tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64871794628885663972024-03-13T09:42:41.039-05:00Day to dayAll about life, specifically mine...and those life lessons I feel could help others/are universal.dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-92046814916043919252020-05-14T16:14:00.001-05:002020-05-14T16:18:30.727-05:00$20 thrifting haul (Lost file 7/2017)Lost file 7/17/17<br />
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Trick of the trade with fluctuating weight:</h2>
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Shop thrifty</h3>
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I can't claim that I only thrift shop because my weight fluctuates (more accurately I try to lose weight, stop trying, try again and repeat for the last 9 years) I am simply a thrifty person by nature. </div>
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What is better than normal thrifting? Thrifty thrifting of course. </div>
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By this I mean: going to Thrift town when they have a clearance event or I have a coupon, going to Salvation Army on Wednesdays when clothing and select other items are half off, etc. </div>
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While being off for summer I decided to accompany my mom, the original thrifter, on her usual Wednesday trips. I came out VICTORIOUS!</div>
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<em>*I also picked up a antique German beer stein, and a zen garden kit for the office. All for $20 dollars. </em><br />
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These dress shorts are a first for me, but for $2 I couldn't pass them up. <br />
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This drop waist olive top is a happy new addition to my wardrobe. <br />
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These capris were under $4 and brand new. <br />
They will be nice to head back to work in, Texas weather<br />
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I had literally no casual capris that fit me, so these where right on time.<br />
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This Gap dress may be my favorite piece. Zipper side, navy with olive? Love!dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-62397792460907243702017-02-01T21:40:00.000-06:002017-02-01T21:40:51.327-06:00The Three Words that Changed My Life<h2 style="text-align: center;">
In September I had one of the most important medical appointments of my life. </h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zebras are the mascots of rare conditions</td></tr>
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But before I get to the diagnosis, lets get a little history. </h3>
As a child I remember many things about my body and health. Most importantly I remember not following my passion for dance into a career, though I wanted to, because I didn't think my body would make it and I didn't know what else I would do. I remember always feeling like my body was old and often saying I wished I had a new one. I remember spending most days in the nurses office after lunch due to stomach pain. I remember spending more time than I would like sitting and waiting on the toilet (sorry TMI). I remember fainting more often that I would like. Once at my cousin's high school graduation, once at the flea market, once at home alone I tried to get to my room in time but ended up hitting my head on the way down. I remember when I didn't faint I often felt like I might, especially when I had to wash the dishes, and of course my parents didn't believe me, who would. I remember nearly fainting during a track meet, it was my last. I remember frequently hyper extending my knees during athletics. I remember being very flexible and trying out tricks, which included comfortable ways to sit that grossed my mother out. I began to experience shooting pain from my hip to my feet or from my shoulder to my wrist that seemed to follow my menstrual cycle. We visited a doctor who said it wasn't arthritis and that was the end of her help. <br />
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As I entered high school I started dancing. Flexibility came in handy here and I enjoyed it. I started experiencing very sharp pains when we would do across the floor exercises with turning or leaps. These took place in my ankles and in my neck and were scary as well as painful. I also started having to take my shoes off in class after practice because one of my ankles/feet would swell and my arch would drop. I also remember really working on not hyperextending my arms when we were supposed to have straight arms, which was hard. One odd incident that freaked my out happened in a crowded hallway. A very big and tall football player was heading right toward me and I had no space to move so I quickly moved my shoulder to close my chest, and my sternum popped, quite painfully I might add. <br />
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In college the fatigue hit. I was on my college dance team and I had trouble getting out of bed and feeling faint. I had a weird partial faint during that time frame, but the nurse on campus assured me that my short stature was the cause of my fainting.....yeah she did. Around this time the back spasms started, at first painlessly then not so painlessly. I also had one trip to the ER for hip tendonitis, after starting a walking class. <br />
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Years later I began dancing again and always seemed to have some injury. Sprained ankle, sprained knee, same old sharp shooting pain in my neck or ankle, a torn rotator cuff (no known cause), a bulging disc in my neck, and my personal favorite rib subluxations. (A subluxation is a partial dislocation). <br />
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Fast forward to 2016.....</h3>
I was having a really rough time, I had a "back strain" that I had been dealing with for a year. I could barely walk due to knee pain and hips that kept going out of place, my ankles had begun to give out on me and hurt daily, my ribs were often out, and I kept spraining my wrist. I was doing one of my usual late night web searches when I happened upon those three words<a href="http://ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/" target="_blank"> EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME</a>. The journey began. <br />
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I initially saw a rheumatologist who said that I had Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, usually thought to be a benign condition, and would feel better as I aged. His response to my question about what to do for pain was " I don't prescribe Hydro". My mother told him that I wouldn't take that if he gave it to me. He then said "well take Aleve". When I said that Aleve didn't help he said "well don't take it if it doesn't work". <br />
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I was left confused but somewhat optimistic there was an answer. I found a few groups on Facebook and joined. I decided to give it one more chance and I set an appointment with a Geneticist and waited a few months for the appointment. To my great surprise this doctor was different. He not only diagnosed me with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type but also Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or <a href="http://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=30" target="_blank">POTS</a> (which explains the fainting and tummy trouble) and indicated <a href="http://mastocytosis.ca/MSC%20Information%20Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">Mast Cell</a> may be a possibility. Now I have the alphabet on my medical chart EDS, POTS, MCAS<br />
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I am still dealing with the changes that all of this has made in my life. I am currently working my way through the grief of the life I had and the life I wanted to have. A few years ago I was running 3 miles, doing zumba 2-3 times a week and getting at least 10,000 steps a day. Now I have some days where I have trouble putting on my shoes due to pain. But I still teach dance and try to get steps in. I have been told that running is out ( I have dents in my ankles due to all of the instability caused by the hypermobility) and I have been told I really shouldn't do zumba but with modifications I was told it is okay. <br />
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I think the hardest thing about all of this is that though it answers the questions I have had about my body for as long as I can remember, there is no answer as to what to actually do about it. Each person is impacted differently and not all approaches work for everyone. There is no cure for a genetic condition such as this. All I can do is learn about proper ways to do things, strengthen the muscles around my joints to try to reduce pain, listen to my body and prepare for fatigue, and buy as many braces, tools, and pain aids (ice, meds, creams) to have on hand for bad days. <br />
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I am a zebra warrior and my biggest advocate in this. I have met an awesome dazzle of fellow zebras and found even more strength than I ever knew I had. I have also found support in close friends as well as friends that I didn't know cared as much as they do. <br />
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dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-88507104177471317542016-07-13T23:23:00.002-05:002016-07-13T23:23:36.721-05:00The one piece of advice you need about womanhood<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Forget all the other pieces of advice you have heard</h2>
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This one actually matters........</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you prepare to become a "full adult" and as you
move into new phases of life you will often encounter
"shoulds " for each stage. These messages of what you should
be doing can come from family members, friends, teachers, mentors, or
targeted posts on social media (have you noticed that things are placed on your
timeline based on your searches or demographics?). I have read more than my
fair share of "What you should do by the time you are 30" or
"Things to do in your 20s" type posts and I want to share my own
wisdom. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life is a unique experience for each person. I have known
women close to my grandmother's age that went back to school for a first
or new degree. I have met a woman that decided to take up sky diving at the ripe
age of 70. Living your life based on others, especially others who don't know
your story, is a great way to set yourself up for failure and disappointment.
