tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48839297115384269802024-03-13T11:28:49.634-04:00MY AGONY AND ECSTASYThe good, the not so good, and the surprising things in my life...Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-81274975222787030632011-10-04T10:39:00.003-04:002011-10-04T11:03:43.640-04:00O - H - Oh No!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzFrkfGZczwMHAO6O7Gs0XQH2Q0lHUkcaJdP79Z2xvy7A670JUF7PDuDJ80e1TMLc0l3vlfAjTswgiijeGdTvwVsIXNTZUgezXv5BYoZMM63iSf6NN8Bmpi9pxdXBVx-rtAo_3OMxaj0/s1600/Ohio_State_Buckeyes_Brutus_o133_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzFrkfGZczwMHAO6O7Gs0XQH2Q0lHUkcaJdP79Z2xvy7A670JUF7PDuDJ80e1TMLc0l3vlfAjTswgiijeGdTvwVsIXNTZUgezXv5BYoZMM63iSf6NN8Bmpi9pxdXBVx-rtAo_3OMxaj0/s320/Ohio_State_Buckeyes_Brutus_o133_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.skylinepictures.com/ohio_state_buckeyes_o133_full.htm">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's that time of year again, folks! FOOTBALL TIME, that is! And of course, everyone in our house has been geared up for the games each week since the season began...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_NZi_-3PmFFGbp0b28mDiNgXMzYFG94rlB_5lzB19GU0jkNg_BZDK4DYmP68hpalFNsmY8DhtB5IoTNPwnr9YlWJri_XmruZDDTl1T5KLne69Cnalh8BM09HdhMEc8sexqi7RfElaFM/s1600/DSCF3696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_NZi_-3PmFFGbp0b28mDiNgXMzYFG94rlB_5lzB19GU0jkNg_BZDK4DYmP68hpalFNsmY8DhtB5IoTNPwnr9YlWJri_XmruZDDTl1T5KLne69Cnalh8BM09HdhMEc8sexqi7RfElaFM/s320/DSCF3696.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_YtOUzzbrvGdem2krRiXf_cOBCRlq41dBtRNrKN32iMD6uJ5Mu8VfUgTeTdmVgO9UMsuJzfCEKPdsqiFVTdY7TuXLCivPLc_0HSc9H4jyHhbP5akeAIqz5dEFRiodKu6MdFJWmGF6cM/s1600/DSCF3691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_YtOUzzbrvGdem2krRiXf_cOBCRlq41dBtRNrKN32iMD6uJ5Mu8VfUgTeTdmVgO9UMsuJzfCEKPdsqiFVTdY7TuXLCivPLc_0HSc9H4jyHhbP5akeAIqz5dEFRiodKu6MdFJWmGF6cM/s320/DSCF3691.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWPxpCzriA_6sdPWWVFITfW00X6whPKoM64gXmyp1TO1jUaBKy7z3pHttiaJin4jhxi0jCH6hU41s9SfI7v6MtUS6oyOZ0SxnuloRrCYcJ8RXlc7OKAqXWD4V92tqdECU90zi7HZsJQM/s1600/DSCF3693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWPxpCzriA_6sdPWWVFITfW00X6whPKoM64gXmyp1TO1jUaBKy7z3pHttiaJin4jhxi0jCH6hU41s9SfI7v6MtUS6oyOZ0SxnuloRrCYcJ8RXlc7OKAqXWD4V92tqdECU90zi7HZsJQM/s320/DSCF3693.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxHUa4FJn9kEjxTGzdi5Zx9IAmESyopgjpJO-_JQfMNP4E-klLOq1kfNtlYuiPEa4r3JZDxiHisEyQSFNaRowxQ1NbC4xv-vz-X3cI-OdUcutfefA80WdemSD5PhyphenhyphenMsPRy8sGflIWx3k/s1600/DSCF3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxHUa4FJn9kEjxTGzdi5Zx9IAmESyopgjpJO-_JQfMNP4E-klLOq1kfNtlYuiPEa4r3JZDxiHisEyQSFNaRowxQ1NbC4xv-vz-X3cI-OdUcutfefA80WdemSD5PhyphenhyphenMsPRy8sGflIWx3k/s320/DSCF3695.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">BUCKEYE BATTLE CRY</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In old Ohio there's a team</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That's know throughout the land;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Eleven warriors, brave and bold,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Whose fame will ever stand.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And when the ball goes over,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our cheers will reach the sky,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ohio Field will hear again</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Buckeyes Battle Cry.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Drive! Drive on down the field,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Men of the scarlet and gray;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't let them through the line,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We have to win this game today,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Come on, Ohio!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Smash through to victory.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We cheer you as you go:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our honor defend</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So we'll fight to the end for</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O-hi-o.</span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xDf5oXEWn09EVF1MiT1XYShnzqMn7gc9JTh0dy8ayK1wT6DZFuFp9Kdek1kR0OgcFOsSJSCq9oNgnxbkQZnpUqQdi1mAOVtnawBRXqPdzA13zzbi8_n5ahrrKirXCissQxYP3r2DNvE/s1600/brutuswithflag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xDf5oXEWn09EVF1MiT1XYShnzqMn7gc9JTh0dy8ayK1wT6DZFuFp9Kdek1kR0OgcFOsSJSCq9oNgnxbkQZnpUqQdi1mAOVtnawBRXqPdzA13zzbi8_n5ahrrKirXCissQxYP3r2DNvE/s320/brutuswithflag.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://kccollegegameday.com/2010/08/30/mascot-monday-brutus-buckeye/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As excited as we always are to see the start of the football season, we are even MORE excited to see the start of the Big 10 portion of the schedule. This Saturday's game against Michigan State kicked everything off for the Buckeyes, so we got our game day fare ready...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwk9ZF_hMZgph7ewkuopFpIkYR4Hd6o6j_rjHHq6xFS7IvN_59dYFMVBVgRrM1eYPbWr2zHku12YS9EfVYgqqMgDwCMDPsQbjrN-yKeglRPFNyDESOsYFU0xylmkfNX3-GPnDu7F3emE/s1600/DSCF4001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwk9ZF_hMZgph7ewkuopFpIkYR4Hd6o6j_rjHHq6xFS7IvN_59dYFMVBVgRrM1eYPbWr2zHku12YS9EfVYgqqMgDwCMDPsQbjrN-yKeglRPFNyDESOsYFU0xylmkfNX3-GPnDu7F3emE/s320/DSCF4001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">7-layer dip</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlDJ51zKZH-eVbk_er433Vk1t1WdtKBpbY1o7vIWitptF2lfA6l80WYvtubvh1urefeo_MDDC4TniOo2APvxPhYqXv6ewdFEOBQsGl0QI6dGZECKUqE5lQib7hhDvx4BKyuN4qCOAmCc/s1600/DSCF4024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlDJ51zKZH-eVbk_er433Vk1t1WdtKBpbY1o7vIWitptF2lfA6l80WYvtubvh1urefeo_MDDC4TniOo2APvxPhYqXv6ewdFEOBQsGl0QI6dGZECKUqE5lQib7hhDvx4BKyuN4qCOAmCc/s320/DSCF4024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Buckeye Beer</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfn4Y3r-QNMe8NmHI6fU4riZziIBOlIhYrZH1X9VMFR8qQ5a4r59p0222B6i6bjDrV20P7qM3cHSOU74-qxpPdAWVSE_pIOm7jqaj2hb5jhO0aMNOrIrBe2sTWin-4ptZYWQXsdNp6C3Y/s1600/DSCF4031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfn4Y3r-QNMe8NmHI6fU4riZziIBOlIhYrZH1X9VMFR8qQ5a4r59p0222B6i6bjDrV20P7qM3cHSOU74-qxpPdAWVSE_pIOm7jqaj2hb5jhO0aMNOrIrBe2sTWin-4ptZYWQXsdNp6C3Y/s320/DSCF4031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">glug glug glug</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But, wah wah waaaaaaaah... Sadly, Sloopy couldn't hang on and the Buckeyes lost 10-7 to the Spartans (their first lost to MSU in over a decade). We knew that this season following <a href="http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/12/23/5-ohio-state-football-players-suspended/">the scandal</a> would be rough (<a href="http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2011/10/new_suspensions_provide_anothe.html">and getting rougher</a>), but it is still disappointing to start the Big 10 schedule with a loss. We'll still keep cheering though, and hopefully, finish the season much stronger. After all, we need to start replenishing <a href="http://www.toledoblade.com/Ohio-State/2011/05/15/Gold-pants-charm-given-to-Ohio-St-team-for-beating-Michigan-held-up-amid-NCAA-investigation.html">our stock of gold pants</a>!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPRg9w_fP7zLM01x0tURCfeRKy3Yj_OWZaoMT0gxx9xVCNqqMQXSJYjD8kZbYc5b7keNd6E2LdvWL_S82HeLfjkmvBdkHpjaaJhkyM3WHXSHaQmCmX4jCdG6-9FDGgRGUWJNw-RUS1gA/s1600/gold-pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPRg9w_fP7zLM01x0tURCfeRKy3Yj_OWZaoMT0gxx9xVCNqqMQXSJYjD8kZbYc5b7keNd6E2LdvWL_S82HeLfjkmvBdkHpjaaJhkyM3WHXSHaQmCmX4jCdG6-9FDGgRGUWJNw-RUS1gA/s400/gold-pants.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.toledoblade.com/Ohio-State/2011/05/15/Gold-pants-charm-given-to-Ohio-St-team-for-beating-Michigan-held-up-amid-NCAA-investigation.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-52611613394270867622011-09-30T16:59:00.000-04:002011-09-30T16:59:09.088-04:00If You Like Bean Enchiladas and Getting Caught in the Rain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUcXRVgzEJeIGV4G6RMK88fpuThkRavwjTADDkim2f85gkA1maAc-SzJZ8Sn-Wp6B7RqnfSEktHbP0XKCpCOMI61fbdT04-poT4b2eOsGZfqVpaUCDOBPYfQMQfdvErlgOXqdq7bWb3s/s1600/20090304133746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUcXRVgzEJeIGV4G6RMK88fpuThkRavwjTADDkim2f85gkA1maAc-SzJZ8Sn-Wp6B7RqnfSEktHbP0XKCpCOMI61fbdT04-poT4b2eOsGZfqVpaUCDOBPYfQMQfdvErlgOXqdq7bWb3s/s400/20090304133746.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/tag/jouissance">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;">What lovely weather we are having lately! I think I need to invest in a canoe or tugboat or something soon. Sheesh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But, rainy days <a href="http://myagonyandecstasy.blogspot.com/2011/03/rain-rain-movie-day.html">aren't always</a> <a href="http://myagonyandecstasy.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-raining-its-pouring.html">so bad</a>. One thing that always screams out at me on rainy days is comfort food, so I decided to whip up a batch of black bean enchiladas. Mmmmm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now this is a staple dish in our house, but I don't have a recipe, necessarily. However, I will do my best to provide approximations on the ingredients...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">INGREDIENTS: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 medium onion, finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (remove seeds if you want milder enchiladas)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2-3 sprigs of cilantro, finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">*--- (I typically throw all 3 of the above ingredients into a mini chopper and let that do all the work.) ---*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 can black beans, rinsed and drained</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Corn kernels from 2 ears of cooked corn (or 1 cup frozen corn, thawed)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1-2 tsp chili powder</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 tsp ground cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 bottle enchilada sauce (I use Trader Joe's brand -- see below)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">10-12 corn tortillas</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vJUcbu3klBgureqaL4UNjLAeq7XA5-TKYYqChj-8r63HMA9uvDQ4DhOa9XRq4tl1knRVccZ9_wH0wVkDO82C91m9zNKO56b6gP0tOxVClTJiFXxGw1h94mzataBXQu1Dw7xYA0HpIIw/s1600/p1040625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vJUcbu3klBgureqaL4UNjLAeq7XA5-TKYYqChj-8r63HMA9uvDQ4DhOa9XRq4tl1knRVccZ9_wH0wVkDO82C91m9zNKO56b6gP0tOxVClTJiFXxGw1h94mzataBXQu1Dw7xYA0HpIIw/s320/p1040625.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://roastedrootsandpumpkinspice.wordpress.com/2010/08/page/2/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Mix onion, </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">jalapeño, cilantro, black beans, corn, 1/2 cup cheese, chili powder, cumin, and 1/2 cup enchilada sauce in large bowl.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt33_iJm9JMnsCdlkR4qMSzy1ION2xWKubktaiN_J1VNtD0Sy3i4MwrakpJdMJeKhYuMEGQcpVP7qzMHXlK5zw5k8cx9AGwOQ5Gx-zIrFhy-7qhYYIVqsOcaN_l0sEHiUu9N_c0i6uZI/s1600/DSCF3936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt33_iJm9JMnsCdlkR4qMSzy1ION2xWKubktaiN_J1VNtD0Sy3i4MwrakpJdMJeKhYuMEGQcpVP7qzMHXlK5zw5k8cx9AGwOQ5Gx-zIrFhy-7qhYYIVqsOcaN_l0sEHiUu9N_c0i6uZI/s320/DSCF3936.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Put a few tablespoons of mixture in a tortilla.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWGAPCF_ZiTpRAEDGsEEXc4rUYDS-3AUNcbWTqzHKH95jd9pjQvPayM2AvX8kRTOV3BJ7VTX0Qbl0PTMGcUjF5txU1vXiddbMvjtKWtUYKZM6bBA8FxTV9NHOyIzbREsZHaf-YUTBJXk/s1600/DSCF3939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWGAPCF_ZiTpRAEDGsEEXc4rUYDS-3AUNcbWTqzHKH95jd9pjQvPayM2AvX8kRTOV3BJ7VTX0Qbl0PTMGcUjF5txU1vXiddbMvjtKWtUYKZM6bBA8FxTV9NHOyIzbREsZHaf-YUTBJXk/s320/DSCF3939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Roll up the tortilla and place it seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the mixture and tortillas.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7yYekmnIhEJLocbhbfh9mwmiR1FJXaV8ox2laGCZRUz5IvmTEGPn8OjyNQ8PVJjX8zXpl-Yavtm2Tbn8pgwJlOH5LO2CpyvUlq70j6l6af1ALKKRX8sC5_4F_DWZhlVpR7WoG9Blivk/s1600/DSCF3948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7yYekmnIhEJLocbhbfh9mwmiR1FJXaV8ox2laGCZRUz5IvmTEGPn8OjyNQ8PVJjX8zXpl-Yavtm2Tbn8pgwJlOH5LO2CpyvUlq70j6l6af1ALKKRX8sC5_4F_DWZhlVpR7WoG9Blivk/s320/DSCF3948.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Top the tortillas with the remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehbVLRKT_6RZVuAVcNP77hMbUIOOT9KfywCocgAGivoRrpxe74kPoklu3RETS-ZQr_wLv-ijYj_k-pZqlznkufpIq-lLOdqnXfUG4Y_ckHEjsoCZaKBD4PQlnpNrEYjUaehhqWHuTsaU/s1600/DSCF3955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehbVLRKT_6RZVuAVcNP77hMbUIOOT9KfywCocgAGivoRrpxe74kPoklu3RETS-ZQr_wLv-ijYj_k-pZqlznkufpIq-lLOdqnXfUG4Y_ckHEjsoCZaKBD4PQlnpNrEYjUaehhqWHuTsaU/s320/DSCF3955.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Bake for 15 - 18 minutes until cheese is melted.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0TxlORcy7BZPT6L6bXKAGbj__UouPRQdd926xyvhre7t_L6pIfBhyphenhyphen5wFxajWiE5Oqrm2eyr6rsNKj-FM-R7YSORvpvUNq5oLie_pude-U0VGaz0aye-UVOunRff9Pwk3-H4UQ4Egd9c/s1600/DSCF3960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0TxlORcy7BZPT6L6bXKAGbj__UouPRQdd926xyvhre7t_L6pIfBhyphenhyphen5wFxajWiE5Oqrm2eyr6rsNKj-FM-R7YSORvpvUNq5oLie_pude-U0VGaz0aye-UVOunRff9Pwk3-H4UQ4Egd9c/s320/DSCF3960.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixftMIEYIb_3_psW3Js2Ja4uh8qULdMZBD5YRrxasfNlBV51u90AZIlq7YdenKUWF55MqNgCFM47dfRmQFUHHNxN9N6xpu9LZht4Uz8jDr15RBu1rdzmGEuHkc_ePgxciAdhLv2EanqIk/s1600/DSCF3969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixftMIEYIb_3_psW3Js2Ja4uh8qULdMZBD5YRrxasfNlBV51u90AZIlq7YdenKUWF55MqNgCFM47dfRmQFUHHNxN9N6xpu9LZht4Uz8jDr15RBu1rdzmGEuHkc_ePgxciAdhLv2EanqIk/s320/DSCF3969.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Serve up with your favorite toppings, such as fresh salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjCI6yfAPq7bhQrMKXpxCR1hd_7pR_IsJrL5kBTNFWGW__VBFdKQfQ6d1QAeaNRUy9JlpZMwtQC7riuL7H2WyXoZwZ7m36mU6NGKhhGQp2Ge1V2tQiGAqeO6-QNYO4ukIlXfjuvKaox0/s1600/DSCF3971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjCI6yfAPq7bhQrMKXpxCR1hd_7pR_IsJrL5kBTNFWGW__VBFdKQfQ6d1QAeaNRUy9JlpZMwtQC7riuL7H2WyXoZwZ7m36mU6NGKhhGQp2Ge1V2tQiGAqeO6-QNYO4ukIlXfjuvKaox0/s320/DSCF3971.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A tasty meal certain to spice up an otherwise dreary day! Enjoy!!</span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-54319309010095413912011-09-29T21:51:00.001-04:002011-09-29T21:52:16.495-04:00Whole Lotta Love<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;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsChycIy8HvOcEYRuCHebeMVsoDlopml3aKwe7e8an-oG-YPDvNNeeclOocDfwxHNf4lAjE6MWRzChNEnHtXZBaGzZAqaX-HLUPYPz5cjO5QZdHbJaixD_Usdl4-a1kHLfK9yScMe0KY/s400/Whole-foods-logo-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houstonbeerweek.com/2011/07/19/night-after-monsters-with-whole-foods-market-montrose/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Naturally, I'm a pretty big fan of <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/">Whole Foods Market</a>. The selection of natural and organic foods is amazing to the point of overwhelming. I could easily spend hours wandering the aisles, oohing and ahhing (and I have). Hell, I could live and die right at their cheese counter!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, they do deserve their nickname, "Whole Paycheck." Do you REALLY need $8 tortilla chips that badly (no matter how insanely delicious they taste)? But, when you see cute little bags like this, how can you stay mad?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6A_b0JASn-7rPE8uvdazzsnyHiyRrBD7i6VPPmAX_QcaAhhykPwVB913p5vCxqs8ix5iZbZo_5vqfeYtFv0bPvA5NWmfLOUL2LYlmsPwOzhTWKNMC5jjkml2EQEqIdY1JrVtdJXXki4s/s1600/i+love+veggies_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6A_b0JASn-7rPE8uvdazzsnyHiyRrBD7i6VPPmAX_QcaAhhykPwVB913p5vCxqs8ix5iZbZo_5vqfeYtFv0bPvA5NWmfLOUL2LYlmsPwOzhTWKNMC5jjkml2EQEqIdY1JrVtdJXXki4s/s400/i+love+veggies_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.the-new-healthy.com/2011/04/eat-shop-eat-recap.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Needless to say, when <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-20105686-501465.html">Living Social offered their half off at Whole Foods deal last week</a>, we pounced and pounced hard! Jon and I each purchased the deal, which meant $40 to spend at WF for only $20. Heck yeah!! (Yes, we may have picked up an extra artisan cheese or two this week. Yum!)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was hard for me to believe that Whole Foods could get much more awesome, but then I saw this...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jTaWlL75Sbrhqqu0OdO569wXxwQRc8tOociPlprP2ILE_CCY4nF43UnPxsqF5XkRhyS8WErx0aa59nm6WP1qTvsaShDODOajr6AIr6Zk1YCiA0qBSmbch9I8kEnV-DbC9l_KXcFPl3c/s1600/IMG_0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jTaWlL75Sbrhqqu0OdO569wXxwQRc8tOociPlprP2ILE_CCY4nF43UnPxsqF5XkRhyS8WErx0aa59nm6WP1qTvsaShDODOajr6AIr6Zk1YCiA0qBSmbch9I8kEnV-DbC9l_KXcFPl3c/s400/IMG_0149.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That's right, <a href="http://www.yuengling.com/over21/over21.php?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yuengling.com%2F">Yuengling</a> is FINALLY coming to Whole Foods/Ohio!!! Sure, we'll still give our love to local brews from <a href="http://www.columbusbrewing.com/">Columbus Brewing Company</a> and <a href="http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/">Great Lakes Brewing Company</a> (brewer of my favorite beer, <a href="http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/beer/an-exceptional-family-of-beers/year-round/dortmunder-gold-lager">Dortmunder Gold</a>), but it will be nice to throw another great regional beer in the mix from time to time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you need more convincing, check out this ill video. I guarantee you'll be humming this tune for the rest of the day. For real.</span></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2UFc1pr2yUU" width="500"></iframe>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-45279463610166640682011-09-28T21:23:00.000-04:002011-09-28T21:23:07.469-04:00Tortilla-Crusted Cod Cakes, Plus a Taste of Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTXqGb-40esWX3E5GajWH9hgv5p1wxApZYKfapKf3i_6gT2_gLF4LBmpc24iZjZ-ckIPeCxeWAlVfgDkMtW6AxaBofvlRZAhhTVvxzxp6VDH4-7eUYKf-YUroqFtA0p39nq1NW4suwUE/s1600/DSCF3928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTXqGb-40esWX3E5GajWH9hgv5p1wxApZYKfapKf3i_6gT2_gLF4LBmpc24iZjZ-ckIPeCxeWAlVfgDkMtW6AxaBofvlRZAhhTVvxzxp6VDH4-7eUYKf-YUroqFtA0p39nq1NW4suwUE/s400/DSCF3928.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><u></u></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">TORTILLA-CRUSTED COD CAKES</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(March 2006 Real Simple Recipe)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 medium red onion</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 bunch fresh cilantro</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3 Tbsp olive oil</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 jalapeño pepper, seeded & finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 1/4 lb. cod fillet</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1/4 tsp black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 cup finely crushed tortilla chips (from 3 cups chips)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Heat oven to 350° F. Finely chop enough onion to measure 3/4 cup and enough cilantro stems to measure 1 Tbsp. Heat 1 Tbsp of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, cilantro stems, and </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">jalapeño and cook until softened, 4 minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Pulse the cod, egg, salt, pepper, and the onion mixture in a food processor until combined but not puréed. Form 8 cod cakes. Coat each cake with the chips.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wipe out skillet. Heat 1 Tbsp of the remaining oil over medium heat. Add 4 cakes and cook until golden brown, 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a baking sheet. Wipe out skillet and repeat with 1 Tbsp olive oil and the last 4 cakes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Bake until cooked through, about 10 minutes. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Serves 4. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(Pictured with sides of </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">sautéed</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">squash & apples and sautéed green beans & onions.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">BONUS TASTY FALL RECIPE...</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">ACORN SQUASH & APPLES</span></b></u></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 acorn squash</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 apples, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 Tbsp butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 Tbsp brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Gently drop acorn squash into a large pot of boiling water and boil for 15 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to cool. Slice off the peel on the ridges and dig out the peel in the valleys. Slice the squash in half and remove the seeds and stems. Dice the squash into chunks.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sauté</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> the squash with the apples, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon until tender. Sprinkle with a little extra brown sugar before serving, if desired.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Serves approximately 6.