couple pair that I really like. I want something a little different from what I have now. When you wear the same thing everyday for two years you like to change it up a bit.<br />
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I was almost ready to make my frame decision when the owner of my favorite optical shop dangled a carrot in front of me. He said "I have a lot of new frames coming into the store in the next couple of weeks". I will keep these two options in mind (I do have a favorite) when the new ones come in and see if anything else tempts me. So you might get to see a few more options before the final decision is made.Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-4205000932082402622013-05-19T03:41:00.000-07:002013-05-19T03:41:04.576-07:00Standing on the Edge<i><b>If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try ~ Seth Godin</b></i><br />
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I have been standing on the Edge for a while now. On the Edge of something big, on the Edge of adventure, and on the Edge of Fear.<br />
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Last Sunday, I heard the message I have needed to hear for months now about facing the Edge. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I automatically sat up straighter in my chair. Then I started frantically searching for a piece of paper and a pen to take notes. Hoping I hadn't missed anything important while this searching was going on.<br />
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I was obviously suppose to be sitting in the congregation that day and not upstairs doing the power point slides, which I do a couple times a month. I will admit when I am upstairs the sermon may not always have my full attention, but a good book might :)<br />
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Here are some key points from that message that caught my attention:<br />
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<li>I have been given certain life experiences, certain life passions, certain gifts, and certain people in my path (especially in the last year) as He has prepared me for this Edge.</li>
<li>The Edge comes when He connects with us through ordinary events, and through ordinary people as He begins to take us on an Extraordinary Journey.</li>
<li>Standing on the Edge almost always creates a dance between belief and doubt.</li>
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Haven't you had those arguments with yourself in which you say you can't and that Voice inside of you says "Yes, you can"? You say your afraid and the Voice says "It doesn't matter, you have to do it".<br />
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What it comes down to is Belief and Trust. Belief in yourself and Trust in God, or whomever your inner voice is.<br />
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Here are some things that have me standing on the Edge:<br />
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<li>Hanging around with my friend <a href="http://paisleyrainboots.blogspot.com/2013/04/catching-up.html" target="_blank">Jane</a> has brought about some opportunities that I would never have tried by myself.</li>
<li>Connecting with new people. As an introvert this has always been a challenge for me. Creating new friends via a Facebook Group last year really opened the door for me on this one. I consider some of these women that I have never met, very dear friends. Now random new people seem to be popping into my life all the time, and I am loving it.</li>
<li>Starting a new series on my other blog,<a href="http://paisleyrainboots.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> PaisleyRainBoots</a>, called Passionate People. This series will be about interviewing and photographing people and the things that they are passionate about. A big step out of my comfort zone, but something I am feeling very passionate about doing. The first one in the series will be posted sometime this week.</li>
<li>Contemplating going to <a href="http://douglasbeasley.com/master-class-the-sacred-urban-landscape/" target="_blank">this </a>photography workshop in Houston in November. BIG STEP! But if I don't continue to push myself I will never grow into who I am suppose to be.</li>
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I have been standing on the Edge for a while now, afraid to take that next step wherever it might lead. The time is now to Believe and Trust and step off the Edge.<br />
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How about you? Are you standing on the Edge?Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-80255210389599635032013-05-12T02:37:00.000-07:002013-05-12T02:37:23.145-07:00Being a Mom Happy Mother's Day!<br />
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My husband would quite often ask me as our daughter got into the middle school and high school years, why did I continue to wake her up each morning, make her breakfast, and then clean up her breakfast dishes. My reply was always "I don't mind, it's not a big deal".<br />
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Well this week she is back home from college for the summer, and once again I am waking her up, making her breakfast, and packing her lunch. She does take care of her breakfast dishes now. As I was doing these things this week I got to thinking about my husband's question again.<br />
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Then it dawned on me, the reason that I do these things is because I wish my mom had done these things for me when I was growing up. My mom worked 2nd shift through much of my elementary school years. She would still be in bed in the morning when I had to get up. So I was on my own to get dressed, make my own breakfast, and pack my own lunch. I walked to the bus stop with a neighbor girl and if it was raining or snowing, her mom would drive us to the bus stop.<br />
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I have always strived to be different than my mom, maybe a bit to the excess, but I am one who always errs on the side of too much instead of not enough.<br />
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I have made a very conscience effort to have the relationship with Mallory that I don't have with my own mother. To be fair to my mom, a lot of it isn't her fault. The only child of a loveless marriage, and the daughter of a hot headed, first generation Italian farmer. My grandpa's motto was work, work and work harder. Leisure activities were unheard of in their family. These factors had a huge effect on her.<br />
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I know that my mom loves me and my brother, she just didn't have the best parenting role models to learn how to express that love.<br />
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I was fortunate to have some close friends growing up that had wonderful relationships with their moms. So I watched and learned, and tucked all the information away for the day when I was a mom. I knew that I wanted that wonderful kind of relationship with my own daughter.<br />
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Today, my daughter is 19 and just finished her sophomore year of college. Even though most of the year she lives 8 hours away, we are still very close. We talk on the phone everyday, and I am almost always the first person she wants to talk to when something exciting or interesting has happened.<br />
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I treasure the time we get to spend together when she is home. I know that someday soon I will have to share her with someone else, and I may not be the first person she calls when something exciting happens, but I will probably be the second. I know that we will always be close and that we will still talk almost everyday.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FAVORITE MOTHER/DAUGHTER PHOTOS</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FORMAT CHANGE</span></u></b></div>
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This week marks a format change for Becoming a Finisher...</div>
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I will only be posting weight once a month from now on, since Maribeth informed me this week, that at this point I am only going to gain muscle, not lose much more fat. So the 1/2 lb gain/loss is getting too depressing to post every week.</div>
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I am in a nice routine with my exercise, so nothing too new and exciting. If I come across something, I will share it with you all.</div>
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Recipes will be hit and miss as we move into the summer season. Everybody seems to be coming and going at different times. The turkey bacon wraps I eat when I am by myself are only exciting once.</div>
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I will be focusing more on a story every week (hopefully) since the stories to me are the most important at this point. I plan to continue posting self-portraits as well. Since the weather is finally getting nicer, I hope to have more opportunities to get out and take some.</div>
<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-20494054872753330742013-05-05T16:59:00.000-07:002013-05-05T16:59:40.090-07:00Letting Go - Week 18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Sometimes love means letting go when you want to hold on tighter.” </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> ― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/175855.Melissa_Marr" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Melissa Marr</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2327820" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Ink Exchange</a></i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb8npZJx_Rg/UYQbhuzRpNI/AAAAAAAAD5s/4R4CN2ER4Zo/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb8npZJx_Rg/UYQbhuzRpNI/AAAAAAAAD5s/4R4CN2ER4Zo/s400/IMG_0459.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We spent part of this last week driving the 8 hours to where our daughter goes to school, packing up her dorm room possessions and driving the 8 hours back home again. Thankfully this was spread out over the course of three days.</div>
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It was bittersweet saying goodbye to a couple of Mallory's friends that are Seniors this year and are graduating. We are the parents that like to hang out with our daughter's friends, so we have gotten to know these girls over the last two years. We are so happy for them to be entering the real world and pursuing their dreams, but yet we will miss them next year.</div>
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Saying goodbye made me think of something I read in our church newsletter a couple of weeks ago. Our Senior Pastor was writing about the graduating high school seniors, and about letting them go out into the world beyond our little community. He wrote "The Lord calls us to hold loosely people we treasure so that He can take these treasures and invest them where they are most needed".</div>