You will be trying to meet guidelines for someone else's life and may find
later that you haven't done what <b>you </b>want to do with your life. Another
side effect of reading and subscribing to these lists is thinking that if
you haven’t been able to check things off yet that you should just throw
in the towel. i.e. haven’t started college by 20= school's not for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So with this in mind, my advice is much more practical and
it involves clothes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you are in school {high school and college}there are always
opportunities to purchase a shirt for this or that thing. Also there are plenty
of times when you can get shirts for free. These shirts can seem meaningless
and may be something you consider tossing when you are "so done with
childish things". I would suggest keeping some and also getting a few
of them in a size or two bigger than you currently wear.</span> <o:p></o:p><br />
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<li>Not everyone gains size changing weight as they age, but everyone's body changes (boobies, babies, muscle gains) </li>
<li>Nothing can prepare you for how nice fitting into a high school or college shirt in your 30's feels</li>
<li>People stop giving you free shirts as you age and when you have to pay to stay in a hotel, pay for away from home food etc. for reunions trust me you will want a shirt in school colors that is $free.99</li>
<li>There will come a time when you want to remember the experiences that made you who you are, for many people those times occur in school</li>
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End practical advice, go enjoy life.</h3>
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dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-76777875169848649612016-05-25T18:46:00.000-05:002016-05-25T18:48:03.540-05:00What its like turning 30<div>
<i>This post was originally going to be titled "How I Know I'm Old" but I could hear the mouths of everyone reading over 30 so I chickened out. </i></div>
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I want to preface this by saying I am not old. I know in the grand scheme of things I am not old. BUT in terms of how old I have previously been thus far in life....I am old.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That time I asked for a robe for Christmas</td></tr>
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<li>I find most hip hop/rap either incredibly stupid or am appalled by its disgusting nature. </li>
<li>I can't stomach most pop music because it repeats the same 10 words over and over though that is what I used to love about it </li>
<li>I was picked for a Anti-aging product test, 30 is not old enough for advanced intervention facially, at least not for me. </li>
<li>The idea of dating and dressing up has lost its appeal.... Can't I just wear my sweats?</li>
<li>I wait each week to see where the new grays will pop up. I remember being excited about them before. <strong>Now</strong> I dread them, because they are stubborn and short and I will have to wear wigs when I am fully gray. </li>
<li>I take a lot of pictures like <a href="http://daytoda.blogspot.com/2015/02/how-to-save-money-and-get-things-for.html" target="_blank">this</a>....<br />
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<em>And</em> the most <strong>annoying</strong> of all of these is the aches and pains. If I hit my finger today it will hurt the rest of the week, but I won't remember the reason. If I sit how I've always sat my knees will randomly decide they have had enough. Or I will switch positions on the couch and strain my hip (like literally this happened to me). </div>
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I have been very upset but this new thoughtful music selector me. Why do I care so much what idiotic thing a rapper used to rhyme his verses? Why can't I mindlessly sing along like I used to?<br />
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I think the answer to this is that now I care what my choices say about me. I am a professional and a person that hopes to be a parent one day. I think it matters who I support and represent through my choices. I also can't be a hypocrite when I talk to my under 18 clients. I have led discussions about healthy music so being caught in the grocery store parking lot singing along to "Trap Queen" might not be a good look. <br />
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Overall really my only complaint with getting "old" is saying goodbye to some facets of the old me. Though I can say that I am really enjoying so many aspects of this stage of life. This year - first as a 30 year old- I have crossed many things off of my to do list. I began singing again, I broke my dance training hiatus, and participated in two productions that built my acting skills. <br />
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I am more adventurous and realize that there is no time like the present. While as a child I may have dreamed of being a dancing, singing, acting celebrity. I never imagined finding a passion in my career field that was in no way related to these things. For many years I felt that this career path meant that I had to give up those dreams that were still very much a part of my being. This year I said "that's stupid, you dream for a reason".<br />
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So that is it my wisdom about getting "older". Things will change, so will you, but you can be an even greater you. If you want to, and put in the work to get there. <br />
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dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-72866673944793041372015-11-10T00:11:00.000-06:002015-11-10T00:11:22.481-06:00Open letter to my former dance teachers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDIJ2_7WfJ0/VkGKLgjOCKI/AAAAAAAAIBQ/C7llhM7IfIM/s1600/IMG_2793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDIJ2_7WfJ0/VkGKLgjOCKI/AAAAAAAAIBQ/C7llhM7IfIM/s400/IMG_2793.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Dear Former Dance Teachers,<br />
I really wish that I could say that I have many warm memories of our time together but I do not. I joined the team after having danced for four years in high school with instructors that as a whole encouraged, supported and pushed me to be greater. While on your team I had two directors one lets call her Ms. Scale (because she made us weight in prior to performances) and the other lets call her Mrs. Put Down (because she questioned why I even made the team) who effectively broke my spirit. <br />
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Below you see me kicking with teammates during football season. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVdyX4hv-NQ/VkF6LLPDeCI/AAAAAAAAH_w/ylUBcjuxGaI/s1600/dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVdyX4hv-NQ/VkF6LLPDeCI/AAAAAAAAH_w/ylUBcjuxGaI/s400/dance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I made the college dance team I was overjoyed. It was something I dreamed about since I discovered dance. I went into the first semester with a great group of girls who were welcoming and fun. Unfortunately, I had also left home for the first time and knew no one going into my first year of college. There were also some issues back home that were never very far from my mind. </div>
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As football season got underway I was moving ahead with a relationship which would set the tone for my adult dating life. My boyfriend was doting and romantic by most accounts. He was also possessive, jealous, angry at the drop of a hat, and demeaning at times. Dance had always been my outlet so I looked forward to getting to practice. </div>
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I thought it was weird that we had to weigh in before practices but I went with it. After all Ms. Scale knew best. When I noticed a really sweet teammate not make the weekly cuts week after week, though she was a beautiful dancer, I was worried. When my body was sore from daily practices and aerobics class I asked you (Ms. Scale) if I should drop aerobics. Your response still haunts me, as you said I should stay in it for my weight. At this point in my life I had never thought about my weight. I was 5'3" about 120-125 lbs. (As you see me above.)</div>
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So after my first injury that year I kept going to practice, aerobics and now the trainer. All of which worked my injured shoulder with no rest. I also began to think around this time that my relationship was not as great as I had thought, but couldn't really seem to get out of it. Then a change happened. Mrs. Put Down took over the reigns. </div>
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At first I was excited to get to know you (Mrs. Put Down), but this quickly changed. During this time I was having health issues of the female variety. I often felt weak, had trouble getting out of bed and fainted from time to time. I also suffered some dance related issues including a pulled groin and ankle issues. While we prepped for competition you saw me get knocked out of the air and land on my ankle. You of course suggested I sit down that day but there was not much time to recoup. So I struggled to understand your lack of empathy for my difficulty doing turns on that same ankle. </div>
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I never saw a doctor during this time. Like many students in that time period I had no health insurance. Based on your attitude I felt like I should just be able to do better. You said to my face that you were not sure why I had made the team at all. You went on to say at a later time that I could not do switch leaps, triple turns, or fouettes. I thought there must be something wrong with me. Though I was not sure how anyone could do turns on the cheerleading mat, but if you said it I assumed it was just me. </div>
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Dance was no longer my outlet, it was the dreaded part of my day. Tryouts for competition came and for the first time in my life I did not make the cut. As if this was not hard enough I was the only person on the team that had been cut. I was expected to come to practice to run a routine I would not be a part of. At this point for the first time in my life I gave up. I could not bring myself to show up to practice. I contemplated quitting, which made no sense as dance was my life. </div>
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Prior to tryouts you told me that I needed extra practice with you, but you never scheduled it. You also told me that I needed to take dance classes over the summer, but I had no idea how I would pay for that. After I was cut you told me that next year you could see me on the football season team, but that you saw your elite dancers performing at competition. I understood you to mean this did not include me. So the message I received was that you had no hope for me improving. Even with the dance classes I<em> needed</em> you had counted me out. </div>
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So I decided not to tryout next year and spent the next three years of college missing dance. When I left school I got back into dance immediately and spent five years as a senior company member and dance teacher. I competed and performed often, once aboard a Carnival! cruise. I did triple pirouettes, switch leaps, and fouttes. There was something so empowering about being told that I could do something even though I could not do it initially. I still struggled with that shoulder and that ankle. Now 11 years later I still have trouble with my ankle. I finally saw a doctor and was told that my old injury had resulted in a torn ligament. The dancing that I had done on my unhealed ankle led to a loose mend that still causes instability. I also had a torn rotator cuff but I am not sure when that happened.</div>
