tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46349992773969901062024-03-12T20:51:33.693-07:00Positively Me!Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-72537173872993980952012-02-27T19:22:00.004-08:002012-02-27T19:22:45.453-08:00winding down....so, i am thinking i am done blogging... it seems most of what we blog about is already on facebook.... hmm. will decide soon and shut this down if so. but a couple updates....<br />
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I am running again!! woohooo. <br />
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And, I did lost the 10 pounds so back to my goal.. now considering shooting for 5 more pounds.. though this past weekend did not help with that! :) nor the three cookies i just consumed.<br />
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<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-42707280981124854902012-01-01T10:24:00.000-08:002012-01-01T15:53:10.671-08:00New Years ResolutionsI am not trying to make a bunch of resolutions I will not follow through on.. nor do I think it is worthwhile to wait til Jan 1 to make necessary changes.. however, sometimes we all need a fresh start, a new day if you will... and why not make January 1 that day. It seems for many of us, we use the new year to start off with newer habits. Out with the old, in with the new.....<br />
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Regardless of January 1, here are some things I am committed to working on or doing this year...<br />
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1. Patience. I want to continue to grow more of this. Lots more. There is no reason to let impatience color your attitude or relationships. At times, I feel that I am not patient enough with my children... I want to let the little things go and keep the meaningful things in perspective. It does not matter that Shannon wants to pick out her own clothes and that she wears a ballet dance outfit everyone. What matters is that she is learning to be herself.... I need to be patient and give her choices and opportunities to figure this out.. even if it means wearing a ballet outfit every day.<br />
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2. Exercise. I want to go further with my fitness. I reached a level that is comfortable, and then have gotten lazy. I need to shed these extra pounds that have stopped by for a visit, and I want to push myself to see what I can do. The Mac Tri, the CLR.... these will help. But also, in my daily workouts.<br />
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3. My home. I want to do some redecorating.. at the same time, I do not want to spend a ton of money on frivolous things. So, i want to be creative and frugal. <br />
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4. Photography. I want to gain more skills and confidence both in shooting pictures, but also in editing them in PSE. I will finish the class on PSE and try to do another photo class .<br />
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5. Family. I want to visit my family more. More than anything, I want to help and encourage my brother (and sisters) to make choices they are proud of and that brings them peace, love and happiness. It seems I lead a very comfortable, loving, peaceful life right now..yet, my siblings do not. It makes me sad. Life is too short to spend it on drama and poor choices.<br />
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I could go on and on... but these are the main ones for me this year... now, to start going. :)<br />
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<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-12664535318077945852011-12-29T07:21:00.000-08:002011-12-29T07:21:23.988-08:00Getting it all out there.The past few months with no running has been strange for me. I still go to the gym, and often get a good workout it.. but it has not been the same. I have not pushed myself as hard. I have given myself room to slack. And, to make matters worse, when I am not as disciplined at the gym, I am not as disciplined at nutrition and eating either... yuck. So, now, I am up in weight. This is hard for me to admit, but I fear if I do not put it in writing and face it, I will not deal with it and shed these pounds before they multiply. They have a tendency to do that, you know. Multiply. Grow. Get bigger. <br />
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Gosh, it seems so cliche to be talking about losing weight in January... but then again, it is the beginning of the year, so a perfect time to set goals. I will set other goals, too.. but will get to that later.<br />
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So, here it is. 10 pounds. My goal. Down, not up. I was comfortable at my previous weight, even if I still could have used to shed a few more pounds. And, for the most part, it was easy to maintain. Until the past 6 months. So, time to get back. I will report regularly in January as my accountability check. No before or after pics of my in my sports bra, though. : ) even after 10 pounds, that is not something I can do. ;) heheheh. I have never had that six pack, or even a two pack... So, I will just document my progress. :)<br />
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Oh, and I am big on setting goals, and then having a plan to achieve them. So, in order to accomplish this... I am going to...<br />
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1. food and fitness journal. I will journal daily my food, water and fitness. I use my fitness pal. This makes it so easy.<br />
2. Calorie watch. I will not exceed daily calories, nor will i go under too far. <br />
3. Alcohol consumption will be limited to once a week.<br />
4. Coffee with creamer will be reduced to 2 times a week, and only 2 cups each time.. or even less. I may just stop buying the creamer.<br />
5. I will get in a 60-90 min workout 5 times a week. <br />
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My reward. Simple. back to 155. Feeling better. Oh, and I will buy myself those cute Silver Suki's I have been checking out....<br />
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<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-18218263829777268062011-12-27T07:26:00.000-08:002011-12-29T07:27:37.349-08:00Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For those who have been there.... Do you miss it? <br />
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For those who are still there, probably not. For me, right now, Yes.<br />
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I miss it. The calm. The snow. The cold. The mountains. The snow.<br />
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Homesick. <br />
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<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-31586502516331807262011-12-11T19:25:00.001-08:002011-12-11T19:36:19.508-08:00AdventThis year, December has once again creeped up on us.... Where did November go? <br />
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As sneaky as it was, I was ready! The past two years I have gotten out my advent calendar a couple days late.. not this year. It was out and hung up 3 days early (note to self, do not do that again.. pure torture for children). <br />
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And, this year I made an advent candle wreath with my moms group. I love it and the children love lighting the candles each Sunday and talking about the promises God made that led up to Jesus' birth! So exciting for them.<br />
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Tonight as we were lighting the candles, I was sitting across from my youngest and I could see the glimmer in her eyes.. Not the glimmer reflecting from the candles, but the glimmer reflecting from pure joy and excitement as we lit the candles and talked about Christmas coming... <br />
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We have been talking a lot about presents, and the greatest gift of all .. Jesus, given to us to be our Savior.... and how each time we see a present under a tree, we are reminded of this gift... and are to say a prayer of Thanksgiving!! <br />
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I am amazed at the depth to which my children can show God's love during this time.. they are so young and innocent, they remind us to stop and enjoy each moment, each Christmas decoration, every light and ornament... they are all reminders to us of the true Spirit and Wonder of Christmas.<br />