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Thankfully I have a couple of years yet before I have to completely let Mallory go. The tears will flow, but I know that we have raised her to let her go. </div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b></div>
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A lovely day out at the golf course yesterday. So I took some "selfies" while driving the cart.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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This week I lost: 0 lbs.</div>
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Total weight loss: 7 lbs.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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I started a new exercise class last week - High Intensity Interval Training - here is the description from the class:</div>
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<i> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">R</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Georgia, Cambria, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;">aise your heart rate, fitness level, and calorie expenditure with short bursts of high intensity cardio, calisthenics, and power moves. Positive team energy fuels this workout you wouldn't do on your own! Elevates mood and metabolism.</span></i></div>
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What they leave out the description is that fact that you do a lot of coordinated moves on the stepping bench. I apologized to the class saying "I'm sorry but God did not bless me with a lot of coordination". I felt bad for the lady behind me, but I did make it through the class and exactly didn't hurt too bad the next day. So I guess I will be going back.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WNwEcDCi-A/UYWKB1C67HI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/yPW2UyfFJl4/s1600/broccoli-and-cheese-mini-omelets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WNwEcDCi-A/UYWKB1C67HI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/yPW2UyfFJl4/s400/broccoli-and-cheese-mini-omelets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have been instructed by my personal trainer to eat more protein and less carbs, especially for breakfast.</div>
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So I made these <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/03/broccoli-and-cheese-mini-egg-omelets-2.html" target="_blank">egg and broccoli muffins</a> ahead of time and stored the extra in the refrigerator, then just heat in the microwave for a minute of so in the morning, along with a couple of slices of bacon, perfect protein.</div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-45816357527996521852013-04-21T15:02:00.000-07:002013-04-21T15:02:35.155-07:00Music for the Journey - Week 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Music is a total constant. That's why we have such a strong visceral connection to it, you know? Because a song can take you back instantly to a moment, or a place, or even a person. No matter what else has changed in you or the world, that one song stays the same, just like that moment.” </span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> ― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2987.Sarah_Dessen" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Sarah Dessen</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1032901" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Just Listen</a></i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_ChJitHfuk/UXLY66C88jI/AAAAAAAAD0U/HrQSuGUwKo8/s1600/IMG_6664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_ChJitHfuk/UXLY66C88jI/AAAAAAAAD0U/HrQSuGUwKo8/s1600/IMG_6664.jpg" /></a></div>
My earliest memories of music were 78 rpm vinyl records spinning on the turnable, and Big Band tunes playing on my Grandpa's console radio that he kept in this beautiful mahogany cabinet with decorative gold leaf trim.<br />
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My mom was a big fan of Country Western; Gene Autry, Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash are the ones that I remember. My dad was never one much for music. I have no memories connecting him with music.<br />
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I remember sleeping over at my Grandma's house and she would play jazz or blues softly on the radio in the bedroom. I always thought that was such a pleasant way to drift off to sleep.<br />
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Then came the late elementary years and the discovery of rock and roll, no disco for me thank you very much. I remember drifting on a raft in the pool, watching the white fluffy clouds in the big blue sky floating along, and WLS out of Chicago cranked up on the radio (when my parents weren't home of course). I thought I was so cool.<br />
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The middle school and high school years were in the 1980's; Big Hair Bands, Heavy Metal and Punk. I liked them all. I have to say that Billy Idol was one of my favorites. Those were the years that music went from 78 rpm records to cassettes, and the best thing was to have a cassette player in your car. Cruising the beach in your 4-door cream colored Chevy Chevette with the music cranked up, those were the days.<br />
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Honestly I don't remember much about 1990's music, except maybe Madonna, and that was usually because she was doing something scandalous.<br />
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The early 2000's and we were very much into Contemporary Christian music. There are lots and lots of CD's and CD cases in our house from that era. Thank goodness for the dawning of the digital music age and the invention of the iPod.<br />
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Today I am kind of all over the place with my musically tastes. On my iPod right now you will find; Adele, The Decemberists, The Goo Goo Dolls and Hootie and the Blowfish. Recent favorite discoveries are Josh Garrels, Of Monsters and Men (thanks to The Voice, I love that show). I am also rediscovering a love of The Big Band era thanks to Grandpa and Pandora radio.<br />
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What's get the most play on your iPod right now?<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b><br />
The theme this week at 52 of You was Music - that worked out well didn't it?<br />
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<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJvDcuGFjig/UXLixUzXyII/AAAAAAAAD0g/VClLNYjcrZ0/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJvDcuGFjig/UXLixUzXyII/AAAAAAAAD0g/VClLNYjcrZ0/s320/IMG_0442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My iPod</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS3sFA_wg-g/UXLi9mXRrRI/AAAAAAAAD0o/OktpnVRR_tw/s1600/IMG_6684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS3sFA_wg-g/UXLi9mXRrRI/AAAAAAAAD0o/OktpnVRR_tw/s1600/IMG_6684.jpg" /></a></div>
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I am not musical instrument inclined, but this is my husband's 12 string guitar and my favorite of his five. I thought it would make for a fun self-portrait.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b><br />
This week I lost: 0 lbs<br />
Total weight loss: 7.5 lbs.<br />
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Holding steady :)<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C0dnNH7P53w/UXLkDAuZ-rI/AAAAAAAAD0s/ni86bvMMwPM/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C0dnNH7P53w/UXLkDAuZ-rI/AAAAAAAAD0s/ni86bvMMwPM/s320/IMG_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Glen and I competed in our first 5K. He ran, I walked fast. I think he finished in 23 minutes, I did it in 44:51 minutes. I kept a fairly fast steady pace the whole time, and was very pleased with my finish. I was happy there were quite a few walkers, and I was definitely not the last one across the finish line.</div>
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This is my favorite way to have asparagus:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OVEN-ROASTED ASPARAGUS</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bPjFNkc-9NY/UXQxnaMkpbI/AAAAAAAAD08/AfeSMB_2eMk/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bPjFNkc-9NY/UXQxnaMkpbI/AAAAAAAAD08/AfeSMB_2eMk/s320/IMG_0405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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1 bunch thin asparagus spears, trimmed</div>
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3 Tbsp. olive oil</div>
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1-1/2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese (optional)</div>
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1 clove garlic, minced (optional)</div>
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1 tsp. sea salt</div>
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1/2 tsp. ground black pepper</div>
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1 Tbsp. lemon juice (optional)</div>
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<li>Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C)</li>
<li>Place the asparagus into a mixing bowl, and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat the spears, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Arrange the asparagus onto a baking sheet in a single layer.</li>
<li>Bake in the preheated oven until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. Sprinkle with lemon juice just before serving.</li>
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<i>**Note: I use shredded Parmesan instead of grated, I like the taste of that better. I mix a little parmesan in the bowl, but sprinkle more on top once it is on the baking sheet. The lemon juice adds nice flavor.</i><br />
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-85350709190841111162013-04-14T14:53:00.000-07:002013-04-14T14:53:45.249-07:00I Needed a Personal Shopper - Week 15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Crying is for plain women. Pretty women go shopping.” </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> ― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3565.Oscar_Wilde" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Oscar Wilde</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2W3GcvXx1M/UWhktc2UgqI/AAAAAAAADus/388AnredwNk/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2W3GcvXx1M/UWhktc2UgqI/AAAAAAAADus/388AnredwNk/s400/IMG_0428.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I only intended to go in and look at the earrings, and maybe, just maybe find a pair that needed to go home with me. They have a wonderful array of dangling gems that sparkle when they catch the light. <span style="text-align: left;">After a careful analysis and many holdings up to my ear, I chose a simple, casual pair, that suited me, a simple, casual girl.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwSRP3c1dDw/UWhk91xJSlI/AAAAAAAADu4/ZV-J9A__c0Y/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwSRP3c1dDw/UWhk91xJSlI/AAAAAAAADu4/ZV-J9A__c0Y/s400/IMG_0421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I turned around, and the explosion of colors sucked me into the depths of the store, it happened so fast I didn't even know I was shopping until I had handed off the earrings, and had two skirts in my hand instead. They were then quickly taken out of my hand and placed in a dressing room. The clothes fitting adventure had begun.</div>