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As I look back to my first year in college. I have some good and fun memories. I also realize that I was depressed and in an emotionally/mentally abusive relationship. I believe this had a lot to do with my performance on the team as well as the physical injuries that needed appropriate time to heal. I also realize that my weight became a major concern in my life. Ever since I have been attempting to "keep it under control" I have felt unable to. I also still struggle with feeling that I am good enough as a dancer. </div>
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I have tried to get over my experiences with both of you, Ms. and Mrs., and struggle with this. It wasn't until I was talking to a fellow therapist that I realized that this time was traumatic for me. I was a well adjusted young woman in regard to my weight and now I am fixated and feel like a failure for not being able to control it. I also avoid reunions with the team because if I was at risk then I am a disgrace now. I remember the first time I saw Mrs. following graduation, you said "did you finally graduate?". Its like just being cordial is outside of your abilities when it comes to me. I started college in 2003 and finished in 2007 I think I did pretty well where time is concerned. </div>
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It has taken me a lot of work to get back to accepting myself as a dancer even though I can not live life without dance. I wish that you knew how much your words hurt me at a time that I was already so vulnerable. I looked up to you as someone who was doing what I wanted to do. I trusted your opinions and your suggestions. Tough love is something that works for some but for me it is deflating.</div>
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If you get nothing else from this letter I hope that you understand the need to support other women. Accept them for what they bring to the table because everyone brings something. Also as a coach you should be a person that your team members can go to for support. I needed someone on campus to notice what I was going through. Things could have gone very bad for me, I could have ended my life or had it ended if my relationship had continued down the path that so many do when they start with emotional abuse. I came to dance because I was good at it and because it was a welcoming place. Both of those things were taken from me and I am still working on my recovery. </div>
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Sincerely,</div>
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Unappreciated/deflated young dancer</div>
dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-85883341470150094752015-07-06T08:00:00.000-05:002015-07-06T08:00:04.824-05:00Silver Lining Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGwmkDhLB14/VZntzPRf-AI/AAAAAAAAG3E/HkSSIk1BISo/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGwmkDhLB14/VZntzPRf-AI/AAAAAAAAG3E/HkSSIk1BISo/s640/IMG_2222.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I remember hearing that "every cloud has a silver lining" and thinking that was a stupid way to say the situation won't suck forever. I never really agreed, how could there be a silver lining to losing a loved one or getting fired?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I experienced something recently that let me know that I am maturing as a woman and it is pretty awesome. A coworker of mine recently pointed out that I had been goofier than usual for several weeks. I, of course, quipped that I have been goofy all my life, but I realized that he was right. I thought about it and wondered if I was suppressing my feelings. I mean I have lost a loved one, a close former coworker (that was the subject of one of my earlier </span><a href="http://daytoda.blogspot.com/2012/02/ms-b.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">blogs</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">) passed away, and I ended a relationship with a man I thought was perfect for me. So why was I so seemingly happy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">After pondering this for a while I believe that the reason I have been so much more like my normal self is that I am celebrating. I still wake up each day with the rest of my life ahead of me. I also made a choice to end a relationship with someone who was choosing not to put any effort into keeping me. That is a big deal! I didn't resort to name calling, I was clear about what my needs and expectations were, and when I saw that things were not changing after giving some time for change to happen- I got out. How mature am I?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I mean it still stings that someone who seemingly wanted to be with me so much in the beginning could give up and blame it on a busy schedule. Everyone everywhere is ALWAYS busy. Relationships are about making sacrifices and working to make things happen. It is true that things are often easier with the right person but you have to work at it as well. I will (I am sure) never know why things changed between us, but it doesn't matter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Years ago I would still be in the relationship being neglected and sad, or I would have been breaking up and getting back together with him just trying to get him to see he needed to give me more. I am so proud that I made a decision to stick to my guns without being disrespectful. This was my first healthy, adult relationship. I am glad that I didn't ruin it by turning into a child because he couldn't own that he no longer wanted to date me. I hate when people push you away so they don't have to be the bad guy but hey at least I know that I am mature. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Yes that was shade.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I'm not completely reformed. :)</span></div>
dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-36784186138602836352015-02-01T21:20:00.000-06:002016-05-17T22:40:42.024-05:00How to save money and get things for FREE!!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
I am a frugal person by nature and love a great deal......</h2>
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My favorite price for an item is FREE </h3>
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I have always looked for ways to save, really my mom started me on it and it just grew </div>
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from there. We always shopped clearance racks first,</div>
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second hand stores, and discount stores for items </div>
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before checking full price retail stores for what we needed. </div>
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In the age of the internet purchase came new ways to do similar things.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">ebates.com</span></h4>
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I shop online pretty frequently especially since my move to a bigger area</div>
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because I don't like lines. When shopping Online I earn money</div>
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back by going through ebates.</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">The run down</span></h4>
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Ebates.com is a website that offers you a percentage back when you shop online</div>
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The company gets paid to help online retailers observe online shopping experience</div>
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The company then passes that along to you in the form of cash back</div>
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The company alerts you to deals with companies you like or may like</div>
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The company also alerts you to extra cash back opportunities</div>
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I have been using this service for several years and find it worth it. You can join <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=RAZ8a5rtr53cnjvQeuolFA%3D%3D&eeid=26471" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Walmart Savings Catcher</span></h4>
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I recently added the Walmart Savings Catcher to my many apps. I was skeptical </div>
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at first because why wouldn't they simply say </div>
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no matches were found? Yeah I am a little cynical... </div>
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but when I began using the app and actually getting money back?</div>
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I was happily surprised. Slowly but surely the cash back is</div>
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adding up. </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">The run down</span></h4>
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You shop as usual at Walmart</div>
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You upload your receipt to the savings catcher app</div>
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the Savings Catcher searches local advertised prices for what you purchased</div>
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If you paid more than the advertised price in your area Walmart sends you the cash back</div>
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You then have the choice of getting an e-gift card back when you are ready</div>
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Added bonus * the app keeps your uploaded receipts in the app</div>
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You can sign up <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/walmart-app-savings-catcher/id338137227?mt=8" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="https://savingscatcher.walmart.com/login" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Freeflys.com</span></h4>
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I have also been aware of Freeflys for quite a while. I was sure that this </div>
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was going to be some sort of scam for spam....but I was proven</div>
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wrong the first time I received free products in the mail. It is fairly simple</div>
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to receive items and with Facebook page liking, and twitter updates you </div>
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don't even have to watch your email to know when things are being offered. </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">The run-down</span></h4>
<ul>
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Freeflys is a database of samples/coupons that can be requested</div>
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The samples usually just require your address but occasionally for you to sign up for a membership( I don't do those)</div>
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There are occasional sweepstakes (I don't do that either)</div>
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You wait at least 2 weeks </div>
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Check your mail</div>