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<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-55310852436006128782011-12-01T22:08:00.001-08:002011-12-01T22:12:44.047-08:00Angel Food CandyIn honor of my grandma, I decided to make Angel Food Candy on the day of her funeral (since I was not able to go). Now, my grandma and grandpa used to make hundreds of pounds of candy each holiday season and sell it... but the Angel food candy was my favorite...<br />
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So, I decided to make some. On the day of her funeral, I realized I was missing the main ingredient.. Sun. You see, my grandma always says it has to be a clear day to make it... So, I waited til Wed.<br />
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Then, the fun began..<br />
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You take the above ingredients and cook them.. <br />
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Til they are 300 degrees...<br />
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Then you add Baking soda and watch it bubble like a magic potion!!<br /><br />
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Pour it in a pan..<br />
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Check out the bubbles. Now, hope they stay... often, it falls flat....<br />
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Oops.. it fell. :( so sad.<br />
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I cut into it, but something was off.. to dense. will have to try again. <br />
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Sorry Grandma...Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-80788550811973250562011-11-25T20:35:00.001-08:002011-11-25T20:54:55.112-08:00Goodbye Grandma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is never easy to lose a loved one. Yesterday, my grandmother passed away. In many ways, I am rejoicing. She is with God now, and with my grandpa. She is no longer in pain, and can run around and enjoy the blessings of heaven and all its glory.<br />
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However, still there is sadness. For me, it is a unique sadness. You see, my relationship with my grandmother is hard to describe. She loved me, and I loved her. That is true. It is also true that we really did not know each other well. You see, she lived in Wisconsin, and due to the realities of my youth (too long to go into), I did not see her often. As a matter of fact, it was not until I was in college that I really spent any time with her and Grandpa.<br />
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In college, I got involved in student affairs as an RA then an RD. Each year, there is a large professional recruitment conference in Osh Kosh Wisconsin. So, I started attending each year. It was during these trips that I was able to extend my days so that I could spend time with my grandparents. Her and grandpa surprised me by showing up to my college graduation when I received my masters degree at OSU. I was thrilled they were there, and was humbled by how proud they were. They were hard working, honest, simple, loving people. My grandmother
knew how to take care of her family and loved to do so... One of the ways she showed her love was through letters. She was great at writing letters. I remember once during college the shock I had when I checked my email and had an email from my Grandma!! She was using her neighbors computer, and it made her so nervous, she wrote out the letter by hand first, then went over and typed it word for word. :) Another way she showed her love was through cooking. She loved to have her family at her home and cooked large meals to celebrate. Her and grandma were also well known for their candy they made every holiday season. <br />
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I am sad that she is gone from this earth. I am sad that we did not see each other often. I am sad she never met my children, (she even shares a birthday with Allison). And I am thankful she is with God and grandpa and that some day we will meet again. <br />
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Rest in peace, Grandma.<br />
<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-69090444493882923282011-11-21T20:22:00.000-08:002011-11-25T20:32:58.429-08:00Top 5 Things to be Thankful ForNovember is a busy month. It always seems like it flies by, and I am not sure where the time has gone. However, I always try to focus on being thankful during November. Really, this should be my focus year round, and November is just at time to remind me of that and give me a boost. ;) <br />
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So, in that spirit... here are the 6 things I am most thankful for... and this is not in order... :)<br />
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1. My husband. I knew when I married him that he is the love of my life, and that with him, I am better and stronger. What I did not know was how amazing our life would be and how each day I would grow to love him more.<br />
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2. My children. Allie. Shannon. There are not words to describe how I feel about them. Just last night I was watching them sleep and was overcome by wonder.. these two amazing creatures that He has entrusted to me (and Kyle) to raise so that they may be a blessing to others in this world. Awesome. And, each day, they make me proud to be a part of their life now and in the future.<br />
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3. Basic needs. I am so very thankful for the fact that I do not have to worry about the things in life that we need to survive. Too many people have to worry about food, clothing, homes, safety... and I remember times growing up where it was a struggle. I feel blessed to be in a position to share and give to others now.<br />
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4. My family. We are not a picture perfect family. we are spread all over. And, we are family. <br />
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5. Friends. I know that there are those in my life who have left an imprint greater than they will ever know, helping to shape me into the person I am today and will be tomorrow. <br />
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6. God. I did not grow up knowing Him, or His love for me. It was not a huge topic in my life, yet I always knew something was missing. today, I am thankful for my faith and for the grace that we have because of God and His Son. <br />
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<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-49359378785194735602011-11-02T14:57:00.000-07:002011-11-02T14:57:43.983-07:00Progression of Healing.... or not Healing..So, what began with just ice and rest ..<br />
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moved on to some myo-fascial release (stretching and exercising), using these torture elements....<br />
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Then, to add to that, I began taping my foot to look like this....<br />
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And then, I added these lovely shoes.... Yes, Birks are back!!<br />
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And Finally, I have even added this sexy thing!! <br />
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Seriously, what is left???Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-7256622749298366822011-10-28T12:26:00.000-07:002011-10-29T12:26:23.623-07:00Paper or Computer?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is what my nightstand looks like....</div>
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Yep, books and a Kindle. So, I had avoided the Kindle for a long time, feeling a bit nostalgic about the need to hold a book and turn the pages as I read. I feared that if I bought a Kindle, I would join the ranks of those who will eventually cause the closure of all the lovely small bookstores that add character to towns and cities.<br />
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However, this summer, I became a Kindle owner and user... and, in truth, have read more books since I go the Kindle than the past 2 years together... Yikes. Why? Perhaps it was the newness? the convenience of being able to start a new book if I finish one without getting up? Traveling ease? Who knows, but it is true. Right now, however, I am reading a paperback book I borrowed from a friend... I almost bought it for my Kindle, but thought it was silly to spend the money when I can borrow it from a friend...<br />