</span></div></div>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-26583346533494640262011-09-27T23:02:00.000-04:002011-09-27T23:02:32.667-04:00The Veggie Van Always Rings Twice<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXzV8cjW7pgOPOHcHBam6THQntDtOFAHACSxtvtefW0YcQ5-MIf3JQ-vuj14x5n9KuPr7MJnF0OzV_Csqu4Nx5-LARRKBb50OHJJmDDjxdanYDYydq2P_9HaBeOVh2xWFAvQkO34wLHY/s1600/vintage_vegs_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXzV8cjW7pgOPOHcHBam6THQntDtOFAHACSxtvtefW0YcQ5-MIf3JQ-vuj14x5n9KuPr7MJnF0OzV_Csqu4Nx5-LARRKBb50OHJJmDDjxdanYDYydq2P_9HaBeOVh2xWFAvQkO34wLHY/s320/vintage_vegs_lg.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://punkrockgardens.com/2011/09/saving-our-oldest-seed-house/vintage_vegs_lg/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Every Tuesday is like Christmas around here. Only, Santa drives a van filled with sacks of fresh, seasonal produce from local farmers rather than sacks of cheap, plastic crap from China. You heard me...PRODUCE!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The good people of the <a href="http://thegreenergrocer.com/">Greener Grocer</a> and <a href="http://www.local-matters.org/">Local Matters</a> run this amazing produce delivery service called the <a href="http://thegreenergrocer.com/content/veggie-van">Veggie Van</a>. And luckily for us, they deliver to our son's preschool! So, for $15 dollars each week, we get a bag of some of the freshest, tastiest fare that central Ohio has to offer, delivered right to us.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What kind of fare, you ask? Check it out (but, watch the drool)...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LAST WEEK'S BAG:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xzCwGCzO3J47FWeNcKzxCTswrfc7ST2tzhejFgeMMFltAz0QelAOnYNf2RTss3Z-lzi5JOtvU1B-a2uUib5WsCPK3jPz0FvhaOlcEuYDx0XNE1AdOvw8HHycOc33ihUwOSO3TQdEsJ8/s1600/DSCF3875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xzCwGCzO3J47FWeNcKzxCTswrfc7ST2tzhejFgeMMFltAz0QelAOnYNf2RTss3Z-lzi5JOtvU1B-a2uUib5WsCPK3jPz0FvhaOlcEuYDx0XNE1AdOvw8HHycOc33ihUwOSO3TQdEsJ8/s320/DSCF3875.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Kale, Tomatoes, Acorn Squash, Onion, Garlic, Green Beans, Potatoes, Jonathan Apples, and 1/2 dozen Eggs</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THIS WEEK'S BAG:</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBKEsIxuBEpC9Rmz24UIx4joDXWbTDyLid7L4HdXMsBWgN7WQNSC_XJkPYScKXJGXXbEOwvcMzB_Rp1EoR2_DPV3S_EYSLSeo_NPvkuXBNhyphenhyphen6DuomIsy6pXcxEolZ-om8oJ0kmP1xitw/s1600/DSCF3921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBKEsIxuBEpC9Rmz24UIx4joDXWbTDyLid7L4HdXMsBWgN7WQNSC_XJkPYScKXJGXXbEOwvcMzB_Rp1EoR2_DPV3S_EYSLSeo_NPvkuXBNhyphenhyphen6DuomIsy6pXcxEolZ-om8oJ0kmP1xitw/s320/DSCF3921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Cabbage, Kale, Cantaloupe Melon, Potatoes, Delicata Squash, Carrots, Onion, Garlic, and Jonathan Apples</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Just look at that food! So fresh. So delicious. We love gobbling up these goodies each week. Can't wait to see what other delectable bounties the Veggie Van has to offer up in the weeks to come!</span></div>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-80833993048400789832011-09-26T18:32:00.006-04:002011-09-26T21:10:08.632-04:00When It Rains, We Really Pour It On<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdN7cF8DbZReAmF_SwiEugSMvFrvANb7rR2Mxx6YbLwZUj1XNt6I0qqNnkolAM2_-HkttK3p9jc2A4eR61IxR0a6oYW2vcyLZz-yQ4tLRg6l8X1KeKnxb5MtUr5HdmoPrLHkFshHA4pVA/s1600/Raining_More_Than_Ever_by_zombienm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdN7cF8DbZReAmF_SwiEugSMvFrvANb7rR2Mxx6YbLwZUj1XNt6I0qqNnkolAM2_-HkttK3p9jc2A4eR61IxR0a6oYW2vcyLZz-yQ4tLRg6l8X1KeKnxb5MtUr5HdmoPrLHkFshHA4pVA/s320/Raining_More_Than_Ever_by_zombienm.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://zombienm.deviantart.com/art/Raining-More-Than-Ever-69677584?moodonly=1">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So, the long and short of it is that it rained cats and dogs today. Aaaaand I was stuck inside with my preschooler who's favorite phrase is, "Now what?" Since I was pretty sure the Cat in the Hat wasn't going to show up to play on this cold, cold wet day, I had to pull out my own bag of tricks.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">First, a little fun with the Cars 2 Play-doh set...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-Ej7Y1zM6FQUpMdbejzn9FHPvqCRfI6Qgm1EwtYvg-5RIOeap1R0nSnOOI72YT38X_xBJFtSjdZzChzCojh34WdPM0B1HNO6M15g61HARcoJfs7AjqXMxzBdIwRo0ycF_mCmqCTjB8U/s1600/IMG_0104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-Ej7Y1zM6FQUpMdbejzn9FHPvqCRfI6Qgm1EwtYvg-5RIOeap1R0nSnOOI72YT38X_xBJFtSjdZzChzCojh34WdPM0B1HNO6M15g61HARcoJfs7AjqXMxzBdIwRo0ycF_mCmqCTjB8U/s320/IMG_0104.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaccViesGcReAUhaDJAI-mQFDXP3FKQ0RNbz3vKd8wLSlUXZmuRwTntPMxDQETYnJV7QceQzkLy-cTbzrDcxCBIuZfbB76tg9IWLAGUyEz-QieiN40lEdu5BmmsI10w3VnkII1zYcc_A/s1600/IMG_0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaccViesGcReAUhaDJAI-mQFDXP3FKQ0RNbz3vKd8wLSlUXZmuRwTntPMxDQETYnJV7QceQzkLy-cTbzrDcxCBIuZfbB76tg9IWLAGUyEz-QieiN40lEdu5BmmsI10w3VnkII1zYcc_A/s320/IMG_0108.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRU4JNO1OMH2TM6gMTaEDtaJH6k_x30JK9UmSmo1vUbMIMh5mOh2L3UpVGLU5BNYoBVe7ieqLUJWhHYi6Mr3jbewRxxl2g1JqGzx__cWCOTiht9B7ZplBL68aID1eLwufEDx6bkGTFAp0/s1600/IMG_0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRU4JNO1OMH2TM6gMTaEDtaJH6k_x30JK9UmSmo1vUbMIMh5mOh2L3UpVGLU5BNYoBVe7ieqLUJWhHYi6Mr3jbewRxxl2g1JqGzx__cWCOTiht9B7ZplBL68aID1eLwufEDx6bkGTFAp0/s320/IMG_0109.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xzf55hwxQV_cke8f63SwPmx7qOxrN3u6cX1fYUEZTL77SF0zseQOYEg-Fv4r5kwEStilb8nwHGYnn39kxoJj16FmwueucC3jgGh6zyJMxx43p2GGllqNXWStHs2AdGGz9G-V4sk_pW4/s1600/IMG_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xzf55hwxQV_cke8f63SwPmx7qOxrN3u6cX1fYUEZTL77SF0zseQOYEg-Fv4r5kwEStilb8nwHGYnn39kxoJj16FmwueucC3jgGh6zyJMxx43p2GGllqNXWStHs2AdGGz9G-V4sk_pW4/s320/IMG_0110.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now what???</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A game or two of Candy Land...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjshV5DDrn55y2kzII4XDEQvGfgaKVbapMX8hMU7C0rUjmrwDEuXRw3_UUUkUbXq5L60kJZDvpHRXCS_IggZnZa6lOvx8m1OESBMKJas91PgoAMH5jUvc6k14rgP8CtR9b7svzcciTb8/s1600/IMG_0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjshV5DDrn55y2kzII4XDEQvGfgaKVbapMX8hMU7C0rUjmrwDEuXRw3_UUUkUbXq5L60kJZDvpHRXCS_IggZnZa6lOvx8m1OESBMKJas91PgoAMH5jUvc6k14rgP8CtR9b7svzcciTb8/s320/IMG_0112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1l6lTCvEvXP1g6zO7102W6WnD2TAlhDA4rYTn-c2fwBeB0uv0RMoKQnudPTwdM1d0CWZLjQjZJgb0YfT_yqdZvwA7Er20VblxmU7A9hrQnB2flUdNTdyq4dkV1xpec1YoBR6M30UOF5c/s1600/IMG_0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1l6lTCvEvXP1g6zO7102W6WnD2TAlhDA4rYTn-c2fwBeB0uv0RMoKQnudPTwdM1d0CWZLjQjZJgb0YfT_yqdZvwA7Er20VblxmU7A9hrQnB2flUdNTdyq4dkV1xpec1YoBR6M30UOF5c/s320/IMG_0115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now what???</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A round of Memory Game, perhaps?...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6d4hDbYicuhdusQLZ_CSfMr6Re3YzgoLmhp4xcWIx6VA4cqPE6z9k-2W7_LdcJiTelRjsuhW6H5pg04tTotS6Lkmf5OqQDXzQWfzKATOKoxe7uDZVtls0r_apdMfUbPKYTtCDPf25wOo/s1600/IMG_0117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6d4hDbYicuhdusQLZ_CSfMr6Re3YzgoLmhp4xcWIx6VA4cqPE6z9k-2W7_LdcJiTelRjsuhW6H5pg04tTotS6Lkmf5OqQDXzQWfzKATOKoxe7uDZVtls0r_apdMfUbPKYTtCDPf25wOo/s320/IMG_0117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qDVK_Ru21ypzEhEnDT6kAO02Lq3agAh4PNQ826pPdYiUA3O2I8sXVfzElnzaD4eql37ZFpUSozCo8xtaOA-wGWIIvxevXxuc3XlCDjbZD3T5_8_d0Cvx6Q6PWfjxai17gg4-zKaiF5c/s1600/IMG_0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qDVK_Ru21ypzEhEnDT6kAO02Lq3agAh4PNQ826pPdYiUA3O2I8sXVfzElnzaD4eql37ZFpUSozCo8xtaOA-wGWIIvxevXxuc3XlCDjbZD3T5_8_d0Cvx6Q6PWfjxai17gg4-zKaiF5c/s320/IMG_0118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7ZOUcO7onsqz0YVxQLnQSmOMN_7NlCLcMiWFyM-w7aSUOQYxFNw-uf5rF5YhBCq4A_HH5j-OYeCgA7Tyen0wZdy8A0DAVcZ7_292KN6vzU0yamfAbXShd9hNlF7hzw2v6B61iSKo0-4/s1600/IMG_0119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7ZOUcO7onsqz0YVxQLnQSmOMN_7NlCLcMiWFyM-w7aSUOQYxFNw-uf5rF5YhBCq4A_HH5j-OYeCgA7Tyen0wZdy8A0DAVcZ7_292KN6vzU0yamfAbXShd9hNlF7hzw2v6B61iSKo0-4/s320/IMG_0119.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now what???</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sure, let's throw in some Thomas the Train UNO...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfkond3JfX8wk2hZ2ymv6im0VdiQ-wnh-0iot78NuLO2K28lwbB4rSlPDGOyUOi44QlH_nr2sBRpshyphenhyphenZf1J8YdHcjLPkOXSTDw-DQF1f26I-EOgzPsHLGvUKFXTatb_b1CF2xBhYHHi0/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfkond3JfX8wk2hZ2ymv6im0VdiQ-wnh-0iot78NuLO2K28lwbB4rSlPDGOyUOi44QlH_nr2sBRpshyphenhyphenZf1J8YdHcjLPkOXSTDw-DQF1f26I-EOgzPsHLGvUKFXTatb_b1CF2xBhYHHi0/s320/IMG_0121.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvM8-HAGqxVkdoJEgucn-kKxpSNi5QETQFG2omA6L0nQ_u3YEAhYXGTKPTP4nTPvffrXxX-7RnKhrgn-apJjv_E3xXxBaQIGtJogjC7pTDW9GhPX1ZdoO-nk6_sQhGMGtjnGwXgR_gj0w/s1600/IMG_0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvM8-HAGqxVkdoJEgucn-kKxpSNi5QETQFG2omA6L0nQ_u3YEAhYXGTKPTP4nTPvffrXxX-7RnKhrgn-apJjv_E3xXxBaQIGtJogjC7pTDW9GhPX1ZdoO-nk6_sQhGMGtjnGwXgR_gj0w/s320/IMG_0123.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now what???</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I let Sesame Street take the reins for an hour. Then, it was time for lunch and a nap.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I7Fm3FKIEYwCJ8K9LG_nLxzLuzwUXTV8pdNJt_BraZ4u8d8YZqA9xDXMvN_TNCz44P-8G2T0r-c5-_q7q4FJAbzdlPblsT88Q03Ke-FJFQsNCSPvRha6Q8Tzea-IH8Jy6bJiDKHqnfU/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I7Fm3FKIEYwCJ8K9LG_nLxzLuzwUXTV8pdNJt_BraZ4u8d8YZqA9xDXMvN_TNCz44P-8G2T0r-c5-_q7q4FJAbzdlPblsT88Q03Ke-FJFQsNCSPvRha6Q8Tzea-IH8Jy6bJiDKHqnfU/s320/IMG_0130.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yep, still raining!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm not gonna lie...I really could have used a nap at that point, too. However, I decided to take advantage of the rare moment of silence and enjoy some ME time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">First, some uninterrupted reading time...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WCfUxVl9u2QIY2hDEsm8cIXzAGc4L4zjTZZ41eO_VFMmu0yHRCxcwUVyCfQpKT1gbs-6M3NUgAad66U_MW7MFkszu-Ykpucl-N-WTKM09RqQ9UXszbTrBpYRwwMRZyLoRFqEc5BYAa8/s1600/10762469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WCfUxVl9u2QIY2hDEsm8cIXzAGc4L4zjTZZ41eO_VFMmu0yHRCxcwUVyCfQpKT1gbs-6M3NUgAad66U_MW7MFkszu-Ykpucl-N-WTKM09RqQ9UXszbTrBpYRwwMRZyLoRFqEc5BYAa8/s320/10762469.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10762469-the-leftovers">THE LEFTOVERS by Tom Perrotta</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now what???</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then, a yummy meal...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxHiOrTxJ-KKG6ywKKjG1uDn37hz04P8nIOBlJBE74qR9AZninWL2dUSTZeX53TQqg7pn8JpqGOvgenILNj5b_gAAv2grNDn8VFZNX8Mokje9r8dUgsQz-7lNdQON38mH2UQUGuIZd3A/s1600/IMG_0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxHiOrTxJ-KKG6ywKKjG1uDn37hz04P8nIOBlJBE74qR9AZninWL2dUSTZeX53TQqg7pn8JpqGOvgenILNj5b_gAAv2grNDn8VFZNX8Mokje9r8dUgsQz-7lNdQON38mH2UQUGuIZd3A/s320/IMG_0139.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.lunaburger.com/lunaburger/Varieties.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Garden Thyme Luna Burger</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> w/ side of Gala apples</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now what???</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A couple relaxing hours watching a movie <a href="http://myagonyandecstasy.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-am-bronte-hear-me-roar.html">I've been wanting to see for a looooong time</a>...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjbH7yHLDir99UdmYtvBUiLJMuYv-b31Pa-Np-WtIEf4qgDuC44iUPJr1bbcFzVKnfELefDP76HSJdRmqXFM6t638fRxSt03BNzphUuGWWC_0zdhWoQ3YeL5qUTfm7xgdLZmI93F84Cc/s1600/MV5BNjU0Mjc0NzU3NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTU4OTkwNA%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjbH7yHLDir99UdmYtvBUiLJMuYv-b31Pa-Np-WtIEf4qgDuC44iUPJr1bbcFzVKnfELefDP76HSJdRmqXFM6t638fRxSt03BNzphUuGWWC_0zdhWoQ3YeL5qUTfm7xgdLZmI93F84Cc/s400/MV5BNjU0Mjc0NzU3NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTU4OTkwNA%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/media/rm4096362240/tt1229822">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"> (Mia Wasikowska was fabulous as Jane and now I'm crushing on Michael Fassbender more than ever! I MUST own this movie!!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We managed to pack in a ton of great rainy day activities.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> The Cat in the Hat would have been so proud. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> All <strike>rainy</strike> days should be like this. Hopefully, next time our little Thing 2 will be home from school and can join in on the fun.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now what???</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxwL4qhBxYC7Bd3uo-Ht5gX2K-dF4N_PGeY8EAzuWK-Ci3ERL1cItthzAQ9nVDIMsKJKYhQFqtM9NwYYOpm1m3VHdyouqhrr_fjlhCyOmez2nXXipvIqyYU7wiA3c59GRId3KsJevFec/s1600/IMG_0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxwL4qhBxYC7Bd3uo-Ht5gX2K-dF4N_PGeY8EAzuWK-Ci3ERL1cItthzAQ9nVDIMsKJKYhQFqtM9NwYYOpm1m3VHdyouqhrr_fjlhCyOmez2nXXipvIqyYU7wiA3c59GRId3KsJevFec/s320/IMG_0144.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The sun is out! Yaaaaaaay!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-52754355299637325942011-09-25T13:19:00.005-04:002011-09-25T14:38:20.811-04:00Free People Read Freely<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeQaXXw9dQ_3_sQK9Y9gLwyZbXvIIJwupDu2Y2miGoizEBkVRpT980QysOga0UM8cmDNN-nd1ypLYlg-YIIiWbjTtPIBTTMSfmEfB2IZiB2OkddCJ0fDZBYQ-ZDoRVH1sEn0CHC_dkLw/s1600/i+read+banned+books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeQaXXw9dQ_3_sQK9Y9gLwyZbXvIIJwupDu2Y2miGoizEBkVRpT980QysOga0UM8cmDNN-nd1ypLYlg-YIIiWbjTtPIBTTMSfmEfB2IZiB2OkddCJ0fDZBYQ-ZDoRVH1sEn0CHC_dkLw/s320/i+read+banned+books.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.readingrocks4me.com/2010_10_01_archive.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><blockquote><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Censorship is telling a man he can't have a steak just because a baby can't chew it."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">-- Mark Twain</span></blockquote><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">There is freedom in reading. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> You can escape your own reality by imagining people and places grander than the biggest blockbuster movie, or find similarities with people and places you see every day.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> You can gain new understanding of a familiar subject, or discover a new passion.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> You can experience comfort, joy, hope, love, laughter, courage, sadness, remorse, fear, heartache, irritation, anger, disgust, anticipation, thrills, chills, and relief all in one little book. Pretty amazing, no?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4C7KBPTQHfcyHMIP2bnE6e9yLVY0iiJG56rPJNoY74Q2hVsCETNGguduUOgekqV_YFZ_PTWrdT9i9c_e1l6iksBuQgLIyjM8_aivhB3kaBdfS9Ch5XrSfmE6_KKMhTGyk1h6XpzVIpRA/s1600/1stamendposters2_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4C7KBPTQHfcyHMIP2bnE6e9yLVY0iiJG56rPJNoY74Q2hVsCETNGguduUOgekqV_YFZ_PTWrdT9i9c_e1l6iksBuQgLIyjM8_aivhB3kaBdfS9Ch5XrSfmE6_KKMhTGyk1h6XpzVIpRA/s320/1stamendposters2_copy.jpg" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://witsblog.org/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sadly, there are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_books_banned_by_governments">people in this world who want to threaten your freedom to read</a>...to read whatever you want, whenever you want, wherever you want. These people challenge and ban books for <a href="http://www.deletecensorship.org/downloads/booklist_hpb.pdf">all kinds of crazy reasons</a>, and this can be a <a href="http://712educators.about.com/cs/bannedbooks/a/bookbanning.htm">surprisingly easy process</a>. But, censoring one's RIGHT to read is <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement.cfm">WRONG</a>!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGOtc5ho2VdnevQwcr8Qwwo_02pCn82W9MY4Z9iDsBE0GEXotzP2D1nwcVrqPpG6xgTOWdXusVAmsBwTwGA48N-M_zHSE-mQLP_OoKCHHerX8oOHcPGY4JX63pityCKrXr_x44cfWZwA/s1600/censorship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGOtc5ho2VdnevQwcr8Qwwo_02pCn82W9MY4Z9iDsBE0GEXotzP2D1nwcVrqPpG6xgTOWdXusVAmsBwTwGA48N-M_zHSE-mQLP_OoKCHHerX8oOHcPGY4JX63pityCKrXr_x44cfWZwA/s1600/censorship.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://smugpuppies.com/2009/09/28/i-read-banned-books/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You can stand up for your RIGHT to read, your RIGHT to knowledge, your RIGHT to information! Help celebrate <a href="http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/">BANNED BOOKS WEEK</a> this week (September 24th - October 1st) by reading a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_commonly_challenged_books_in_the_United_States">banned or challenged book</a>, by spreading awareness about Banned Books Week on your blog/Facebook/Twitter, or by simply telling your local librarians and/or school officials that you appreciate their efforts to keep books ON our shelves.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmTzp8nahJKqMRfWXQLyLO-JmSM-Cb7ohb_d6l5y9yQ2c84kQOu0BJXWH3voIsiKMUaKGoanN6L-XyZ80QcnKP2jBbzxx3_Y1rmbccee5BZbGGB-KZPA7UkTQE0NnnFPlT8MGGB-4_vM/s1600/banned_books_week.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmTzp8nahJKqMRfWXQLyLO-JmSM-Cb7ohb_d6l5y9yQ2c84kQOu0BJXWH3voIsiKMUaKGoanN6L-XyZ80QcnKP2jBbzxx3_Y1rmbccee5BZbGGB-KZPA7UkTQE0NnnFPlT8MGGB-4_vM/s400/banned_books_week.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://crushable.com/entertainment/12-great-ya-books-to-read-to-your-favorite-kid-during-banned-books-week/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">For more information about Banned Books Week visit: the <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm">American Library Association</a>, <a href="http://deletecensorship.org/">deletecensorship.org</a>, OR <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/assets_c/2010/04/Bookparking-thumb-465x348-32681.jpg">your local library</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I will be spending this week reading anything and everything I can. I will read <i>because</i> I can. I will read until they pry the books from my cold, dead hands (and they probably will). Please say you'll join me!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63xzhyphenhyphenWl3sA_c8D81qXB02CofShAEMTVkFeJhf0KteBlUv9Ln1UciNMrYjLQ1aoPqolQdStI7bOTBnck0V0SNP4LKwNsJfmxEbdiLCt8iK0GoI97pV5zF7zu7NVmc4-R9aRX1xv3iq-E/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63xzhyphenhyphenWl3sA_c8D81qXB02CofShAEMTVkFeJhf0KteBlUv9Ln1UciNMrYjLQ1aoPqolQdStI7bOTBnck0V0SNP4LKwNsJfmxEbdiLCt8iK0GoI97pV5zF7zu7NVmc4-R9aRX1xv3iq-E/s320/images-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.culturalbazaar.com/2010/10/banned-books.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><blockquote><span style="font-size: x-large;">"The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">-- Oscar Wilde</span></blockquote>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-56487300290828660922011-09-24T10:31:00.001-04:002011-09-24T10:40:44.911-04:00Falling for Joe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vmBjKGgrAwL9_tmLkl0dPMg4eOVPxEL8ZRAGCIbeg6qLx7fudytnmOib67i5HBEaH0f6ttGlANsh2g1xYCXQk61JaZdjn7Xg35RcIGvk7YCvB2OdBAKXa3UKvPwpXJ_ffDGExwvweEM/s1600/Fall+coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vmBjKGgrAwL9_tmLkl0dPMg4eOVPxEL8ZRAGCIbeg6qLx7fudytnmOib67i5HBEaH0f6ttGlANsh2g1xYCXQk61JaZdjn7Xg35RcIGvk7YCvB2OdBAKXa3UKvPwpXJ_ffDGExwvweEM/s400/Fall+coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://candlefind.com/candle-reviews/julia-wooten/candle-reviews-by-julia-page-2/halloween-scented-melt-review-2009.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's official! Fall is here! Some of you may or not know that I have quite an affair going on with Autumn. Cooler weather, football games, pumpkins, gorgeous foliage (my favorite colors!), sweaters and boots, apples and cinnamon, spooky movies, rainy days, Halloween and Thanksgiving, slanting light, soups and grilled cheese sandwiches, hayrides, my kids' birthdays -- it is easily my most favorite season. I get downright gaga upon its return every year and this year's official start to fall was no exception.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I decided to kick off this year's affair with a date with myself at a local coffee shop, <a href="http://www.cupojoe.com/">Cup O' Joe</a>. I sauntered right up to the counter and ordered my first <a href="http://www.cupojoe.com/2010/10/26/pumpkin-joe/">pumpkin spice latte</a> of the season. (*Note: Cup O' Joe uses REAL pumpkin mixed with white chocolate, vanilla, and spices in their pumpkin spice drinks, NOT syrup! LOVE!!) Armed with a delicious caffeine concoction and the latest edition of <a href="http://www.theotherpaper.com/">The Other Paper</a>, I settled down in a comfy chair and began to unwind.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQ6Um6D8Z0DcGK1w6isotKCuTLwPet3iWpRi4Mxk9wyjsX9pjfAND5L48NX7PkyPI7L19qhLTEfScI565isHgo4ox0kTPMioArfGcltYN4Cq7OmyBFpNk2zoehAdsIyBCk9AeeEssrbs/s1600/IMG_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQ6Um6D8Z0DcGK1w6isotKCuTLwPet3iWpRi4Mxk9wyjsX9pjfAND5L48NX7PkyPI7L19qhLTEfScI565isHgo4ox0kTPMioArfGcltYN4Cq7OmyBFpNk2zoehAdsIyBCk9AeeEssrbs/s400/IMG_0054.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Seems I was a little more wound up than I initially thought because that latte was gone in about 2 seconds flat. So, I had no choice but to grab another...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaiZJLyRCdL_Pioq1giYsM99XtR_9haJgV4LRF63xidNLMVmenInJ1bf4Qx8OkodWha3VYhNW67PyTHqrMK83-f4Sb3StUa6tw3pSZyKdg5FqtXf2ccXKIVFc5WXsKOtEwkJv8AUBZ1I/s1600/IMG_0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaiZJLyRCdL_Pioq1giYsM99XtR_9haJgV4LRF63xidNLMVmenInJ1bf4Qx8OkodWha3VYhNW67PyTHqrMK83-f4Sb3StUa6tw3pSZyKdg5FqtXf2ccXKIVFc5WXsKOtEwkJv8AUBZ1I/s400/IMG_0059.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And then, I started to get a little hungry so, I grabbed a <a href="http://www.zuppadowntown.com/">Zuppa</a> wrap at the counter and, of course, another coffee drink to wash it all down...