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Enjoy your free things</div>
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</ul>
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I love this idea because it is like a surprise every few weeks. I often</div>
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forget that I have requested a sample and when it arrives I am pleasantly </div>
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surprised. There are some times that I don't think it wise to enter my info</div>
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on most sites but most of the time the items are from reputable companies. </div>
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You can sign up at the following location <a href="http://www.freeflys.com/register" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Local grocery chain deals</span></h4>
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So I was going to link to Kroger which offers a free item </div>
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most Fridays.I feel like an extreme couponer when </div>
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I go through with several items and pay nada.</div>
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But then I realized based on your location this may be of no help to you. </div>
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I believe it is worth it to sign up for an account at what ever grocery store</div>
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you use because most offer gas discounts, special coupons, birthday </div>
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coupons and lowered prices for members. </div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Walgreens and CVS</span></h4>
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Just like mentioned above you received benefits for joining up with these</div>
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two. Frequent, almost more coupons than you can use.</div>
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Also (and this is my favorite part) Walgreens often sends</div>
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emails that have codes allowing you to get free picture prints</div>
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or photo books. I have personally used this many</div>
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MANY times. Have I mentioned I like FREE!?!?!!</div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">If you know of any other ways I can save PLEASE let me know. I love free and cheap things ( that are equivalent to things at full price)</span></h3>
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*This post contains affiliate links*</div>
dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-57671758728458165672014-12-15T23:35:00.000-06:002014-12-15T23:35:08.134-06:00My target haul!In September I took a new job, it is exactly what I want to be doing but it is a position in which I earn less than I previously did. This has meant that I have had less money to shop. I love when I am able to find good deals. <br />
Check on my finds from a recent shopping trip. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQVm1__Jla8/VI_C5zXW4iI/AAAAAAAAEvw/yS0AuO-bdqs/s1600/IMG_1693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQVm1__Jla8/VI_C5zXW4iI/AAAAAAAAEvw/yS0AuO-bdqs/s1600/IMG_1693.JPG" height="640" width="500" /></a></div>
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The pink and white stripped dog sweater was $3 and the proceeds go to the ASPCA. The knee socks were $2.50 each and really help keep my legs warm in the winter months. The Oxfords were under $8 and have replaced tennis shoes when I go casual at work. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6Y3F7KjTfw/VI_DUFr8SqI/AAAAAAAAEv4/EzlVwfcyEEA/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6Y3F7KjTfw/VI_DUFr8SqI/AAAAAAAAEv4/EzlVwfcyEEA/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Summer modeling her new sweater! So cute!!!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yaVe7V2e38/VI_DmcAFmpI/AAAAAAAAEwA/T2vH8TrkeA0/s1600/IMG_1698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yaVe7V2e38/VI_DmcAFmpI/AAAAAAAAEwA/T2vH8TrkeA0/s1600/IMG_1698.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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My first day wearing my new shoes. </div>
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So it is possible to work with less and still have the occasional opportunity to add to your wardrobe with some items or replace things. Glad I made that impromptu trip to Target!</div>
dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-49130767952142379732014-08-23T10:00:00.000-05:002014-08-23T10:00:01.003-05:00How I reclaimed my weekends<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For some reason I made the decision that weekends were for chores</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So without fail every weekend I would guilt myself for not doing enough</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then I realized the weekends are for rest DAMN IT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Pinterest to the rescue!!!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I created a simple way to keep my home clean/organized and rest on the weekends</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tBzfAmO0OVM/U_gU3WNywkI/AAAAAAAADog/um3-VsazmWw/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tBzfAmO0OVM/U_gU3WNywkI/AAAAAAAADog/um3-VsazmWw/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" height="640" width="491" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This week was my first at using this schedule. I didn't get everything completely done but I have not <em>stress </em>about finishing any more until the next scheduled days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My weekends are or puppy time, family time, veg'ing out time (Just in time for Every Simpsons Ever), and spending times with friends. Oh and doing my hair, but not for cleaning my place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Consider the weekend <strong>reclaimed! </strong></span></div>
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dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-69833518478284231472014-08-11T19:13:00.000-05:002014-08-11T19:13:49.927-05:00All men are idiots<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Before you get too angry let me explain....this is what an ex-boyfriend of mine told me recently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We were catching up after years of not speaking to each other. He inquired about my marital status and I told him that I hadn't had much luck in the dating department. I was telling him that I had met many guys who just weren't settled or serious. He suggested that I be patient with finding someone and stated that some idiot would get lucky and land me soon. I replied "I don't want some idiot!" To which he coolly replied..."we are all idiots" until one day we aren't.</span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otIjnr1vZgI/U-kQHwI1atI/AAAAAAAADgk/vJ4v2Dbc_Bw/s1600/dunce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otIjnr1vZgI/U-kQHwI1atI/AAAAAAAADgk/vJ4v2Dbc_Bw/s1600/dunce.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Microsoft Word clip art</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>First </strong>I just have to say how good it was to hear him say that</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">he was pretty idiotic when we dated in college</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Then I was like wait what?</span><strong></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For him this magic day happened when he had children and found that material things didn't mean as much as financial security. I have to say that even though this didn't come at a time that benefited me I am really happy for him and the woman he is with now. Every person deserves to see the fruit of their labor and 10 smiles for every tear shed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So this made me think a bit, should I really be evaluating guys on where they are now or by their potential. Who is to say they won't have that light bulb moment when they are with me? </span><br />
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By no means though do I suggest you stay with a man that treats you poorly waiting on them to "wake up". I take this to mean that those guys who I dated just weren't ready to let go of the idiot training wheels. It really just validated me and removed that "what's wrong with me" thought that plays in the back of my mind. </div>
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I feel more confident that the next time things go astray in a relationship that I will be able to just keep moving and pray that man comes out of his fog for the next woman he is with. </div>
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It isn't news to me that men and women develop at different rates, but I really thought by age 29 I wouldn't still be waiting on men to grow up. Cheers to all the idiots out there!</div>
</span><br />dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-33566736292237423892014-08-04T22:18:00.001-05:002015-02-01T20:14:22.155-06:00Fat Shaming- Why we can't love ourselvesI was never really worried about or even paid attention to my weight until I made the college dance team. It was then a requirement that we regularly weigh in front of the director and work out constantly. Often girls that did not "look good in the costume" did not make the cut. So for the past 11 years I have been worried about comparing to others in the body sense. Also since that time I have been struggling to control my weight, unsuccessfully I might add. <br />
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I believe that for some those two things are not unrelated. When I thought of food as nourishment and an occasional treat I never moved above 115-125. When food became something to control, that was overindulged in by the "fat" people I began to struggle to return to my previous size. <br />
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This sort of microscope on other's weight is rampant in the media especially where celebs are concerned. For instance look what is being said about Chris Brown. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tmz.com/2014/07/30/chris-brown-heavy-shirtless-photo/" target="_blank">Obviously not Chris Brown (used to avoid Copyright infringement)</a></td></tr>
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This post from TMZ states that Chris was seen "bravely partying without a shirt on" and was Titled "These Rolls Ain't Loyal" as a spoof to his popular song. <br />
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Now don't get me wrong, Chris is by no means "perfect" but I think his body is his concern and not ours. </div>
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If you wanted to find a list of "fat" celebs there is an actual website dedicated to this. <a href="http://celebs.answers.com/beauty/10-celebrities-who-got-fat">http://celebs.answers.com/beauty/10-celebrities-who-got-fat</a><br />
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If you search Christina Aguilera google will suggest "Christina Aguilera weight loss"<br />
One article found <a href="http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2013/10/christina-aguilera-weight-loss-80-pounds-boob-job-drastic-diet/" target="_blank">here</a> displays this picture with the opening line "Now that is beautiful"<br />