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So, am I contributing to the decline of books? Will my children grow up using books as I did? Only God knows. But I have come to realize I cannot hold back time... I love books, AND I love my Kindle. And, in truth, those people who came before me probably felt the same about telephones, cell phones, computers, calculators, etc... items which seem so essential to me now.... <br />
<br />Do you have a Kindle? Or, are you committed to the books we all grew up treasuring??? Hmmm... seems like a trivial decision, yet reflects a lot about life moving forward....Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-940942238509256972011-10-25T12:19:00.000-07:002011-10-29T12:19:54.056-07:00Fall FoodI love fall. As you know. So many things about Fall.<br />
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One thing about Fall I love ... Sweet potatoes and Brussel Sprouts. Yes, Brussel Sprouts. Yummy...<br />
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Just chop them up, add some onion slices, garlic, Northwoods spices and a little olive oil (yes, a very little)...<br />
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Stick them on the pan and roast them in the oven...<br />
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Perfection in Fall Foods!!!Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-52688579301962789862011-10-05T07:31:00.000-07:002011-10-05T07:31:05.172-07:00Wish I were here....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you know where this is???</div>
<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-55238771133618899962011-09-29T17:44:00.000-07:002011-10-02T17:44:20.357-07:00The Warrior DashDue to PF (See post below), I was not able to do the Warrior Dash this year.. I just didn't want to put my foot/leg through that...<br />
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So, instead I got to take pictures...<br />
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<br />Let me just say, it is not as much fun to sit on the sides and take pictures. Just sayin'.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-14419316366912623652011-09-14T15:47:00.000-07:002011-09-14T15:48:28.699-07:00Plantar Fasciitis....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Diagnosis... well, you can see a doctor, you can talk to your doctor husband, you can talk to physical therapists, you can talk to personal trainers.... and you can use common sense.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">For me, the diagnosis was made by using all the above methods.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br />Treatment plan: stop running. stop running? really? yep. stop. not cut back. stop. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Emotional response: not good. Just saying. not good. When your well being is so interconnected with keeping yourself active, maintaining a healthy weight (not easy for all of us), and overall need of quiet time of running and endorphins from exercise... an debilitating injury can cause much emotional stress.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">See, I have not always been a runner. Many of you know I ran when we lived in Philly, then didnt anymore for a while, then started up again after Shannon was born and I hit a weight wall .. I needed a change, and I found it at the gym. I love to exercise. I enjoy running, spinning and strength training. Running has become my fall back, though. When I cannot do anything else, I go for a run. I run races, not to compete against others, but to continually motivate myself and give me new goals. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">However, this summer I ran even though I knew I was injured. I kept running, even when it hurt and I knew it was resulting in bad form. I just wanted to get through the relay. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Well, I did.. I limped through that last 6 miles... and now, I have only run once in 5 weeks.. and it hurt. a lot. more than i thought. Frustration. Exhaustion (not from working out, but from not working out). Apathy. Irritability. Hmm. something has to change (besides my foot healing, of course).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">So, I have come to this conclusion. I have to let it heal. Which means... no running. I will not delay its healing by running too soon. I am going to focus on strength training and do limited cardio with extra foot support (wearing cycling shoes for spinning). </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Ok, so that is what I will do. I will not gain the weight back while I am not running, since I will keep going to the gym and maintaining my strength... and watching what I eat. I will not let my emotions get the better of me, either... nor my ego. I will wait until my body tells me it is time, then I will be running again.... in time for the Spring races and next summer.... :)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-72159216118582215922011-09-14T14:49:00.000-07:002011-09-14T14:49:44.611-07:00Anniversary TripTo celebrate our 10 years married, Kyle arranged for us to go on a Sea Kayak Adventure in the San Juan Islands....<br />
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To say it was amazing, would be an understatement...... The entire weekend was full of amazing views, good company, delicious food, and lots of laughing...<br />
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Taking the ferry to Friday Harbor to meet up with the tour...<br />
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We knew we had chosen the right tour guides when we saw the gear they brought... yes, that is a case of wine. :)</div>
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Posey Island, our one acre state park we had to ourselves for the weekend...<br />
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Setting up camp...<br />
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Night one appetizers... we realized quickly we were not going to lose weight on this trip.. wine, two kinds of cheese, bread, crackers and even some lavender and candles.. :)<br />
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The bathroom...<br />
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Day 2... Beautiful weather...<br />
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While on a hike on Stuart Island, a pod of orcas passed right under us.. amazing!!! <br />
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Back to paddle...<br />
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I would go again. tomorrow. amazing.<br />
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<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-33541204057958474432011-09-11T14:52:00.000-07:002011-09-14T14:53:53.200-07:00September 11...This date still gives me chills. Still takes my breath away. I have had trouble watching TV today. Watching those scenes, it doesn't seem like it has been 10 years. I remember where I was. I remember what I was doing. I remember what I did the rest of the day. I did not lose a loved one that day, but I do remember feeling like the world I live in had changed.... forever... thus changing me. I know many folks felt this way... do you still? What has changed for you??? What has changed for me??<br />
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<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-29005769753335427732011-08-11T16:51:00.000-07:002011-08-11T16:54:44.456-07:00Playing with my camera...<div>So, I just signed up for a class to learn to use PSE 8.. I am excited. I know I can do better with my picture taking.. but also know that PSE can help me fix some of my problems I do have.. :)<div>
<br /></div><div>Here are some pics I have been taking playing with my new lens and polarized lens cap. ;)</div></div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKSwii4k_h6XItPitHVFFiXkwnmwi1BZWUyjxR6IISYYVFwdPndPCy_kiQdKboAMd1nTjz_NYkqONhI7SRVXLn5N-Z4H4Iy0hw552lN4uTWAQU3qgbQ3QAbZJnNnpTYK3sHulxH6o_nX0/s1600/IMG_6449.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKSwii4k_h6XItPitHVFFiXkwnmwi1BZWUyjxR6IISYYVFwdPndPCy_kiQdKboAMd1nTjz_NYkqONhI7SRVXLn5N-Z4H4Iy0hw552lN4uTWAQU3qgbQ3QAbZJnNnpTYK3sHulxH6o_nX0/s320/IMG_6449.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639750939897796658" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
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<br /></div></div></div>Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-89251194988663478072011-08-08T16:36:00.001-07:002011-08-10T19:11:49.788-07:00Cascade Lakes Relay. Check.Cascade Lakes Relay. Done. Check Check. The hardest thing I have ever done physically. Hands down. Give me childbirth any day. Well, atleast I prefer childbirth over the 3rd leg. That one hurt. Every step.