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYK7TfrrYkQ9ubw-AhCwFej4BR9AV_xA1F58axjFMlAlMVhPRfRMW9NkiMWmn1EAkFu2oOv-qJc-X-qOuivTpDeZBpUF6A8Rjy1J7LIbsPLC-eTLQEjsY7pk0q6Q-4_eSWNu8m9GeTbg/s1600/IMG_0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYK7TfrrYkQ9ubw-AhCwFej4BR9AV_xA1F58axjFMlAlMVhPRfRMW9NkiMWmn1EAkFu2oOv-qJc-X-qOuivTpDeZBpUF6A8Rjy1J7LIbsPLC-eTLQEjsY7pk0q6Q-4_eSWNu8m9GeTbg/s400/IMG_0062.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Roasted red pepper hummus w/ baby spinach, grilled asparagus, caramelized onions, and smoked Roman tomatoes in a spinach tortilla</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhle6OfPq9rIWzv6f7RlzeIxVumJHpgFM5sCPQNoat71PkgDsZqpv5kO6_ljOqkCzV2x4QDSBO6gTay24HDrRvQx4udDwKS3nwpyXy-MKM405lVOTPmpM-2Jp_nnMjl7vp_0xthQnXWoz4/s1600/IMG_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhle6OfPq9rIWzv6f7RlzeIxVumJHpgFM5sCPQNoat71PkgDsZqpv5kO6_ljOqkCzV2x4QDSBO6gTay24HDrRvQx4udDwKS3nwpyXy-MKM405lVOTPmpM-2Jp_nnMjl7vp_0xthQnXWoz4/s400/IMG_0065.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Americano drink and 1/2 of my wrap</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Belly full and a fresh Americano by my side, I grabbed my book out of my bag and blissfully started to read...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBD2-ii3ZpS-0sZLgU_O8ORoKCkG2yI08jFdprX4yY4UQRw6qbde3aXT_ImUW_QVWWO7olXLYKuJZ3ak3Ohmt-q-IfP1NkQRY0kFRugD1nI9_rfqo-hyW9xNEQYdl18F2CkiOwW3AbPI/s1600/IMG_0083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBD2-ii3ZpS-0sZLgU_O8ORoKCkG2yI08jFdprX4yY4UQRw6qbde3aXT_ImUW_QVWWO7olXLYKuJZ3ak3Ohmt-q-IfP1NkQRY0kFRugD1nI9_rfqo-hyW9xNEQYdl18F2CkiOwW3AbPI/s400/IMG_0083.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH-H-CMfbgcCcRiVQAkg9QANLYxZO9lVXICDD2m2iTtIcvUoZWFUgOa8nbbUnKXjz7ZvKWWmf_9r8yAquU2e-AISh39zYxXth0fg_78g1E0oLWZ9wgAyrlpwq_Pm8xiO02uLSO0GexHI/s1600/IMG_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH-H-CMfbgcCcRiVQAkg9QANLYxZO9lVXICDD2m2iTtIcvUoZWFUgOa8nbbUnKXjz7ZvKWWmf_9r8yAquU2e-AISh39zYxXth0fg_78g1E0oLWZ9wgAyrlpwq_Pm8xiO02uLSO0GexHI/s400/IMG_0085.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s5gDZpHbliRXtVVbEFZPr14wG__1qmd3zEwCHdeb9SW-pusd1hp8UFsuXN0xwmM1G9SvFk_TQR9XdBkLG-yUkPQrYZ6k9C_xVCBrOfXKtt8tu-bMjkaZSDwh3JzeKIHidCMV3F8Ry-I/s1600/IMG_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s5gDZpHbliRXtVVbEFZPr14wG__1qmd3zEwCHdeb9SW-pusd1hp8UFsuXN0xwmM1G9SvFk_TQR9XdBkLG-yUkPQrYZ6k9C_xVCBrOfXKtt8tu-bMjkaZSDwh3JzeKIHidCMV3F8Ry-I/s400/IMG_0071.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Life is good. I'm staying awake for it.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Before I knew it, the sky had grown dark and it was time to pack it up and head home. Perfect timing, since the baristas were threatening to cut me off and only serve me water. Hahaha! (Seriously.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZq0gngyJ_LKaSJV88BdcPndz8Elod5cN6WtCPJe7Ihd3MiuVjW-TVIoyJGxRvN1BaCVpfEShbzaFsGBeNEWiqvuv5aSO2eIcOXZZarFzC6E1bVUMfHy25TYGl_PmT5AxjJbNX-E1STSw/s1600/IMG_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZq0gngyJ_LKaSJV88BdcPndz8Elod5cN6WtCPJe7Ihd3MiuVjW-TVIoyJGxRvN1BaCVpfEShbzaFsGBeNEWiqvuv5aSO2eIcOXZZarFzC6E1bVUMfHy25TYGl_PmT5AxjJbNX-E1STSw/s400/IMG_0086.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goodnight lover...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Since my husband was such a great sport, letting me cheat on him with Joe all night, I decided to pick up a sweet treat to show him he's still my number one guy...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1M-vyPS9P5rL0ZOi2_Bm90pVPeEGtHpwGin5a2EI_tuOcYB2cyJLh64DneaMjK8DNBwUrhAoow4zpFuf1iqFJlNOmjrJ4hH34MledDE_r5BJnDQKa0OYpX2ILQdz7emWQ9CH6kUcF_I/s1600/IMG_0089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1M-vyPS9P5rL0ZOi2_Bm90pVPeEGtHpwGin5a2EI_tuOcYB2cyJLh64DneaMjK8DNBwUrhAoow4zpFuf1iqFJlNOmjrJ4hH34MledDE_r5BJnDQKa0OYpX2ILQdz7emWQ9CH6kUcF_I/s400/IMG_0089.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He was very grateful!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Such a lovely start to a lovely season! Happy Fall everyone!<br />
</span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-51663557908581093552011-09-23T10:30:00.000-04:002011-09-23T10:30:06.963-04:00All I Do is Win, Win, Win No Matter What<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwzNfEEb1YU_3N09P3jp3NkEtttbeO-oB0uC3in2gCkjtgeD9mQyjMb3nKgd5mTnu7cfILbNr8PN7b9zAlACS2KdIFCMVdAXDbnhTTujgLIIU2-s7DAp0X13p_NaSal10TI7ybVTme28/s1600/winning-wednesday-markets-make-sense-to-charl-L-wPuqzu.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwzNfEEb1YU_3N09P3jp3NkEtttbeO-oB0uC3in2gCkjtgeD9mQyjMb3nKgd5mTnu7cfILbNr8PN7b9zAlACS2KdIFCMVdAXDbnhTTujgLIIU2-s7DAp0X13p_NaSal10TI7ybVTme28/s400/winning-wednesday-markets-make-sense-to-charl-L-wPuqzu.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://en.paperblog.com/winning-wednesday-markets-make-sense-to-charlie-sheen-38481/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the past you've seen me blog about winning some excellent books through <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>. Well, it turns out that I'm some kind of lightning rod for giveaways because I WON AGAIN! That's right, more free books for moi!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A few weeks ago, I received word that I had won a copy of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10473365-an-emergency-in-slow-motion">Emergency in Slow Motion: The Inner Life of Diane Arbus</a> by William Todd Schulz. I was beyond giddy! I was really in the mood for something arty with an edge and this was perfecto! So, when my package </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">from <a href="http://www.bloomsbury.com/">Bloomsbury</a> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">arrived a few days ago, I ripped it open with gusto!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sGMnmyirkinkkZtRIsyOp2xU0Ra_okzwZQ4IpuQAENqRRhfOPvxzpl0wuQQtI6OrG9Ns_Xnlot9J4bjPEVWEndBGIHkn3rFOrPu98MiJ2deEMl1QuaRCg1bMFro8HmEtqiPk0DiQ4-k/s1600/10473365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sGMnmyirkinkkZtRIsyOp2xU0Ra_okzwZQ4IpuQAENqRRhfOPvxzpl0wuQQtI6OrG9Ns_Xnlot9J4bjPEVWEndBGIHkn3rFOrPu98MiJ2deEMl1QuaRCg1bMFro8HmEtqiPk0DiQ4-k/s320/10473365.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I love Diane Arbus's work. The pictures are absolutely haunting and stunning. I find myself staring at her subjects for what seems like hours, completely transported to the worlds in the photos.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yYVJoMKn7P8_ayFfRuXUsybmqaNi4OUDpV9ZdXNgl-SjJMkiH9_67ertOnPoo8dzr15f9LnJata_K80NXHiSO1x-5SC5VhPjjHxGiAcZb-hM2N_ncuWuS5x2MwCW8QILISjlblg2kSo/s1600/d5186018l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yYVJoMKn7P8_ayFfRuXUsybmqaNi4OUDpV9ZdXNgl-SjJMkiH9_67ertOnPoo8dzr15f9LnJata_K80NXHiSO1x-5SC5VhPjjHxGiAcZb-hM2N_ncuWuS5x2MwCW8QILISjlblg2kSo/s200/d5186018l.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=5186018">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17VoGWX8JLQyWlFiHQclRl7BqMGTjLoEIqq0nxfEteQsLjFWaJ0S9M1BN0LsMzA6yHmqI7VwqTzdBU8px9AeE5igK2TkYrEha_JsBFlMFuETOBVxn8qyy_8y8EhSvqby0HHETKpkQsDM/s1600/diane-arbus-1966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17VoGWX8JLQyWlFiHQclRl7BqMGTjLoEIqq0nxfEteQsLjFWaJ0S9M1BN0LsMzA6yHmqI7VwqTzdBU8px9AeE5igK2TkYrEha_JsBFlMFuETOBVxn8qyy_8y8EhSvqby0HHETKpkQsDM/s200/diane-arbus-1966.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://justunderthesurface.wordpress.com/2010/09/26/3-from-diane-arbus/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tG4yUno34gWxsTEiCkse_C5RsmV9pIMhjYhmZ8vXHPYbubhZXXTQW24TJQuuigq-9FVt5fBRCBsu8j2FidtXcOP1C29C2RTwVCcmzTsr3b0EmChhsXJ8AkH9E17cNXJ29CR7Ni4j1Y8/s1600/finch10-16-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tG4yUno34gWxsTEiCkse_C5RsmV9pIMhjYhmZ8vXHPYbubhZXXTQW24TJQuuigq-9FVt5fBRCBsu8j2FidtXcOP1C29C2RTwVCcmzTsr3b0EmChhsXJ8AkH9E17cNXJ29CR7Ni4j1Y8/s200/finch10-16-1.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.artnet.com/Magazine/features/finch/finch10-16-1.asp">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ba7diQZ3jUB4P-F219eKmCV_Ecq35FR0VtOB6tshjhNteNhPvxe_eafrbcRSqBpAAuZAJmWKLDpzx4SBSpGgSqcM7yqhzinVM18a6PJ58WHo-ZGSGzt4HhTeWNmKAhkczjEOlH5D2IM/s1600/diane+arbus+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ba7diQZ3jUB4P-F219eKmCV_Ecq35FR0VtOB6tshjhNteNhPvxe_eafrbcRSqBpAAuZAJmWKLDpzx4SBSpGgSqcM7yqhzinVM18a6PJ58WHo-ZGSGzt4HhTeWNmKAhkczjEOlH5D2IM/s200/diane+arbus+05.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://apphotnum.free.fr/N2BE36.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMZwaOZY8fgczduE01GcQF1nsCG41HG3zfYo1TPoyjWi4oEKsyMlNstlip6xCjDQLYRnba7aFYdiSRL4NSnnNVO2BC45Kr_KIGfr8YVhg-kL5tPoKdqbsga49IIEI7xi_R02ZOH9DuwY/s1600/12445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMZwaOZY8fgczduE01GcQF1nsCG41HG3zfYo1TPoyjWi4oEKsyMlNstlip6xCjDQLYRnba7aFYdiSRL4NSnnNVO2BC45Kr_KIGfr8YVhg-kL5tPoKdqbsga49IIEI7xi_R02ZOH9DuwY/s200/12445.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://loxpapers.squarespace.com/lox-papers/tag/diane-arbus">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I cannot wait to dive into this little gem in the next day or two! I have a feeling it will be one that I can't help but devour in one sitting. And the weather is supposed to be perfectly crappy this weekend, so that will work out nicely.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But wait! That's not all!! Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning, all set to write up this blog post about winning a book giveaway, only to discover I won ANOTHER book giveaway!!! That's right! Apparently, I've done something to please the book gods.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yours truly has won a copy of... </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10865075-falling-for-me">Falling for Me: How I Learned French, Travelled to Seville, and Fell in Love</a> by Anna David.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dS2HjRNTsOz90TtmQd_VYqSiaFuP-H5EPlG4kqAGMFByPSmemlEuHkbhj_TBCqxEo10BFR8lNlfBpnlp9S0tiM8po0VIR3aLnXcFdNMesRswxA4ckG9Uw6qgHYQOHXy9wa0gLYiInRs/s1600/10865075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dS2HjRNTsOz90TtmQd_VYqSiaFuP-H5EPlG4kqAGMFByPSmemlEuHkbhj_TBCqxEo10BFR8lNlfBpnlp9S0tiM8po0VIR3aLnXcFdNMesRswxA4ckG9Uw6qgHYQOHXy9wa0gLYiInRs/s320/10865075.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, so it sounds a little <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19501.Eat_Pray_Love">Eat, Pray, Love</a>-ish (which is one book that never sounded remotely interesting to me), but I'll give it a shot. After all, FREE BOOK! </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-84989585577848299852011-09-22T17:05:00.001-04:002011-09-22T17:07:10.950-04:00BOOKIN' IT: Summer 2011<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEPxh6edWuMNL34Q-DdulfNQWymg0LNFiNAlQs3QhcsP2nNRex2M4H3-HV4JyInhufZBwBF-nWtEExwrJGzLMCrrgwqMfPTFNivtbZDEe00krOt_gq1kkW3rMktWgg-H80HvkQLyodEI/s1600/Stacks-of-books-300x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEPxh6edWuMNL34Q-DdulfNQWymg0LNFiNAlQs3QhcsP2nNRex2M4H3-HV4JyInhufZBwBF-nWtEExwrJGzLMCrrgwqMfPTFNivtbZDEe00krOt_gq1kkW3rMktWgg-H80HvkQLyodEI/s400/Stacks-of-books-300x200.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.genjuice.com/community/2010/12/20/10-social-media-books-you-should-be-reading/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Summer went by in a blur. Our schedule was blissfully filled with baseball games, trips to the pool, visits with friends, and grilling veggie burgers, so I'm surprised that I was able to slip in a few really good (and not so good...okay, HORRIBLE) reads here and there. But when it comes to books, I think we all know, I make the time!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Here are my sizzlin' summer reads and one that is just outright burn-worthy:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">***********************************************</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>STAR RATINGS CHART</u></b></span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 : Effing Awesome, Walking-Into-Lamposts</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 : Pretty Sweet Read, I Dug It</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 : Meh, Just Average, Next...</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 : Ugh, Struggled, Not Really Worth the Time</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 : Suckass, Still Trying to Forget</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">0 : The Worst Book I've Ever Read! 'Nuff said.</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">***********************************************</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3OyZzQ_sUQ8Tci3YNdyyh-zajSB7uYZQxxv2P4X-jkSiTI8CzPERoznfR2PfpBFXTmC_dbVR3VMH1roNLQYnc2RjJ1jUP7MbLM8CUyr3jW2i_m9h7T7eW0vx8btLjuhpFh9O0cMzncA/s1600/41qD7y9ktvL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3OyZzQ_sUQ8Tci3YNdyyh-zajSB7uYZQxxv2P4X-jkSiTI8CzPERoznfR2PfpBFXTmC_dbVR3VMH1roNLQYnc2RjJ1jUP7MbLM8CUyr3jW2i_m9h7T7eW0vx8btLjuhpFh9O0cMzncA/s320/41qD7y9ktvL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6280118-one-day">One Day</a> by David Nicholls</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vintage Contemporaries, 2009</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">435 pages</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read - June 9, 2011</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 Stars</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I found myself completely absorbed in this Hornby-esque tale of boy meets girl. Completely touching, but not obnoxiously sentimental. However, it is possible it might totally flatten the overly sensitive. I was still thinking about this book weeks after I closed its cover. Bonus: it also has a ton of literary references (Book Nerd Alert!). I'm still dying to see the movie, but *sigh* the reviews have not been overly favorable. Eh, I'm sure I've seen worse. Bring on British Hathaway!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRp_e7zSt_p8111CyWqTHvBn1zelhKMaTLP38wbpUsG6ZCpk2V501wIyHW1z_3CPfU1BO9CpvThVriSEZMosbq8BXDsRq6ZOpZiJWDUrMEA5gTLBlvttH68bUAU_2yDMgpPtfO4kt1A70/s1600/7331435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRp_e7zSt_p8111CyWqTHvBn1zelhKMaTLP38wbpUsG6ZCpk2V501wIyHW1z_3CPfU1BO9CpvThVriSEZMosbq8BXDsRq6ZOpZiJWDUrMEA5gTLBlvttH68bUAU_2yDMgpPtfO4kt1A70/s320/7331435.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7331435.A_Visit_from_the_Goon_Squad">A Visit from the Goon Squad</a> by Jennifer Egan</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alfred A. Knopf, 2010</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">274 pages</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read - June 15, 2011</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 Stars</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If there was a special circle of Hell devoted to washed up hipsters, this would be their reading material. Now, that may seem like I didn't like the book. I did...and not just because it won the Pulitzer this year. (After all, that criteria didn't help me with <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/98202592">Tinkers</a>.) I really enjoyed the way each story was written in a unique style, yet flowed so nicely from story to story. I was entertained by the famous 'Power Point chapter' and amused by many of the characters (see: <i>Kissing Mother Superior, incompetent, hairball, poppy seeds, on the can.</i>)</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Also, using the music industry to tie the stories together was wicked cool and made the music industry seem like another character in the story, if not the main character. Ultimately, I walked away with the moral of the story(ies) being 'life sucks and then you die,' which left me feeling a little pummeled. If that sounds like your bag, baby, pick it up.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWohi-xxPWZlgjWugbt6ssMRnP-4KuaUB5sYzj7asVntwB3A3Bp4_TJ6_E7J2K9wbl65ftjMGSS1soMyeKKhYpYPnYgclm93w8FzSHv8z4Nv_ygQmnQkH_vl_A0QjZDH2k3KIuo_qx1dY/s1600/7856358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWohi-xxPWZlgjWugbt6ssMRnP-4KuaUB5sYzj7asVntwB3A3Bp4_TJ6_E7J2K9wbl65ftjMGSS1soMyeKKhYpYPnYgclm93w8FzSHv8z4Nv_ygQmnQkH_vl_A0QjZDH2k3KIuo_qx1dY/s320/7856358.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7856358-the-help">The Help</a> by Kathryn Stockett</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam, 2009<br />
444 pages<br />
Read - June 20, 2011<br />
5 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I didn't actually expect to like this book. I basically picked it up because the movie was coming out and all my friends had already read it. I thought it would be a bit unbelievable, somewhat infuriating, and totally predictable. And it was. However, it must have hit me at the right moment because I devoured it in only a few sittings. Despite my 5-star rating, I don't think I'll be raving about this book for years to come or anything. But for those looking for an unputdownable summer read, this one definitely fits the bill. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYWhyWV1D76McXcc6x6FQ7hheMyBFjd0bmA6Bf0Gm4URi2grO780oycbEMnHnBkjFwceqxtOQQQ7aoM4RBsnYY931QM4ll7IZ8_cRkhkwb9OhDnb1oVTOHUwRZPvMLLpC7O77LuPxojk/s1600/9781921145087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYWhyWV1D76McXcc6x6FQ7hheMyBFjd0bmA6Bf0Gm4URi2grO780oycbEMnHnBkjFwceqxtOQQQ7aoM4RBsnYY931QM4ll7IZ8_cRkhkwb9OhDnb1oVTOHUwRZPvMLLpC7O77LuPxojk/s320/9781921145087.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6045212-we-need-to-talk-about-kevin">We Need to Talk About Kevin</a> by Lionel Shriver</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Counterpoint, 2003</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">400 pages</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read - June 27, 2011</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 Stars</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Holy eff!!! <i>We Need to Talk About Kevin</i> is like the supreme argument for birth control. No, STERILIZATION! Seriously, I can't imagine anything worse than having Kevin as a child. I was HORRIFIED as I read and, I'm a little ashamed to admit, gave my kids a few wayward stares, as if they were going to spontaneously turn into this monster child. To say that this book completely freaked me out would be putting it mildly. To say that it gave me nightmares AND daymares would be much more accurate. Also, I had that <a href="http://pl.st/s/798859025">Foster the People song</a> playing on a loop in my head the entire time I read, which didn't help matters. Yikes! (I've seen clips for the movie and it looks terrifyingly good.)</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MUgDX6_8eBhMUEBu3lw6Q2n6iPUwEhg3f338myO-DEololvDK8Z0EoFtSrvrdUs-UTWOsygUneMeo2JqvCQTtxtN3JtyeJJtrq4vck9D9JRjeiJAtVHKyiVWEuCqOvoHADvq2uYQUlY/s1600/the+idiot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MUgDX6_8eBhMUEBu3lw6Q2n6iPUwEhg3f338myO-DEololvDK8Z0EoFtSrvrdUs-UTWOsygUneMeo2JqvCQTtxtN3JtyeJJtrq4vck9D9JRjeiJAtVHKyiVWEuCqOvoHADvq2uYQUlY/s320/the+idiot.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><i></i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12854.The_Idiot">The Idiot</a> by Fyodor Dostoevsky</b><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Translated from the Russian by Richard Pevear & Larissa Volokhonsky</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vintage Classics, 1868</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">615 pages</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read - June 30, 2011</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 Stars</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fyodor Dostoevsky is like my big Russian daddy. He can really do no wrong in my eyes and <i>The Idiot</i> did not disappoint. There was an all-star cast of characters, but Prince Myshkin absolutely stole my heart. He was wonderfully pure and simple without ever being boring (I'm looking at you, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/12417212">Fanny Price</a>!). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I initially docked this book half a star because I felt it wasn't <i>quite</i> as captivating as <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138502.The_Brothers_Karamazov">The Brothers Karamazov</a>, but since I still had lingering thoughts about it months later, I decided I had been too hasty and bumped it up to 5-stars. At the <i>very</i> minimum, it's a 5-star soap opera! This one is definitely going onto my reread pile. Did you hear that Prince Myshkin? I'm coming back for youuuuuu!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Regarding the translation: do Pevear/Volokhonsky or don't bother reading it at all.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7up2zl8wxNuktTG4-a2XVFAxuZ8yd-stN1sKuBQlDcq-8lGwc28gM6yK7-h2k7fx6ShJiHOnVB55xLg0CR_F93EcLIIm0hVbrjB9iTpvMOakL1ezwZYXn6eHsSNFva8k0zXTKyokqGY/s1600/578364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7up2zl8wxNuktTG4-a2XVFAxuZ8yd-stN1sKuBQlDcq-8lGwc28gM6yK7-h2k7fx6ShJiHOnVB55xLg0CR_F93EcLIIm0hVbrjB9iTpvMOakL1ezwZYXn6eHsSNFva8k0zXTKyokqGY/s320/578364.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/578364.The_Sailor_Who_Fell_from_Grace_with_the_Sea_Vintage_East_">The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea</a> by Yukio Mishima</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Translated from the Japanese by John Nathan</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Perigee Books, 1963</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">181 pages</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read - July 7, 2011</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 Stars</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Goooooood grief! This was such a disturbing little book. I thought the whole hive mind/gang aspect was fascinating. The kids are definitely NOT alright. Perhaps I read this a little too soon after finishing <i>We Need to Talk About Kevin</i>, because this felt a bit flat. Am I becoming jaded to the horrifying? Well, that's pretty unsettling!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaB3HLbDQIwt9m3w5eyHgwk5SsQ6tR5Ny2rAAOn-rrvd8pOMPAfVGxQGrZhWY3Zzzbb7WRIXky8c7k2psp48wtdzu3O8cWUTj63b99aJPfauJ4s-ZDPvK4wu11COD_UC85YqxggPX7lg/s1600/368916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaB3HLbDQIwt9m3w5eyHgwk5SsQ6tR5Ny2rAAOn-rrvd8pOMPAfVGxQGrZhWY3Zzzbb7WRIXky8c7k2psp48wtdzu3O8cWUTj63b99aJPfauJ4s-ZDPvK4wu11COD_UC85YqxggPX7lg/s320/368916.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/368916.84_Charing_Cross_Road">84, Charing Cross Road</a> by Helene Hanff</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Moyer Bell, 1970<br />