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<em>They even went as far as to have a doctor estimate how much she weighed in the first picture, how much she weighs now, and how she accomplished this. </em></div>
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<strong>Weight is a very <em>personal</em> thing. When there are many people commenting on one's</strong></div>
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<strong>weight it makes it that much more difficult to actually keep it under control. </strong></div>
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<strong>I for one am an emotional eater and hearing negative comments about my body only intensifies this...</strong></div>
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<strong>keeping me further and further away form my goal</strong></div>
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<strong>I would suggest that part of the reason that we (some of us) struggle with loving ourselves is the constant comparison that we are exposed to. Not only in schools but in sports and media. Think "Who Wore It Best". " Blank's Awesome Post Baby Body" etc. </strong></div>
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<strong>If you don't love yourself today, you won't love yourself anymore when those 15lbs are gone. </strong></div>
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<strong>Love <3</strong></div>
dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-3598202022866436722014-07-27T20:35:00.001-05:002014-07-27T20:35:52.386-05:00October 2014 MS walk<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Before I know it the next MS walk will be here. I am trying something new to raise funds this year. I am sure you have heard of GoFundMe.com I am giving this approach a shot. If you have even $1 dollar this would be greatly appreciated in my efforts. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Just as a reminder. I raise funds for MS because I have a friend with MS and I am hoping to find a cure and new treatments for her. If you want to know more about my journey with this read last years blogs about this subject </strong></span><a href="http://daytoda.blogspot.com/2013/08/why-i-raise-funds-to-cure-ms.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Here,</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong> and </strong></span><a href="http://daytoda.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-experience-at-2013-ms-walk.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Thanks in advance!</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.gofundme.com/c79kzs" target="_blank">Donate here</a>dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-2537040448125224372014-05-20T13:26:00.000-05:002014-05-20T13:26:43.113-05:00Recipe with Sargento Ultra Thin Cheese<h2 align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I'm in Love!....with cheese</h2>
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So for a while now I have been avoiding cheese/dairy products. I have been trying to watch my caloric intake and for a while I was tyring to determine a possible food allergy. </div>
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I'm so glad those days are over.</div>
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I love cheese and I think I forgot how much.</div>
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I was the queen of grilled cheese sandwiches in college.</div>
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Enter Sargento Ultra Thin cheese....</div>
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I found this lovely recipe on Pinterest and thought I would give it a spin.</div>
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Its rather simple....</div>
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Low calorie bread</div>
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1-2 slices of Ultra Thin Sargento Cheese</div>
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A few slices of avocado</div>
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A few ounces of sliced turkey</div>
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Spray of olive oil cooking spray</div>
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A few minutes</div>
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Voila yummy turkey, avocado, cheddar grilled cheese sandwich</div>
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I used mustard as a dipping sauce and found that I didn't need it with all the flavor this sandwich gave me. Thank you Sargento for bringing cheese back into my life. </div>
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<br />dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-25381083692389687432014-05-20T11:45:00.000-05:002014-05-20T11:45:44.881-05:00The thirst is real!<h2 align="center">
The thirst</h2>
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An epidemic that seems to be spreading fast. Where a male or female does anything for a the opposite sex because they are yearning for attention or sex. Only way to be cured is to get what they are desperately needing. Seems incurable tho..</blockquote>
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From <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=The%20Thirst" target="_blank">Urban Dictionary</a></div>
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If you are unfamiliar with "the thirst" don't worry so was I until it happened to me. </div>
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As you know if you have read me before I have been single for most of the last decade, I sound older when I say that :). This has resulted in more frequent inquires about why I am single, a push from others to go on dates more often, more weddings and couplings of my friends, and an increased feeling of <strong>aloneness</strong>. </div>
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I have always been the type of person to keep a small circle of friends and to keep myself very busy with work, educational attainment, and hobbies. At some point since I moved to a new town and moved away from the familiar my usual methods of keeping my mind occupied have faded away. So when I am home on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night and all of my 5 friends are busy living popping social lives I have too much time to think about how alone I am. </div>
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This has resulted in some very desperate things on my part which I have to beg myself forgiveness for. These things have included texting a guy who is obviously not interested in me (evidenced by his no longer calling, skyping, or texting me daily as per usual), calling up random people I associated with that obviously are not thinking of me, and a general perking up when any attractive man appears in my field of vision. </div>
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<strong>I have to do better</strong>. </div>
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So this Sunday I did a DIY project to update some new pieces of furniture that I acquired. I realized how much I enjoy creating, painting, and rocking out and singing badly. I also went on a date with a guy I usually would not have. I enjoyed myself and did not think about marrying him (too many times).<em> Hey I'm a work in progress.</em></div>
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I am also doing a bible study regarding Love, Romance, and Marriage and it made me wonder if thirst is necessarily a bad thing. Jesus wants us to love others as he loved us. He wants us to be self sacrificing for the love of others. I don't believe that it is unreasonable to desire to have someone in my life that I want to tell "I love you". While I can see how being thirsty could be a turn off, it is also human nature. If no one loves a child that child will always seek love and have issues relating to others as they grow. If no one loves the dog you bring home you are likely to see many poor behaviors out of fear and a desire to be wanted. </div>
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Why then do people shame you for wanting something we are made to desire? Human life is all about building and nurturing relationships. Babies are born from people with relationships. Babies are needed to continue all life (with the exception of those self impregnating creatures out there). </div>
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So my plan henceforth is to continue to embrace my thirst, God wants me happy and coupled to give and receive love to the person he created for me. But in my thirst I will not (<em>Okay I will try not to</em>) harm myself in the process, i.e reaching out to old flames, or almost flames, expressing my feelings to someone who is emotional delayed (<em>more than once)</em>, or have crazy hopes for someone I barely know. </div>
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I will also continue my thirst in regard to professional and educational attainment. I have already learned to love me. I want to learn to love others fully and in a manner befitting a queen. </div>
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Happy Tuesday!</div>
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~Love </div>
dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-90998315960803583082014-04-25T22:19:00.000-05:002014-04-25T22:26:29.868-05:00Sargento Ultra Thin Vox Box from Influenster<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Cheese Please!</h2>
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I was one of the lucky folks in the Influenster Nation to be chosen for a Sargento Ultra Thin Vox Box. I knew that when my box arrived it would not actually include cheese but that it would contain a voucher for the cheese and a gift. I was happily surprised by the adorable lunch kit that you see below. I went to my local grocer (Walmart this trip) and made the difficult decision of which ONE cheese I would get. I went with Mild Cheddar as it is one flavor that I consistently like. </div>
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When I got it home I decided to make a turkey, cheese, spinach tortilla wrap with mustard. I love Sargento products already because they are actual cheese products and you can taste the difference. I also found that the taste of the cheese was great and I felt less guilty eating it because each slice is only 45 calories. I found this more intriguing because it is not made with low calorie milk but by making the slices thinner than others. </div>
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Future cheese plans</h3>
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I have not purchased more of the cheese as of yet, a girl can only eat so much in a week. I do plan to purchase this brand and flavor when I want cheese in the future. I plan to make some grilled cheese sandwiches with avocado this weekend. I also will remake the turkey/cheese wrap as well.</div>
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I am very excited that I was chosen for my first Vox Box so soon and I think it was quite apropos that it was cheese, given my love for it. </div>
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dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-32841247088164540542014-03-31T16:35:00.001-05:002014-03-31T16:35:47.510-05:00The Magnificence of the Social Work Profession - Please take the time to read this great poem. Today marks the last day of National Social Work Month. I have spent time attending trainings (increasing my competency), Advocating for policies (fighting against social injustice), educating future social workers, celebrating the social workers I work along side, giving away two self care packets to those in the field, and assessing my own self care practices. I have really enjoyed this month celebrating myself and others. I feel especially in a profession that often is not understood it is important to really participate in those Nationally recognized dates. <br />