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<br />A few months back I joined a team from Kyle's work doing this relay. 216.2 miles, 12 people, over 36 hours. Each person runs 3 legs. I signed on. Legs 4, 16, and 28.
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<br />So, we arrived at Diamond Lake Lodge the night before (after a bit of a delay, but I won't dwell on that..) and instantly I was amazed at how BEEAUUUTiful it was there. I mean, wowza. I was ready to set up camp and stay there. Instead, my friend and I used some sweet talking to get us a free boat for an hour and we cruised the lake with another team member.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquWiVc0Hu8L_Qqxk4gsRpB9Q-C4Yaaxfsw34f7eA5JeNepwStf-XkWUQkCV4lBIeS4rODhPgX3XDvr1YPjIcd4oDyiLeMrEq93JnZwS_hJj8xdwFiyt07Uf83SIYh3D0F_1vRRwcqAGAX/s1600/IMG_1068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquWiVc0Hu8L_Qqxk4gsRpB9Q-C4Yaaxfsw34f7eA5JeNepwStf-XkWUQkCV4lBIeS4rODhPgX3XDvr1YPjIcd4oDyiLeMrEq93JnZwS_hJj8xdwFiyt07Uf83SIYh3D0F_1vRRwcqAGAX/s320/IMG_1068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639412153833437586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35SY6Cs3m_vgvBaB0BBb0GKgtGCNLdQpBp9lt7YjfEqFDgbhxSCYbwLAQHQI2eSYYM5XeRAn-7TaO5dPj5basTglsxQQuGpYHFe_sXErl9qA1FTKxSrPyOuyTiOsSPBWe22dqsuProrZK/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG">
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28HFNQbByFHaGWX08Ec5tp4m0s3AwD2v6JZQ6Nw7DizZl_VSrPfw9FylJxrWFCPayabXXspZKGpdiVbQ0R5LvACm2AtmlbRiSD6bIT7Sb3GZh4JmNgIKs1gnmju0RwVUnQ5M_pWz5trVt/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28HFNQbByFHaGWX08Ec5tp4m0s3AwD2v6JZQ6Nw7DizZl_VSrPfw9FylJxrWFCPayabXXspZKGpdiVbQ0R5LvACm2AtmlbRiSD6bIT7Sb3GZh4JmNgIKs1gnmju0RwVUnQ5M_pWz5trVt/s320/IMG_1077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639412160517979266" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2rJDsa5F64GVH3ANX-gGHxarBPbQFRg1k0ndhB_77xN2hNULD2cGDDCyPmK6gSNGKqK1NyJ2G8VIPAR6CzwumR9OEZHEVSEhocQk9tf5IHf_q_5gyVXfgSu9UpML36YqqL67NqBcFt6Y/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2rJDsa5F64GVH3ANX-gGHxarBPbQFRg1k0ndhB_77xN2hNULD2cGDDCyPmK6gSNGKqK1NyJ2G8VIPAR6CzwumR9OEZHEVSEhocQk9tf5IHf_q_5gyVXfgSu9UpML36YqqL67NqBcFt6Y/s320/IMG_1072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639412157879060226" border="0" /></a>
<br />The next morning, it was rise and shine and head to the start line....
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35SY6Cs3m_vgvBaB0BBb0GKgtGCNLdQpBp9lt7YjfEqFDgbhxSCYbwLAQHQI2eSYYM5XeRAn-7TaO5dPj5basTglsxQQuGpYHFe_sXErl9qA1FTKxSrPyOuyTiOsSPBWe22dqsuProrZK/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35SY6Cs3m_vgvBaB0BBb0GKgtGCNLdQpBp9lt7YjfEqFDgbhxSCYbwLAQHQI2eSYYM5XeRAn-7TaO5dPj5basTglsxQQuGpYHFe_sXErl9qA1FTKxSrPyOuyTiOsSPBWe22dqsuProrZK/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639412164717708226" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaKvUfsfvRYMDmhf5NoNbQj9qqV0puTlfqGPLBgbnel76RL2xLOoGd1nrJa-JEd4drzZ9bC02iWHmqvbHWYJFJz9kVReieByWJ8XIQqNbIs3POO9ON8QEhCp-zV2o3xQ3hHhIO4-wjPZF/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaKvUfsfvRYMDmhf5NoNbQj9qqV0puTlfqGPLBgbnel76RL2xLOoGd1nrJa-JEd4drzZ9bC02iWHmqvbHWYJFJz9kVReieByWJ8XIQqNbIs3POO9ON8QEhCp-zV2o3xQ3hHhIO4-wjPZF/s320/IMG_1081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639412169265840818" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj665-CXeagUMCbMw6TfQ27OsL-zy-3bBrRHCp-qM3st0fwQPMxIbSdG-Adu-X7zLbBXZswxCAdIbI8zWWtrviYVrd5vu-Sysc6NLPf2_IuDcrN0E61YIeUHlH-GznNqDXq0T0xLRi-z2Iz/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj665-CXeagUMCbMw6TfQ27OsL-zy-3bBrRHCp-qM3st0fwQPMxIbSdG-Adu-X7zLbBXZswxCAdIbI8zWWtrviYVrd5vu-Sysc6NLPf2_IuDcrN0E61YIeUHlH-GznNqDXq0T0xLRi-z2Iz/s320/IMG_1084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639412672418581026" border="0" /></a>
<br />The course covered over 200 miles in the cascades and was amazing. It was fun, exhausting, frustrating and exhilarating. Here is my friend getting ready to run her leg.. I run right after her... :)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_btCyI8HDox3C8RBTTNL04od84zXqRgUknXhncpB-Ee1yk6OgUY6hPD-g1XDMnnDPGAxR4D9TN_bznOhkENywUTGUdLy3D3Vv-i0u1ET6sskD5pceLMXoKDkAzU1UimTniFC3HTZn2VS9/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_btCyI8HDox3C8RBTTNL04od84zXqRgUknXhncpB-Ee1yk6OgUY6hPD-g1XDMnnDPGAxR4D9TN_bznOhkENywUTGUdLy3D3Vv-i0u1ET6sskD5pceLMXoKDkAzU1UimTniFC3HTZn2VS9/s320/IMG_1082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639412679154246466" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP2HZjEgMhMJoEgEOWha2b__H-D5xD6coc4oPcz-s73uqd1dQdE4_xAvaOb9ZuunlVZFQpw4_skT_f8II4nh7SAP-_gzgSiPE9CAaCIjKaA8tV6LivG0Z0it7Wja1uS_sOuVMSrNYZPxA/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP2HZjEgMhMJoEgEOWha2b__H-D5xD6coc4oPcz-s73uqd1dQdE4_xAvaOb9ZuunlVZFQpw4_skT_f8II4nh7SAP-_gzgSiPE9CAaCIjKaA8tV6LivG0Z0it7Wja1uS_sOuVMSrNYZPxA/s320/IMG_1085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639412680924548178" border="0" /></a>
<br />I ran my first leg, which was 7.1 miles on soft gravel, completely unassisted (no vans following or meeting with water) at about noon on day one. Hot and dry. The race guide stated there would be several water stations since it was unassisted and in the heat of day. They meant one. not several. ugh. Anyway, the leg got off to a rocky start when we did not get to the start line and ready before our runner arrive.... which means instead of getting to use the bathroom and get ready, i had to RACE to the start line and then run with a full bladder. I guess this was ok since there was not enough water on the leg, and my body needed to reabsorb the liquid. :) hahaha.
