tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254016102024-03-07T22:22:28.856-05:00Butterneck ToadHouse Full of Animals, Head Full of Ideas, Not Enough TimeMarisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.comBlogger400125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-49426121206920231142013-05-17T02:16:00.003-04:002013-05-17T02:16:20.049-04:00Road Trip Zoo Move Day 1Grovetown, GA to Smyrna/Nashville, TN - 362 Miles<br /><br />We got up around 7a, got right to work cleaning and packing and loading the truck. Cassandra came over to help mid-morning and stayed until we pulled out of the driveway. Phil also came by and helped load the truck for about an hour. <div>
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About 10 minutes later Bento started falling in to things and stumbling. As his body stopped cooperating, his mind was wound tighter and tighter, shortly the poor dog was high as a kite. Pupils the size of dinner plates, but legs that moved like they had 15lb weights attached to each foot. He was confused and desperate. </div>
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He tried jumping up on one bed, then jumping down (collapsing in a heap on the floor every time), jumping on the other bed, etc. Stumbled back and forth to the door, pushing it with his nose so it moved in the door frame, making a noise not generally acceptable in a hotel at 3a. </div>
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By this time, I was so exhausted I could not handle the stress that came with accidentally over-medicating my dog. I started to have my own panic attack. </div>
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Panic attacks for me aren't hyperventilating, they are vomiting and diarrhea. I spent the next six hours trying to control myself, after having established that Bento wasn't likely to die from his experience (I called the vet) but it would have to wear off.</div>
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I finally got to sleep around 9a Tuesday morning, and slept for two hours.<br /></div>
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Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-33345339092883638002013-05-11T00:16:00.001-04:002013-05-11T00:16:32.590-04:00Countdown: 2 days and ARGGGGHHHH. "I don't think the oven is supposed to have flames in it."<br />
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A couple of hours ago I felt really good about the progress we made today, but things have gone downhill a little bit since then.<br />
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We got up around 9:30 this morning and went to pick up the moving truck at 10a. We're renting a Budget 24' truck and a towing dolly to pull my car. It took a little while to get all the paperwork and details taken care of, but soon HusBean drove the truck back to the house and I purchased two wardrobe boxes to hold my hanging clothes and a few of his.<br />
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Once we both arrived back at the house (just a couple of miles from the truck pick-up location) we maneuvered the truck at the proper angle into the driveway, pulled out the ramp, and started to get organized.<br />
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Shortly after, Carrie T. arrived and she really got us moving. We made a battle plan for loading the truck and got started.<br />
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The first two items in the truck were our two large wooden armoires. Once they were pushed all the way to the front of the truck, we realized that if we turned them around we could fill them full of stuff, which is probably one of the smartest things we did all day! I'm a little worried that it's not all going to fit, as it is I think we're going to have to get rid of some things, both giving them away and taking them to the dump!<br />
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Cassandra came to help a little bit later, bringing cold drinks and some snacks, too. With the four of us working, we managed to load up all of the furniture except for the king and full mattresses, the washer and dryer, and the chest freezer. <br />
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We also got all the boxes that were previously packed loaded out. Cass and Carrie both had to leave mid/late afternoon, and they left us with the task of packing the rest of our stuff. Carrie's instructions were to finish packing the ENTIRE kitchen.<br />
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We sent Carrie home with a bunch of food from our freezer and pantry, I'm hoping to get the freezer emptied and defrosted tomorrow morning.<br />
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Once we came back in the house I realized that I probably should have wrapped up my ankle this morning. It was sore and more than a little swollen. We decided to take a nap, so I iced and wrapped the ankle and laid down with HusBean and the dogs to get a little rest. This was pretty short lived, as HusBean was feeling anxious about getting things done.<br />
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He got up and started on the kitchen, I rested for about a 1/2 hour and then joined him. He had started the oven on "Clean," the house was starting to get a little smokey so we opened some windows and turned on some fans. I looked over at the oven and said "I don't think the oven is supposed to have flames in it... right?" We turned the oven to "Off" and fortunately the flames were suffocated out quickly. <br />
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We got a few more boxes packed up and then I made a quick trip for froyo and diet coke. On my return I was a little cold, sore, and stinky, so I thought taking a shower would be a fabulous idea.<br />