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<a href="http://www.socialworker.com/extras/creative-work/the-magnificence-of-the-social-work-profession/">The Magnificence of the Social Work Profession - SocialWorker.com</a>dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-7327542012038787342014-03-14T12:16:00.000-05:002014-03-14T12:16:03.132-05:00The hope of something new<h3 style="text-align: center;">
There are times when things seem to be meant to be or more than a coincidence. There are some people that you meet that just seem like they were supposed to be in your life all along. </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have finally identified what I enjoy most about the first few interactions with a new potential romantic relationship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How great does it feel that someone sees you and decides that they want you in their life....if only for a short time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How wonderful is it to have someone actually listen to the story of your life for the first time and want to know more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It feels even better for that person to then comment that you are a "cool person". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At times you can take the people in your life for granted because it has typically been many moons since they initially decided "Hey I want you to stick around in my life indefinitely". You take for granted that every day/ every interaction they decide that yes they want to keep on knowing you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am in awe of the fact that every day a select few people on this earth make the decision to actively foster a relationship with me simply because I am worth of their love and attention.</span> </div>
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dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-75381777048775750452014-02-05T08:00:00.000-06:002014-02-05T08:00:04.723-06:00Social Work the Protected Title<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
As a social worker I feel a great amount of pride about what I do, but that doesn't make me a social worker. I often hear people describe the profession of social work with a job description. That's like saying a doctor is someone who listens to your lungs and looks down your throat. Though those are things a doctor may do as part of an exam, those things do not make one a doctor. In the same thought a social worker is not someone who assists with food stamps, or works at CPS. Though social workers can hold positions doing those things that is just the job.</div>
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Let me explain. Social work is a protected title much like a doctor, nurse, or attorney. To call oneself a social worker requires a license in social work, to get a license in social work you must have a degree in social work from an accredited university. So if you work at the food stamp office and have a degree in English you are a person who works in the social services industry but NOT a social worker. See this from the State Board of Social Work Examiners </div>
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<em>Licensure is required if you identify yourself as a social worker by using titles initials that create the impression that you are qualified or authorized to practice social work. This includes using any title containing the words "Social Worker" or initials such as LSW, or LMSW. The board may impose a civil or administrative penalty of not less then $250.00 or more then $5000.00 per day for each day an unlicensed individual holds them selves out to be a social worker.</em><br /> <em>You are exempt from licensure if you do not represent yourself to the public - directly or indirectly - as a social worker and do not use any name, title, or designation indicating authorization to practice social work. </em><strong><a href="http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/socialwork/sw_faqs.shtm" target="_blank">More Here</a></strong></div>
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There was once a time when many of the social services jobs that now employee those without social work licenses, required that employees be social workers. I believe this has something to do with the public belief that those are "social work" jobs. When I tell people that I am a social worker I often here "So you help people apply for food stamps/Medicaid/Medicare/TANF?" or " Oh so you are mean and make people fill out forms" or "Oh you take people's children away?". These are jobs that social worker's can do but not things we are necessarily taught to do in our degree programs. I believe I spent one or two days in undergrad on how to assist people with applications for public assistance. That was several years ago before everything was computerized, when I help clients with forms now I simply read the application and assist the client in answering what is asked. I also was not taught how to take people's children away. I was taught how to assess family functioning, to acknowledge child development including warning signs of delay, I was taught the etiology of mental illness and who this affects, I was also taught the demographics of which people abuse their children, I was taught methods of rebuilding families, ways to navigate systems, ways to pull communities together, how to affect change and assess for a client's willingness to do so, I was taught about chemical dependency, empathy, grief, therapy, and so many other things. </div>
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So forgive me if I stand up for my profession.</div>
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I am a social worker because I have the education, training, experience, and ethics to call myself a social worker. As a licensed social worker my clients can rest assured that if I do not follow my ethical code and for example talk about their situation to others without their express consent, I could face severe repercussions. If I fail to follow the Values and Ethics of my profession I could be fined, lose my license, be put on probation, or a combination of those three, as well as other sanctions. I am forbidden from having dual relationships with my clients or in having a personal relationship with them following our work together under many circumstances. <strong><a href="http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp" target="_blank">Ethical Code</a></strong></div>
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I am also required by my licensure to maintain a certain degree of education as long as I am a practicing social worker. This means I must continue to learn and grow professionally so that I can use the most up to date knowledge in helping my clients. This includes ongoing training in ethics which helps protect clients. </div>
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Though I did work at CPS that did not make me a social worker, in fact many things I did at CPS were not in line with what my social worker brain would have had me do. I am a case manager now, but I am a social work case manager. I function out of a social work framework, I pull upon theories and evidence when I work with my clients. In a few years when I am done with clinical supervision I will work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Meaning that I have the professional skill to offer psychotherapy to my chosen client population. </div>
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A part of being a social worker is advocacy: for human rights, clients, and the social worker profession. For that reason I felt it was necessary to clarify these things here. I am a proud social worker and I want others to know what a social worker is and what they can do. </div>
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<br />dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-38018964856068984132014-01-24T23:10:00.001-06:002015-02-01T20:19:15.817-06:00Why I'm a jaded single lady<h3 align="center">
*Warning* sarcasm and cynicism below</h3>
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So...I have been without a relationship (that has lasted longer than 2 months) for the past 6 years. I have really gotten used to being single but it is not really what I wanted for my life. I have been wondering lately if I want to be married with kids because that is what I am supposed to want or if it is because that is truly what I want for myself. Any time I even mention accepting that I may be single for life there is never a shortage of women that chime in shaming me for not having faith. I think it goes back to what Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche says in Flawless by Beyoncé. We are taught that women must strive for marriage and careers/success come second to that. I agree that the same pressure is not put on men. Its more than a little annoying that people feel it is necessary to shame me for not thinking that marriage is in the cards for me. I agree that God has all power and control and a plan for my life. I don't know what that is, neither does any other woman I encounter. So how do they know it is not possible that I am meant to be single? <br />
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But...how did I get here? First let's start with the most recent dating disappointment. I went out with a friend after a dance event. I was having fun dancing and enjoying myself. A very personable man comes up and talks to me and because I am trying to up my flirt game I flirted with him. We danced and joked and were as my bestie would say boo'd up for a while. He asked for my number and I faked jealousy when he appeared to be flirting with other girls. When I didn't hear from him the next two days I was cool with that, it was just fun to be engaged for a night. Then in typical 30+ fashion he contacted me after two days. We had cute text conversations and I was excited to have a conversation with a man that didn't make me want to throw up a little in my mouth (I get so tired of repeating myself with the online dating I have been attempting). I mean he had everything: a good vocabulary, he could dance, and he was the type that could sale you a mink coat in the middle of Texas summer. Then the red flag was thrown he said "look I will never make a promise to you I can't keep. I promise to tell you anything you ask." Now if you have never been completely kept in the dark by a dog of a man this may not seem like that bad of a thing to say but I saw it for what it was. He was laying the foundation to tell me later down the road that I should have asked him a certain something and because I didn't ask he didn't lie. So I did a little research- his Facebook was squeaky clean, then I searched for his name which revealed a honeymoon registry, which led to another Facebook search, which led to a wife who only 3 months ago had a baby. REALLY!?!?<br />