<br />Either way, i finished.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaKvUfsfvRYMDmhf5NoNbQj9qqV0puTlfqGPLBgbnel76RL2xLOoGd1nrJa-JEd4drzZ9bC02iWHmqvbHWYJFJz9kVReieByWJ8XIQqNbIs3POO9ON8QEhCp-zV2o3xQ3hHhIO4-wjPZF/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG">
<br /></a>In between legs we "rested" on the grass at Silver Lake.....
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5tXHFYVI4usRXxBj5RHFi10X1XHsNW9TVvK0XsBFllF_U_In_ZsMuIi7eoUAzak3XaE0TBqLpCEwSoIcnjCOjf4DFLpx8Ei2QMb85qi8wkja_e9_K4Su87TNMF2XtCYOZgeWglFJplgV/s1600/IMG_1094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5tXHFYVI4usRXxBj5RHFi10X1XHsNW9TVvK0XsBFllF_U_In_ZsMuIi7eoUAzak3XaE0TBqLpCEwSoIcnjCOjf4DFLpx8Ei2QMb85qi8wkja_e9_K4Su87TNMF2XtCYOZgeWglFJplgV/s320/IMG_1094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639412688565448322" border="0" /></a>We couldn't sleep, so I taught a friend how to play Flux.
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<br />Then my next leg was at 1am. 6.7 miles in the dark in the middle of no where. i cannot tell you want the scenery was, as I could not see it. At first, the idea of running in the dark scared me.. but in truth, it was amazing. AND, there was a sign.... the moon was barely visible, so provided no light, but the stars were bright, huge, and amazing. it seemed we were so high we could almost touch them. And, right in my running path was the big dipper. it seemed I was running towards it my whole leg. (for those of you who do not know why this is important to me, go check out the Alaska state flag).
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<br />Ok, so finally we finish our night legs and about 5 am finds us trying to get 2 hours sleep in the La Pine high School gym..... then it was up and time for our last leg. uh. really?
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<br />Exhausted but determined, I began my 3rd leg at about noon on Saturday (yes, my birthday...). Much to my delight, Kyle and the girls had showed up to cheer me on.... this leg, was 6.1 miles and 500 foot elevation gain. argh. Every step was an effort. I must say, it was the worst 6 miles I have ever run. I could not find a good stride that did not hurt... and I could not get into a rhythm. Instead, I just kept going. it was not fast, was not pretty... but I did cross that finish line.
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<br /></a>..then we had to wait for all our legs to finish so we could cross the final finish line as a team... I have to say, for me, this was bittersweet as we did not really finish as a team. In order to finish on time, we had to cut out 3 legs of the run. Whats done is done, but in the end, it sorta leaves me a bit sad. I have my medal and shirt, and know I finished my legs.. but as a team, we did not finish.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE9WKRnuO21SrNcadobtOccPOWp6a1RpzwCGjCBumfWWSvypdXlpa1dCXrO1suzkRTrdeuweKzfJx1Ef_fd4J-jzHecuPDgZqWz5GyXfAuPpAFCiuWWmtL4k5pMPrbdlLxMdLwEvmntEb/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE9WKRnuO21SrNcadobtOccPOWp6a1RpzwCGjCBumfWWSvypdXlpa1dCXrO1suzkRTrdeuweKzfJx1Ef_fd4J-jzHecuPDgZqWz5GyXfAuPpAFCiuWWmtL4k5pMPrbdlLxMdLwEvmntEb/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639413816227612898" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk07IoQipHK-QDA_spOMW1dAM1ONfkCt9O-IQXVRkA90hM0MlXNTxMHMNuK2GseNFOvD1gI6Sk2qS5QeFsYShpCKhOVHIe19fcvCIH0uv4aKztgn4F0CJQs60g6vNfkgl9iiVXdg_qucLm/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk07IoQipHK-QDA_spOMW1dAM1ONfkCt9O-IQXVRkA90hM0MlXNTxMHMNuK2GseNFOvD1gI6Sk2qS5QeFsYShpCKhOVHIe19fcvCIH0uv4aKztgn4F0CJQs60g6vNfkgl9iiVXdg_qucLm/s320/IMG_1099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639413812147269842" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv2_1iO6can4k6wlpOkRDrglNvLtno5Lv8AB0FoA0_A6riB7LqnwYVJM4SaTboDcDXCL0cuzzPfH5DLw9AKQcZ7pUPwZ9sgrujtAqhdsU3gY_irKTDHkwfnWWTN4cJm5vfNXMPfrXDZLt/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv2_1iO6can4k6wlpOkRDrglNvLtno5Lv8AB0FoA0_A6riB7LqnwYVJM4SaTboDcDXCL0cuzzPfH5DLw9AKQcZ7pUPwZ9sgrujtAqhdsU3gY_irKTDHkwfnWWTN4cJm5vfNXMPfrXDZLt/s320/IMG_1111.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639413796986031106" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EJUB2Jrv_09Wh4EKRMGqSdzaFr1LGfVRqBRx_2LuiGMaqOybc_eayoarH4TNDGy7MFxCK4Q4x9ii1BGx89qJLMr9bYi-_sAntXur8V_pa2AnicNLPnHQ066xHhA5kAD_uvfcSjoCLu8H/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EJUB2Jrv_09Wh4EKRMGqSdzaFr1LGfVRqBRx_2LuiGMaqOybc_eayoarH4TNDGy7MFxCK4Q4x9ii1BGx89qJLMr9bYi-_sAntXur8V_pa2AnicNLPnHQ066xHhA5kAD_uvfcSjoCLu8H/s320/IMG_1109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639413801456857906" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTW2XVTTxxnpGUs4Ix_LFdbifCTmlw0VuaSqaShSMwzqPkKp4rYnDlqY1p641ZVooD_OI8JcV5-pwOzAvBHTzXJxq_hbVZMTzVBBDuVes9smbAyBNoCtE_gEAnvizka0V19p6Gdbz9dW1/s1600/IMG_1103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTW2XVTTxxnpGUs4Ix_LFdbifCTmlw0VuaSqaShSMwzqPkKp4rYnDlqY1p641ZVooD_OI8JcV5-pwOzAvBHTzXJxq_hbVZMTzVBBDuVes9smbAyBNoCtE_gEAnvizka0V19p6Gdbz9dW1/s320/IMG_1103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639413808196217650" border="0" /></a>
<br />Hmm... will i have to repeat to fix this????