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I had shopped at this store many times before, but it was usually my daughter trying on the clothes. I would half-heartedly try things on, always thinking that I was too old for the styles here. Well, I can tell you that Eileen quickly put that myth to rest. Clothes were flying in and out of that dressing room faster than you can say Jiminy Cricket.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_1v2yV8sSw/UWhm9_ahWtI/AAAAAAAADvI/spl8BUu_Gh0/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_1v2yV8sSw/UWhm9_ahWtI/AAAAAAAADvI/spl8BUu_Gh0/s320/IMG_0424.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love that Eileen took in to account that I am not a tall, skinny, blonde 20 something, but an average height, average weight, middle aged, artificially enhanced red head. She pulled things based on my coloring, my body type, and my hang up about hating my knees. Yet, she pushed me, gently, to try on things I never in a million years would have tried on by myself. Like this dress...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bLshsgYxnU/UWhpn2V610I/AAAAAAAADvk/kl0fV78X7NU/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bLshsgYxnU/UWhpn2V610I/AAAAAAAADvk/kl0fV78X7NU/s400/IMG_0427.JPG" width="272" /></a></div>
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Which may or may not be hanging in my closet right now :) Who knew it would look so stinking cute on.</div>
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Now, I worked in retail for a number of years, so I am very attuned to good customer service, and Eileen rocked it! I appreciate that she wasn't just after the sale. She really wanted me to look good in what I bought. I tried on a dress that I really liked, but she wouldn't let me add it to the potential pile because of the way it bunched in the back just above the bra band. I appreciate that honesty.</div>
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Ladies, I would highly recommend taking a morning or an afternoon for yourself, going to a boutique with amazing customer service, step out of your comfort zone and try some new things on. It is startling what it can do for your self confidence.</div>
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Eileen, you are now my personal stylist for fun, new clothes. Time to put the solid colored shirts and jeans away and live a little.</div>
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<i>*My thanks to Eileen at Tikal for your help and allowing me to take these pictures.</i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b></div>
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The theme this week at 52 of You was color. Thank heaven finally something fun to work on.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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This week I gained: .5 lbs</div>
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Total weight loss: 7 lbs.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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This week at personal training Maribeth got the hula hoop out. Now I haven't done this since I was a kid, so I was a bit skeptical that I could keep it, but I did, for almost two minutes. Apparently hula hooping is the big craze right now with weighted hula hoops for abdominal work.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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This is the second time I have made this pasta salad. It is so good.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Creamy Bacon, Tomato and Avocado Pasta Salad</span></div>
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6 slices of bacon</div>
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1/2 lb. dried rotini pasta</div>
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1/2 cup mayonnaise</div>
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juice of 1 lemon</div>
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1/2 tsp. salt</div>
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1/2 tsp. garlic powder</div>
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1/4 tsp. white pepper</div>
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1 tsp. dried dill</div>
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1 cup halved cherry tomatoes</div>
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1 avocado pitted and sliced</div>
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1. Cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.</div>
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2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Strain. Run cold water over the top until the pasta is cooled.</div>
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3. While your bacon and pasta are cooking, whisk mayonnaise, lemon, salt, garlic powder, pepper and dill together in a bowl.</div>
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4. Stir cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado and reserved bacon into the dressing. Toss to combine. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.</div>
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5. Serve.</div>
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<i>* recipe source is http://www.recipefirst.info</i></div>
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Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-54302159486708689392013-04-07T12:05:00.000-07:002013-04-07T12:05:55.338-07:00Pin Drop - Week 14<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“We sit silently and watch the world around us. This has taken a lifetime to learn. It seems only the old are able to sit next to one another and not say anything and still feel content. The young, brash and impatient, must always break the silence. It is a waste, for silence is pure. Silence is holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. This is the great paradox.” </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> ― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2345.Nicholas_Sparks" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Nicholas Sparks</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1498135" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">The Notebook</a></i><br />
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Last night Glen and I along with some friends of ours attended a unique music experience. We attended a<a href="http://www.pindropconcerts.com/Pages/38/pin-Drop-Concerts/" target="_blank"> Pin Drop Concert</a>. The premise is that the patrons are asked to refrain from talking while the artist is performing. You can still applaud at the end of each song just like a regular concert.</div>
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We have all been to an event where the people around you are so noisy that you can't hear the speaker or the performers. </div>
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Ever the skeptic, I wondered if people would actually sit quietly and listen. So I was on the lookout for offenders. I am happy to report that there was great adherence to the no talking rule. The only offenders I saw was the couple in front of us. She would occasionally look at her phone and then he would lean over and look at it too. Maybe they should have us check our mobile devices at the door :)</div>
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Maybe this Pin Drop mentality should be applied to all events and performances, that way the speaker or artist would always get the respect they deserve for sharing from their heart.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b></div>
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The theme this week at 52 of You was "Morning". I took these selfies while I was out early Friday morning shooting my Walk and Click adventure for my other blog.</div>
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I am sure that if anybody actually watches the surveillance tapes from the estate, they were probably wondering what this lady was doing in the middle of the waterless, water garden. Running back and forth from her camera and tripod to the low wall and iron gate. I am always so grateful that there aren't other people around when I do these self-portraits.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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This week I lost: .5 lbs.</div>
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Total weight loss: 7.5 lbs.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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Maribeth, my trainer must have finally decided I am serious enough about this training stuff. I had to get weight lifter gloves, since my weights keep getting increased each week and it is starting to take a toll on my hands.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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I like to make these sweet potatoes ahead of time and then just reheat when I want them for lunch to go with my turkey wrap.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Roasted Balsamic Sweet Potatoes</span></div>
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1/4 cup decent balsamic vinegar</div>
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1 Tbsp. packed dark brown sugar</div>
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1/4 cup butter</div>
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3-4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch cubes</div>
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1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.</div>
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2. In large skillet bring vinegar and sugar to a boil.</div>
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3. Reduce until it starts to thicken. Add butter and salt. </div>
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4. Over medium heat mix till smooth.</div>
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5. Place potatoes in pan and toss with sauce.</div>
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6. Spread mixture into a baking pan and roast stirring occasionally till potatoes are slightly browned on edges, about 40 minutes.</div>
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7. Serve immediately.</div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-43782734754836953272013-03-31T14:58:00.000-07:002013-03-31T14:58:32.368-07:00I Am Not Alone - Week 13"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"<br />
Matthew 6:26<br />
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Friday morning I vowed to get up early so that I could be at the historic farm I wanted to visit by the time the sun was coming up.</div>
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I did get there shortly after it first peeked over the horizon. I was thrilled to have the place to myself, alone in nature, and able to wander at will.</div>