97 pages<br />
Read - July 17, 2011<br />
5 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reading <i>84, Charing Cross Road</i> has OFFICIALLY made it into my All-Time Greatest Reading Memories. Forget for a second that it is a charming, little epistolary book ABOUT books and book lovers. That is enough to make it awesome in its own right. However, the setting in which I read it made it truly magical.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a slightly cool summer day and I had a completely free afternoon (which RARELY happens), so I decided to swing by the public library and wander around the stacks. I picked up a few books that I had heard good things about, including <i>84, Charing Cross Road</i>. Armed with a stack of good reads that I was anxious to dive into, and not being in any rush to get home, I decided to head over to the coffee shop across the street. For the rest of the day, I sat on the coffee shop patio, sipping Americanos, reading <i>84, Charing Cross Road</i> cover to cover, and occasionally glancing over at the people walking in and out of the library, their bags bulging with books.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">That was one of the most blissfully delicious afternoons I've had in recent memory and I really hope to recreate it one day. I get butterflies just thinking about it! Does it really get any better than that?? *sigh*</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuY1dNxferX5SMCOQLPkMQTT0b21xUsYbP7aB6BZzGG5-JMhtRFDDjpn6UUU5mFeBRM2PsQvGJPyykR5pbY9IG0wBKU3jKkSuPQvL8-idLo3WxGNTSB3oDJ6Yv22PRhU32tZDUN9LaP8/s1600/518H9T4R45L._SL500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuY1dNxferX5SMCOQLPkMQTT0b21xUsYbP7aB6BZzGG5-JMhtRFDDjpn6UUU5mFeBRM2PsQvGJPyykR5pbY9IG0wBKU3jKkSuPQvL8-idLo3WxGNTSB3oDJ6Yv22PRhU32tZDUN9LaP8/s320/518H9T4R45L._SL500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1004130.The_Adventures_of_Tom_Sawyer">The Adventures of Tom Sawyer</a> by Mark Twain</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Penguin Classics, 1876<br />
221 pages<br />
Read - July 18, 2011<br />
4 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let me start by saying that I adore Mark Twain. He is one of the wittiest people of all time and his books define "classics." Now, let me say that I think Tom Sawyer is a little punk and I'd love to knock the smirk off his smug little face. Yes, Tom makes think violent thoughts. This was actually a reread from my dewey-eyed youth. I fawned all over Tom and Huck back in the day, but while my rereading of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1929132">The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn</a> a few years ago made me love it all the more, <i>Tom Sawyer</i> ended up falling a notch in my eyes. Those shenanigans don't fly with me now that I'm perpetually in Mommy Mode. Still, I found myself cracking a smile many, many times. That Mark Twain...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp610dfVcgsjZbLt1CG4LGhpvAKM9053p51kde9_togmqohQpu5VVW_-G9r_bujCcmqv-yDdl4_91SVA0I09PteQNg-C2-QDdaA_6iZHmFHe6sPBQDf-dYtM2PjRjDWKx3w17pI4eiUVs/s1600/41ju7zc59-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp610dfVcgsjZbLt1CG4LGhpvAKM9053p51kde9_togmqohQpu5VVW_-G9r_bujCcmqv-yDdl4_91SVA0I09PteQNg-C2-QDdaA_6iZHmFHe6sPBQDf-dYtM2PjRjDWKx3w17pI4eiUVs/s320/41ju7zc59-L.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7989157.Room">Room</a> by Emma Donoghue</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Little, Brown and Company, 2010<br />
321 pages<br />
Read - July 19, 2011<br />
3 Stars</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The saving grace of this book was the perspective of the narrator, a 5-year-old boy, otherwise, its almost like a Lifetime movie from start to finish. Almost sickeningly poignant, heart-wrenching, and overwrought. That's basically what it boils down to. Yes, it totally pulled at my heartstrings, but I felt a little cheap afterward...kinda like when I find myself watching Lifetime movies.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39V-8SEW-AK0vSQZqonnVfoeZ4yAG5uyIC3dant_-Go4Dv2wMgCZ-T0smOH48kgdUcyElAw_UsM_X7SylpAryLLlSaPqsEQ_x5U456-TyP5Gla4AwR6DMpxN7mB3A8YxqLptO90eAxzY/s1600/10335409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39V-8SEW-AK0vSQZqonnVfoeZ4yAG5uyIC3dant_-Go4Dv2wMgCZ-T0smOH48kgdUcyElAw_UsM_X7SylpAryLLlSaPqsEQ_x5U456-TyP5Gla4AwR6DMpxN7mB3A8YxqLptO90eAxzY/s320/10335409.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10335409.Colin_Preston_Rocked_and_Rolled">Colin Preston Rocked and Rolled</a> by Bert Murray</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Davanna Books, 2010<br />
251 pages<br />
Read - July 24, 2011<br />
0 Stars</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">*** Warning: The following review contains references to sex. Not good sex, mind you, but still, sex. *** <br />
<br />
<b></b>Yes, <b>0 Stars</b>!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">While it is never very pleasant to write a bad review, it even <i>less</i> pleasant to read a bad book. And this book is the WORST book I've <u><i>ever</i></u> read! <br />
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All other books are masterpieces in comparison. Horrible writing. Horrible characters. Horrible dialogue. Horrible plot line. Horrible layout. There really was NOTHING redeemable about this book at all. I would read excerpts to my husband and he would laugh his ass off (when he wasn't groaning from the agony). The only people who could possibly give this book higher than one star have to be the author's family and friends...or people who are being heavily compensated...or people who have guns to their heads. I mean, there is NO WAY that anyone who has read <u>any</u> <u>other</u> <u>book</u> <u>in</u> <u>existence</u><i> </i>could</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>possibly</i> think this is any good.</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
Yes, it is THAT bad. <br />
<br />
Here are some lowlights: </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
<br />
<u>CHARACTERS</u></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
<br />
In short, they are all terrible.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">* The main character, Colin Preston talks incessantly about the Beatles. He drops every bit of information he knows about them in everyday conversations, corrects other people's misinformation about them, and listens to every album by them (and John Lennon's solo work) constantly. I'm not sure there is a page where there ISN'T a Beatles reference. I loooooooove the Beatles, but this was almost enough to make me not want to listen to them ever again, just so I wouldn't have to have any association to this horrible main character. Plus, he's whiny, naïve, and annoying. I hate him. <br />
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* The main character's love interest, Jasmine is a complete contradiction. Not even believable in the slightest. She's supposed to be a super hot, (of course!...and ALL of the girls in the book are super hot with smokin' bodies who want to have sex with these dweebs the second they meet them...believable, no?) hippie chick who is very into all-natural foods, yoga, Jim Morrison (almost as much as Colin is into the Beatles...gah!), and smoking pot. HOWEVER, she smokes cigarettes (what?! so much for her all-natural persona), has <i>extreme</i> mood swings (like a 24-hour roller coaster ride with Sybil at the switch), and can be very violent (throws beer bottles at Colin). None of these behaviors match her purported Zen-like nature. Oh, and she's a slut. <br />
<br />
* Colin's best friend, Karl is a complete caricature of a big man on campus. Football star, <s>ladies' man</s><br />
panty-dropper, and all-around prick. He cares about very little other than playing sports and banging hos. He's a class act.</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
* Chester is the quintessential loner and loser. He hangs out in the dorm basement ALL THE TIME and smokes a ton of weed. He has very obvious mental problems and says a lot of extremely weird things. Other characters refer to him as highly intelligent, but I never heard him say anything remotely smart. He ends up having a mental breakdown (SHOCKING!!) and goes to rehab for cocaine (which was NEVER mentioned in the story previously), mushrooms, and pot (WHAT?!? Rehab for 'shrooms and pot?! C'mon!). He writes a very bizarre letter from rehab that makes you think a psychiatric facility would be a much better fit for him. <br />
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* Mrs. Vesquez, one of the professors at the school, gets brought into the story, inexplicably. One day Colin is being nasty to her because he's having a bad day, the next day they are hanging out and he's dishing out all his problems to her. For the rest of the book, she doles out advice and wisdom, talks about the hardships of her life, and listens as Colin whines nonstop about Jasmine. Sure, because that's the shit professors live for! <br />
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* Big Ty is basically the token black friend in the book. He doesn't really have much to do with the plot other than inviting the guys to multiple frat parties. <br />
<br />
<u>PLOT POINTS</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">There are soooo many things that don't make any sense that it would take me all day and night to list them. I could easily go page by page of this preposterous story, trying to figure it all out, but I don't really think it deserves that kind of time/effort. However, I will provide a few head-scratchers for you and maybe you can tell me if these things make sense or could ever happen in real life. <br />
<br />
* Colin and Jasmine are getting all hot and heavy in Colin's room. She desperately wants to have sex with him. He goes to put on a condom. He puts it on inside out. <i>(How?)</i> He puts on another condom. They start having sex. It feels good and he is ready to come, but he holds back. She starts to come...very loudly! He begins counting Beatles albums to keep from coming. She finishes with a cacophony of screams, moans, and bed squeaking. He pretends that he came, too, and then throws the empty condom in the trash. <br />
<br />
-- If the girl is letting you know that she is having an orgasm, why would you hold back and then fake it? I can understand holding back until she gets to that point, but once she's <i>there</i>, why in the world would any guy purposely NOT come...and then <i>lie</i> that he did? I'm sorry, but I cannot think of any plausible reason why that would happen. <br />
<br />
* Colin is at a frat party without Jasmine. He is persuaded by cool guy Karl to ask a hot chick to dance. As he and hot girl are dancing, she suddenly stops and looks upset. Apparently, her boyfriend is not happy to see her dancing with another guy. Colin turns to see a "beefy meathead with bulging biceps" approaching in a jealous rage. The beefy meathead boyfriend grabs a beer from a random guy and throws "the contents" in Colin's face. <br />
<br />
-- Huh?? Maybe my imagination is not what it used to be, but when would a muscular guy, in a jealous rage, EVER grab a beer and throw "the contents" in someone's face?? Maybe they would throw a beer bottle at someone's face (or break it over their head), but I cannot picture them grabbing a "cup of beer" and throwing it in someone's face like someone out of a soap opera. Picture Ronnie from <i>Jersey Shore</i> doing that. <br />
<br />
* Colin is at a frat party. He runs into his friend, Big Ty, who invited him to the frat party. Colin immediately asks Big Ty how his grandmother is doing. Big Ty tells him that she is keeping him busy, but she did find a new doctor she likes. Then, Colin asks about her blood pressure. Big Ty tells him that it is better because she's been taking her medication. <br />
<br />
-- I don't care HOW good of friends you are with someone, two guys at a frat party would NEVER be discussing a grandmother's blood pressure. Not possible. <br />
<br />
<u>WRITING/LAYOUT</u></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Again, I could go on and on. The writing is the worst I've ever seen in my history as a reader. Each page is worst than the last. Here are a few examples: <br />
<br />
* Bizarre chapter layout. Most of the chapters are no more than a couple pages. Frequently, a chapter will end in the middle of a fight, conversation, etc. and then pick right back up at the start of the next chapter. If this was the author's idea of cliff hangers, then I give him a big FAIL. </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
<br />
* Lighted. Used over and over and over again. As in, "he </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>lighted</i> a joint and began smoking" and "Jasmine pulled a cigarette out of her bag and <i>lighted</i> it." Ugh. Nails on a chalkboard! <br />
<br />
* A LOT of talk about sex and boobs. I'm by no means a prude, but this felt like it was written by a teenage boy who watches A LOT of bad porn. Judge for yourself... </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
<br />
-- "I love how her breasts jiggle," he said. "I'm really crazy about her."<br />
"They jiggle?" I asked.<br />
"Yes. Like flying saucers. She uses Ivory Soap on her gazungas."<br />
"So, Susan soaping her breasts is your sex fantasy?"<br />
"Yes, and once I watched her shave her legs. What a thrill I got." <br />
<br />
-- The next girl didn't have a good body, but her breasts were fantastic. She made a show of unhooking her bra and maneuvering it so that she was able to get it out of her sleeves. The spray of the water revealed breasts that were shaped like watermelons and nipples that were extremely large. </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
"Man, look at those things," said Big Ty. "Are they not ripe or what?" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> The cute Asian girl on the bar didn't have much to show off. She was extremely flat-chested, but the cold water had stiffened her nipples. It was erotic and I couldn't stop myself from staring. <br />
"Damn, those things could cut glass," said Big Ty. <br />
<br />
-- "You make my ramrod stand at attention," Chester blurted. </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
"Sometimes I like to watch porn," Susan said to Chester. <br />
"Do you like whips and chains?" asked Chester. <br />
Susan twirled some of her long black hair around her fingers. "No. The only time I'm violent is when I'm playing Dungeons and Dragons. Do you play?" <br />
Chester wrapped his hands around her black lace gloves. "I'd play with you. I want to kiss you." <br />
"We just met." <br />
"Then when? Please don't give me blue balls." <br />
Susan smiled. "Postponement heightens gratification." <br />
<br />
-- Karl was in front of the window. Before I could say hello, I realized he was having sex. His jeans and boxers were wrapped around his ankles. He grunted as he rocked back and forth and did the girl from behind. </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
The girl was bent over his desk with her jean skirt hiked up over her ass. She had great legs. She was still wearing brown knee-high boots, but her white polo shirt, bra and panties lay nearby on the floor. Karl knew how to make good use of an afternoon. <br />
I stared, my mouth open. The angle at which the desk was positioned allowed me to watch Karl as his hands wrapped around the girl's large, firm breasts; his thumbs were on top of her nipples. His back muscles tightened every time he thrust forward. She moaned with pleasure. I began to back out of the room quietly. <br />
"Oh God, fuck me. Yes! Yes! Don't stop. Fuck me harder," the girl demanded loudly. <br />
<br />
-- She sat up and pulled a pink heart-shaped box off the shelf above her bed and tore open a green foil package that had a mint-flavored condom inside. </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
She gently placed the condom on me and held it there before using her mouth to roll it down. Damn, did I get hard. She really knew what she was doing. My expectations had been way too low. <br />
"I'm almost afraid to ask," I said. "Where did you learn how to do that?" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> She giggled. "I read an article in <i>Cosmo</i> on 10 ways to spice things up in the bedroom. That was No. 2." <br />
"I'd love to see what No. 1 was," I said teasingly. <br />
<br />
-- I lost myself in the moment. I fumbled with my belt while she pulled down her panties and lifted her skirt. I entered her. She said she had two orgasms. I felt like a total stud. </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
I could go on forever, but I think you get the idea. It seems like the author spent a week viewing teen movies and porn and then decided to write a book. This is <i>decidedly</i> the WORST book I've ever read! Good grief, I think I'm scarred for life. I'm going to have to go on a strict diet of Shakespeare and Steinbeck to try and undo the damage caused by this book. *shudder*</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWay4EQpmEb97s9NvCoS2X-yky24_sIAYHSO-iL_TECDsh3dNkw6aphGOnUpZbbHvgVrTdNOJiCUQpl0l5SL3dyNX9KXNU2Kk4bG7OiFDRZeVx1hj6_lJ3kgauPVE8Za3elUA0Hjl5NfM/s1600/518857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWay4EQpmEb97s9NvCoS2X-yky24_sIAYHSO-iL_TECDsh3dNkw6aphGOnUpZbbHvgVrTdNOJiCUQpl0l5SL3dyNX9KXNU2Kk4bG7OiFDRZeVx1hj6_lJ3kgauPVE8Za3elUA0Hjl5NfM/s320/518857.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/518857.Snow_Flower_and_the_Secret_Fan">Snow Flower and the Secret Fan</a> by Lisa See</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Random House, 2005<br />
253 pages<br />
Read - August 16, 2011<br />
2 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">19th-century China, foot binding, secret languages (nu shu), sworn sisters (laotong), arranged marriages, death, betrayal...all compelling subjects. Sadly, the way Lisa See handled these subjects in <i>Snow Flower and the Secret Fan</i> was not that great. My biggest grievance is that the story is told from the perspective of 80-something-year-old Lily looking back on her life with Snow Flower (her laotong) and SHE FREAKING SPOILS EVERY BIT OF THE STORY FOR YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! She'll be telling you a story about someone when they were young, pause to tell you that they die in some tragic way in a few years, then continues on with the original story about that person. It is not 'foreshadowing,' it is flat out <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/2387515439_344cb20571_o.jpg">SPOILING</a>. There was no mystery of how the story would unfold because freakin' Lily kept telling me who would get married, who would die, who would be betrayed...yada yada yada. Jerk.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm actually kind of surprised that I finished this book, considering how little I cared about any of the characters. Honestly, I only picked up this book because the movie was coming out and I'm, of course, the kind of person who typically likes to read the book first. Really wish I had just watched the movie and skipped the book though. I don't know if the movie is any better, but I have a hard time believing it could be as blah as the book.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEpmDRm_EL8GQJ3xUmwhxDDgAK-ycjTiq0hKjEFU0_pXYeL5jogOH6n4UNHrcQPb9IZDzKvKu9lb60g4M0DlrXt0WNKQ6n1VLtNVC4mjkvlaleTxEsZ19DKD3PnWxsC_YEZA1yBmfXjc/s1600/5759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEpmDRm_EL8GQJ3xUmwhxDDgAK-ycjTiq0hKjEFU0_pXYeL5jogOH6n4UNHrcQPb9IZDzKvKu9lb60g4M0DlrXt0WNKQ6n1VLtNVC4mjkvlaleTxEsZ19DKD3PnWxsC_YEZA1yBmfXjc/s320/5759.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5759.Fight_Club">Fight Club</a> by Chuck Palahniuk</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Owl Books/Henry Holt, 1996<br />
208 pages<br />
Read - August 29, 2011<br />
3 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview1928751">The first rule of fight club is you don't talk about fight club. The second rule of fight club is you DO NOT talk about fight club. So, my hands are tied. There can really be no review of <i>Fight Club</i>. And you've all seen the movie anyway. The book doesn't have a shirtless Brad Pitt and is, therefore, not as great. I am Joe's Major Disappointment. <br />
<br />
As Better Book Titles would say, "IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES UNTIL SOMEONE STARTS A SECRET ARMY TO DESTROY CIVILIZATION" <b></b>(or "I Like Beating the Crap Out of People Better Than Shopping For a Duvet"). <br />
<br />
Some people just ruin the fun for everyone.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">*********************************************** </span> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">SUMMER 2011 TOTAL: <br />