<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-45417548550595398932011-08-04T07:11:00.001-07:002011-08-04T07:16:51.724-07:0036 years later...Happy Birthday to Me!! 36 years. You know, it is funny, after my 21st Birthday, it seems I have not really paid much attention to the number. Often, when I am asked my age, I have to think about it, because it really does not matter much. I was not the person who stressed about turning 30 or 35.. (will 40 cause me to pause??)..... and each year seems to bring such new adventures that I do not dwell on the number, rather the journey.<br /><br />36. That is a lot of years and days and minutes, and where has it all gone??? I can start to list all the "standout" memories if you will.... but it seems boring and unnecessary... Rather, I am going to spend some time thinking about what I am thankful for and what areas of my life I am not living in the way I would like. For example, patience. Ahh.. that sweet word. In this year, I plan to work on demonstrating more patience..... God. I also plan to talk to God more, and let Him continue to give me the strength and guidance as I approach each new day. Family. I love my family. I want to show them each day that they are important.<br /><br />I do not know what this year will bring.. but I know with my family, God and friends at my side, it will be filled with laughter, love and blessings....Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-5590911515182838612011-07-16T16:42:00.000-07:002011-07-16T16:53:23.220-07:00Happy AnniversarySo, my hubby and I celebrated 10 years of marriage this past month.. and to surprise me, he made reservations for us to go on a 3 day sea kayak tour out of the the San Juan Islands...<br /><br />I have always wanted to go sea kayaking with the orcas... but Kyle has always said he thought it was a bad idea (he compared it to dressing up like their dinner...)<br /><br />None the less... we are going. without the girls. (This will be our first time that we will have left them without either of us).<br /><br />Here is where we will be staying at night...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0B9phQTHzmaMNxg9hJ8Oxb2RDhu19lkQ-Qp56Z6fgKUs1sCmjqfw_nPk-VDCHhVrfYDHtf3N1RuDGak7h59pwK2nCZZflPm8ZEQHLOWqn5-PN_MwBhZTPJJ1WpFKKpvpy0M_YUEamlEE/s1600/SJW_SM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0B9phQTHzmaMNxg9hJ8Oxb2RDhu19lkQ-Qp56Z6fgKUs1sCmjqfw_nPk-VDCHhVrfYDHtf3N1RuDGak7h59pwK2nCZZflPm8ZEQHLOWqn5-PN_MwBhZTPJJ1WpFKKpvpy0M_YUEamlEE/s320/SJW_SM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630101594928534194" border="0" /></a><br />here is what we will be doing during the day...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCXM-96JPaMTXUeXiKasEgNi2Vwer98zP9r_bCjsktT4UyAKM7Q7keJq6rurZvxveLD0F2SKKl3RsvFw1USt65vP-PrgdDFgkHS8vaCzTA7utKVk5vtwFMv9Hm3vvauc6aYLo0OWunRGh/s1600/SJW_LRG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCXM-96JPaMTXUeXiKasEgNi2Vwer98zP9r_bCjsktT4UyAKM7Q7keJq6rurZvxveLD0F2SKKl3RsvFw1USt65vP-PrgdDFgkHS8vaCzTA7utKVk5vtwFMv9Hm3vvauc6aYLo0OWunRGh/s320/SJW_LRG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630101603721178802" border="0" /></a><br />This is what I am dreaming of...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkh_epczS6OwHN47Ci8JnShTDw6f4R43F60UIGVu_r2S-MP1F1XC9VhmEukswIU7NQDGpmkhcrB0gmB1EY0U5QHfmVHVDmR99PqGNhi6ax2KEsrod65JvtYtK4EKvdCrgUEt5Ev6AVkFMV/s1600/slide1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 122px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkh_epczS6OwHN47Ci8JnShTDw6f4R43F60UIGVu_r2S-MP1F1XC9VhmEukswIU7NQDGpmkhcrB0gmB1EY0U5QHfmVHVDmR99PqGNhi6ax2KEsrod65JvtYtK4EKvdCrgUEt5Ev6AVkFMV/s320/slide1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630101594562743218" border="0" /></a><br />or this.. (minus the little human in the middle)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPnnQ2yUnmHnRkRZN_mlU1Y59p4muS0NVWpPsTvPwTX6W2Qjh7Z1wvNfBh-mQlUhlOuGLNdXeOjbqH1crmVSbLs8wmJp5uCnlm5GONxHAXpgJz-On_E8pWa59URgUIysuCWHiBpeMaJG9/s1600/Orca-Family-Breach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPnnQ2yUnmHnRkRZN_mlU1Y59p4muS0NVWpPsTvPwTX6W2Qjh7Z1wvNfBh-mQlUhlOuGLNdXeOjbqH1crmVSbLs8wmJp5uCnlm5GONxHAXpgJz-On_E8pWa59URgUIysuCWHiBpeMaJG9/s320/Orca-Family-Breach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630101593065729394" border="0" /></a><br />Are you jealous yet? I am so excited. i will take pictures for you.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-16543315053275083382011-07-16T16:30:00.000-07:002011-07-16T16:58:16.129-07:00Triathlon... FINISHERI did it.. :) (well I did it two months ago, but just getting to the post..) it may not have been as pretty as I would have liked.. but I did it... I have to be honest, I was out of sorts with the swim, but loved the bike ride, and then took a whole mile of the run before my feet did not feel like they were stuck in cement..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNGKIXCDogILJR1WCYFZAWI-aBnuvAlqMRT4DvUZCFClmN9-U4_A3dAgLnUi4zz1n6O9VLkIBhMSRD7BPciDiNPJlDqqR62EkExwDMZW33bJFAjTbAiPR64Yf_hEe2s2gMAeNiWl-PeXx/s1600/IMG_4619.