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After I finished getting the shots I wanted, I decided to drive to and explore the other two park entrances, planning for future photo walks.</div>
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The last entrance that I stopped at is also where the sledding hill is located. After I got out of the car I was delighted to again be the only person there. I headed towards the top of the sledding hill. As I neared the base of the hill this is what I saw.</div>
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I approached slowly and quietly, hoping that this majestic hawk would stay for just a bit so I could get a few pictures of him. I was bummed at first that I didn't have a zoom lens on, but then I thought - no God has given me this gift, just do the best I can with what I have and enjoy it.</div>
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I was able to get fairly close and he just sat there watching me. After I had snapped a few shots of him I climbed to the top of the sledding hill, I sat on one of the benches and just watched him, eventually he flew away. Probably bored with watching me. As I sat there I was reminded of the fact that even when I think I am alone, I am never really alone, God is always watching me. A good reminder on Good Friday.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b></div>
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The theme this week at 52 of You was Black and White. </div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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This week I lost: 0 lbs</div>
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Total weight loss: 7 lbs.</div>
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I am okay with where I am at, at this point if I lose more I will have to buy new jeans, and I would rather wait until Fall to do that. I am hoping shorts season comes soon.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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The weather was very cooperative yesterday, so we took advantage of it and went out hiking. Working on building strength and endurance for hiking in Glacier National Park this summer. Sand dunes are good practice.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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I made my favorite chili recipe this week. Not so sure about the healthy aspect of it, but it is packed with protein.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AWARD WINNING CHILI</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BV6f4jiB9hg/UVirwhuC-FI/AAAAAAAADpQ/V8A8P2PXkoI/s1600/IMG_6148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BV6f4jiB9hg/UVirwhuC-FI/AAAAAAAADpQ/V8A8P2PXkoI/s1600/IMG_6148.jpg" /></a></div>
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1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes, chopped</div>
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1 (6 oz) can tomato paste</div>
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1 carrot, sliced</div>
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1 onion, chopped</div>
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2 stalks celery, chopped</div>
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1/4 cup white wine</div>
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1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes</div>
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1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper</div>
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1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper</div>
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1/3 cup bottled steak sauce</div>
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5 slices bacon</div>
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1-1/2 lbs. ground beef</div>
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1 package chili seasoning mix</div>
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1 tsp. ground cumin</div>
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1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained</div>
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1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro</div>
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1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley</div>
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DIRECTIONS</div>
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<li>In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine tomatoes, tomato paste, carrot, onion, celery, wine, pepper flakes, bell peppers and steak sauce.</li>
<li>While tomato mixture is simmering, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels. Cook beef in bacon drippings until brown; drain. Stir chili seasoning into ground beef.</li>
<li>Stir seasoned beef, cumin and bacon into tomato mixture. Continue to simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.</li>
<li>Stir in beans, cilantro and parsley. Heat through and serve.</li>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-47865821156465797682013-03-24T14:15:00.000-07:002013-03-24T14:15:22.192-07:00Mary Kay Calling - Week 12Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you really need to do, in order to have what you want. <br />
~Margaret Young<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-py55lzMhCps/UU9Q9s1_uFI/AAAAAAAADl8/UucKhWJiJMA/s1600/IMG_5908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-py55lzMhCps/UU9Q9s1_uFI/AAAAAAAADl8/UucKhWJiJMA/s640/IMG_5908.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It might surprise some of you to know that in my early days of motherhood I was a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.</div>
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The thought of getting out once in a while to meet other women and play with makeup sounded like fun to a housebound young mom.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cME2CGvqKM8/UU9Rv-8msCI/AAAAAAAADmE/vM-OM8x2sg4/s1600/IMG_5906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cME2CGvqKM8/UU9Rv-8msCI/AAAAAAAADmE/vM-OM8x2sg4/s640/IMG_5906.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I should have known that when the colors of the lipsticks and eyeshadows were more enthralling than the money making part of the business, that I was destined to be an artist and not a salesperson. Although, the Mary Kay training did come in handy when I worked in retail, selling Pandora jewelry and Vera Bradley bags. And if it wasn't for Mary Kay foundation being so light and covering so well I still probably wouldn't be wearing it.</div>
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What made me think of my past life in Mary Kay is a book I just finished by Brene' Brown called The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364158936&sr=1-1&keywords=the+gifts+of+imperfection" target="_blank">Gifts of Imperfection</a>. In the book Brene' talks about authenticity. "Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be REAL."</div>
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I know when I was a beauty consultant I didn't feel very REAL. I also didn't see a lot that realness in the pep rally meetings, but I did see a lot of fakeness. I remember one of our local directors, who always had a happy smile plastered on her face and had that sappy sweet tone to her voice. I would always think - is she really like this all the time? Does she ever get mad? Or get sad?</div>
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One thing I always strive for in my writing and in my life is authenticity. I want to be REAL. I know that I put myself out there sometimes but that is me, that is me being honest. I am happy, but I also get angry, sad, and discouraged. </div>
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I close with this passage from Brene's book, "If you're like me, practicing authenticity can feel like a daunting choice - there's risk involved in putting your true self out in the world. But I believe there's even more risk in hiding yourself and your gifts from the world."</div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><b><u>SELF-PORTRAITS</u></b></span></div>
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This week's 52 of You theme was work. Since I don't have a 9 to 5 away from the house, I captured some of the stuff I do in my 9 to 5 at home.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oW49OdXncVE/UU9WFfejgtI/AAAAAAAADmU/T-ZCSGRzWkQ/s1600/IMG_5880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oW49OdXncVE/UU9WFfejgtI/AAAAAAAADmU/T-ZCSGRzWkQ/s640/IMG_5880.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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With two golden retrievers, vacuuming is a never ending job.</div>
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Along with dog hair and the tiny bits of gravel that seems to be on everyone's feet when they come in the house, this is another endless task in the winter and spring.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwYfi6g7558/UU9XLs-UqRI/AAAAAAAADmk/BG72s7PhwTo/s1600/IMG_5896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwYfi6g7558/UU9XLs-UqRI/AAAAAAAADmk/BG72s7PhwTo/s640/IMG_5896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A weekly weekend activity, once the work clothes have been worn for the week, and then washed.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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This week I lost: 1 lb.</div>
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Total weight loss: 7 lbs.</div>
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Feeling a little more on track this week.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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This week I started some interval training on the treadmill. I have to walk at a very slow pace (2.5) for 90 seconds and then at an incline of 5.0 and speed of 4.4 for 30 seconds. Heart rate up and heart rate down. I can do up to six sets of this for a total of 20 minutes on the treadmill. This is the first major cardio thing we have added in at training. I love it that I can do it at home as well as at the gym. </div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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I made a salad this week that Glen called an October salad, and it is true with the sweet potatoes and cinnamon it tastes very much like fall. This is the first time I have used Wheat Berries, I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked them.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roasted Sweet Potato & Wheat Berry Salad</b></span></div>
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1.5 cups cooked wheat berries (about 3/4 cup uncooked)</div>
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2 cups of mixed greens (baby kale, spinach, arugula, etc.)</div>
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1 large sweet potato, chopped into cubes</div>
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1/3 cup dried cranberries</div>
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1/3 cup crumbled feta</div>