12 books</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3,700 pages </span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">***********************************************</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm already curled up with some great fall reads and feeling fine...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-50926772460449484692011-07-11T16:30:00.000-04:002011-07-11T16:30:52.905-04:00Weekend Sampler<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEsIEev5acXe_s0Y2EwGL11lo4PCWXhALGk3r9MfXXOpkZK-84QDQsb5KM0ztB61r9aRf6wkzPu1wzkDYNvErTgZHy3XrFKovk2RGQi1EcuxWowT_XkrFOAvcoXzDRt4FYBHZv1kxWVE/s1600/2061533-FRIDAY_SATURDAY_SUNDAY-Philadelphia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEsIEev5acXe_s0Y2EwGL11lo4PCWXhALGk3r9MfXXOpkZK-84QDQsb5KM0ztB61r9aRf6wkzPu1wzkDYNvErTgZHy3XrFKovk2RGQi1EcuxWowT_XkrFOAvcoXzDRt4FYBHZv1kxWVE/s400/2061533-FRIDAY_SATURDAY_SUNDAY-Philadelphia.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Pennsylvania/Philadelphia-860659/Restaurants-Philadelphia-FRIDAY_SATURDAY_SUNDAY-BR-1.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Another great weekend has come and gone. Good times were had by all. Here are a few highlights...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Birthday party</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCBEB_52fBPNFI8X00_yRKYcPFV6eIZ8eLqtdNgN5W8yUpFpRyYXQzACl7YFVl1TP-UAn9E6GaNovdlYld3JoaiGfpxmfSZg2jBtKOMj1knkydvKBhdQ2Gj9oZUns13cFR0YmnjWG7qs/s1600/DSCF3333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCBEB_52fBPNFI8X00_yRKYcPFV6eIZ8eLqtdNgN5W8yUpFpRyYXQzACl7YFVl1TP-UAn9E6GaNovdlYld3JoaiGfpxmfSZg2jBtKOMj1knkydvKBhdQ2Gj9oZUns13cFR0YmnjWG7qs/s320/DSCF3333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTLXrixG8HNQEN94Q88sy2PNafEN1bC8AvlJfAMgoBf7knabOY8pkpBPL8wcgYyREBpW6SSqCL0thO_-jruBVYmD-K5ohFEESx1gAZ1jVB-0pbLJO8rXOeHUqkMrWquPEVS8dr-QP8ks/s1600/DSCF3334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTLXrixG8HNQEN94Q88sy2PNafEN1bC8AvlJfAMgoBf7knabOY8pkpBPL8wcgYyREBpW6SSqCL0thO_-jruBVYmD-K5ohFEESx1gAZ1jVB-0pbLJO8rXOeHUqkMrWquPEVS8dr-QP8ks/s320/DSCF3334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Family Movie Night</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT5ZIsALGTJeCNG3eVP_fKZw18s3Du0Xe6q7RxM0uU0_CJaLAJrjKDPoL2TtRrl8WZNi3rF4cLK2uV-6ABZunqTrNhRt_My9eMroXu4QeldxzYCzkTao2q07UNsnJzObpHMgdoDDRrPA/s1600/DSCF3346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT5ZIsALGTJeCNG3eVP_fKZw18s3Du0Xe6q7RxM0uU0_CJaLAJrjKDPoL2TtRrl8WZNi3rF4cLK2uV-6ABZunqTrNhRt_My9eMroXu4QeldxzYCzkTao2q07UNsnJzObpHMgdoDDRrPA/s320/DSCF3346.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNkTokyVwGV1Mp1uSukw-DcmeGlF0eXV0wuB3t710s1-F4_FnIK1fwhmHYEnA3vmB7BFEyg3nEFDozYOF5ZTaV4q-uGlFzxrV4yte497ULVTVuBBARznVlpmcpS9S3kEahfHJT8SnlqA/s1600/DSCF3350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNkTokyVwGV1Mp1uSukw-DcmeGlF0eXV0wuB3t710s1-F4_FnIK1fwhmHYEnA3vmB7BFEyg3nEFDozYOF5ZTaV4q-uGlFzxrV4yte497ULVTVuBBARznVlpmcpS9S3kEahfHJT8SnlqA/s320/DSCF3350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Alone time</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOm-wu0MU0t8JUtfCAtQm_FByxvE9KuiLAKhdqkJsVyAMDYp8lV-Vz7s5jKHNMLnUhGU3SC651o8yXQlW658RZtEbve9bqfEOzTOuDOMva6MwSGUT0wHGRvmjvIo6ofb4B-vxLY9NrhdE/s1600/DSCF3335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOm-wu0MU0t8JUtfCAtQm_FByxvE9KuiLAKhdqkJsVyAMDYp8lV-Vz7s5jKHNMLnUhGU3SC651o8yXQlW658RZtEbve9bqfEOzTOuDOMva6MwSGUT0wHGRvmjvIo6ofb4B-vxLY9NrhdE/s320/DSCF3335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDS7Q8RItqUSLdMuH410x9SIZ4oLKPlda1MsR6G4skTaH7yGcQR5-8dj_lpx01HlscuVM7FaV2QyTmNv2EMDT5SILeN0s6FK5SzwapNmz_c793h0LIE_k49OwKwQLcoUt22a_f4hV4k0/s1600/DSCF3341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDS7Q8RItqUSLdMuH410x9SIZ4oLKPlda1MsR6G4skTaH7yGcQR5-8dj_lpx01HlscuVM7FaV2QyTmNv2EMDT5SILeN0s6FK5SzwapNmz_c793h0LIE_k49OwKwQLcoUt22a_f4hV4k0/s320/DSCF3341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good eats</span></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLoM4dG_1nFMVxp_RIa-Qyhw4sMoVaCpCtoNv_Xc1bj9VWgHkaajhSinL-KzAbmngxDEzmAxtAeURabRM2qrsuTVMLx9gz-MxJ7xLS3hbIby7CRzyOFwjIvOIC7nWjJsvsPr1doF55ho/s1600/DSCF3355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLoM4dG_1nFMVxp_RIa-Qyhw4sMoVaCpCtoNv_Xc1bj9VWgHkaajhSinL-KzAbmngxDEzmAxtAeURabRM2qrsuTVMLx9gz-MxJ7xLS3hbIby7CRzyOFwjIvOIC7nWjJsvsPr1doF55ho/s320/DSCF3355.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">California veggie burgers, pasta salad, veggies w/ homemade hummus, and watermelon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Quality programming</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOHXqWKjdd-Vbzj9iuGn19FZHOa0lqJnjplQTpaswD0iNYAHoWhT7xOvPogR_F8cjDjsUR_gFyAhvG0xn8PMGcwLpfRd9L8xb1eHW8wlBncq9uJwVJZUBBHy5FVi1Mre3VpGHnBj23bc/s1600/true+blood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOHXqWKjdd-Vbzj9iuGn19FZHOa0lqJnjplQTpaswD0iNYAHoWhT7xOvPogR_F8cjDjsUR_gFyAhvG0xn8PMGcwLpfRd9L8xb1eHW8wlBncq9uJwVJZUBBHy5FVi1Mre3VpGHnBj23bc/s400/true+blood.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://watchfreetvonline1.com/true-blood/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hope you had a delightful weekend, too!</span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-89309833112635615972011-07-11T14:28:00.006-04:002011-07-11T16:46:24.339-04:00Rendezvous With You Know Who<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-</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;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllzYgIn2S_PozXYyEb6Vlwl20S36Yt7I_ubtGgtLFjboJXnQnIuJhc3Leqinvax6NjQK_NpOltILL9zkwNBq02xMnnNuOhzmhy8FAiQTy9yMa1dQv06a-sBDHdXI4-kRTwYRfrWAWhw8/s400/dinnerdate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://blogs.howstuffworks.com/2011/06/13/study-hot-people-prefer-not-to-pay-for-dates/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Jon and I don't get the opportunity to date each other much these days, so when an opportunity does arise, we jump right on it. Friday was one such occasion.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Jon's parents took the boys to the <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t445">Clippers</a> game for 'Jersey Night' (no, not <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/jersey_shore/season_2/series.jhtml">that kind</a> <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey">of Jersey</a>) and Jon and I went out for a nice dinner at <a href="http://www.vinovinocolumbus.com/vindex.html">Vino Vino</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The weather was so nice (not too hot with an occasional breeze) that we opted to dine al fresco on the sidewalk. Oooh la la...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbeq89tyzinq_AvgH-n4p_BlghtWVMGRhuK-uT18DabqkUWvFpBWB93qeg6l8kW-YCvp6rftgNcLdnUB0xF0nSwfLrHnoARjHulVoDe3Io3MXTz4EC6JlyU6XRr7JOREYw-CaS0y2uaU/s1600/DSCF3308x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbeq89tyzinq_AvgH-n4p_BlghtWVMGRhuK-uT18DabqkUWvFpBWB93qeg6l8kW-YCvp6rftgNcLdnUB0xF0nSwfLrHnoARjHulVoDe3Io3MXTz4EC6JlyU6XRr7JOREYw-CaS0y2uaU/s320/DSCF3308x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSZKrI2vS0EwYuVhqVknR_krGSacq7r0hEgIg7H5Vtya39C4bI2RMWnWaNMOiqpdLsUmMWxqp0Tukv95L2u3yUhZkYBHQ5HlHVjKJtlc2xIcmCJPG_qkhMmePswZ5C0VSLHcHbttZoW4/s1600/DSCF3310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSZKrI2vS0EwYuVhqVknR_krGSacq7r0hEgIg7H5Vtya39C4bI2RMWnWaNMOiqpdLsUmMWxqp0Tukv95L2u3yUhZkYBHQ5HlHVjKJtlc2xIcmCJPG_qkhMmePswZ5C0VSLHcHbttZoW4/s320/DSCF3310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhIK4PNgxm3zMWWF08SdH2ML9ytw0wTAbIjxU0ky12jnGB4wwcD4qO3MlM0p4FlnZ31gEXHihW5ml-tL3mPrDqR6EaPIr9jF5WUstb2jO8kdrqnlCXUyCSeMuVEfRFElApq-yZJ0eZGQ/s1600/DSCF3320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhIK4PNgxm3zMWWF08SdH2ML9ytw0wTAbIjxU0ky12jnGB4wwcD4qO3MlM0p4FlnZ31gEXHihW5ml-tL3mPrDqR6EaPIr9jF5WUstb2jO8kdrqnlCXUyCSeMuVEfRFElApq-yZJ0eZGQ/s320/DSCF3320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We enjoyed a nice bottle of organic wine...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBG2bwdDBU03JZ74r6EbuGNEVsBFSXNQ-AxA2vY4AvmtPnKfTNNXnwpB06FT4EAGqP8dWkCxRplzDNhCEWmorFjFE2-XtPaYKh7kRF_vffnxo9xuXF4FQwbYnFIGd9reY1vr7DcsRyws/s1600/DSCF3312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBG2bwdDBU03JZ74r6EbuGNEVsBFSXNQ-AxA2vY4AvmtPnKfTNNXnwpB06FT4EAGqP8dWkCxRplzDNhCEWmorFjFE2-XtPaYKh7kRF_vffnxo9xuXF4FQwbYnFIGd9reY1vr7DcsRyws/s320/DSCF3312.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and a few starters...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBR6QXQFZ3qDQxdbalGgZb_KmVYXvWww8giKOFfbcz8TH3cnZTdUseNsiUcYMmFeOZ-m6w2qEPh5ZDsEoolmQoSjXxFyXuJo6wVfcdZQYVf2O1ob4YeN7SoN8zKti-hQRHB_gy9lRQNqQ/s1600/DSCF3316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBR6QXQFZ3qDQxdbalGgZb_KmVYXvWww8giKOFfbcz8TH3cnZTdUseNsiUcYMmFeOZ-m6w2qEPh5ZDsEoolmQoSjXxFyXuJo6wVfcdZQYVf2O1ob4YeN7SoN8zKti-hQRHB_gy9lRQNqQ/s320/DSCF3316.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">FOR ME: Romaine Salad with avocado in a peppercorn dressing</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5q5-eSXUnXenb92-qs3dP22vSVTfltKEUdKF-ghg8VJ29tpa3MknGePBVVRwAvMGEMt4F5c0sC0F_a1k9iiV_ySqKdwX5ZpkXmpO4MJXr4wrF3iLVanDDM9PewLGmUSwT1hdimOYCMY/s1600/DSCF3317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5q5-eSXUnXenb92-qs3dP22vSVTfltKEUdKF-ghg8VJ29tpa3MknGePBVVRwAvMGEMt4F5c0sC0F_a1k9iiV_ySqKdwX5ZpkXmpO4MJXr4wrF3iLVanDDM9PewLGmUSwT1hdimOYCMY/s320/DSCF3317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">FOR JON: Brie Bruschetta with Granny Smith apples and apricot jam</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And for our main courses...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4lp-vnOPQnU_Jh23zd7YqvLRNipjtACmFEFE4m4MjMjl5U8A7dtkp0dwHL82a-ATz691PS5KLc9025Gan4VTCKohV9LdtdNyhWNJSCUxBJAHS-NSre4O2d4IprChNRZWcrpp3OSb0R0/s1600/DSCF3322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4lp-vnOPQnU_Jh23zd7YqvLRNipjtACmFEFE4m4MjMjl5U8A7dtkp0dwHL82a-ATz691PS5KLc9025Gan4VTCKohV9LdtdNyhWNJSCUxBJAHS-NSre4O2d4IprChNRZWcrpp3OSb0R0/s320/DSCF3322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">FOR ME: Pan-seared Tilapia in a lettuce wrap with mango salsa</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLcNGeBo-PgKg4Hf5HoAB1kcFtrT-CjTK1RbfPbg7fonVBRXYrM_dJnIb5QLfUPcCrev6jsQLvVxNnvO6Pz7yJ_mKw9iBE_WMkx_SvAeLNuB1B68WHb7mTktcKAhgJ6brHobX2Kttl6k/s1600/DSCF3323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLcNGeBo-PgKg4Hf5HoAB1kcFtrT-CjTK1RbfPbg7fonVBRXYrM_dJnIb5QLfUPcCrev6jsQLvVxNnvO6Pz7yJ_mKw9iBE_WMkx_SvAeLNuB1B68WHb7mTktcKAhgJ6brHobX2Kttl6k/s320/DSCF3323.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> FOR JON: Mushroom and Risotto Tower with asparagus,</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> roasted red peppers</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">, lentils, and chèvre</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The whole meal was simply divine and we pledged that we would try to make it happen more often. However, we always manage to have a great time with each other whether we are going out or staying in, so I'm not too worried about it. I think the important thing is that we make time for each other, and thankfully, that happens waaaaaay more frequently than 'date night.'</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhzt3Ss8Hv6tfzer8oWxQIGIYvbWjVizntNXA2q6H8gDq3rgX7I-wuBK31DCJDiBg6spZYVcbWryeW6vnhwMMNiy3vZJe0AoSzq9BPjMBL6tXpPAAup-q-A3bRgJHAezBkrplkoC1DH0/s1600/DSCF3328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhzt3Ss8Hv6tfzer8oWxQIGIYvbWjVizntNXA2q6H8gDq3rgX7I-wuBK31DCJDiBg6spZYVcbWryeW6vnhwMMNiy3vZJe0AoSzq9BPjMBL6tXpPAAup-q-A3bRgJHAezBkrplkoC1DH0/s320/DSCF3328.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Looking forward to our next relaxing evening together...hopefully, tonight!</span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-27401159396043685932011-07-08T09:42:00.001-04:002011-07-08T09:44:01.222-04:00Ex Libris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2QBwIWJPAZBHJ6BEXsI31aOYXzhpAJi92Bj5DO4-kbNHQ8SlBuMO9sX1WhaK8wpxFaloVVAbZjTgU7VI8rxyedmUureBEBld4kl93mSLiYZJIr8BvCKiqtA2coplEvszvE4cMATl0iE/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2QBwIWJPAZBHJ6BEXsI31aOYXzhpAJi92Bj5DO4-kbNHQ8SlBuMO9sX1WhaK8wpxFaloVVAbZjTgU7VI8rxyedmUureBEBld4kl93mSLiYZJIr8BvCKiqtA2coplEvszvE4cMATl0iE/s400/books.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://lorianderson-books.blogspot.com/2011/05/welcome-to-book-reviews.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Somehow, my books manage to duplicate when no one is looking each month. Not exactly sure how that happens, but I have a feeling that it has something to do with killer deals at used bookshops and library sales.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What's a crazed bibliophile with a fist full of cash supposed to do?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All those glorious works of lit, sitting there looking sad, wanting someone to adopt them. (Gawd! Keep me away from pounds and orphanages!!) Well, of course, I <i>HAVE</i> to give them a good home, right? You know it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are a few new babies that I've picked up recently...(Come to Mama!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvtIPN4SAfEX2loUgmBsSMs_SAR105MX3ZrIllG19BYyCra46-UFH0mfSOficLM9Pec2UP3Ud0yYavGOVNyA2YyPDX34rSZD-abkndaLQbh4_tTeGl2aPzw4a3e-DgB-CKcIVFt02qsI/s1600/DSCF3055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvtIPN4SAfEX2loUgmBsSMs_SAR105MX3ZrIllG19BYyCra46-UFH0mfSOficLM9Pec2UP3Ud0yYavGOVNyA2YyPDX34rSZD-abkndaLQbh4_tTeGl2aPzw4a3e-DgB-CKcIVFt02qsI/s400/DSCF3055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Used Book Sale at <a href="http://www.betterworldbooks.com/">Better World Books</a></span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6953282-last-night-in-twisted-river">Last Night in Twisted River</a> - John Irving</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6224826-juliet-naked">Juliet, Naked</a> - Nick Hornby</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Better World Books Total - 2 Books for $7.65 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0ua8Zpq43BEpe2fkaOUToGmDXp8azkE-wclh7JIhCidP98tlYE2GcrV3gbBV-mPszfwqdUYIFT1fmp0nEgmK1Cfy-QmOOmHbA6pV4FLiNl46ooab_d4eQ4PtfZzDqrTcoFrMzFiLutA/s1600/DSCF3271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0ua8Zpq43BEpe2fkaOUToGmDXp8azkE-wclh7JIhCidP98tlYE2GcrV3gbBV-mPszfwqdUYIFT1fmp0nEgmK1Cfy-QmOOmHbA6pV4FLiNl46ooab_d4eQ4PtfZzDqrTcoFrMzFiLutA/s400/DSCF3271.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><a href="http://www.bexlib.org/">Bexley Library</a> Sale</u><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9279068-the-finkler-question">The Finkler Question</a> - Howard Jacobson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4666058-the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society">The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society</a> - Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2967752-the-elegance-of-the-hedgehog">The Elegance of the Hedgehog</a> - Muriel Barbery</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2204441.Out_Stealing_Horses">Out Stealing Horses</a> - Per Petterson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/998133.The_Gathering">The Gathering</a> - Anne Enright</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6920909-await-your-reply">Await Your Reply</a> - Dan Chaon</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6551.Herzog">Herzog</a> - Saul Bellow</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31168.Shirley">Shirley</a> - Charlotte Brontë</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50166.Villette">Villette</a> - Charlotte Brontë</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/110260.Adam_Bede">Adam Bede</a> - George Eliot</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Plus, assorted children's books including:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/948526.The_Knight_at_Dawn">The Knight at Dawn (Magic Tree House, No 2)</a> - Mary Pope Osborne</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1471197.20_000_Leagues_Under_the_Sea">20,000 Leagues Under the Sea</a> - Jules Verne</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/602215.Alice_s_Adventures_in_Wonderland_and_Through_the_Looking_Glass">Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass</a> - Lewis Carroll</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251834.Freckle_Juice">Freckle Juice</a> - Judy Blume</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">and many more...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bexley Library Total - 31 Books for $13.50</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I really need to be careful or I'm going to end up becoming the little old lady who lived in her books. Can you just imagine? It would be like a Book Lover's Edition of <a href="http://www.aetv.com/hoarders/">Hoarders</a>. Yikes!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0WK5ZMItamPv1s7oUm42froWAQl4brMTlZmkYYHgsNOOYXD15dVzGV3EeGU9jzuGuYU3TLp7iByfuUNLmDjegc-ncUnF1tEOk9tuzuHyGWiSCEWW9VGH_PMldTLWOzvF1oMDle3Kx2w/s1600/livinginbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0WK5ZMItamPv1s7oUm42froWAQl4brMTlZmkYYHgsNOOYXD15dVzGV3EeGU9jzuGuYU3TLp7iByfuUNLmDjegc-ncUnF1tEOk9tuzuHyGWiSCEWW9VGH_PMldTLWOzvF1oMDle3Kx2w/s400/livinginbooks.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/shelflife/2008/10/a_book_giveaway_remember_those.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, I'm sure that I can delay that for a few extra years by building my book lover's dream house. I shall call it Chateau Anthenaeum and I will live in bliss for the rest of my days. Ahhhh....</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqAs89qFdhVdm02ttT66dIEU52K9eVeMvFR3VoshO6W0n956PKBO0hg7mbP6x9GsgRjubg_NI79x939YbRc1bV04sND1e3nrtlVBPek7Dw0-wxn3_uxtwoeMgj4q-Wywnqj5k7sWcQvg/s1600/shelf_corner_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqAs89qFdhVdm02ttT66dIEU52K9eVeMvFR3VoshO6W0n956PKBO0hg7mbP6x9GsgRjubg_NI79x939YbRc1bV04sND1e3nrtlVBPek7Dw0-wxn3_uxtwoeMgj4q-Wywnqj5k7sWcQvg/s400/shelf_corner_v2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/house-of-shelves.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The only problem is that I would probably fill those shelves in about a month, so I would definitely need room to expand. I wonder if it wouldn't just be easier to move into the public library...</span></span></div></div>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-59185800303347968472011-07-06T15:37:00.001-04:002011-07-06T16:12:53.979-04:00BOOKIN' IT: Spring 2011<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJqCEUr-1EpnahD5bVvbYs6Xuv8shmdAEiY1NFl28mMu5MjeThT_3P87cSQTY797CE3XDEWdOskNCdEmRpRkPZHZp20-QCWi2ToFIhb4es6jshCXNHWsZZRI4pz0rPzIPuQmFtRif4NA/s1600/Teenage-girl-reading-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJqCEUr-1EpnahD5bVvbYs6Xuv8shmdAEiY1NFl28mMu5MjeThT_3P87cSQTY797CE3XDEWdOskNCdEmRpRkPZHZp20-QCWi2ToFIhb4es6jshCXNHWsZZRI4pz0rPzIPuQmFtRif4NA/s400/Teenage-girl-reading-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/may/13/teenage-girl-essential-information">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Once again, the time has come for me to share my thoughts on what I've been reading. Er, actually it is past time. Waaaay past time. In fact, summer is almost halfway over and I'm just now posting my spring reads?! Well, I guess that's about par for the course, right? Just one of the little quirks that you're all starting to love about me. Not.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway, my spring reading started quite slow. (surprise, surprise) A million little engagements and my surgery really caused my reading to fall by the wayside, but thankfully, I've managed to get back on track. Hooray!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are the good, the great, and the meh that I curled up with in March, April, and May...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">***********************************************</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>STAR RATINGS CHART</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">5 : Effing Awesome, Unputdownable</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">4 : Pretty Sweet Read, Good Stuff</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3 : Meh, Just Average, Did Nothing for Me</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 : Ugh, Struggled, Just Happy to Finish</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 : Suckass, Chucked</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">***********************************************</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgwkBSMLm5JGIRjL-wRq9iyeDEgwx63K59QTApWgS37MN39G8yw_ZTIhKItzG5DwUlntVnf3NN1k1a3u8VihKvXILpLDyt1L10iwZ3Pp-HRjSUv1ibsB4lfD26qATeaLB-pbX9cmvKoE/s1600/897708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgwkBSMLm5JGIRjL-wRq9iyeDEgwx63K59QTApWgS37MN39G8yw_ZTIhKItzG5DwUlntVnf3NN1k1a3u8VihKvXILpLDyt1L10iwZ3Pp-HRjSUv1ibsB4lfD26qATeaLB-pbX9cmvKoE/s320/897708.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/897708.The_Shining">The Shining</a> by Stephen King</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Pocket Books, 1977</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">683 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read - March 5, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay...I'll just say it...this book wasn't that scary. *ducks from flying debris lobbed at my head* I <i>reeeeeeaaaallly</i> wanted a creepy, edge-of-my-seat, up-all-night, fright-fest of a book (hell, I even made sure I had plenty of room in my freezer...heh heh), and this one is touted by Constant Readers everywhere as one that should deliver. Alas, I was underwhelmed. Of course, I <i>looooooove</i> the Stanley Kubrick adaptation (which I understand Stephen King took major umbrage with for a long time) because the movie is <i>scaaaary</i> (I mean, hide-under-the-covers, sleep-with-the-light-on SCARY), but the book was...ho hum. Maybe I was too big of a fan of the movie going into the book? Maybe I'm just too jaded to appreciate the nuances? Maybe I'm too old (and wise) to be scared by a book? And maybe I will be chased down the street by crazed King fans wanting to beat some sense into me.?! Eek!</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4T4gW5Kwqz5E35gkdqewr3OF1oZ-mxQwNSedCx-M6qeiPQh5PEDHepLR43DRUyARSDHmUiUBaBTWGQDnsRLuadh4mmBgL7XLBSX-MW5Lk-jvg8Vb8BjEcZgUDo6B-B-qdmgo85t1M_o/s1600/51LZNqeZnlL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4T4gW5Kwqz5E35gkdqewr3OF1oZ-mxQwNSedCx-M6qeiPQh5PEDHepLR43DRUyARSDHmUiUBaBTWGQDnsRLuadh4mmBgL7XLBSX-MW5Lk-jvg8Vb8BjEcZgUDo6B-B-qdmgo85t1M_o/s320/51LZNqeZnlL.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14748.Good_in_Bed">Good in Bed</a> by Jennifer Weiner</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Washington Square Press, 2001</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">400 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read - April 29, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So, this was an unintentional reread...meaning, I forgot that I'd already read it. Perhaps if I had checked my <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/129343">Goodreads shelves</a> before I plucked it from the library shelf, I could have saved myself the trouble. Plus, not only did I end up rereading a book that I wasn't planning to reread, but it even went <i>down</i> a rating for me. I just wasn't much in the mood for the level of whining that went on in this book (and how I ever was is beyond me). Boo. With any luck, I'll be able to forget it again soon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQIpQX6cuvzCIWwocLwxZZbXJ_oL8NLIhImOw0g2JzASjCicklTF785aim4sdAmyFXOuHO2_OxSZ_kKDWL8KR_puWGh8KntBTKKDyRssFR5f0VmuHrSsAY2Ry2ZPjIo32s3LmMwfdnhw/s1600/421549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQIpQX6cuvzCIWwocLwxZZbXJ_oL8NLIhImOw0g2JzASjCicklTF785aim4sdAmyFXOuHO2_OxSZ_kKDWL8KR_puWGh8KntBTKKDyRssFR5f0VmuHrSsAY2Ry2ZPjIo32s3LmMwfdnhw/s320/421549.