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Apparently we are having a water pressure issue. My shower was like standing under a leaky hose. When I washed my face I had to hold the handheld faucet about 3" from my face to actually get the soap rinsed off. Ridiculous!<br />
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The dogs are handling things pretty well, they are sticking close to us when they can, but not doing to much whining or having anxious behavior.<br />
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My ankle is still puffy, and my feet hurt. I'm tired. Most days I can ignore my Fibromyalgia symptoms to a manageable degree, but today I may have pushed it a bit too far. I think I'll go to bed soon and just try to get up early and get going.Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-43574189279134570632013-05-09T13:20:00.003-04:002013-05-09T13:20:37.187-04:00Yes, We're Moving! (Countdown: 3 Days & a Wake Up)Some of my new readers hadn't heard about the move yet, so this is the official informational post.<div>
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HusBean and I and our six animals are moving to Portland, Oregon. We've lived in Augusta, Georgia for almost 5 years, and were in Key West, Florida for 2 years before that.</div>
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I moved to Key West from Vancouver, Washington (it's considered part of the Portland metro area) to be with HusBean (then just boyfriend) after only having seen each other in person a total of 16 days. We had dated long distance for 5 months and got engaged shortly after moving to Florida.</div>
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HusBean is a former United States Marine, and has a GI Bill that he needs to start using in the next three years or it will expire. </div>
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The plan is that he will go to school and get a Business degree, I will be working as an Escrow Assistant at a title company (I was an Escrow Officer previous to my move to the East coast).</div>
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We're planning to take <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HomewardBoundHotSauce" target="_blank">Homeward Bound Hot Sauce</a> big time, and Portland is a great place to do it. In addition to that, we both grew up there and have long-time friends and many family members there or nearby.</div>
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We've really enjoyed our time in Florida and Georgia, and made some wonderful friends and connections that we will greatly miss. We fully intend to fly in on our fancy black hot sauce jet (pepper on the tail) to visit.</div>
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It's time to go home!</div>
Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-19206278240468049382013-05-09T00:15:00.000-04:002013-05-09T00:15:15.955-04:00Countdown: 4 days & a wakeup...Today was long. I woke up with a knot in my neck/shoulder that really wore me out.<br />
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Up at 8:30, did some laundry/dishes/packing stuff, then took the dogs to meet Cass and her dogs for a walk around the Frisbee golf course. We took it slow since my ankle is still a little tender, but I had wrapped it for stability, so we still got a little exercise.<br />
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I've been trying to sell as much <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HomewardBoundHotSauce" target="_blank">hot sauce</a> as possible before we leave, the more we sell the less we have to pack and transport! All that selling means packing and shipping, so I took a trip to the post office today to send two boxes, and a third will be going out tomorrow.<br />
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I've changed our address with USPS, our cell phone carrier, and other relevant parties, I'll give the utilities our new address when I call to shut off service after we leave.<br />
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We still have to make a trip to Home Depot for a new bathroom door (a story for another day if I haven't told it already), a mailbox, and a few window screens.<br />
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One of the major chores is getting ALL of the laundry clean, this also entails the Great Sock Matchup. Between HusBean and myself we probably own over 100 pair of socks, they have slowly been getting separated from their mates over the last few years. Today I believe I rounded up the last of the Single Sock Bins and they are all being washed. Probably half have been sorted and the rest will be as they come out of the dryer. Any socks without mates will either go in the trash, be used as cleaning rags, or turned in to dog toys!<br />
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I've gotten probably 8-10 boxes packed up today and I think I'm going to call it a night.Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-54396805332503302682013-05-03T12:15:00.001-04:002013-05-03T12:15:26.930-04:00Countdown: 9 DaysOr, according to my former-Marine HusBean: "9 days and a wake-up!"<br /><br /><div>
I had the best of intentions for today, I set an alarm and got up at a reasonable time, planning to meet Cassandra and run/walk the dogs through the Frisbee golf course at Patriots Park. We were making great time and enjoying dodging what little drizzle dripped through the tree cover. Then I twisted my ankle on the far side of the park. I managed to hobble back across the park (the shortest and flattest route) and headed home. Also, driving a stick shift with a twisted left ankle is no good.</div>