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1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (toast on a small skillet for 30 seconds)</div>
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pinch of red pepper flakes</div>
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<b>Dressing:</b></div>
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2 Tbsp. olive oil</div>
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1 clove minced garlic</div>
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2 tsp. honey</div>
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1 tsp. apple cider vinegar</div>
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1/4 tsp. cinnamon</div>
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4 sage leaves, finely chopped</div>
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salt & pepper</div>
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<b><u>METHOD:</u></b></div>
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cook the wheat berries: (you can do this ahead of time) Cook these like pasta, not like rice, so the ratio of water doesn't matter, you just need to make sure the water covers them. Fill a pot with water, salt the water, add the wheat berries. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour (sometimes longer). About halfway through check to make sure there is still water covering the wheat berries. If most of your water has been absorbed but your wheat berries are still crunchy, add more water and continue simmering. They are done when they have a soft but still firm, not mushy, bite.</div>
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<b><u>ROAST THE SWEET POTATOES:</u></b></div>
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Chop the sweet potato into bite sized cubes. Drizzle with some olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the edges start to turn darker and roast. </div>
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<b><u>ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:</u></b></div>
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Stir the dressing ingredients together, set aside.</div>
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Place greens in a large bowl. Place the warm wheat berries and hot sweet potatoes over them so they wilt slightly from the heat. Add the dressing, as much or little as you like. Toss. Add in the rest of the ingredients, gently toss again. Taste and adjust seasonings.</div>
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<i>*recipe source <a href="http://www.loveandlemons.com/">www.loveandlemons.com</a></i></div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-32207901219470833842013-03-17T15:21:00.000-07:002013-03-17T15:21:10.756-07:00It's Just a Number - Week 11"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years."<br />
~Audrey Hepburn<br />
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It's just a number or a letter on a label, so why do we as women get so hung up on being a certain size? Instead of the "ideal" number we should be more concerned about how the clothes fit. I personally have jeans that range from a size 6 to a size 12 and they all fit. Although the ones in the middle, the 10's, are the ones that need a belt right now.<br />
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Every clothing manufacturer seems to have their own opinion on what is the perfect size 12.<br />
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What brought this matter to my attention was my daughter. When she was home for Spring Break she was going through her closet and there were a few pairs of jeans on the floor. She asked me what I thought she should do with these. I asked what was wrong with them. She said they were a little tight, but "I hate to get rid of them because they are 1's". Now no young woman with any even the slightest curves should still be wearing a 1. I know she has always prided herself on being small, and she still is, but at 19 you should no longer be shopping in the Junior's Section.<br />
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Embrace your curves and embrace your number on the label. As long as it fits good, that is all that really matters.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b><br />
The theme for this week at 52 of You was details. Which, in my mind can be anything.<br />
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A life necessity is shaving.<br />
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All winter I live in my SmartWool socks.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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This week I gained: .5 lbs</div>
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Total weight loss: 6 lbs.</div>
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If I said that I am not disappointed to be stuck at this plateau I would be lying. I feel like I worked really hard this week and ate quite healthy, but yet the number stays virtually unchanged. I know all that stuff about muscle weighs more than fat, and I know that I am gaining muscle, but still it would be nice to drop just a little bit. I only have 4 lbs. to go to goal weight and I have a feeling they will be hard fought pounds.</div>
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<u><span style="color: #660000;"><b>EXERCISE</b></span></u></div>
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I have a new exercise to do at home using my 1 lb. hand weights, which doesn't seem like much until you are doing this exercise for 2-5 minutes. You have to stand with your back almost touching the wall behind you, stand straight, spine nice and tall, head positioned over shoulders, not out in front of you like a turtle, shoulders back and down. Have the weights in your hands down by your side, palms facing the wall, then bring your arms straight out and up to a 90 degree angle then back down again. It strengthens your neck and shoulders and upper back.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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I have been in love with the sweet potatoes lately, so I tried a couple new recipes, here is one of them:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SWEET POTATO VEGGIE BURGER</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VJni2DQLHk/UUTVtrLlGzI/AAAAAAAADhw/U0LKumXbFCs/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VJni2DQLHk/UUTVtrLlGzI/AAAAAAAADhw/U0LKumXbFCs/s400/IMG_0406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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2 cans cannellini white beans, drained</div>
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1 large sweet potato, baked/peeled/mashed (about 2 cups)</div>
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2 Tbsp. tahini</div>
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2 tsp. maple or agave syrup</div>
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1 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning or Cajun seasoning</div>
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1/4 cup wheat flour</div>
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<i>salt to taste if needed</i></div>
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Plentiful Panko crumbs</div>
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safflower oil for pan</div>
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Whole Wheat Buns</div>
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Directions:</div>
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1. Bake sweet potato. Peel, place in large mixing bowl.</div>
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2. Add drained beans to mixing bowl. Mash beans and potato together.</div>
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3. Mash in seasoning, flour and any additional seasoning. Your mixture will be quite soft and moist. But you should be able to form a patty. Add more flour or a scoop of breadcrumbs to thicken the mixture if needed.</div>
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4. Heat 1 Tbsp. safflower oil in a pan over high heat.</div>
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5. Form a patty from mixture and coat in Panko crumbs. Thick coating. Then drop the patty in the pan. Repeat until the pan is filled. Cook until browned on both sides. You could also bake. If baking, use less Panko.</div>
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6. Transfer cooked patties to paper towel. Cool for a few minutes.</div>
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7. Serve on toasted buns with lotsa toppings</div>
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*toppings - I used baby spinach and honey dijon mustard. Glen wanted cheese slices on his.</div>
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recipes comes from: http://kblog.lunchboxbrunch.com/2012/02/easy-sweet-potato-veggie-burgers-with.html</div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-13341766716705128432013-03-10T16:58:00.000-07:002013-03-10T16:58:02.568-07:00Heart to Heart on the Journey - Week 10You can talk with someone for years, everyday, and still, it won't mean as much as what you can have when you sit in front of someone, not saying a word, yet you feel that person with your heart. You feel like you have known that person for forever...connections are made with the heart, not the tongue"<br />
~C. JoyBell C.<br />
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There is always at least one heart to heart conversation with Mallory when she is home on a break. It is one of those conversations that you just wish would go on all afternoon, and many times it does. There is no rush to be somewhere, no looking at my phone to see what time it is, or looking to see what emails have come in.<br />
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This past Monday over a Cinnamon Dolce Latte, Vanilla Spice Latte, and a couple of chocolate chip cookies, we talked. We talked about all the important things in a college girl's life; boys, school and the future. We talked about all her fears about; boys, school and the future.<br />
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These conversations warm my heart as I see her grow, mature and become the young woman God intends her to be. Seeing her grow up into a beautiful young woman, shows me that making the decision and sacrifice to be a mostly stay at home mom was so worth it.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b><br />
This week's 52 of You theme was reflections. I snapped a couple yesterday when Mallory and I were at my parent's house.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b><br />
This week I lost: 0 lbs.<br />
Total weight loss: 6.5 lbs.<br />
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Considering all the eating out that I did this past week, I am quite happy that I stayed the same and didn't gain.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b><br />