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/421549.Certain_Girls">Certain Girls</a> by Jennifer Weiner</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Atria Books, 2008</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">384 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read - May 3, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Considering how 'meh' the first book was, I shouldn't have even bothered with the follow-up. Unfortunately, it was even worse than its predecessor. The whole thing was an exercise in frustration, from the stale characters to the lame dialogue to the overly dramatic plot. Quite frankly, it reeked of a Lifetime movie of the week. I'm actually amazed that I made it to the end of this suckfest, and I kinda wish I'd at least gotten a t-shirt out of it so I could say I walked away with <i>something</i>. *sigh*</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp7vi-B-yP6BhvRn01UFvzJqPJwxpyhN3d9MsKMbsEOhydThI-3L_lzeWXZZG-AKuyZduD5E9hKkKLg8sRZtOujyVAcVafQFT-RW7iWaYK1iSol2evzan9jNECUlHD4Yhh-46p9WWGbE/s1600/8036918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp7vi-B-yP6BhvRn01UFvzJqPJwxpyhN3d9MsKMbsEOhydThI-3L_lzeWXZZG-AKuyZduD5E9hKkKLg8sRZtOujyVAcVafQFT-RW7iWaYK1iSol2evzan9jNECUlHD4Yhh-46p9WWGbE/s320/8036918.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8036918-jane-eyre">Jane Eyre</a> by Charlotte Brontë</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Barnes & Noble Classics, 1847</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">524 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read - May 10, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">5 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Jane Eyre</i> may just be a perfect novel! It really has everything, except aliens (but, give <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_H._Winters">the</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth_Grahame-Smith" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">masterminds</a> time and I'm sure they'll work them in). This book always manages to sweep me off my feet and transport me to Victorian England's countryside. Perfect escapism. I just curl up with a glass of wine and swoon. How can you not root for Jane and Mr. Rochester? If you haven't read it yet, get thee to a bookshop and prepare to be enchanted!</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFVf9paNEXH5zWhBMIJXeIvobWsbtS-9zbkOsAIkF43Vf4HWi_BZkZxRX4lfAjTUwrAaTjkYz7a4SZwJGo5VHVF6ALpf1IYEDC-EpT8xsySFD7NNmzts4441g4RLpa7FNqA4zSArEExg/s1600/42156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFVf9paNEXH5zWhBMIJXeIvobWsbtS-9zbkOsAIkF43Vf4HWi_BZkZxRX4lfAjTUwrAaTjkYz7a4SZwJGo5VHVF6ALpf1IYEDC-EpT8xsySFD7NNmzts4441g4RLpa7FNqA4zSArEExg/s320/42156.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42156.Something_Borrowed">Something Borrowed</a> by Emily Giffin</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">St. Martin's Press, 2004</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">322 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read - May 14, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I admit, pretty much the only reason I picked up this book is because I was interested in seeing the movie. But, I wish I had just gone to see the movie and skipped the book because now I'm not that interested in seeing the movie. I really disliked every character in the book, save for Ethan Ainsley (who was only a minor character anyway). The book was quintessential chick lit: cheesy scenes, drama, sex, fashion, and bullshit. Brain candy and nothing more.</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiT8uFGIwKI3HiJegxrj0AZID2c3TTNeDrTS8YnNgoQsybSyO13Sk9PzDOT6CN74mGm7S1zzS8UwwlfcTAY8SEv2IDn9q9UVw5_yHjqsxK5hPuQzoFHUApkJz0aD5M-3o-doxFOz5_Ro/s1600/8966218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiT8uFGIwKI3HiJegxrj0AZID2c3TTNeDrTS8YnNgoQsybSyO13Sk9PzDOT6CN74mGm7S1zzS8UwwlfcTAY8SEv2IDn9q9UVw5_yHjqsxK5hPuQzoFHUApkJz0aD5M-3o-doxFOz5_Ro/s320/8966218.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8966218-brave-new-worlds">Brave New Worlds: Dystopian Stories</a> (various authors) edited by John Joseph Adams</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Night Shade Books, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">470 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read - May 17, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">4 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wowzers! I really adored this collection, which read like the 'Who's Who of Dystopian Literature.' I tried my best to savor the stories by reading a few here and there, but I could very easily have sat down and read the whole thing in a weekend. Believe me, it wasn't always easy to set it aside. Most of the stories are absolute classics of the genre and you just can't get enough! One of the best aspects of the book is the introduction to the authors and stories that editor John Joseph Adams lays out at the beginning of each story in the collection. That totally pumped me up to read the stories and to seek out more by the authors. Whether you're looking to sample dystopian lit for the first time or you're looking for a compilation of some of the biggest names in bleak-future writing, this short story collection will amaze and astound you! I will definitely be picking up the other anthologies by John Joseph Adams and Night Shade Books.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">P.S. Thanks for the signed copy!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(I won a copy of this book through the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway">First Reads</a> program on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>.)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnBO9VBetwhpFxZEhdzTFNaHDHSnX1YLOD4_YjotIREo9f8SQzSyX7tbexUGYEr2_gEpRkSeKQBS-TBt9Js3xswj-MeH44QsZu0HvAtDoU8hg34sRl_sbifxAsTmYoqa26rpO1l5g08c/s1600/613Fd9TEE6L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnBO9VBetwhpFxZEhdzTFNaHDHSnX1YLOD4_YjotIREo9f8SQzSyX7tbexUGYEr2_gEpRkSeKQBS-TBt9Js3xswj-MeH44QsZu0HvAtDoU8hg34sRl_sbifxAsTmYoqa26rpO1l5g08c/s320/613Fd9TEE6L.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8808148-all-the-time-in-the-world">All the Time in the World: New & Selected Stories</a> by E.L. Doctorow</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Random House, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">277 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read - May 24, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I was very excited to read this one since so many of my Goodreads friends have gushed over Doctorow's work. In fact, I have several of his novels waiting in the wings, but I thought his short stories would give me a nice glimpse of what I could expect from his style. Overall, I thought the book was just okay. As with most short story collections, some stories really stand out more than others. However, I will say that a lot of Doctorow's stories had a dark edge to them that I found intriguing, so I'm looking forward to picking up his other works that are <strike>collecting dust</strike> biding their time in my library. Perhaps those same Goodreads friends could point me in the direction of which E.L. Doctorow book I should wrap my mind around next? *hint hint*<br />
<br />
{Stacie, say the word and I'll send this out to you!}<br />
<br />
(</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I won a copy of this book through the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway">First Reads</a> program on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gwpByY-1L5C4uHKBlHL20crXpmd7gAcj-8CLkxgFQ5IoXI3b1H_1xZhtM7dKVW9ZVHgtmi-QByltBi1-eH58jMdLLXvgyp7GxVAUJkIVFx_uTyUSA0RuK6HMxPLcK_2Y38yrvGBFTkY/s1600/8719737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gwpByY-1L5C4uHKBlHL20crXpmd7gAcj-8CLkxgFQ5IoXI3b1H_1xZhtM7dKVW9ZVHgtmi-QByltBi1-eH58jMdLLXvgyp7GxVAUJkIVFx_uTyUSA0RuK6HMxPLcK_2Y38yrvGBFTkY/s320/8719737.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8719737-the-silent-land">The Silent Land</a> by Graham Joyce</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Doubleday, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">262 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read - May 25, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">5 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Confession: until very recently, I had never heard of Graham Joyce. Either he isn't very big in the U.S. yet or he has managed to fly under my radar for all these years (which is no easy feat). No matter. I'm just glad that I was afforded the opportunity to learn of him with <i>The Silent Land</i>, a fabulous piece of speculative fiction. I devoured this bad boy in less than 24 hours and was kind of peeved any time something dragged me away from reading it. Granted, it certainly wasn't a great literary masterpiece, but it was an all-absorbing page-turner (with the occasional shag scene) that kept me rapt from beginning to end. Does that sound like something you wouldn't mind curling up with on a lazy weekend?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh yeah...and I love, love, LOVE the cover art! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I won a copy of this book through the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway">First Reads</a> program on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTpIgD_NxQxBWDTeCpNRtm5MtoIU4ea9yGMUyw8JZJEh7xzRsqjoJn7MiRrp3AQoAhrZe_6C6p8gLJgAUBnb003c0-FHAorHcBqhUbyeAc5hJ3waqWHaqoI1_3cGGe80_ltroko0KcdE/s1600/42155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTpIgD_NxQxBWDTeCpNRtm5MtoIU4ea9yGMUyw8JZJEh7xzRsqjoJn7MiRrp3AQoAhrZe_6C6p8gLJgAUBnb003c0-FHAorHcBqhUbyeAc5hJ3waqWHaqoI1_3cGGe80_ltroko0KcdE/s320/42155.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42155.Something_Blue">Something Blue</a> by Emily Giffin</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">St. Martin's Press, 2005</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">338 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read - May 30, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have NO idea why I read this book since I really hated Darcy in the first book. And to be honest, the first half of this book didn't make me want to write her love songs either. However, somehow Emily Giffin managed to humanize Darcy more as the book went on, so I was able to warm up my cold heart to her by the end of the book. Plus, Ethan Ainsley had a much bigger role in this book, which was a definite bonus! I may have to change my mind about seeing the movie adaptation of the first book now.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo23_7yEmW8MyPZFg9P3R5-ZY5sW165chBKm7kqJvbnsSUA4CF11TeQtecCftjdgbPpmFDE6my5Oe2G7kG5LGvFmbDf-ibbgY2GKfpK6H5cLAXWkUVWRt0LygZL81PAfVe5tO8P8Y1d0c/s1600/513APwtKRwL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo23_7yEmW8MyPZFg9P3R5-ZY5sW165chBKm7kqJvbnsSUA4CF11TeQtecCftjdgbPpmFDE6my5Oe2G7kG5LGvFmbDf-ibbgY2GKfpK6H5cLAXWkUVWRt0LygZL81PAfVe5tO8P8Y1d0c/s320/513APwtKRwL.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8915857-fair-play">Fair Play</a> by Tove Jansson</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Translated from the Swedish by Thomas Teal </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">New York Review Books, 1982</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">100 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read - May 31, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2 Stars</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I really don't think I was in the mood for this book when I picked it up. Not exactly sure what kind of mood you have to be in for lesbians and art, but I certainly wasn't feeling it. Sorry, Tove.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">***********************************************</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">SPRING 2011 TOTAL:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">10 books</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3,760 pages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">***********************************************</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now to get back to my summer reading, already in progress...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-57372037903288440542011-05-27T15:48:00.003-04:002011-05-27T16:34:45.246-04:00When Life Hands You Stale Bread, Make Croutons<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohbIwv65bmoX2kvNH2GG1_3Ke0ujyU3udPOJDAsIVcEkyZNNjKH-e_DQfMwwJ0riyOIDdfz_kIenuRBYdLVfwVw061FmgR-pArdGLVUvMY_i8nfMiAz2DL8vXbmkwj3NLIBPJ1ymwmUI/s1600/1275685180nothingdone.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohbIwv65bmoX2kvNH2GG1_3Ke0ujyU3udPOJDAsIVcEkyZNNjKH-e_DQfMwwJ0riyOIDdfz_kIenuRBYdLVfwVw061FmgR-pArdGLVUvMY_i8nfMiAz2DL8vXbmkwj3NLIBPJ1ymwmUI/s320/1275685180nothingdone.gif" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://bluntcard.com/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Gearing up for a nice, relaxing, holiday weekend by doing very little today. I mean, why not start celebrating early, right? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Basically, my morning was about kicking back with a cup of coffee and a fluff read. (Yes, I'm trying not to hurt myself.) However, this afternoon, I managed to get off my duff (slightly) to perform the task of making lunch. Unfortunately, nothing was jumping out at me except some bread that was on the verge of becoming stale and some random veg, so I decided salad was the way to go.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I preheated the oven to 400°F and cut up a slice of whole wheat sourdough into cubes (I prefer to use French bread for croutons since it gets much crispier, but whaddayagonnado?). I tossed the cubes in a little olive oil and seasoned them with some garlic and onion powder. Then, I popped them in the oven and waited for them to crisp up (turning them once).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnIRWdjVsmFnuloMSBo_I2cVWvR8hRszrKs2Ha3atzKXGNMnF2vn02ZbZnzSGeM-bhlDdhzlOIq0V2zZAdQi-UEq8PX-G5Mgj_21Pk6CCmttTpeITACiQdWJ3B6cKh2bloWg4RGJ1cwY/s1600/DSCF3003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnIRWdjVsmFnuloMSBo_I2cVWvR8hRszrKs2Ha3atzKXGNMnF2vn02ZbZnzSGeM-bhlDdhzlOIq0V2zZAdQi-UEq8PX-G5Mgj_21Pk6CCmttTpeITACiQdWJ3B6cKh2bloWg4RGJ1cwY/s320/DSCF3003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Looking crispy and delicious!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">After the croutons cooled down a bit, I added them to my Greekish salad of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cukes, black olives, and Feta cheese, which I tossed in a light champagne vinaigrette. (Fancy!) And trust me, the salad tasted every bit as yummy as it looked...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U4BG183DVgoRZEtlkHORmfOSFd8dvA9ZjjuUYW8FIIz1EWR7Dgouf2i14oxUD7TwUchDicyYBLlhjMggrKAbhshb8hWJiRFY4eTBR32IcjVrmVNfMUNKYw_DoAhOtrLvpLhZ_HSeJNo/s1600/DSCF3010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U4BG183DVgoRZEtlkHORmfOSFd8dvA9ZjjuUYW8FIIz1EWR7Dgouf2i14oxUD7TwUchDicyYBLlhjMggrKAbhshb8hWJiRFY4eTBR32IcjVrmVNfMUNKYw_DoAhOtrLvpLhZ_HSeJNo/s320/DSCF3010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Isn't that so pretty?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">While I was gobbling up my lunch, I jammed out to some tunes by the Kooks. I just LOVE them; they always put me in a great mood. Check out this incredibly awesome and gorgeous video (one of my absolute FAVES!!) for their song, "Ooh La"...</span><br />
<br />
<object style="height: 390px; width: 500px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fVUD2pvytQ4?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fVUD2pvytQ4?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="500" height="390"></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So, that's my not-very-exciting-but-extremely-relaxing-and-enjoyable day so far. If I'm lucky, I'll get to do more of the same for the rest of the weekend. Buuuut, I'll probably have to do stuff. *sigh*</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Back to being a bum, but not before I add a string of weird, pointless photos to the end of my blog post (hmm, this is becoming such a pattern)...enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO66sv9rqqzRe3HkUQZ4Nl0CvdkIJUqRq1UmJgcbDDSk9IpCHPgnIqo8OWgCgzIcUe1pDOUsE4Lcr20ilB_qAzGxeltmwPrfOrx3xMZFX7sAcsyKmybo1rMW0Os-ZeDRKJEnWmPkBZ5U/s1600/DSCF3106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO66sv9rqqzRe3HkUQZ4Nl0CvdkIJUqRq1UmJgcbDDSk9IpCHPgnIqo8OWgCgzIcUe1pDOUsE4Lcr20ilB_qAzGxeltmwPrfOrx3xMZFX7sAcsyKmybo1rMW0Os-ZeDRKJEnWmPkBZ5U/s320/DSCF3106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimp2gMQPQw_D3XHHF5JLhdZUtxwhBM2xhcLT1qQ9RzBFUwS_DNE3z-pd8YmcTny3tXBwW7TDnHXT941Hz-NHez_x7ZcIUO76GCSWULmXHp7SqxctFlSBF906omF179ZmEi2eJwuQzHjmc/s1600/DSCF3119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimp2gMQPQw_D3XHHF5JLhdZUtxwhBM2xhcLT1qQ9RzBFUwS_DNE3z-pd8YmcTny3tXBwW7TDnHXT941Hz-NHez_x7ZcIUO76GCSWULmXHp7SqxctFlSBF906omF179ZmEi2eJwuQzHjmc/s320/DSCF3119.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsB1-qbO_6_OfsMxc6TahkaYhi9ihPolRlTpowuolaOCXuUVRX7HenKKkoZ5_IDw93B20FIowx3yJXL4gqRsEig09HeRvHpEUVlkD2iNOrvU-vduV7w9Y8_Ro0S43r0FbCY6hio_AFwwo/s1600/DSCF3205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsB1-qbO_6_OfsMxc6TahkaYhi9ihPolRlTpowuolaOCXuUVRX7HenKKkoZ5_IDw93B20FIowx3yJXL4gqRsEig09HeRvHpEUVlkD2iNOrvU-vduV7w9Y8_Ro0S43r0FbCY6hio_AFwwo/s320/DSCF3205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w9zElkJ0i7rjYwOoP4PSKoWMxo-VT5WcU17-PoQbW0qCoc1EFmHJ8F5qq6STGsIjqRs96Z9hdaTYMgVMHruIaQrPZeLZJu-29Xdz1TUDirwZfit7krI0KDSHsNDEWjH31HLIY94ualM/s1600/DSCF3179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w9zElkJ0i7rjYwOoP4PSKoWMxo-VT5WcU17-PoQbW0qCoc1EFmHJ8F5qq6STGsIjqRs96Z9hdaTYMgVMHruIaQrPZeLZJu-29Xdz1TUDirwZfit7krI0KDSHsNDEWjH31HLIY94ualM/s320/DSCF3179.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihMIfAJMTl3Usn2URU4ZRB8rHDCPk5u3WCYCB_rJPqlE3KzvSYJ-lIA9BiDrN8nt2xqcoQyNpkxHJK3VurOd0xC48KKpyQl3bIvhlgXCuwaw16YMhXXyDel9WFCLB-adF3o3dBCPEfb0/s1600/DSCF3166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihMIfAJMTl3Usn2URU4ZRB8rHDCPk5u3WCYCB_rJPqlE3KzvSYJ-lIA9BiDrN8nt2xqcoQyNpkxHJK3VurOd0xC48KKpyQl3bIvhlgXCuwaw16YMhXXyDel9WFCLB-adF3o3dBCPEfb0/s320/DSCF3166.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01DzRBNj9F8WFJd_b3NnriblgdsBUKtoINgyDWFgBL7SwiSlRP9_mBI0qCVhBLMwuzS8GDc4tw5Y6lM0sFIi6Q5nRQYoMYmNRriMgjy-s-6La4WS3GwIN13QVPH6Fuhz2OMWlQXAm8Og/s1600/DSCF3215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01DzRBNj9F8WFJd_b3NnriblgdsBUKtoINgyDWFgBL7SwiSlRP9_mBI0qCVhBLMwuzS8GDc4tw5Y6lM0sFIi6Q5nRQYoMYmNRriMgjy-s-6La4WS3GwIN13QVPH6Fuhz2OMWlQXAm8Og/s320/DSCF3215.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffFqVnBfGvfyurPJSfbxnD05SoE_vL6bpCPkToG5QnMvzsmoRJUULo6sef-uWdg18cUt-DHnLLtupKEomr9X-N5s8-Q9xW66yvfKF9yphwdS6FIxIEyMGsoNh6gt2BckIEyON7EFoYrI/s1600/DSCF3177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffFqVnBfGvfyurPJSfbxnD05SoE_vL6bpCPkToG5QnMvzsmoRJUULo6sef-uWdg18cUt-DHnLLtupKEomr9X-N5s8-Q9xW66yvfKF9yphwdS6FIxIEyMGsoNh6gt2BckIEyON7EFoYrI/s320/DSCF3177.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a happy, lazy Friday!! ☺</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-81192390036333542722011-05-18T09:22:00.000-04:002011-05-18T09:22:59.701-04:00There's No TREAT in Treatment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWBBYqzPeoACs2XgVp3Wb1nQ5AThKq-KSKU-kuHjYQMVH_qwOZfU6ABnkkvmxPQAPhCJbwOCeL2r_Q8Oz-XuWUDI52wnPx41wEdgGzbutm_t-YWBkt3A-RpjPAze1QKvX598fOrhQgmU/s1600/sl88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWBBYqzPeoACs2XgVp3Wb1nQ5AThKq-KSKU-kuHjYQMVH_qwOZfU6ABnkkvmxPQAPhCJbwOCeL2r_Q8Oz-XuWUDI52wnPx41wEdgGzbutm_t-YWBkt3A-RpjPAze1QKvX598fOrhQgmU/s320/sl88.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.swiss-miss.com/2008/06/the-book-of-sle.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Treatment days are never very fun, but yesterday was especially long and exhausting. I suppose it didn't really help that I woke up to this outside...</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7D95W3BMw7grDOxkQu7N_8OC0aqXf-xdP7aQlQCXgUgtdvyS6WTphPZWi5FQ5wMGvfDnYecOTeytg2Fw1mkDcXSyScvnVNfeCfR8jizpwR4ilU-Nt9emSVzrcyA0P1mRveZvNuxvCxM/s1600/DSCF2910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7D95W3BMw7grDOxkQu7N_8OC0aqXf-xdP7aQlQCXgUgtdvyS6WTphPZWi5FQ5wMGvfDnYecOTeytg2Fw1mkDcXSyScvnVNfeCfR8jizpwR4ilU-Nt9emSVzrcyA0P1mRveZvNuxvCxM/s320/DSCF2910.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">pitter patter</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">If that doesn't make you want to crawl back under the covers, I don't know what would. Unfortunately, sleeping in wasn't an option, so I got up and let my long day begin.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">First, I headed out for chemo (joy, joy)...</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RLeQ4stqSEDqyy9MSQMVUhsHcNpvg3CwgcS5Tys-9yFpfWbkU-cls9UnS8iLb3BYXEM9g5I6qHqOkmrxt1nJL9iTwaS54qScagZPNnaE_61Usm7T2cpEtiAUuqMEdOBog7dS9Y2acQg/s1600/DSCF2921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RLeQ4stqSEDqyy9MSQMVUhsHcNpvg3CwgcS5Tys-9yFpfWbkU-cls9UnS8iLb3BYXEM9g5I6qHqOkmrxt1nJL9iTwaS54qScagZPNnaE_61Usm7T2cpEtiAUuqMEdOBog7dS9Y2acQg/s320/DSCF2921.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bring on the IV drip...can you make it coffee?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Since I had my port removed when I got the new boobs, they had to give me the old-fashioned stick in the arm...or three. Yep, I received THREE needle pokes before everything was up and running because my veins kept puffing up right away. Guess being a junky isn't really in my future, huh?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I tried to relax with a bit of music, reading, and texting friends, but all that poking, prodding, and flowing of IV meds makes a girl hungry, so I had a little snack...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusIbLh-b8vUTBBzDT7DwEBa6wf4t5CZKJ8jHclt19G9E4q1dDBvD0akxPDxAfLmqLKXg1rhW7nVNiG5gcxP4bCYVQRS2bz_OlSnD5cMtOQdiw1gwiqgkhqiEoM9_jVI80XcJxUH6frJA/s1600/DSCF2925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusIbLh-b8vUTBBzDT7DwEBa6wf4t5CZKJ8jHclt19G9E4q1dDBvD0akxPDxAfLmqLKXg1rhW7nVNiG5gcxP4bCYVQRS2bz_OlSnD5cMtOQdiw1gwiqgkhqiEoM9_jVI80XcJxUH6frJA/s320/DSCF2925.