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSF_GO2x6hJwZe1kedo0LbE_TmZTXeXelD1qU2iR9JA4rINpyoUyfck0RoPnzzomktMZJY-w-In-UBPHPIRydQXK4EZJHAjD-0lOKvS03yKixtARfJwdvGUXcz-tMSVZLnFKsh5r1_K7O/s1600/IMG_4574.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSF_GO2x6hJwZe1kedo0LbE_TmZTXeXelD1qU2iR9JA4rINpyoUyfck0RoPnzzomktMZJY-w-In-UBPHPIRydQXK4EZJHAjD-0lOKvS03yKixtARfJwdvGUXcz-tMSVZLnFKsh5r1_K7O/s320/IMG_4574.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630097253703957346" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtPc2UNQGUQHMWcww8QpvmPcz4vE-xMj4VRMgmSP3KvzZNuDxWqZaaghazlVkcKfG50fKkqAC3z_kzi-LMizuUsSHJt_ovR5ZkD34YENhin7ds6lZ4ksmdkwhKFkNypwKLsm4JVDG1L57/s1600/IMG_4686.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtPc2UNQGUQHMWcww8QpvmPcz4vE-xMj4VRMgmSP3KvzZNuDxWqZaaghazlVkcKfG50fKkqAC3z_kzi-LMizuUsSHJt_ovR5ZkD34YENhin7ds6lZ4ksmdkwhKFkNypwKLsm4JVDG1L57/s320/IMG_4686.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630097258392408514" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvwPV6KnnmAJCNKZXsbcrLkrzSCYKgSE_sgxNz-7RTW_m1U9xRLvDK1bmd3oUcOKXEJBvFES2RZ25x47bUO4jfaYk5LJh88dBT5lJSE2e_lCATYdvBtnkSrBWR4pQ9TLEbo6IsIrqNTCz/s1600/IMG_4719.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvwPV6KnnmAJCNKZXsbcrLkrzSCYKgSE_sgxNz-7RTW_m1U9xRLvDK1bmd3oUcOKXEJBvFES2RZ25x47bUO4jfaYk5LJh88dBT5lJSE2e_lCATYdvBtnkSrBWR4pQ9TLEbo6IsIrqNTCz/s320/IMG_4719.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630097260408612498" border="0" /></a><br />My goal was 2 hours, and I came in way under that.. but learned a few valuable lessons..<br />1. your transition times can kill you. <br />2. no kids in the transition area. slows you down.<br />3. do not get in swim lane with crazy man who cannot swim straight. <br />3b. oh, and practice circle swimming.. lots.<br />4. it does matter what kind of bike you have.. i ended up using Kyle's because he was sick and what a difference.. his bike rocked!!<br />5. I need to figure out the the trick to making your legs work when you start the run. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zSjrgmSyx7ZrGcNlYK2PXn9FD_KI3q1HHGYBZMcP_eweJ1PVLI1HwjC05MGof0Ghr_fqzAnQeqPY9PUjWqGQGSs7qQsePX_dt_d63piEMWIZ8YEb-bzVtxaeqtJEBKWNoeamsbu2WE2J/s1600/IMG_4728.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zSjrgmSyx7ZrGcNlYK2PXn9FD_KI3q1HHGYBZMcP_eweJ1PVLI1HwjC05MGof0Ghr_fqzAnQeqPY9PUjWqGQGSs7qQsePX_dt_d63piEMWIZ8YEb-bzVtxaeqtJEBKWNoeamsbu2WE2J/s320/IMG_4728.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630097262068884754" border="0" /></a>Yep, i am planning to do it again next year... :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNGKIXCDogILJR1WCYFZAWI-aBnuvAlqMRT4DvUZCFClmN9-U4_A3dAgLnUi4zz1n6O9VLkIBhMSRD7BPciDiNPJlDqqR62EkExwDMZW33bJFAjTbAiPR64Yf_hEe2s2gMAeNiWl-PeXx/s1600/IMG_4619.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNGKIXCDogILJR1WCYFZAWI-aBnuvAlqMRT4DvUZCFClmN9-U4_A3dAgLnUi4zz1n6O9VLkIBhMSRD7BPciDiNPJlDqqR62EkExwDMZW33bJFAjTbAiPR64Yf_hEe2s2gMAeNiWl-PeXx/s320/IMG_4619.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630097255393342386" border="0" /></a>my cheerleaders.. :)Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-86061168244250691272011-06-01T07:41:00.000-07:002011-06-21T07:54:10.290-07:00Farewell OprahSo, I will admit that this year I did record Oprah's farewell Season.. now, many of the days I did not watch, or only watched parts. (I love DVRs.. fast forward, rewind, delete...)...<br /><br />And, as the time drew near for the big finale, I was excited to see what would happen. Now, the final three days were interesting... and the two "shows" leading up to the last show were certainly a party filled with Who's who in Oprah's life.... but then the final show... what did you think? Oprah's Love Letter to Us? I actually liked it. I liked the simplicity. I liked that it was just her. Ok,it seems silly to write about it, but there were a few points that really made me stop and think... or reaffirmed what I have felt and said all my life. <br /><br />One of the main points that I focused on was that we need to find our purpose in life and get busy doing it. This is so true.... Now, not all of us will be blessed to do get paid for our passion or purpose, but we all have a choice to still pursue it. If everyone did this to some degree, we would all be a much more content, productive and passionate people... <br /><br />Worthiness. Another topic that she mentioned that I found interesting given my background and my counseling degree was the concept that much of hurt and anger comes from a feeling of unworthiness. I do think that there are a lot of people out there who do not know their worth, who do not feel special, loved, or needed. They may not even know it. When someone is hurting, and you get to the root of the problem, it likely is because whatever happened resulted in them not feeling of worth. Wow. Now, how to address this as a society so folks can get on with living and spend less time doing self destructive behaviors...