A new machine to conquer this week at personal training. This is kind of a combination Elliptical/Stair Stepper machine. Targeting my gluts was the goal, and it definitely gets the burn on.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xi7B-RfLQVw/UTz7uBY3Z_I/AAAAAAAADfA/REVDCij7qNo/s1600/IMG_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xi7B-RfLQVw/UTz7uBY3Z_I/AAAAAAAADfA/REVDCij7qNo/s400/IMG_0381.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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A wonderful healthy dessert: Raspberries with plain Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.</div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-76296282636289488592013-03-03T17:05:00.000-08:002013-03-03T17:05:17.577-08:00A Quiet Moment on the Journey - Week 9"Snow falling soundlessly in the middle of the night will always fill my heart with sweet clarity"<br />
~Novala Takemoto, Missin'<br />
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There is something magical about standing in the heart of the woods in the gray morning light, a blanket of freshly fallen snow all around you. The only sound you hear is the squeaky crunch of your boots walking on that beautiful snow. The quiet of the woods envelopes you as you head down the trail, your footprints the lone ones.<br />
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I had one of those magical moments last weekend when we were in Marquette visiting our daughter at college. We were out at Presque Isle Park at a reasonable morning hour by my standards (early by college student standards). Glen and Mallory had ventured over to the icy, snowy rocks along the edge of Lake Superior. I continued along the trail by myself with my camera in hand. Nobody had snow shoed or skied on this section of the park yet and there was a fresh blanket of snow from the night before covering everything.<br />
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The quiet was priceless.<br />
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Maribeth, my personal trainer has me working on stepping back and observing myself in my life. You would think that as a writer and photographer I would already do that, but I don't, not really. I need to observe how I interact with others and my environment. One thing I always knew but became even more aware of doing this exercise is that I need periods of quiet. There is already so much going on in my head that with constant noise around me as well, eventually I become overwhelmed and cranky from too much noise.<br />
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So I am working on creating more periods of quiet in my day, and more walks in the woods.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b><br />
This week's theme at 52 of You was Eyes. It is very hard to hold the camera pointed at yourself and get it to focus on your eyes. My theme should have been eyebrows, since the camera seemed to find them without a problem. Which just drew attention to the fact that they desperately need to be waxed. I will be calling Nicole on Monday to set up an appointment for a brow waxing asap.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFYhZ2jHah0/UTPBOnXaFgI/AAAAAAAADa4/eVfM8AKV_-o/s1600/IMG_5273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFYhZ2jHah0/UTPBOnXaFgI/AAAAAAAADa4/eVfM8AKV_-o/s640/IMG_5273.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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This week I lost: 0 lbs.</div>
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Total Weight Loss: 6.5 lbs.</div>
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I am happy with this, since we were traveling last weekend and dining at our favorite Marquette restaurants. </div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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Things are going well at the gym. We have narrowed it down to the fact that I really need to work on strengthening my lower back muscles and my gluts. My arms and legs are fairly strong, they are over compensating for my weak low back.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4CQn2Q5w5I/UTPDVP_UI-I/AAAAAAAADbI/4XZI72V_8Eo/s1600/IMG_5415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4CQn2Q5w5I/UTPDVP_UI-I/AAAAAAAADbI/4XZI72V_8Eo/s1600/IMG_5415.jpg" /></a></div>
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I discovered these great bars this week. Just to be clear they are not candy bars and they don't taste like them. They do fill you up and give you needed energy between meals. I have one packed in my camera bag and one in the car. Just in case I am out somewhere longer than anticipated.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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I made one of my favorite soups this week.</div>
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<b>SAUSAGE TOMATO SOUP</b></div>
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1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage</div>
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1/2 lb. lean ground beef</div>
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1 medium onion, chopped</div>
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1 small green pepper, chopped</div>
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1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained</div>
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1 can (14-1/2 oz.) beef broth</div>
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1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce</div>
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1/2 cup picante sauce</div>
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1-1/2 tsp. sugar</div>
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1 tsp. dried basil</div>
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1/2 tsp. dried oregano</div>
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In a large saucepan, cook the sausage, beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomatoes, broth, tomato sauce, picante sauce, sugar, basil and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.</div>
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Nutritional information: 1 cup serving (prepared with turkey sausage and reduced sodium broth equals 161 calories.</div>
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<i><b>**Note: I usually double the recipe, then I have extra to put in the freezer.</b></i></div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-38798187152890662202013-02-24T18:28:00.000-08:002013-02-24T18:28:13.421-08:00A Moment of Doubt on the Journey - Week 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> ― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3503.Maya_Angelou" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Maya Angelou</a><br />
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I had a moment of doubt this week. Is all this blogging about my Journey really necessary? Does anybody care? Who am I really doing this for? Me or the approval of others? Then I stepped back from it all and looked at Becoming a Finisher objectively. I am doing this for me, to document my progress and prove to myself that I can finish this "self" project. I'm excited to look back at these posts in June and in December and see how far I have come. Plus these posts keep me accountable, it would be too easy to stop documenting my progress and then before you know it, I have given up. I hope to be an inspiration to a person or two along the way, but mostly I want to be an inspiration to myself.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b><br />
This week's theme was props at 52 of You.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocqIsnHGamA/USVuDi_HcuI/AAAAAAAADRo/7QZ2jNwTuvg/s1600/IMG_4917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocqIsnHGamA/USVuDi_HcuI/AAAAAAAADRo/7QZ2jNwTuvg/s640/IMG_4917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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We are in Marquette visiting our daughter this weekend and I didn't bring my scale along :)</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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Winter hiking can be a challenge in deep snow, even when you are following snow shoe tracks.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwtW-gb1_CI/USrLA_ZL_MI/AAAAAAAADTY/g5FUTza4okA/s1600/IMG_0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwtW-gb1_CI/USrLA_ZL_MI/AAAAAAAADTY/g5FUTza4okA/s400/IMG_0309.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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I tried to eat fairly healthy while we were in Marquette, but I did have a couple of treats along the way. That's why it is vacation and not a way of life.</div>
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Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-61207064376313497222013-02-17T15:59:00.000-08:002013-02-17T15:59:08.396-08:00A Letter for the Journey - Week 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> ― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/947.William_Shakespeare" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">William Shakespeare</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdLpWVfWkO0/USFdE2ShUdI/AAAAAAAADFU/2Sy0THdlr8g/s1600/IMG_4841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdLpWVfWkO0/USFdE2ShUdI/AAAAAAAADFU/2Sy0THdlr8g/s640/IMG_4841.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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Dear Negative Friend,<br />
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I have been instructed by my Personal Trainer to limit my time spent with you. You do not bring Joy or Sunshine to my life. Your negative attitude and words are like dark, oppressive clouds that quickly blot out my sunshine. I am trying to rid myself of guilt and rebuild my self-esteem and your not helping in that process.<br />
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I know that you don't intentionally intend to hurt, you are just expressing your opinion. Those words though are like shards of glass embedding themselves deeper and deeper into my skin.<br />
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Not every conversation has to be a debate. It seems, no matter what we are talking about, if I say black you say white. I don't need you to agree or disagree with me, I just need you to listen. In turn I am happy to just listen to you. We are sharing our lives through listening to each other. That's what friends do.<br />
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If you are unhappy about your body and your physical health and yet are unwilling to make changes and do something about it, don't make me feel bad because I am. I want a stronger and healthier body. I have worked long and hard to get to the place where I am ready to change, and I am unwilling to turn back. I have hopes and dreams and goals that I am shooting for. You don't have any idea what my goals are, because you don't invest the time in our friendship to find out. <br />
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I know that I have been a negative friend a time or two, or twenty. I am trying to change that, I want to be an encourager and a Joy Giver. I would love it if you would like to give our friendship a chance and walk the "Encourager" path with me.<br />
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Love,<br />
Sarah<br />