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Its not much of a loss for me but just thinking that this is why I am single...even the married guys are no good. Don't believe me? I know a married man that I have known for a while that offered a few years ago to father a child with me, the old fashioned way, and yes he was married at the time. This is the third married man that has seemed not to care about his wife while trying to woo me. And trust me I am not the type to give off the vibe that I would be cool with that. There have also been some less "violent" offenders: I talked to a guy on a dating site about my back and other things and the last comment from him was "well I guess you won't be having any good sex soon". The guy who took me out and argued with me about everything (such as the viability of Chinese food the next day) and ignored me (asked me questions I had literally just answered). The guys who I have known for years that will not talk to me for months on end and then reappear and expect that I have missed them, they get upset if I don't remember their birthdays or don't smile when they call. <br />
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I really feel like the world has become a place where we expect everything for nothing. Which translates into spoiled teens, women, and men. There is no longer a need to work for anything, if a man takes you out he doesn't have to be a gentlemen just show up and be prepared to receive. If a man has mistreated you in the past, all he has to do is not talk to you after the event for a year. By doing this he insures that when he does call you he can pretend to not know why you stopped talking and profess how much he has missed you, because you obviously feel the same. Imagine putting a book down and picking it back up where you left it and beginning to read again, women are just like that right? <br />
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My first relationship really laid the foundation for this. It was very traumatic and very public, he started the cheating. And not just an ordinary cheat, he cheated with my best friend who then stopped talking to me with no explanation for the next three years in high school. Every significant relationship I have had with a boy/man has involved me being cheated on. The last relationship I was in ended basically because my boyfriend was afraid of being dumped. So though I always pictured myself married with two children now all I can see is a child and a dog. <br />
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It may be wrong to be cynical but that is like telling a former CPS worker that children don't get abused everyday. I know that is a lie.<br />
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At this point my plan is to just try to enjoy the short period of dating when I enjoy talking to guys. The precedent has been so far that I will talk with them for a few days and either: they will stop communicating with me when I am not immediately available for a date; they say something offensive and I stop communicating with them; we go on a date and it goes no where; or we go on a date and I end up with a person that randomly texts me for months after that I no longer actually date. <br />
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With Valentine's day coming up (used to be my favorite holiday, the past 6 years it has been the most painful day of the year) I plan to love myself. I will don a saccharinely sweet outfit, treat myself to a date, and buy myself the gift I really want. What could be so wrong with that? <br />
#nothingdancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-44128457127378360902014-01-19T20:34:00.000-06:002014-01-19T20:34:11.745-06:00Sunday Funday| Summer's new soundSummer surprised me today on a trip to get my favorite beverage with a new sound. Luckily the catalyst, another dog nearby barking, repeated itself and she made the sound again. Its was too funny not to record and share. <br />
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dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-10963946094862887052014-01-06T21:51:00.002-06:002014-01-19T20:39:20.563-06:00Soundtrack of my life 2013<h2 align="center">
Music the sound of life</h2>
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For me music is integral to my daily life. I prefer to have music playing while shopping, typing, exercising, during the shower, well pretty much all the time. I listen to so much music that when I am not listening to music there is some random song in my head. If I am really enjoying the song I am usually singing/dancing along. I love having an old mp3 or cd and listening to songs I haven't in a while; memories always flood back. I can remember the time frame in which I was jamming a certain track/ album and it is such a great feeling. </div>
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So below are the songs that played in the background of my life this year. Mostly albums this time since I have more than usual and grouped into the type or feeling they inspired in me. </div>
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Guilty Pleasure Albums/Tracks</h3>
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1. Ariana Grande-<em>Yours Truly</em></div>
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The girl has some pipes! One of her songs reminds me so much of Mariah. My favorite tracks are <em>Honeymoon Avenue, Tattooed Heart, and You'll Never Know</em></div>
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2. Miley Cyrus- <em>Bangerz</em></div>
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It was very difficult to list her here. She spend the majority of 2013 writhing around naked and being credited for a dance that is at least as old as I am (28). All of this for attention for her album, which was actually good. My faves are <em>Wrecking Ball, Adore You; Love, Money, Party; Get it Right, Drive, F.U.; and Do My Thang.</em></div>
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3. Chanel West Coast- <em>Now You Know</em></div>
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Who knew the goofy, pretty girl from Ridiculousness could actually rap and semi-sing?</div>
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4. Selena Gomez- <em>Stars Dance</em></div>
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She's an ex-Disney star but <em>Come & Get it </em>and <em>B.E.A.T </em>jam</div>
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Disappointing albums</h3>
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1. Backstreet Boys- <em>In A World Like This</em></div>
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I really wanted to enjoy this cd, but I can't even remember which track I actually like. </div>
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2. Katy Perry- <em>Prism</em></div>
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There are a few that are okay but I was underwhelmed</div>
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3. Lady Gaga- <em>Artpop</em></div>
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I wanted to like more of the songs on here besides: <em>Applause, G.U.Y, and Do What You Want, Fashion!</em></div>
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4. John Legend- <em>Love in the Future</em><br />
I enjoy <em>Made to Love and Asylum</em>.<br />
5. Janelle Monae- <em>The Electric Lady</em> <br />
Only Exception: <em>Prime Time, Dance Apocalyptic</em><br />
6. R. Kelly- <em>Black Panties</em>- never thought I would put him here. I love R. but this was too raunchy. I do enjoy <em>Legs Shakin' and Cookies</em><br />
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Complete Albums</h3>
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AKA albums that I like more tracks that not</div>
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1. Justin Timberlake- <em>The 20/20 experience</em></div>
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2. Beyoncé- <em>Beyoncé</em> </div>
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*When I initially listened to this song it felt like I had gone to the movie rental store and picked up a Katherine Heigl movie only to pop it in and discover that it was actually a sex tape she made with her husband. While watching this unexpected movie I found the filming to be great and the music to be catchy but was I really seeing what I thought I was? I have gotten used to the Beyoncé tracks and sing along but still have mixed feelings about the content. I really don't want to be in the bedroom with Yonce and Jay. *<br />
Favorite tracks <em>Grown Woman, Haunted, Mine, XO, Partition </em>(I know), and <em>Flawless</em></div>
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3. Drake- <em>Nothing Was the Same</em></div>
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Faves: <em>Worst Behavior, Wu Tang Forever, Own It, Come Through</em> (reminds me of a pointless relationship I had :), <em>The Motion</em> LOVE!!!!!</div>
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4. The Dream- <em>IV Play</em></div>
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I could not have made it through this year without this album *<em>High Art, </em></div>
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<em>Too Early, Loving You/Crazy, Tron, Holy Love, Divine</em>*</div>
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5. TLC- <em>20</em></div>
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So glad they made the movie and this cd with the new track: Meant to Be</div>
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6. Paramore- <em>Paramore</em></div>
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7. <span style="background-color: magenta;">Tamar Braxton</span>- <em>Love and War</em></div>
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All I can say is <em>'She did that</em>!'</div>
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Artists I discovered in 2013</h3>
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1.Kendrick Lamar- hats off to you sir</div>
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2. Big Freedia- always makes me bounce Track: <em>Excuse</em></div>
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3. Childish Gambino</div>
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Songs I can't resist dancing to (in any setting)</h3>
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1. <em>Freaks</em>- French Montana feat. Nicki Minaj</div>
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2. <em>El Teke Teke</em>- Crazy Design</div>
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3. <em>Happy</em>- Pharrell Williams</div>
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4. <em>Love More/Trumpet Lights</em>- Chris Brown</div>
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5. <em>Collard Greens</em>- Schoolboy Q</div>
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6. <em>Excuse</em>- Big Freedia</div>
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7. <em>Work B*tch(remix)</em> - Britney Spears</div>
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8. <em>Twerk It</em>- Busta Rhymes feat Nicki Minaj</div>
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9. <em>Bezerk/ Love Game</em>- Eminem</div>
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10. <em>Black Skinhead</em>- Kanye West</div>
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11. <em>I.D.G.A.F- </em>Mike Posner feat Pharrell Williams</div>
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12. <em>Give it 2 U</em>- Robin Thicke</div>
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Others- good tracks/ albums</h3>
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1. Fall Out Boy- <em>Save Rock and Roll</em></div>
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2.<em> </em>Jay Sean- <em>Neon</em></div>
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3. Kanye West- <em>Yeezus</em></div>
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4. Luke James- <em>Whispers in the Dark </em>- I haven't had much time with this album but I love <em>Hurt me & Be Bad</em></div>