<br /><br />God. It was the first time I had ever really heard Oprah talk so openly about God and it was very touching. God has a hand in all we do, and the sooner we recognize this, and allow Him to guide us, protect us, and love us... the sooner we can help Him by guiding, protecting and loving others. What a different world we would live in if all of us truly felt the love of God and His love for us....<br /><br />Hmmm... For some reason, I have been thinking a lot about these things and thought that perhaps by writing down the thoughts I can begin using them to help strengthen me.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-32818836345611028142011-05-23T13:32:00.001-07:002011-06-21T07:41:06.604-07:00new toys..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcOpS7Itk9wQA3X3b4Lq9YhMlQvYmla1dUG6VSEFnWddGJll6rPYnLIFkuSdpa2ywNQXF57jjW4wOlwOqYcGU3waGdYVkVxIwCpN3Im1YpI1GH_vfOzDJc_hLDM-V8QmfCqsYJXwfO2IA/s1600/lens.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcOpS7Itk9wQA3X3b4Lq9YhMlQvYmla1dUG6VSEFnWddGJll6rPYnLIFkuSdpa2ywNQXF57jjW4wOlwOqYcGU3waGdYVkVxIwCpN3Im1YpI1GH_vfOzDJc_hLDM-V8QmfCqsYJXwfO2IA/s320/lens.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620683017881880722" border="0" /></a><br />I recently got a new lens for my camera.. and want to play with it, but my subjects have not been cooperative and life has gotten very hectic.. a few times I have been able to enjoy...<br /><br />but soon, my friend. very soon.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-34144274730841364852011-04-17T19:50:00.000-07:002011-04-17T19:52:36.465-07:00A competitive mini me...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRuxTA8v0FliHrYFfWc0yrLhQ9DI-Taaah8K14o1KPy40OBEwRvsJ2yZejDctBBU4Px2qh4zCgY2CuIoMiIIYg1O1_6m8g6L2IZu-oTpvgbuCIMdnKKzVLdlLfd-4-DBRHnM6dmgUWCbi/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRuxTA8v0FliHrYFfWc0yrLhQ9DI-Taaah8K14o1KPy40OBEwRvsJ2yZejDctBBU4Px2qh4zCgY2CuIoMiIIYg1O1_6m8g6L2IZu-oTpvgbuCIMdnKKzVLdlLfd-4-DBRHnM6dmgUWCbi/s320/IMG_0825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596751041690538002" border="0" /></a><br />Allie ran in her first race this weekend, and all she could talk about was how many kids she passed. I tried explaining to her that it is just for the fun of running and as long as you do your best and have a good time, it doesn't matter who wins... well, she nods, but then talks again about her coming in 2nd. :)<br /><br />Hmm... wonder where she gets her competitive spirit?? Though, when it comes to running.. that is so not me..Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634999277396990106.post-72732786991255898742011-04-14T19:44:00.000-07:002011-04-17T19:50:28.335-07:00Barbie....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6UvCgFK9IsI2XuoIIJaktUkZoK1AveMscpQWBvADiOKVTqIMgneOYRo5sCsqRdt1t7w302aUYzXnuy11kQQUcMF9C5mXvAZvKJBcHl37ewPXga6M_3gxCZys4nRrrgI826tERNb7uXfU/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6UvCgFK9IsI2XuoIIJaktUkZoK1AveMscpQWBvADiOKVTqIMgneOYRo5sCsqRdt1t7w302aUYzXnuy11kQQUcMF9C5mXvAZvKJBcHl37ewPXga6M_3gxCZys4nRrrgI826tERNb7uXfU/s320/IMG_0807.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596750466032620882" border="0" /></a><br />As with all girls, Allie and Shannon are becoming interested in Barbie, but I have been doing everything I can to delay this interest. I have been telling Allie for over a year, that she cannot rent a barbie movie, because it is for 5 year olds....well, now that doesn't work anymore.. and in the stores, I keep telling her she doesn't really want a barbie...<br /><br />then recently we were away for a weekend, and a friend's daughter brought along her barbie princesses (you now, belle, ariel, Cinderella..) And Shannon AND Allie spent many hours playing with them....<br /><br />So, this week I broke down and bought them one... and then I had a realization that made me a bit sad. I remember hours and hours of fun playing with barbies... I even remember still playing with them in 6th grade. My best girlfriend and I talked about how we still had fun playing with barbies, even if the other 6th graders didnt... so, we did... (though, i don't think we told anyone else...). <br /><br />Anyway, my dislike for Barbie did not come to be until I was adult responding to all the media and social pressures against barbie for her "perfect" and not so realistic figure.... and all else that she represented. I mean, when I was little, I did not care that she always walked on her toes or what that would really do to her calf... or what her actual bust and waist size was in comparison to her inseam. I mean, I did not care at all. I just dressed her and played... all in good fun.<br /><br />So, instead of giving my girls those same memories, I have been avoiding it due to outside pressures that do not really exist for Allie and Shannon (at least not yet). So, girls.. enjoy them.. play with them... have tons of fun.... and don't worry, there are more barbies in your near future (Easter basket is just around the corner...)....Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030160247988220387noreply@blogger.com0