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<i>P.S. If you are wondering if this "friend" is you - it isn't. This "friend" is really a composite of people that have been in my life over the past 44 years. None of the people that make up this "friend" would ever read my blog, to them a blog is a silly waste of time. They have no true idea what my passions are, or that I enjoy writing and photography enough to write a blog.</i><br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b><br />
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I wasn't keen on the 52 of You prompt this week, so I decided to do my own thing with one of the flowers I got from my dad for Valentine's Day.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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This week I lost: 1.5 lbs</div>
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Total weight loss: 6.5 lbs</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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Meet my new torture device that I meet every Monday morning:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zT2QoC2Ekm4/USFpMDBhMbI/AAAAAAAADGY/MmlLaqNi3qE/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zT2QoC2Ekm4/USFpMDBhMbI/AAAAAAAADGY/MmlLaqNi3qE/s640/IMG_0265.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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A recipe this week courtesy of <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/01/broccoli-and-cheese-twice-baked-potatoes.html" target="_blank">skinnytaste</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Broccoli and Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jndIVNHgPJI/USFrqCmgFXI/AAAAAAAADGg/XZZFF7OC5t0/s1600/IMG_4835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jndIVNHgPJI/USFrqCmgFXI/AAAAAAAADGg/XZZFF7OC5t0/s640/IMG_4835.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-64014482863379132212013-02-10T16:16:00.000-08:002013-02-10T16:16:22.398-08:00Word Vibrations for the Journey - Week 6"Do anything, but let it produce JOY." ~ Walt Whitman<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uN4dPUZ_3w4/URgY7S2Cp1I/AAAAAAAAC7c/BUu6PYOnHkA/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uN4dPUZ_3w4/URgY7S2Cp1I/AAAAAAAAC7c/BUu6PYOnHkA/s400/IMG_0223.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My personal trainer said something very interesting during our initial assessment session this week when we were talking about the guilt I feel that causes me stress.</div>
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She said words have vibrations. Immediately my Christian Reformed background dismissed this statement as weird spiritual hocus pocus. She continued on, she said words have measurable energy. Say on a scale of 1 to 100, for me hate is a 1 and God is 100. One being the lowest energy level and 100 being the highest. </div>
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I found this very interesting <a href="http://vibhavari.hubpages.com/hub/The-Vibration-of-words" target="_blank">article</a> on the subject which explains it much better than I ever will.</div>
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For me the word guilt is about a five, very low vibrations. She gave me a word to focus on with high vibrations "JOY", which on my scale is about a 95. I think it is no coincidence that Joy is clearly visible on my Journey necklace.</div>
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What would your high vibration word be?</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAIT</span></u></b></div>
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Our theme this week was Darkness. </div>
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I know why I don't do much night photography, I am so not a night person.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BszV9eUzfFo/URgcbM41GcI/AAAAAAAAC7o/Bx1ThxV2NuM/s1600/IMG_4662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BszV9eUzfFo/URgcbM41GcI/AAAAAAAAC7o/Bx1ThxV2NuM/s1600/IMG_4662.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT </span></u></b></div>
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This week I lost: 0 lbs. (That's ok, it was bound to happen sooner or later)</div>
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Total weight loss: 5 lbs.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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No picture this week. A picture of me scooting across the floor on my bum to work on strengthening my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoas_major_muscle" target="_blank">Psoas</a> muscle is not going to happen.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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We love soup at our house. I always have intentions of putting some in the freezer, but it seems to disappear quicker than I can make it sometimes.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfEXRcN59mo/URgd8AB1drI/AAAAAAAAC74/OJnkXUbNsTA/s1600/IMG_4600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfEXRcN59mo/URgd8AB1drI/AAAAAAAAC74/OJnkXUbNsTA/s1600/IMG_4600.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tuscan Tortellini Soup</span></div>
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1 lb. hot Italian sausage, casings removed</div>
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1 garlic clove, minced</div>
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1 Tbsp. dried basil</div>
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1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano</div>
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2 (14 oz. ) cans beef broth</div>
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2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes</div>
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1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chiles</div>
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1/2 (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed</div>
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1 (3.8 oz.) sliced ripe olives, drained</div>
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1 (9 oz.) pkg. refrigerated cheese tortellini</div>
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1. In a 6-quart Dutch oven cook and stir sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain fat. Add garlic, basil and oregano to pot; cook and stir 2 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes, spinach and olives; bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered 20 minutes.</div>
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2. Add pasta to pot; bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer, covered 7 minutes or until pasta is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.</div>
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Serves 6</div>
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Per serving: 405 calories, 23g fat, 8g saturated fat, 60mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 18g protein.</div>
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My Variations: I use regular Italian sausage instead of hot. I use low sodium beef broth. I use the whole package of spinach. I don't use the olives (Glen does not like them!!). I use whole wheat cheese tortellini. </div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-58435298826940001472013-02-07T12:21:00.000-08:002013-02-07T12:21:20.444-08:00Saying Goodbye to GuiltI was raised in a family that valued hard work. My mom was the only child of a blueberry farmer, so she did it all. My dad has worked at or on something from the moment he was born. Even today at almost 78 years old it is not unusual for him to be out cutting wood for somebody on their property and hauling home three trailer loads of wood to be split for his wood stove. Generally he is doing this by himself, and he wonders why I worry.<br />
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Having been raised with this work ethic I always feel that I must be busy and productive at all times, and be able to give an account of everything I have done for the day.<br />
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There was not a lot of encouragement to have a hobby as I was growing up.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNiWrL0UhwE/URQKDWP83FI/AAAAAAAAC5I/82-tBkpRgKw/s1600/IMG_4450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNiWrL0UhwE/URQKDWP83FI/AAAAAAAAC5I/82-tBkpRgKw/s1600/IMG_4450.jpg" /></a></div>
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Something that I have always know about myself but never really addressed, is the guilt I feel when I want to do something I enjoy. Such as my photography or even just reading a book during the middle of the day. I will make these deals with myself, if I get this, this and this done then I can go out for a couple of hours and explore with my camera. Usually by the time I get those things done I don't have any desire or energy left to go out anymore.<br />
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What brought about the realization that I need to deal with this guilt issue? I started sessions with a personal trainer this week. My personal trainer also happens to be my yoga instructor. If you know anything about yoga it is about the mind and the body. We met for 1-1/2 hours for our first session to go over things I wanted to work on, goals, my trouble areas, etc. Then we got down to the nitty gritty, the stuff behind my physical weaknesses. Guilt, perfectionism, self-esteem. I basically carry all these issues on my back, causing undue stress which leads to weakness and pain.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKPT3Lmgm9w/URQKQHwZbmI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/C5Oi22-Gwv0/s1600/IMG_4452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKPT3Lmgm9w/URQKQHwZbmI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/C5Oi22-Gwv0/s1600/IMG_4452.jpg" /></a></div>
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Things I will be working on to say good-bye to guilt are:<br />
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<li> Stop feeling guilty because I don't "work". God has blessed me with the opportunity to not have to work.</li>
<li> Use the gifts and talents that God has given me to be a blessing to others. Stop trying to hide them under a bushel. Let them shine.</li>
<li> Stop having to give an account of everything I have done or am going to do for the day.</li>
<li> Take a day off once a week. A day off from my exercises, housework, responsibilities and use that day to enjoy the gifts and talents that God has given me.</li>
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I am calling my day off my Creative Inspiration Day. My first one is tomorrow!<br />
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<i>*I share this today because if someone reading this is dealing with their own guilt issues, I just want to let you know that you are not alone. Together we can say....</i><br />
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-54857919633615252632013-02-03T14:45:00.000-08:002013-02-03T14:45:24.156-08:00A Bit of Whimsy for the Journey - Week 5"Whimsy doesn't care if you are the driver or the passenger, all that matters is that you are on your way." -Bob Goff<br />