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">nom nom nom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Eventually, my time was served and I went to a café for a cup o' joe and a little reading before my next doctor's appointment. Oh yes, today I was booked solid. This is just a day in the life. *sigh*</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So, I headed over to my breast surgeon's office (not to be confused with my plastic surgeon who gave me the new ta-tas) and waited and waited and waited. Thankfully, the visit was worth the wait because he pronounced everything in working (and theoretically, cancer-free) order and sent me on my way. Woo-ha!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">All those hours logged in medical facilities really knackered me out, so I collapsed on the couch the minute I walked through the door. After curling up with <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8808148-all-the-time-in-the-world">my book</a>, listening to some <a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/741596433">chill music</a>, and receiving a phone call from <a href="http://danietaylor.blogspot.com/">my BFF</a>, I was FINALLY mellow...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHr9EkoL54adgUab1Lz09TxSckZ4vDD3Nwyh6_XgFcFO7y6XHzLC3zVOPRXyQFT1n6_o45mYOo5ZnhPoCUx8U0rNRij7pYkjseJ5RPtGjgVBW1C06goyYnFEVeahyphenhyphenZHg0pEXSu7TktvWw/s1600/DSCF2960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHr9EkoL54adgUab1Lz09TxSckZ4vDD3Nwyh6_XgFcFO7y6XHzLC3zVOPRXyQFT1n6_o45mYOo5ZnhPoCUx8U0rNRij7pYkjseJ5RPtGjgVBW1C06goyYnFEVeahyphenhyphenZHg0pEXSu7TktvWw/s320/DSCF2960.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZeHx2F9a62kLC6y0aI9A_T1gSvLtk4AbpzG3c2k8ccU-oQ4FIKHPWFl18XJ7r13DE45VjpRIqSmC_dpXIqyd5uf1KjV0PYCg8aky4co5v5mPQa4eXLY_3jMFrpOL14cKoeC9uWQ_tg0/s1600/DSCF2959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZeHx2F9a62kLC6y0aI9A_T1gSvLtk4AbpzG3c2k8ccU-oQ4FIKHPWFl18XJ7r13DE45VjpRIqSmC_dpXIqyd5uf1KjV0PYCg8aky4co5v5mPQa4eXLY_3jMFrpOL14cKoeC9uWQ_tg0/s320/DSCF2959.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ugh. I can't wait until I'm done with treatments! Will it ever end??</span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-33636352001781717852011-05-17T08:08:00.002-04:002011-05-28T21:44:30.601-04:00Bundle of Joy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32VjqvSuhQ9MKSALfOzOddeU97gebQBnyW9BjfhGyTbV4FnAC__J0e7eqW1FSnWd5Ue_cT_mpDYoPtDPUWAoAwPM3TgW2WFI0Hqgua8Gg6AQNI8okRaEsbBBpG9Ki9PLOoNmHadQfQFk/s1600/good+book+no+ending.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32VjqvSuhQ9MKSALfOzOddeU97gebQBnyW9BjfhGyTbV4FnAC__J0e7eqW1FSnWd5Ue_cT_mpDYoPtDPUWAoAwPM3TgW2WFI0Hqgua8Gg6AQNI8okRaEsbBBpG9Ki9PLOoNmHadQfQFk/s320/good+book+no+ending.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://hibernatinginbooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/friday-book-love-good-book-has-no.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Guess what arrived yesterday?? A little package of lovelies for me to adopt! That's right, my order from <a href="http://www.betterworldbooks.com/">Better World Books</a> is finally here!! Yaaaaaaay!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Is there anything more thrilling than a box of books arriving in the mail? Well, I'm sure there must be, but this is pretty damn exciting.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBzcTlA1wZ-Zhc9VqWfk7bS4-8QAN70dhF2v2nojU2lqzS_DsIq2HtBBDLMWwwMPMOpTGCXsjUVvsNKj-9BJTDfYxCZ29XztLViDklYBKVGHA4mIpMQXMxkAeHN-LDr9Rmsy7I6qf-xg/s1600/DSCF2880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBzcTlA1wZ-Zhc9VqWfk7bS4-8QAN70dhF2v2nojU2lqzS_DsIq2HtBBDLMWwwMPMOpTGCXsjUVvsNKj-9BJTDfYxCZ29XztLViDklYBKVGHA4mIpMQXMxkAeHN-LDr9Rmsy7I6qf-xg/s320/DSCF2880.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My precious!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQX_zUSv_5AXNeghs18R9feHL5lQVjBYItFrpO8lypfavxAnfT8WCj-vGgzoBzALiWUrJ1YozzpODrHemmvAEYxtsNBQETvlHVkQqUvPchR3rcf6w_az987K637RH8LllDeYSwuHOkxg/s1600/DSCF2895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQX_zUSv_5AXNeghs18R9feHL5lQVjBYItFrpO8lypfavxAnfT8WCj-vGgzoBzALiWUrJ1YozzpODrHemmvAEYxtsNBQETvlHVkQqUvPchR3rcf6w_az987K637RH8LllDeYSwuHOkxg/s320/DSCF2895.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/293910.The_War_of_the_End_of_the_World">The War of the End of the World</a> - Mario Vargas Llosa</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3018539-death-with-interruptions">Death with Interruptions</a> - José Saramago</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4268802-east-lynne">East Lynne</a> - Ellen Wood</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48335.The_Easter_Parade">The Easter Parade</a> - Richard Yates</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3422316-the-end-of-the-world-news">The End of the World News</a> - Anthony Burgess</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Looks like a nice bunch for my summer reading. Can't wait to curl up with these guys! </span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-62104256012294275872011-05-16T16:19:00.000-04:002011-05-16T16:19:18.926-04:00Saving the Ta-Tas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfBR0usrgsZV7mw1bEiPzA_sVaqEtWWVKJsm1ejcPR5vol-2IBApw-yRmPKeHbnrVF8h8CiiTXP1EpFa68PeeLnDsK7guCh6sUVshYKzzl_wsQm_RAdzjWAouIXhIRyvA2LQc92ue-ZE/s1600/paulette-sedgwick-breast-cancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfBR0usrgsZV7mw1bEiPzA_sVaqEtWWVKJsm1ejcPR5vol-2IBApw-yRmPKeHbnrVF8h8CiiTXP1EpFa68PeeLnDsK7guCh6sUVshYKzzl_wsQm_RAdzjWAouIXhIRyvA2LQc92ue-ZE/s400/paulette-sedgwick-breast-cancer.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://femaleimagination.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/join-if-you-hate-breast-cancer/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Saturday was the Columbus Komen Race for the Cure, which, apparently, is the third largest in the world! Gooooo Columbus!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Jon and I woke up early and headed downtown to get in on the activities and excitement before the races were set to start. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">The atmosphere was just incredible. The buzz was electrifying!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1SSYJHKrFJjdlhILpRoSM9l1x621rQqrE1bl40m1IFiukNG0kshtJwJFaKhbrXhmGhiQ6rudU6kTjh-WH5mhWMs1ZKjjHCPBx9wFlLW_Oh-9HHnAlSj0rcmyvCm2qc-M87aFdaDCfMk/s1600/DSCF2866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1SSYJHKrFJjdlhILpRoSM9l1x621rQqrE1bl40m1IFiukNG0kshtJwJFaKhbrXhmGhiQ6rudU6kTjh-WH5mhWMs1ZKjjHCPBx9wFlLW_Oh-9HHnAlSj0rcmyvCm2qc-M87aFdaDCfMk/s320/DSCF2866.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTun2inlnwglsaPoVgitjOaMSOepAqUwUAF-iR765fhbGxveqwuTNWUz7HLy8zmJ_5SVHLnzu8pyxMgbNQabuHD52VLdj6pihiVRve8wLEKBsf-hyRIo_cFY8UbfQX3yZ2aa5U-kz-Ng/s1600/DSCF2861edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTun2inlnwglsaPoVgitjOaMSOepAqUwUAF-iR765fhbGxveqwuTNWUz7HLy8zmJ_5SVHLnzu8pyxMgbNQabuHD52VLdj6pihiVRve8wLEKBsf-hyRIo_cFY8UbfQX3yZ2aa5U-kz-Ng/s320/DSCF2861edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We checked out all the survivors tents where I signed the survivor banner and grabbed up some free swag. Then, I made a nice little sign to wear on my back for the race...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSI7g5q9vD6ZUBWrSAjEQvJywSG3z3l7qFMccKlSKtwoIe2fFIV9CvNaZza7IoKs9pLy0-o0ypbzxXI5F_GILwzWqLBg9fmrru5aOUQ0zm37bvcX0SunsVHfdOwIQ_EHRF1duSf6mIZE/s1600/DSCF2863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSI7g5q9vD6ZUBWrSAjEQvJywSG3z3l7qFMccKlSKtwoIe2fFIV9CvNaZza7IoKs9pLy0-o0ypbzxXI5F_GILwzWqLBg9fmrru5aOUQ0zm37bvcX0SunsVHfdOwIQ_EHRF1duSf6mIZE/s320/DSCF2863.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Subtle, I know.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You would not believe the number of people who would sneak up behind me to take a pic of that sign. Haha! Guess they share my sentiments.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just as we were heading over to the car to drop off our bags to get ready for the run, we ran into our old friends, Brian and Jen. With 50,000+ people running around that day, what were the odds?</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aDdl_0msbG5xhTsTsQCo9RXDy5BIU7cFY0-xrHsPa-FeBqNXPVMtqRK8PYRi1nHFosKmy32OEBLDd6qaxap35Z4uB8GdYfTJJKA6M26xE4_AwTJ8vx8RbCSjWS4dyhmiL8A3QagEHvY/s1600/DSCF2868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aDdl_0msbG5xhTsTsQCo9RXDy5BIU7cFY0-xrHsPa-FeBqNXPVMtqRK8PYRi1nHFosKmy32OEBLDd6qaxap35Z4uB8GdYfTJJKA6M26xE4_AwTJ8vx8RbCSjWS4dyhmiL8A3QagEHvY/s320/DSCF2868.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Me and Jen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIddIaeqL234w5uX44G4pc2t9XwEsfrCMJ_kCF02a7ZuxEApeoaR5Ai3eVC0WQgygobZQf43qmZhQ2auII-2Ifzk-yW4yApWnXCoFbc_YFPm5WIRNsI6HOqWOVT4jyeDpCdLpOPpQnBY/s1600/DSCF2870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIddIaeqL234w5uX44G4pc2t9XwEsfrCMJ_kCF02a7ZuxEApeoaR5Ai3eVC0WQgygobZQf43qmZhQ2auII-2Ifzk-yW4yApWnXCoFbc_YFPm5WIRNsI6HOqWOVT4jyeDpCdLpOPpQnBY/s320/DSCF2870.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Brian and Jon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course, once we ran into our friends, our plans quickly changed. We were so excited to see them and couldn't stop talking (which I'm sure no one is shocked to learn), so we decided to abandon the 5K run in favor of the 5K walk. No real biggie, but probably a bit surprising considering how long/hard I've been working on getting ready for the race. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh well! We went with the flow and had an AMAZING time! No regrets.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEQvYSD9PBgA-2ui3JSUq-MIan6ePV1DuHijzuV1gWH6Izi-iYgk_hUJ-H2RDBB_HOMc-LjRKQGkgbBa9b5kOWnlS7FnqveXERwVZAsrukeU2gU60ChW-m9MhKrCh4Iciyo8bqLqi3jE/s1600/DSCF2871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEQvYSD9PBgA-2ui3JSUq-MIan6ePV1DuHijzuV1gWH6Izi-iYgk_hUJ-H2RDBB_HOMc-LjRKQGkgbBa9b5kOWnlS7FnqveXERwVZAsrukeU2gU60ChW-m9MhKrCh4Iciyo8bqLqi3jE/s320/DSCF2871.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh520Sa4J_T7yfri7e_-jMnhyphenhyphen8fSoHOuXQYrL-IWwiQw-qyxaxuELn_dvbkMevPOloyJMEMDxk5aWd6i9zVBV0132SVEJdfiZCFb4kPcsbzoo-5ltKQPYyO1zgspgo4SZLtlVg887abLSo/s1600/DSCF2873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh520Sa4J_T7yfri7e_-jMnhyphenhyphen8fSoHOuXQYrL-IWwiQw-qyxaxuELn_dvbkMevPOloyJMEMDxk5aWd6i9zVBV0132SVEJdfiZCFb4kPcsbzoo-5ltKQPYyO1zgspgo4SZLtlVg887abLSo/s320/DSCF2873.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">After the race, we sprawled out on the courthouse lawn, snacking, gossiping, and enjoying the festivities. We couldn't have asked for a better day. I'm already looking forward to next year!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsKVVnAL9URjl_93aEQX6c6JylcVY7gnE4w05AsZbsxws5Mr4yWyB6-h1bAbXSrD1XiZitwD-WDmHRyr0nTjSYWH8uqF8dtxmOR4NDLCDKvpQEZ4SexIL7p9skfBkHrrNunwOAesapaQ/s1600/DSCF2864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsKVVnAL9URjl_93aEQX6c6JylcVY7gnE4w05AsZbsxws5Mr4yWyB6-h1bAbXSrD1XiZitwD-WDmHRyr0nTjSYWH8uqF8dtxmOR4NDLCDKvpQEZ4SexIL7p9skfBkHrrNunwOAesapaQ/s320/DSCF2864.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1-Year Survivor</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://ww5.komen.org/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Click here to find out how you can participate in Race for the Cure and stick it to breast cancer!</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm8di_XlDB_P9Vv8ZF-0jTqH1MwQOYttLUxMsxbTPM7SI0BaFIiBDsziDjL9eIWuLq4euamV_uRwpz_pq6r3rgBtBGBpDgfdS4WA2_0IFGLQv-bqzGXtaHGjDWjOytpH-Bf_ued6D2Bs/s1600/3366920160_99756d6edb_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm8di_XlDB_P9Vv8ZF-0jTqH1MwQOYttLUxMsxbTPM7SI0BaFIiBDsziDjL9eIWuLq4euamV_uRwpz_pq6r3rgBtBGBpDgfdS4WA2_0IFGLQv-bqzGXtaHGjDWjOytpH-Bf_ued6D2Bs/s400/3366920160_99756d6edb_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://laughingsquid.com/fuck-cancer-fractal-suicide-raising-money-for-cancer-research/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
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</div>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-43863797492033341992011-05-16T13:32:00.000-04:002011-05-16T13:32:15.527-04:00Heart the Arts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjyfNcEesDss49hxQkb8-fewHLjCFclkHZqQoZTn9CQQ0ObwnWP1oxuJfQdiPsazIdX-YWUbg5PhdjzXOB0-LSONy_Jo5XCsMVbk75vSzspKtQd9uJWTQ9elajoWvUAbZlHP-NBNpQdc/s1600/LiveWithArt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjyfNcEesDss49hxQkb8-fewHLjCFclkHZqQoZTn9CQQ0ObwnWP1oxuJfQdiPsazIdX-YWUbg5PhdjzXOB0-LSONy_Jo5XCsMVbk75vSzspKtQd9uJWTQ9elajoWvUAbZlHP-NBNpQdc/s400/LiveWithArt1.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.20x200.com/blog/2009/02/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Last week we attended the ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA at Aidan's school. We feel very fortunate to live in a great school district that celebrates the arts and provides arts education that extends beyond finger painting. We expected a lot from the extravaganza, but even then, we were blown away by the experience.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The school was filled with the students' artwork, which gave it a very gallery-like feel. Of course, we wasted no time scoping out Aidan's work. Here are a few pieces...</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1RmBAtPD61-rgZ8_fiZTjCg19rWa973jNKMFUOwrtU0EhO2WHYTytm7OUVok0u5v0PDOSm0EXjHv6gVKYTbQmen_nl4x8Yd5igcz1F5dPW8Svuizz6pI-PM9bP-lEqK8c11UApLbOsA/s1600/DSCF2848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1RmBAtPD61-rgZ8_fiZTjCg19rWa973jNKMFUOwrtU0EhO2WHYTytm7OUVok0u5v0PDOSm0EXjHv6gVKYTbQmen_nl4x8Yd5igcz1F5dPW8Svuizz6pI-PM9bP-lEqK8c11UApLbOsA/s320/DSCF2848.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Aidan's "Very Hungry Caterpillar"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-pGPuERB77zqgbTLTdsEEUZ1ffpZYLqoywZE-zNyk4i3cLyTnL4ZGYhSZJw-SvmvTefxZYeWTA2qRp9eMEKDxjXttMJR8N67tSbDb8OIyq6JpLPVFJ7Xydjw7_2tKROLPwKcSi9fTzw/s1600/DSCF2851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-pGPuERB77zqgbTLTdsEEUZ1ffpZYLqoywZE-zNyk4i3cLyTnL4ZGYhSZJw-SvmvTefxZYeWTA2qRp9eMEKDxjXttMJR8N67tSbDb8OIyq6JpLPVFJ7Xydjw7_2tKROLPwKcSi9fTzw/s320/DSCF2851.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Aidan's "Self-Portrait"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcJdN637ismYdFXClsQ7U0bStyGvpHQwH5oJbnwpe0SliRNI154__iYzPfR7mRDlTPr0EoVjMG8ZgJJcLJq_dzccdnhwZGKlKNVpVxy5ZM8eBqUHbv8xWP5-zT3X9V_ETOxWa2Yxdi5Y/s1600/DSCF2853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcJdN637ismYdFXClsQ7U0bStyGvpHQwH5oJbnwpe0SliRNI154__iYzPfR7mRDlTPr0EoVjMG8ZgJJcLJq_dzccdnhwZGKlKNVpVxy5ZM8eBqUHbv8xWP5-zT3X9V_ETOxWa2Yxdi5Y/s320/DSCF2853.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">See any resemblance?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tYO99m8-0CQo665PsodkHoFjErozjzW92wn88cpnq7HF3UpFj4cZsQjQTpbTSknxVNcH3_Mf88UiBulNht9yNw3TVr8mu3K7XTYXwryOQNwa0_ss21SkgJc8_8Rx8neTjhPkFQlY9cg/s1600/DSCF2854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tYO99m8-0CQo665PsodkHoFjErozjzW92wn88cpnq7HF3UpFj4cZsQjQTpbTSknxVNcH3_Mf88UiBulNht9yNw3TVr8mu3K7XTYXwryOQNwa0_ss21SkgJc8_8Rx8neTjhPkFQlY9cg/s320/DSCF2854.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Aidan's "Dark Bird"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdoWqxc7A_MeH06roGSj16bHBgDNyW4-IpuYr7rc63B1mEg5FX7i0Jk9d8DhD7QvwhxEX5tafEb7xZZbbgYV3x6ri8tew_xOuI8_FPtGzMsYbnlxq2AOVEX-hmV9EZ9N8lxodsk0qNF4/s1600/DSCF2857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdoWqxc7A_MeH06roGSj16bHBgDNyW4-IpuYr7rc63B1mEg5FX7i0Jk9d8DhD7QvwhxEX5tafEb7xZZbbgYV3x6ri8tew_xOuI8_FPtGzMsYbnlxq2AOVEX-hmV9EZ9N8lxodsk0qNF4/s320/DSCF2857.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Posing with his creation</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">In addition to the visual art, there was plenty of performing art. Aidan and company put on quite a show of singing, playing instruments, dancing, and even putting on a little skit. I could not wipe the smile from my face! I was sooooo proud!!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZLsKn8HtkWNmoLVAjtHWDgSmZyCLxgH88bDXRixh0DV6Si3bQPUCIY2VQq0hwb9AVjkRGUOfsfLOGgxulwsFY4UN650bCRtxgUrmxdDb4VMga0TiCj9fmCtnre8MmkwZm6D-jBQ2EhY/s1600/DSCF2836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZLsKn8HtkWNmoLVAjtHWDgSmZyCLxgH88bDXRixh0DV6Si3bQPUCIY2VQq0hwb9AVjkRGUOfsfLOGgxulwsFY4UN650bCRtxgUrmxdDb4VMga0TiCj9fmCtnre8MmkwZm6D-jBQ2EhY/s320/DSCF2836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5N5qeeVe2mJdEh3ttB_xgQ6MtdfrggBMjc85wUGhtW8SFEZsp28fI_wdRY12gDjz4FghTwpj-Fky73ZFHCr7uR3uGKpll4EXajjrPw7tfC_yeb6axtm6cuhafk2Dc5bMuBAcwkC5ZXf0/s1600/DSCF2837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5N5qeeVe2mJdEh3ttB_xgQ6MtdfrggBMjc85wUGhtW8SFEZsp28fI_wdRY12gDjz4FghTwpj-Fky73ZFHCr7uR3uGKpll4EXajjrPw7tfC_yeb6axtm6cuhafk2Dc5bMuBAcwkC5ZXf0/s320/DSCF2837.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPH9yJT98RLm9Or7qsV0n1u2mJj5n80xQ7n20_b3xALRCNjhZ5TaaNcxn-pwlc6Y2AeEymKQdePG4Z6GCFjDGcG26IAuwSoE4ek9u2EY45BRs7waOhz3wbWZaMlEZE_2vlu0Pnwck5zGw/s1600/DSCF2838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPH9yJT98RLm9Or7qsV0n1u2mJj5n80xQ7n20_b3xALRCNjhZ5TaaNcxn-pwlc6Y2AeEymKQdePG4Z6GCFjDGcG26IAuwSoE4ek9u2EY45BRs7waOhz3wbWZaMlEZE_2vlu0Pnwck5zGw/s320/DSCF2838.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k2n19PKNChwefbzaQPwYCnvovOcnwNHSaRqGyv3eURrz0gGZCdIlZGPXoHHBmuMZLFoIMrsbuV3tC-AlU9Nr7AEby_gsdLyt20qTeSn9ALB87TpJMC5m6y7XqVe27HzLZmUCielJ99g/s1600/DSCF2840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k2n19PKNChwefbzaQPwYCnvovOcnwNHSaRqGyv3eURrz0gGZCdIlZGPXoHHBmuMZLFoIMrsbuV3tC-AlU9Nr7AEby_gsdLyt20qTeSn9ALB87TpJMC5m6y7XqVe27HzLZmUCielJ99g/s320/DSCF2840.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid09hzlfkHOU1J9WB7SX2p_J18I8mdYyOllwFls2ZupY4-frEoxVfMJJQhptM-BjHzE9Sxk4Ud63IymRWdR9j1KdX26j2bcJmByiuK_-6u2pphRpIWjlzVyf0wpeMuullnf-VDSuvHUww/s1600/DSCF2841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid09hzlfkHOU1J9WB7SX2p_J18I8mdYyOllwFls2ZupY4-frEoxVfMJJQhptM-BjHzE9Sxk4Ud63IymRWdR9j1KdX26j2bcJmByiuK_-6u2pphRpIWjlzVyf0wpeMuullnf-VDSuvHUww/s320/DSCF2841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Rq67SMNsukX_loCy4_y03nlutceHwXIChbUXl-scFsNnYcWHfGRcSfY_6lOzL0d4HWmFfZ0aLuk2g86UHVngUAakv3MyVTnsaK5j693Cr0vl_hoz8skk5Hi1Sszb0Ai-Dzxf5WUItFY/s1600/DSCF2842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Rq67SMNsukX_loCy4_y03nlutceHwXIChbUXl-scFsNnYcWHfGRcSfY_6lOzL0d4HWmFfZ0aLuk2g86UHVngUAakv3MyVTnsaK5j693Cr0vl_hoz8skk5Hi1Sszb0Ai-Dzxf5WUItFY/s320/DSCF2842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I really wish I could have gotten a better, closer view of the kids when they were singing and using instruments (alas, I just couldn't get any good pics). Also, I'm absolutely kicking myself for not taking video...particularly during the dancing segments, which were absolutely hilarious and adorable. However, it was an incredible evening and we all had the best time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I just can't believe Aidan's kindergarten career is about to come to an end! Even though there won't be any big time difference in his school day next year (since his school <i>only</i> provides all-day kindergarten), it is still hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that he'll be in 1st Grade! Not the little guys of the school for much longer. But, he can't wait!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeOzmbap5uZbsCQ5Tg0xeyxNL9RNgfJ19JUt-S0NsXH8O3DyIc7mpxA662bkVOymxqtiRC271LX9gijkY0qwHR4rFClj4gUsoQqRjV1vfKuIjnuUxOScCC6-mdIhhs6h7P8KfxK4A9Bc/s1600/DSCF2845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeOzmbap5uZbsCQ5Tg0xeyxNL9RNgfJ19JUt-S0NsXH8O3DyIc7mpxA662bkVOymxqtiRC271LX9gijkY0qwHR4rFClj4gUsoQqRjV1vfKuIjnuUxOScCC6-mdIhhs6h7P8KfxK4A9Bc/s320/DSCF2845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-38199029473407444752011-05-11T15:31:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:35:13.976-04:00Putting My Breast Foot Forward<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;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGBcYiQwqRhMd0FdN_b_WyRonV6Gw-JwDIXGDsN7qhoTvCDvz5d8hJ1QL-aRrc9p6ziu9-Z_AnJZsqxGGl051rLYQz0VRF7Otq_DKUvd8O6hMU_WvLnRqUjXNSC5fixd-HxBS5SoVtNs/s400/dpan1004l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="311" /></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/b/big_busted_runner.asp">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As some of you may or may not know, I had boob surgery last month to replace the knockers that I lost to the big C. (I'm no Boobs McGee, but I think they look pretty good.) Unfortunately, with surgery comes recovery time...which seemed to last <i>FOREVER</i>. During that time, I was restricted from most physical activity save walking, so I've been getting a wee bit twitchy to get up and moving again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, I'm happy to report that my restrictions have officially been lifted and I have been sweating myself silly all week in celebration! Hurrah!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I was a little worried about how I'd do with my running since it had been a few weeks since my last jog, but it was just like riding a bike (only waaaaay suckier). This is great news since the Columbus Race for the Cure is this weekend and Jon and I are slotted to run in the coed 5K. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(I think I can, I think I can, I think I can)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course, with the return of running comes the return of running songs...</span><br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">5 SONGS I'M <strike>DYING TO</strike> RUNNING TO THIS WEEK:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/431352849">Bullet and a Target</a> - Citizen Cope</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/405085457">Time Running</a> - Tegan & Sara</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/803217937">More</a> - Usher </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/634379281">Naïve</a> - The Kooks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/501174033">Long Train Running</a> - The Doobie Brothers</span><br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">COOL DOWN & BE COOL SONG OF THE WEEK:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/3822097">Orange Sky</a> - Alexi Murdoch</span><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lfztIDuQEqHoNq5UlA4tRpCJaHXkQBvK2zeFDeNuKSqv9d5h7Jpm9o1cEeYcaXVWrh9syYYnbcthUWj5nR8nYA3nnTjWNBKINw7fvzTHQgV2fHTGwa4ACa5XuJvML8Rb8pNxezTJHd4/s1600/3311858931_db991042ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lfztIDuQEqHoNq5UlA4tRpCJaHXkQBvK2zeFDeNuKSqv9d5h7Jpm9o1cEeYcaXVWrh9syYYnbcthUWj5nR8nYA3nnTjWNBKINw7fvzTHQgV2fHTGwa4ACa5XuJvML8Rb8pNxezTJHd4/s320/3311858931_db991042ff.