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Once I got home I found an ace bandage and a package of frozen tortellini and put my feet up for a little while. It's already swelling and bruising. Ugh.</div>
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I've managed to hobble around and get some boxes of books packed, making headway on laundry. Was hoping to do a fitting on the vintage floral sheet sundress but thinking I may wait on that until tomorrow just for the driving.</div>
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Bento is pretty anxious about the move, he is staying pretty close to me, making sure at the very least he is in the same room as I am whenever possible. He's taking some calming tablets made from all natural ingredients, I think they're helping but the Dr. has also given us permission to give him Alprazolam. I may get that prescription filled for the trip if he seems exceptionally frantic, but likely he will calm down once we're on the road and he sees he's not being left behind.</div>
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I'm taking a little break from packing and laundry to eat something, yesterday I went all day and had only had a mug of coffee, a string cheese, and a homemade pickle. </div>
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HusBean is making me scrambled eggs and vegetarian sausage.</div>
Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-3883418896213046402013-05-02T11:54:00.001-04:002013-05-02T11:54:25.421-04:00Pest ToastThis post is testing my ability to navigate the mobile Blogger app in preparation for our cross country trip!<br />
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(Pic is of dessert from my farewell dinner. Because who doesn't like dessert?) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_W3mHEVvnCYKwtDkKR0S-SEQO5knSBIa9pj_GtY3wuLtw_gWY_DaPrqTnhDJ7-SoRmq8yaG5Av-OHc1AEObnFl1dCCZQCZexWj2jwBd8xFh7mj9et0lwXHcQD8COKFlM9plT/s640/blogger-image--509035608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_W3mHEVvnCYKwtDkKR0S-SEQO5knSBIa9pj_GtY3wuLtw_gWY_DaPrqTnhDJ7-SoRmq8yaG5Av-OHc1AEObnFl1dCCZQCZexWj2jwBd8xFh7mj9et0lwXHcQD8COKFlM9plT/s640/blogger-image--509035608.jpg" /></a></div>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-77594230101758331912013-05-02T10:30:00.000-04:002013-05-02T10:30:47.180-04:00Countdown: 12 Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW7wp_uUusA08Eio9kiZdtVMXlk8CrZTKIXuziEix7xOQPDRio5ULCQPKB-agFjZ9B7JNO7tw15seyHSzYG8NmOLZzhnM4yM4wLm7p2nWNaSfrEr8WFt6uD3aIm4lQprAn3oP/s1600/531787_10152706822345008_932865880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW7wp_uUusA08Eio9kiZdtVMXlk8CrZTKIXuziEix7xOQPDRio5ULCQPKB-agFjZ9B7JNO7tw15seyHSzYG8NmOLZzhnM4yM4wLm7p2nWNaSfrEr8WFt6uD3aIm4lQprAn3oP/s1600/531787_10152706822345008_932865880_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>This last Saturday, I went kayaking with my friends, Cassandra, Darren, and Dani. We participated in the <a href="http://www.benderdinker.com/" target="_blank">Benderdinker</a>, a local annual event that starts at Riverside Park, travels upstream on "Betty's Branch" (the little blue line) until it reaches the Savannah River (where the blue dot is), travels downstream on the Savannah to where Betty's Branch comes in (down by Fury's Ferry Rd), then back up the Branch to the park.<br />
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There were probably 400 boats registered and I have no idea how many that just showed up and put in the water.<br />
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It was raining when we headed out in the morning but had cleared up and was beautiful and sunny by the time we finished the paddle.<br />
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I used sunscreen everywhere but on my ankles, and off course burned them. *facepalm*<br />
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On Monday of LAST week, Stinkerbell got out through the back door (the dogs had pushed it open) and disappeared for an entire week. I created the above info graphic and it was shared on Facebook over 220 times!<br />
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This last Monday evening I was just sitting down to a lovely farewell dinner at <a href="http://www.edgarsgrille.com/index.php/menu" target="_blank">Edgar's Grill</a> with the ladies from my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LocalHelpingLocalCSRA" target="_blank">Local Helping Local</a> group. I happened to check my email on my phone and saw that I had a message from someone that had FOUND my skunk! She gave me her number and I jumped right up from the table and ran outside to call her.<br />
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She confirmed that she had Stinkerbell, and told me she lives just a few houses down. I told her I would call my HusBean and send him to fetch her right away. <br />
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The story, according to the gal that found her (posted as a comment on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheStinkerbell" target="_blank">Stinkerbell's Facebook page</a>):<br />
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<br /><i>"I am SO glad you're home with your mom, Stink! When I saw you yesterday trying to curl up in my shrubbery, I thought you just needed a moment to rest... but when the thunderstorm hit last night and you were wandering around my front yard looking upset and unsure, I just had to give you some shelter, wild or not!</i></div>