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5. Miguel- <em>Do you...., Adorn, Don't Look Back, Arch and Point, How Many Drinks?</em></div>
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Surprise finds</h3>
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1. The Saturdays-<em> Living for the Weekend</em></div>
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2. Stooshe- <em>London with the Lights On</em></div>
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3. Tori Kelly- <em>Dear No </em>One- this is so about me *listen*</div>
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To check out last year's list click <a href="http://daytoda.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-soundtrack-of-my-life-2012.html" target="_blank">Here</a>.dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-28876231680907209642013-12-30T22:06:00.001-06:002013-12-30T22:06:34.686-06:00My experience at the 2013 MS WalkIt has taken me a while to write this update following the walk because I had a few unexpected feelings during the event this year. This year as every year I participated in the MS Walk in Waco. My friend was diagnosed several years ago with MS and since I moved out of Waco I had not seen her in several months. <br />
The MS walk for me at least had always been a time of fellowship and fun for the children. There were also typically new medications being shared and information for participants. Over the past few years the walk has been less exciting with fewer activities and fewer vendors. This year the walk took place on the same day as two other events and on a rather dreary day. <br />
Though I was very excited to reunite with my team I realized that I had not seen my friend having a flare up in a while and was unprepared for it. I had been communicating with her over the months leading up to the race and she never mentioned her health status. Her mother informed me of just how it had been going for her and I was very shocked. Basically I had been hoping that regardless of what I knew of the disease process that it would totally skip my friend. So I spent the day being slapped in the face by my friend's mortality. As I watched her be unable to walk the entire route due to a flare up and an injured ankle, then being helped across the finish line by her husband and mother I almost cried. <br />
Denial is such a beautiful liar. As long as I no longer see my friend every day at work and do not have to see the waxes and wanes of the disease being handled by her medication and body, I can pretend that she is doing fine. In my dream world she is not having anymore flare ups and in fact the disease is deciding to leave her alone all together. <br />
Reality though is a mean slap in the face of hard work. My friend is fighting the disease every day. She is pushing through the pain and limitations to raise her two children and enjoy life with her husband. She is negotiating high drug prices and suffering if there is a fluctuation that requires her to go without. She is actively raising funds and advocating for a cure not just for herself but for those she has met with MS and those she will never meet. She is setting a wonderful example for her little girls of what a strong woman looks like and what she does. <br />
So while I was feeling sad for my friend and sorry for myself I was missing the whole point. A dreary day and a small turnout does not diminish the hard work that we all did to raise funds and raise awareness. Every day we raise funds, post on Facebook, and tell our friends/coworkers about the event there is that much more of a chance that a new person will become invested in our cause. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is a short video of the walk</span> </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FkK3sAbghVE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Below are a few photos that represent the walk for me. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLkp9lg5uSQ/UsI2Oy6KZKI/AAAAAAAAAmM/iZvO9i6djzE/s1600/MS+Walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLkp9lg5uSQ/UsI2Oy6KZKI/AAAAAAAAAmM/iZvO9i6djzE/s400/MS+Walk.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wore this every day until the walk as a reminder</td></tr>
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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/-Dr3ShbDyYa4/UsI2O905OQI/AAAAAAAAAmU/Tjr-SYwReLE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr3ShbDyYa4/UsI2O905OQI/AAAAAAAAAmU/Tjr-SYwReLE/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reason I walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubbard's Crusaders<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><em>I</em><em> am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by Advil®, as part of the Advil® Relief in Action campaign. I received compensation for this post. While all opinions stated are my own, I make no claims about Advil® as a product or its effectiveness.</em></span></td></tr>
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dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-20211923038167232512013-12-26T15:47:00.000-06:002015-02-01T20:21:12.231-06:00Perseverance in action DWTS- Part 2This season on Dancing with the Stars some of us met Valerie Harper for the first time. I personally remember her from her time on the Mary Tyler Moore show and her spin-off Rhoda. (What can I say I was a little adult as a child). What I found inspiring and captivating about her was that she had very recently been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and had been given only months to live. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fte5-PSa0U/VM7fBFV6AZI/AAAAAAAAFOA/L4sXgIsJZIg/s1600/sick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fte5-PSa0U/VM7fBFV6AZI/AAAAAAAAFOA/L4sXgIsJZIg/s1600/sick.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source office.com</td></tr>
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I was inspired by the fact that she continued to smile and enjoy life. Not only was she going about life as usual but she was also trying something new for her by participating in the DWTS competition. I know that the contest is supposed to be about dance ability but I don't know how you can judge someones dancing without taking into consideration what they go through to dance (if you are privy to this). Valerie discussed symptoms from the cancer on the show. In an article on <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/09/04/valerie-harpers-cancer-comeback-from-terminal-diagnosis-to-dwts/" target="_blank">FoxNews</a> an expert explained that "<span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-0">Symptoms can vary from headaches and difficulty walking to double</span> vision and facial weakness or weakness or numbness of arms or legs, depending on which areas of the body are most affected".<br />
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One of the most wonderful dances I have seen was performed by a little girl that had been involved in a car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. She had formerly been a competitive dancer with Starbound Talent Competition being one of her competition stops. She has a recurring dance at each competition and the last time that I saw her dance it brought tears to my eyes. It was not the ability of her dance but the improbability. The fact that she could have perished in that car and walks with the assistance of mobility devices and she STILL dances. <br />
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It is all about perseverance in the face of massive adversity. What would you do if diagnosed with a terminal brain cancer? Some would slip into a depression, avoid the diagnosis, some would stay in the hospital searching for a cure, others would check off their bucket list. Valerie decided to give us all hope. When she spoke with <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20761455,00.html" target="_blank">People Magazine</a> following the DWTS finale she gave her reason for doing the show "to tell people to keep moving – even if you don't get the steps, keep on moving, one foot in front of the other, as best you can".<br />
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Thank you Valerie.<br />
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<em></em><br />
<em>I</em><em> am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by Advil®, as part of the Advil® Relief in Action campaign. I received compensation for this post. While all opinions stated are my own, I make no claims about Advil® as a product or its effectiveness.</em>dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-88534593423889393562013-12-24T21:11:00.000-06:002013-12-24T21:11:14.452-06:00Button wreathThis summer while bored due to a lack of work; I came up with the idea of putting all of those buttons I've collected over the years on display. I thought a wreath would be a good way to do this. I finally got around to finishing this tonight.<br />
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You need: </div>
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<ol>
<li>Collected buttons</li>
<li>Wreath (your choice size)</li>
<li>Hot glue </li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Ribbon (I used three different patterns)</li>
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First I decided which ribbon would be the base and planned out the desired outcome. I then attached one ribbon to be used to hang the wreath. I then began placing the base ribbon and attaching the smaller pins. I left some ribbon hanging for the bigger buttons. I looped the ribbon around for these. Once finished I went back around gluing a new ribbon around the wreath. The biggest button I placed in the middle using the two colored ribbons. I went through a third time to fill the majority of the holes. </div>
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Voila!</div>
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Now that it is done I realize how much of a snap shot into my life it is. My two alma maters are represented (Tarleton & Baylor), groups I belong/ed to, my favorite resturant, my passions (dance/social work), and one of the greatest trips I've taken.<br />
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Super cool. Have a great holiday!</div>
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dancer.shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213596699738919948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6487179462888566397.post-43494466873788130002013-12-18T10:48:00.003-06:002013-12-18T10:48:29.473-06:00Personalized hand made gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<h3>
I love crafting but I struggle at time to make things others like. </h3>
Each year I think long and hard about what to get for my grandmothers. This year I happened about a gift idea on <a href="http://www.bhg.com/christmas/gifts/cheap-christmas-gifts/?sssdmh=dm17.703671&esrc=nwdi112113#page=3" target="_blank">BHG.com</a> and then found a great bible quote that fit them. I used foam core board, colorful tissue paper, recycled a dog calender, some scrapbook paper, scissors, stencils, and craft glue. I traced all the letters, then cut them out (this step took so much longer than I thought it would), I then outlined the board with the tissue paper. I used the craft glue to affix the letters.<br />
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To make sure things lined up right I started placing the letters at the bottom and from the last letter first. I worked my way up until I was complete. Once framed I think this is a gift that my grandmother's will enjoy displaying and I was glad to make. Hopefully this will be a win win. <br />
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