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.samanthahahn.com/blog/2009/02/26/fabulous-vintage-poster-fitness-is-fun/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Right now, I am super happy to be back in the fitness groove. (We'll see how long that lasts.) Just being able to do a little strength training and jogging has made me feel very accomplished. I'm hoping to add more activities back into my routine very soon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'll keep you posted.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chesty La Rue </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(or do you prefer Hootie McBoob?)</span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-85504086593229948502011-05-11T09:03:00.001-04:002011-05-11T09:39:34.044-04:00EleFUNt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8v7i8cPXFZggfDcjXnWaHR56p2jQC9aTsk959HOoX6UMHKnFRDwtEhZv8ukphE_jx33BXYjt7Do8Yp3OJJytycgc0uE7la0O8wZs_kzYUv9wu9PBM4bC1fPtvTKkWYR91aDMEQh3IvM/s1600/0000-5234-4%257ERingling-Brothers-Circus-Performing-Elephant-Posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8v7i8cPXFZggfDcjXnWaHR56p2jQC9aTsk959HOoX6UMHKnFRDwtEhZv8ukphE_jx33BXYjt7Do8Yp3OJJytycgc0uE7la0O8wZs_kzYUv9wu9PBM4bC1fPtvTKkWYR91aDMEQh3IvM/s400/0000-5234-4%257ERingling-Brothers-Circus-Performing-Elephant-Posters.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://faystonart.blogspot.com/2010/10/vintage-circus-posters-in-progress.html">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus is in town again, so last night we made our annual family trek down to watch the handlers walk the elephants up to the arena. Always good times...</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavKPp_hQuwFzEy7Zdmmg8OQLqT4r9MG51V-zrRVCvJ7d_vEUhviI7D6-6bUX2SNCoqoeWNt2zrheIs3qGwuhDPx8nD9AOabAFcqxLK8TfOjR_knYqM-oH463UCL1neQTo1GJ2Gb-KmqE/s1600/DSCF2823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavKPp_hQuwFzEy7Zdmmg8OQLqT4r9MG51V-zrRVCvJ7d_vEUhviI7D6-6bUX2SNCoqoeWNt2zrheIs3qGwuhDPx8nD9AOabAFcqxLK8TfOjR_knYqM-oH463UCL1neQTo1GJ2Gb-KmqE/s320/DSCF2823.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here they come!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlS0ENfkE4wuruR3WYZA62atadz2Rm2QQSSWUZUqyJKw57hbt94d38TK0LMErX3YxcX90sKU_ZNK2vpsKBDkIBNO96XkM0Rtfd-ZBqvhcZWKUGjhAhKt78KSeXJBGE69NboutJcxhyphenhyphenI-s/s1600/DSCF2824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlS0ENfkE4wuruR3WYZA62atadz2Rm2QQSSWUZUqyJKw57hbt94d38TK0LMErX3YxcX90sKU_ZNK2vpsKBDkIBNO96XkM0Rtfd-ZBqvhcZWKUGjhAhKt78KSeXJBGE69NboutJcxhyphenhyphenI-s/s320/DSCF2824.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our front row seats.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOscXZHGYZ8KNYYXvR6Xaz9eJ3u9TVPhTkcuLnKNU2i3Kxg7dpbfXRIDwV0PBCw0eic0sxtjp6m4PfBliFub1SoTjWrNdmHKD4wy6-QlQdsilIcJoKV5vCLhaHce2wpVeZPmuBmRSB0A/s1600/DSCF2825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOscXZHGYZ8KNYYXvR6Xaz9eJ3u9TVPhTkcuLnKNU2i3Kxg7dpbfXRIDwV0PBCw0eic0sxtjp6m4PfBliFub1SoTjWrNdmHKD4wy6-QlQdsilIcJoKV5vCLhaHce2wpVeZPmuBmRSB0A/s320/DSCF2825.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There they go.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyAOXjCtRTpJZKNjVFQZ_PgtkameqZKddqoWUa7totIAjFAJ9dZZVfxzFzt6qM9BHvlOaD6pHnaQteXmZlYjXqgXvQzvowzCeYSZfX88rdaFP-4XsaVKuB-7Cb8A2kzwic-1OvJe0rFs/s1600/DSCF2829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyAOXjCtRTpJZKNjVFQZ_PgtkameqZKddqoWUa7totIAjFAJ9dZZVfxzFzt6qM9BHvlOaD6pHnaQteXmZlYjXqgXvQzvowzCeYSZfX88rdaFP-4XsaVKuB-7Cb8A2kzwic-1OvJe0rFs/s320/DSCF2829.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dylan was enraptured.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jQho-h5T6BNhAHw1P4Gg4gP1KLvxS4SuBouPHDBDKBozFWAhTo5Q6wtuigKpuGnAenu6CQTkrc5cwp40mltPovuwR-DOyTMP5o_P0pReL5CfAFHvWjlxKsPLaw7em4EIUEHlTW_NePg/s1600/DSCF2828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jQho-h5T6BNhAHw1P4Gg4gP1KLvxS4SuBouPHDBDKBozFWAhTo5Q6wtuigKpuGnAenu6CQTkrc5cwp40mltPovuwR-DOyTMP5o_P0pReL5CfAFHvWjlxKsPLaw7em4EIUEHlTW_NePg/s320/DSCF2828.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Aidan thought they smelled.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't know if we'll actually go to the circus since we have such a busy weekend coming up, but we may end up coming back down to watch the elephants walk back to the train on Sunday. Gotta wait and see if time and weather are on our side.</span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-39666662855452596712011-05-10T19:07:00.000-04:002011-05-10T19:07:03.188-04:00Pastafied<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZRFffQdC9D7SkHlefwouXxDnv-cK1ml8yNOxq-BB99MQpVdPU1qoisG0qiJhIFf09o7DLBHzJk9WM2Sq0AjbhUdR7aQdk8osh7-6YrxORNhD947W_Zzl1CD7zqSZ3Jg3kNU2AVq9ZvQ/s1600/DSCF2817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZRFffQdC9D7SkHlefwouXxDnv-cK1ml8yNOxq-BB99MQpVdPU1qoisG0qiJhIFf09o7DLBHzJk9WM2Sq0AjbhUdR7aQdk8osh7-6YrxORNhD947W_Zzl1CD7zqSZ3Jg3kNU2AVq9ZvQ/s320/DSCF2817.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">PASTA with SWISS CHARD, ONIONS, and GOAT CHEESE</span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>(plus Sun-dried Tomatoes)</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u> </u>-- modified from a May 2011 Real Simple recipe --</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">12 ounces pappardelle or fettuccine </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(* we used spinach & chive linguine, actually)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 Tbsp. olive oil</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 small red onion, thinly sliced</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4 cloves garlic, sliced</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u> </u>2 bunches Swiss chard, stems discarded and leaves cut into 1-inch strips</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, not packed in oil</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(* tomatoes not in original recipe)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Kosher salt and black pepper</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water; drain the pasta and return it to the pot.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chard, tomatoes, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, tossing frequently, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes more.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3. Add the chard mixture, 3 ounces of the goat cheese, 3/4 cup of the reserved cooking water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the pasta and toss until the goat cheese melts and coats the pasta (add more cooking water if the pasta seems dry). Serve sprinkled with the remaining ounce of goat cheese.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Serves 4.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This was mmm mmm good! Very easy and delish!</span></div>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-12198887154253765882011-05-09T16:14:00.000-04:002011-05-09T16:14:18.575-04:00Mama Mia!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcuJssKJe-wxkr_qLQ5IKW7C1B1fougM99tivf2ZhGnCCbr-GREBXvssEr4x-AnsLPYt1eXkzjTpkRmBMYyRk1T3vOT_NG2kPxWOoZ9E-KNcupcXS-zSfKYkwvXkP_zcckdoc3Dn6FCM/s1600/mothers-day.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcuJssKJe-wxkr_qLQ5IKW7C1B1fougM99tivf2ZhGnCCbr-GREBXvssEr4x-AnsLPYt1eXkzjTpkRmBMYyRk1T3vOT_NG2kPxWOoZ9E-KNcupcXS-zSfKYkwvXkP_zcckdoc3Dn6FCM/s320/mothers-day.gif" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://femaleimagination.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/mothers-day-free-events/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nothing gives me more joy (or migraines) than being a mother, and motherhood gets better each and every year. Being surrounded by men, I'm frequently treated like a queen around these parts and Mother's Day was no exception.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">In addition to the kisses, hugs, smiles, and homemade cards and drawings, Jon and the boys got me...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">* A new subscription to <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/">Real Simple</a> magazine</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">* A <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/kitchen-and-food/cooking-utensils/oxo-fish-spatula/s680217">fish spatula</a> from Crate & Barrel</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">* A book order from <a href="http://www.betterworldbooks.com/">Better World Books</a> (will blog about when they arrive)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">* My favorite ice cream (Gravel Road) from <a href="http://jenisicecreams.com/">Jeni's</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">* A pretty dress to wear on Mother's Day...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbWQhMkSSK0lRCkdlY59KTu4zi6BXKcUGu1zw52A9f2yVooq9Za2LvLOOM61yhweMl5LAtVBuk7vBMJ6pZ07iwMWh97-cPq0qJiOu_Xhbtc8i0LyWMzW7ie7Svvw-259L1Ydm4TOfkao/s1600/DSCF2778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbWQhMkSSK0lRCkdlY59KTu4zi6BXKcUGu1zw52A9f2yVooq9Za2LvLOOM61yhweMl5LAtVBuk7vBMJ6pZ07iwMWh97-cPq0qJiOu_Xhbtc8i0LyWMzW7ie7Svvw-259L1Ydm4TOfkao/s320/DSCF2778.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A random assortment, to be sure, but all things I love!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We went out for brunch with Jon's family at our favorite family-owned Italian restaurant. We all had a really nice time and the food was, of course, outstanding.</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXeNKthTGlhwMjXGe0NhUTrXYtKz4eKxvFryjQUUWn1kg89NyxaqY9u8GnotT7NqLBMH_y8lGMUuxjfz8hGwH363zQ5DM2n73KH9ng8xEGMk6q8G2z_ffl8m37s9gKpNS5mtoAFbXAEg/s1600/DSCF2729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXeNKthTGlhwMjXGe0NhUTrXYtKz4eKxvFryjQUUWn1kg89NyxaqY9u8GnotT7NqLBMH_y8lGMUuxjfz8hGwH363zQ5DM2n73KH9ng8xEGMk6q8G2z_ffl8m37s9gKpNS5mtoAFbXAEg/s320/DSCF2729.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good times!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXUDryonxNdwoYjIJd3F1mT3UQuvJLpYu7jqvRtvYbxG8XXB44DTURH1aYyroMM3H7vgXHtdRVnS0U54-sYUN39zFlXfTtXOYa7AKIPVuWwc9WQixJdVZrn5-k_s8cBkpL6PTSMe7yXI/s1600/DSCF2730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXUDryonxNdwoYjIJd3F1mT3UQuvJLpYu7jqvRtvYbxG8XXB44DTURH1aYyroMM3H7vgXHtdRVnS0U54-sYUN39zFlXfTtXOYa7AKIPVuWwc9WQixJdVZrn5-k_s8cBkpL6PTSMe7yXI/s320/DSCF2730.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Aidan with his great uncle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1Y1fXgkzgoi1iMaxWKUpGx_mujpvd4CElw7GuK_zAy2MMn26m9u1VqVxPNEqEHCk0vSSW4pNSUiP5fQy9qBmMqKPI9ImWDqZTLb3ibG7o7vTop_SNeqLHaLdCJZlH7ENQs-TTDNiXu8/s1600/DSCF2731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1Y1fXgkzgoi1iMaxWKUpGx_mujpvd4CElw7GuK_zAy2MMn26m9u1VqVxPNEqEHCk0vSSW4pNSUiP5fQy9qBmMqKPI9ImWDqZTLb3ibG7o7vTop_SNeqLHaLdCJZlH7ENQs-TTDNiXu8/s320/DSCF2731.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dylan wants spaghetti!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After our meal, we decided to work off the calories with a trip to the mall. We didn't find a whole lot that we couldn't live without until we stumbled into the shoe department at Nordstrom's. Grammy bought a pair of gray <a href="http://www.toms.com/">Toms</a> for me and a black pair for herself. So lovely! I love being shoe sisters with Grammy. She's got great style!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3Bqyqw661EeqTdoO4fN59DcTciKUbWHA0wENwBJAhkUi6E9ZZ7yJA39GSffGo5bdY3EEkBjmRm8HbEsC-_RH-IZ6BeT2oUHVn3AfYKmjUVXhqflUu8ILNqH3jzOmIRiIXFvB5dSpSrM/s1600/DSCF2793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3Bqyqw661EeqTdoO4fN59DcTciKUbWHA0wENwBJAhkUi6E9ZZ7yJA39GSffGo5bdY3EEkBjmRm8HbEsC-_RH-IZ6BeT2oUHVn3AfYKmjUVXhqflUu8ILNqH3jzOmIRiIXFvB5dSpSrM/s320/DSCF2793.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hurray for gray!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Also, my mother-in-law surprised me with a beautiful pair of earrings for Mother's Day. Isn't that so sweet?</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4fCbm5Sq0K0Z-MIhWcRR54dH2F7c4M6m7ZDdx766w7zJ8pghMUgUO2O_VAR07UFv1I4memu_-dw4m72SmqCeBVh1_5ra4MErr0Km1orJ6odVzAFhtkkSEQvf_tfn4BykUNo_fsdM9RE/s1600/DSCF2789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4fCbm5Sq0K0Z-MIhWcRR54dH2F7c4M6m7ZDdx766w7zJ8pghMUgUO2O_VAR07UFv1I4memu_-dw4m72SmqCeBVh1_5ra4MErr0Km1orJ6odVzAFhtkkSEQvf_tfn4BykUNo_fsdM9RE/s320/DSCF2789.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Silver and Gold...so versatile!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">As you can see, I got completely spoiled rotten for Mommy Day. I have no idea what I did to deserve it, but I certainly won't complain.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://shabbyblogs.com/new" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://shabbyblogs.com/new/storage/old/ShabbyBlogsBeQueen.gif" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Just simply a wonderful day! Hope yours was special, too!</span></div>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-22865318722738361142011-05-09T11:03:00.001-04:002011-05-09T11:10:12.323-04:00Spring Shopping on a Shoestring<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-ZY3Jfi211_HosZ6g6RC95P7_2pAkiwhceDGJSiZ0YSrc2aTlLwSkQ1buEaCCv62Mk0Nxy-MaTp7P38lDnJel3uqrUgnPp0aPEkCtnb_ThuQvA8dfsKSmjzrskueSEV5FtaeKQvwJGk/s1600/alg_shopping-bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-ZY3Jfi211_HosZ6g6RC95P7_2pAkiwhceDGJSiZ0YSrc2aTlLwSkQ1buEaCCv62Mk0Nxy-MaTp7P38lDnJel3uqrUgnPp0aPEkCtnb_ThuQvA8dfsKSmjzrskueSEV5FtaeKQvwJGk/s320/alg_shopping-bags.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.greenyourdogs.com/2010/11/06/shop-eco-dog-goodies-2/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spring brings rain, flowers, and...yard sales! This Saturday I went on a bit of a yard sale bender. Even though there seemed to be a bit fewer yard sales going on this weekend than usual (possibly due to pop-up rain showers), I still managed to walk away with some goods...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__HnQlMRaGOuUhyFj-EYk4rHs8p5cKObNNkJKrHi3qnVHVwgB2bjnNUBeF5Ien7xkmSBzkeAJAcojW0I2cI3Zu9qpLiHftdinpPT-TpmFFp8YbTSsKvEvBpXOd6zTtmZolRtzmIHYu7w/s1600/DSCF2734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__HnQlMRaGOuUhyFj-EYk4rHs8p5cKObNNkJKrHi3qnVHVwgB2bjnNUBeF5Ien7xkmSBzkeAJAcojW0I2cI3Zu9qpLiHftdinpPT-TpmFFp8YbTSsKvEvBpXOd6zTtmZolRtzmIHYu7w/s320/DSCF2734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Black Tank - New York & Company; White Tank - Banana Republic</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH0xK1bQ25PIFZceGWsOWZrH6ZIuIRTRgKyxczcvM0KrkJLh6tjItYxX93qWEHtAxXSJMeX7oGX4A1jfgGEmqxtqRaQMHLhsQCSoQMIc31syq9DM8woZklCGmml3Fks7nzxQnFA23TrE/s1600/DSCF2741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH0xK1bQ25PIFZceGWsOWZrH6ZIuIRTRgKyxczcvM0KrkJLh6tjItYxX93qWEHtAxXSJMeX7oGX4A1jfgGEmqxtqRaQMHLhsQCSoQMIc31syq9DM8woZklCGmml3Fks7nzxQnFA23TrE/s320/DSCF2741.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Black Skirt - Banana Republic; Khaki Skirt - American Eagle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMeBCGu4rLtiTWNO9vmUBEhr420ezjXTBkTZAaaJhWadaGFwK8u-JTnXExVbGXw5O8mkjCPimEdLOdnoA6cchuhBSm07yfWmVPXuEB8Xwao_JVSaXCDf6mZXp7vj2fr4SeLCtaKzCUCk/s1600/DSCF2743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMeBCGu4rLtiTWNO9vmUBEhr420ezjXTBkTZAaaJhWadaGFwK8u-JTnXExVbGXw5O8mkjCPimEdLOdnoA6cchuhBSm07yfWmVPXuEB8Xwao_JVSaXCDf6mZXp7vj2fr4SeLCtaKzCUCk/s320/DSCF2743.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Denim Skirt - Gap; Black Skirt - United Colors of Benetton</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFnGRw-E-8-0fOmNBrBGFsjaYLimFH5L04VYUvs8-9IX6kRaYXWeWzMwt61AuNqODHreXbm5ZXhfcU56WGfktOPGslqIHZXQ2NK57lIgiSo42RIxQi8Y__yhcYIFzSjnrVMu2BtKuPx0/s1600/DSCF2761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFnGRw-E-8-0fOmNBrBGFsjaYLimFH5L04VYUvs8-9IX6kRaYXWeWzMwt61AuNqODHreXbm5ZXhfcU56WGfktOPGslqIHZXQ2NK57lIgiSo42RIxQi8Y__yhcYIFzSjnrVMu2BtKuPx0/s320/DSCF2761.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Khaki Skirt - Merona</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnODgOrn03MfHreN-imVQRiDwpoSvPpY-zHKKuU0QWBj-wnrNZijXHCoYIBWhmFDX_-ph0IliqUSeh3e29nAPJZzQZv-VJk-CguzHRpdDn3Z_Gb9c0xe6_kHhem_CVDIm1tgBYqjAYTE/s1600/DSCF2771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnODgOrn03MfHreN-imVQRiDwpoSvPpY-zHKKuU0QWBj-wnrNZijXHCoYIBWhmFDX_-ph0IliqUSeh3e29nAPJZzQZv-VJk-CguzHRpdDn3Z_Gb9c0xe6_kHhem_CVDIm1tgBYqjAYTE/s320/DSCF2771.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Khaki Pants - J.Crew; Jeans - J.Crew</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs8rLfPIwqimyi7ftTlRnqAwhNdkBSzKF9tc5xChbhKUlFYdOtSsNKySmA9FtoAiQZ7HExXHyUvGIFv5jpmVQKWu7uP0rHTsIyCgPOf1F88MPsxnBRZ-cQTvTdj0JD5hNTEZHn7uKojs/s1600/DSCF2766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs8rLfPIwqimyi7ftTlRnqAwhNdkBSzKF9tc5xChbhKUlFYdOtSsNKySmA9FtoAiQZ7HExXHyUvGIFv5jpmVQKWu7uP0rHTsIyCgPOf1F88MPsxnBRZ-cQTvTdj0JD5hNTEZHn7uKojs/s320/DSCF2766.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Darker) Khaki Capris - American Eagle; Gray Capris - Old Navy; (Lighter) Khaki Capris - J.Crew; Olive Capris - Old Navy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63sgjZvOC2aCODiRntXMmPdgRTEo2BiJySjCHHxxP2bgFuaTECivKS3DYZOPMig11jj32GtsFueTOcJVDS1VFaEmBK7MtoXxObGE_8PEI_FOBh-R9YcnUV7SiiealpJ3MUwC7Ow1N4mk/s1600/DSCF2801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63sgjZvOC2aCODiRntXMmPdgRTEo2BiJySjCHHxxP2bgFuaTECivKS3DYZOPMig11jj32GtsFueTOcJVDS1VFaEmBK7MtoXxObGE_8PEI_FOBh-R9YcnUV7SiiealpJ3MUwC7Ow1N4mk/s320/DSCF2801.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">FOR DYLAN: T-shirt - Children's Place; Shorts - Greendog; Jacket - Children's Place</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdcXRVP9C_JUsnt1lhqQKZZkU7vaDa_Ihnt0ERHsoqjBADCpVtcF28OO75frVD2dOP-aO0b5NYfu9Ebk8JQqw0PBxkJlIb-7aELxfN5R4-c-UE77Sl6WGDllrIRxhGGb1M3J_PhePfZg/s1600/DSCF2806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdcXRVP9C_JUsnt1lhqQKZZkU7vaDa_Ihnt0ERHsoqjBADCpVtcF28OO75frVD2dOP-aO0b5NYfu9Ebk8JQqw0PBxkJlIb-7aELxfN5R4-c-UE77Sl6WGDllrIRxhGGb1M3J_PhePfZg/s320/DSCF2806.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">FOR AIDAN: T-shirts - both Greendog (both new with tags)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Grand shopping total?? $14.25</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Not too shabby for a day in the yard sale trenches!</span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883929711538426980.post-19680720214499484852011-05-07T09:47:00.000-04:002011-05-07T09:47:39.135-04:00Looney for Luna Burger<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00ULZyPwv3m4iDTpv0W9Jjefv7ADa8ggZZ96KzgQ8zKM3GlFFZ064RsnfU1kH6nZHouOnO_PNXjV_sliysbYv8Gvqprqu9A0m-OAYLcPOQwJa6e1H6bihM_IoEF1e-pi0ORDJwbhscGY/s1600/retrosigns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00ULZyPwv3m4iDTpv0W9Jjefv7ADa8ggZZ96KzgQ8zKM3GlFFZ064RsnfU1kH6nZHouOnO_PNXjV_sliysbYv8Gvqprqu9A0m-OAYLcPOQwJa6e1H6bihM_IoEF1e-pi0ORDJwbhscGY/s1600/retrosigns.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.tinsigninfo.com/category/signs/food-and-candy-tin-signs/page/3/">[SOURCE]</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's official...we are in looooooove with <a href="http://www.lunaburger.com/lunaburger/Home.html">Luna Burger</a>! Every single flavor we try is incredible. We just can't seem to get enough. Holy <strike>cow</strike> veggie, they are delicious!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Last night we tried out the BBQ burgers for the first time.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70TH9iFClYso7BOjN_ljpeshS1yuo0wLUplNijS1rg_wiCvOPq1aBZ97LcDoJ29FlDK0TqBVkE1JsrXsEahIiLWX5eRjx7O4-LhDBGYoBaiitBRKCyjWqcqUJQNkqkd9j4jeFwoM2Y_8/s1600/DSCF2706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70TH9iFClYso7BOjN_ljpeshS1yuo0wLUplNijS1rg_wiCvOPq1aBZ97LcDoJ29FlDK0TqBVkE1JsrXsEahIiLWX5eRjx7O4-LhDBGYoBaiitBRKCyjWqcqUJQNkqkd9j4jeFwoM2Y_8/s320/DSCF2706.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I ♥ Luna</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUYajr2JBJyDDVWMDLThPp9nLZ1bji3ZFLsSttTUbjQWO1nZzxjGQgcyzR6Y52qjg1DVpvCwj3kxpPzMAQ8D4yQPmjLM1FDPKJ12UNfI-D5Nn17UgsVc2fXnoJj2EGvqTJ_itt5zFUtU/s1600/DSCF2708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUYajr2JBJyDDVWMDLThPp9nLZ1bji3ZFLsSttTUbjQWO1nZzxjGQgcyzR6Y52qjg1DVpvCwj3kxpPzMAQ8D4yQPmjLM1FDPKJ12UNfI-D5Nn17UgsVc2fXnoJj2EGvqTJ_itt5zFUtU/s320/DSCF2708.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course, incredible ingredients!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We put our grilled Luna Burgers on toasted whole wheat sourdough bread and loaded them with extra, extra sharp Cheddar cheese, grilled Vidalia onions, tomatoes, baby spinach, and a dollop of spicy brown mustard. We served the burgers with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts to complete the veggie madness.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6Pup0E4vaauh5FfxI2gEPBb1fNm_MP3OU9HfgTbrZm-WlUl1cC1tuQ6aNVwZsYHTrHZlAtQkB90s4xbVErz0BEDRUCC44cE9ykLFC4PoQXfC0B0hzQ9mCvIT9teAlR4ZsjuOyY7LsCw/s1600/DSCF2721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6Pup0E4vaauh5FfxI2gEPBb1fNm_MP3OU9HfgTbrZm-WlUl1cC1tuQ6aNVwZsYHTrHZlAtQkB90s4xbVErz0BEDRUCC44cE9ykLFC4PoQXfC0B0hzQ9mCvIT9teAlR4ZsjuOyY7LsCw/s320/DSCF2721.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A plate of awesomeness!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I think we found our new favorite Luna Burger flavor; the BBQ was just sooo outstanding!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lLHKy7ktq-cj_CVfEgPQCUU4V6LXpay01PLofFbqQQutByAdTW2UKUgCTgLlpDvwgri1PfbuD3UITikGxC7Jo4gXU3suqRqDBG4pRSUXq8_gf0T42LGm_DVzvbMD-s-nFIFarRReGK8/s1600/DSCF2725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lLHKy7ktq-cj_CVfEgPQCUU4V6LXpay01PLofFbqQQutByAdTW2UKUgCTgLlpDvwgri1PfbuD3UITikGxC7Jo4gXU3suqRqDBG4pRSUXq8_gf0T42LGm_DVzvbMD-s-nFIFarRReGK8/s320/DSCF2725.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A-Mmmm-AZING!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I imagine this will be a staple in our house this summer. We just can't get enough! (Plus, I know they serve them at several cafés around town. Score!)</span>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03637064195888687335noreply@blogger.com0