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Those who know me, know that I am not a whimsical person. This week's theme in my self-portrait class was whimsy. This is the second time that theme has come up for me in a class. I start the week with all these great ideas of what I can do with all these great props, but by the end of the week I still haven't taken the pictures. It is so hard for me to step out of my introverted self and act silly, especially in front of the camera.</div>
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Yesterday I made myself get out Mallory's dress up crown that she had made into a mobile for an art project. I did feel kind of bad cutting it apart, but I didn't think she would be hanging it up anytime soon. I put the crown on, set up my camera and tripod and started shooting.</div>
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<i>*One side note - when you are doing self-portraits, even if you aren't going to see the bottom half of your body, it is better to put on real pants than to shoot in your sweat pants. You feel much more in the moment when your outfit is complete.</i></div>
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It took me a little while to get the right amount of the crown and my face in the pictures, more crown, less face :) Once I was done I had over 100 photos to review. Amazingly, I liked a lot of them, either I am getting better at this self-portrait stuff or it was just a lucky day. My smile is my biggest stumbling block so I just cut it off in a lot of them. Problem solved.</div>
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You want to know a big secret? I kind of liked wearing the crown. I think I stood up a little taller with it on and felt a little more confident. I might even get it out once in a while and put it on just for fun, just to add a little whimsy to my day.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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This week I lost: .5 lbs</div>
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Total weight loss so far: 5 lbs. (which was my goal for January)</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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I got some new, heavier hand weights this week.</div>
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I am up to two reps of the toned arm youtube video. Next week I am increasing it to three reps.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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We love black beans, and I make a lot of recipes with them. I thought I would share one I made this week.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiSU7ivVuBQ/UQ7iF2-RHPI/AAAAAAAAC0w/QmCwQqn-dA0/s1600/IMG_4243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiSU7ivVuBQ/UQ7iF2-RHPI/AAAAAAAAC0w/QmCwQqn-dA0/s1600/IMG_4243.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Black Bean and Spinach Pizza</b></span></div>
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1 (10) oz. package Prebaked Pizza crust (like Boboli brand)</div>
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1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed </div>
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1/3 cup chopped onion</div>
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2 tsp. chili powder</div>
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1 tsp. ground cumin</div>
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1/2 tsp. minced garlic</div>
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1/2 cup salsa</div>
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1 cup fresh baby spinach</div>
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2 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro</div>
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1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce</div>
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1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese</div>
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1/2 cup shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese</div>
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1. Place the crust on an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan. </div>
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2. Combine the beans, onion, chili powder, cumin and garlic; spread over the crust.</div>
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3. Layer with salsa, spinach and cilantro.</div>
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4. Sprinkle with hot pepper sauce and cheeses.</div>
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5. Bake at 450 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.</div>
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<i>*I am not a cilantro fan, so I don't use that or the hot pepper sauce.</i></div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765854339827467856.post-22153779633809141452013-01-27T16:32:00.000-08:002013-01-27T16:34:49.348-08:00Weather on the Journey - Week 4"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness."<br />
-Rachel Carson<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw3O_Evaj4o/UQWIr0TVL5I/AAAAAAAACp8/it3RO5UdSsQ/s1600/IMG_3855-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw3O_Evaj4o/UQWIr0TVL5I/AAAAAAAACp8/it3RO5UdSsQ/s1600/IMG_3855-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Winter has arrived in full force this week. Winter came with blustery winds, arctic temperatures, and worst of all SNOW. I have lived in Michigan my whole life so I am no stranger to Winter.</div>
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I remember the Blizzard of '78 (granted I was only 10). I remember school being closed for a week. I remember our dead end country road not getting plowed for three days. Those were the days when you needed to stock up on groceries before a true BIG storm, not when they predict a "storm" of 6" of snow. I mean Seriously! I remember donning my snowmobile suit and my snowmobile boots (the ones with the plastic bread bags inside to keep my feet dry) to go out and make a snow cave in the mounds from the snowplow.</div>
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The problem with Winter is that last year and up until now this year, it has been fairly devoid of snow. Here is where the problem lies, I have grown quite comfortable with this Winter weather arrangement. I can still get outside most every day for our walks and can go exploring with my camera. At worst the skies are gray and I have to add another layer to keep the chill out.</div>
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This week that all came to a screeching halt, blowing snow and below zero wind chills forced me to stay inside and make friends with the treadmill. If only I could find a way to get Scout on the treadmill, since he is my dog that MUST have at least one walk, preferably two, per day. We did venture out for brief 20 minute intervals during the worst of it. The things I do for that dog :)</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">SELF-PORTRAITS OF THE WEEK</span></u></b></div>
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Our theme for my 52 of You class this week was: Shadows</div>
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Thankfully the sun did come out on Thursday, so I was able to find my shadow. Thanks to Scout for his help with the assignment.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">WEIGHT</span></u></b></div>
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This week I lost: 1 lb.</div>
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Total weight loss so far: 4.5 lbs</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">EXERCISE</span></u></b></div>
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This week I made friends with the treadmill.</div>
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At least I have the t.v., or I rigged up a stand for my laptop so I can watch Kim Klassen's class videos.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #660000;">FOOD</span></u></b></div>
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I made an awesome and healthy pasta salad this week.</div>
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Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Fresh Basil Vinaigrette</div>
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6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil</div>
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1/2 cup chopped fresh basil</div>
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3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice</div>
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1 shallot, minced</div>
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1 clove garlic, minced</div>
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1 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed and sliced thin on the bias</div>
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2 (9-oz.) packages fresh cheese tortellini</div>
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1/4 cup pine nuts</div>
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1 pint grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved</div>
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1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup)</div>
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1. Whisk the olive oil, basil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper together in a bowl large enough to hold the pasta salad.</div>
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2. Cook the asparagus in 4 quarts boiling water seasoned with 1 Tablespoon salt until tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer the asparagus to a colander using a slotted spoon (do not discard the boiling water) and run under cold water until cool. Shake out any excess water and toss with the vinaigrette.</div>
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3. Return the water to boil, add the tortellini, and cook until tender, following the package instructions. Drain the tortellini thoroughly, then toss while hot with the asparagus and dressing. Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.</div>
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4. Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Just before serving, stir the toasted pine nuts, tomatoes, and Parmesan into the salad and season with salt and pepper.</div>
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To Make Ahead</div>
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The salad can be prepared, covered, and refrigerated a day in advance. Before serving, freshen the salad with a spoonful of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.</div>
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<i>*Recipe source: dinnerideas.us</i></div>
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Have a great week! Savor the Journey :)</div>
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<br />Sarah Huizengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326211901751159368noreply@blogger.com7