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<i><br />I hope the blanket under my car was warm enough in the garage for you, and I'm glad you ate some of the food I brought... I've never fed a skunk before, and I had to do a bit of googling and rummaging through my fridge.<br /><br />Thank you for proving that my friend Rusty Banks can and does scream like a little girl when charged by a cute little skunk while initially helping me to usher you out of my garage (before I knew you were lost!) -- and again for being kind enough to not bite him or scratch him when he caught you back up to get out of the mud until your Dad came by to pick you up. <br /><br />I'm just thankful my neighbor saw your posting! Otherwise I would've tried to get you back out into the wild! Again -- I am so glad you're home and safe, and I hope to hear about you eating well and gaining some of that weight back. I hope you had a good adventure, but for your mom's sake AND her heart.... stay home!!"</i><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfCu1qdCprQyedmKhzAt6UqUSL4QFn7rQrwwOcx3WeXA0a5UWGKzcIjAFODlSL6HI49oqUlD-BQ1vLM39RHh1usagqzm5S9A2rEtsGeQiz8Z1k_3v-ynci8hpCG-QLJ04kBBp/s1600/922901_10201167281569221_1970223344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfCu1qdCprQyedmKhzAt6UqUSL4QFn7rQrwwOcx3WeXA0a5UWGKzcIjAFODlSL6HI49oqUlD-BQ1vLM39RHh1usagqzm5S9A2rEtsGeQiz8Z1k_3v-ynci8hpCG-QLJ04kBBp/s1600/922901_10201167281569221_1970223344_n.jpg" height="320" width="271" /></a> We got her home and started feeding her (she was quite skinny) and snuggled her up in a blanket. The next day she had a bath, which she was not particularly impressed with!<br />
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Stink has been eating all her meals, and feeling frisky enough to chase The Chou (cat) and Bento (dog). <br />
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I'm giving her a high-calorie supplement with her meals, hoping it will fatten her back up a bit.<br />
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We are in full-blown pack mode now, I've started sorting through all of my clothes and packing them in long-term storage vs. keep at Mom's. HusBean has sorted through most of his clean clothes, we still have to tackle the rest as they come out of the dryer.<br />
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I'm scheduled to pick up the moving truck on Friday morning, the 10th. Two of my girlfriends have volunteered to help that morning, they are both very hard workers and I am grateful for their assistance!<br />
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HusBean is off today and tomorrow, working Saturday, off Sunday, then scheduled to work 3-11p Mon-Fri next week. I'm hoping he'll take Friday the 10th as a vacation day.<br />
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Today is all about packing and laundry, hoping to sneak in a dog walk.<br />
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Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-14325803380444490282013-04-25T14:25:00.000-04:002013-04-25T14:25:02.856-04:0018 Days...HusBean is off work today, so I'm taking advantage of this by getting him to help me move and load up some furniture I will be selling at a consignment shop. (*side note* - I backed his car in to the mailbox this morning... he's not happy about this.)<br />
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In theory, we have guests coming from DC that are supposed to arrive late tonight, but there is a possibility that they will be stopping overnight in Charlotte, NC first and coming here tomorrow. I'm actually ok with that, it will give us a little more time to finish shoveling the random stuff that needs packing out of the guest room!<br />
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I finished some major sewing projects yesterday and now am down to one that has to be done before we leave. It is a sundress made from a vintage floral sheet (an idea seen by my client, on Pinterest). It's a fun project but will take a little adaptation of my current pattern (changing the neckline, re-sizing a little). I'm hoping to get started on that tomorrow.<br />
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I got started embroidering the sneakers last night and should be able to get them finished up today, ready to ship tomorrow or Saturday morning. I like to embroider while sitting on the couch with the dogs, watching TV. It's a little down time but I'm still being productive.<br />
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I'm hoping to get my teapot collection and a lot of the not-immediately-necessary kitchen stuff packed up today, in addition to packing/wrapping/prepping any furniture that I've managed to empty (bookshelves, dressers, etc.).<br />
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I will also probably take some time to walk the dogs with my good friend Cass, who has five dogs of her own. We usually walk them about 4-5 times a week, often along the canal that runs parallel to the Savannah River. Those days it is a 5-7 mile walk, which is great for us AND the dogs. Other days, we do a hike/jog/walk around the Frisbee golf course at a local park.Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-27730257285473351002013-04-24T18:32:00.002-04:002013-04-24T18:32:23.438-04:00The Countdown Begins... Again! - 19 DaysIn 2006 I moved from Vancouver, Washington to Key West, Florida at the behest of my then boyfriend (now HusBean). <div>
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I started a <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/2006/08/and-countdown-begins.html" target="_blank">countdown </a>of sorts then, detailing the various details that needed to fall in to place in the time before I left the West Coast. </div>
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As of today, there are 19 days until we pull out of the driveway here in Georgia, headed West. </div>
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I have reserved a 24' Budget truck and towing dolly, we will be towing my Honda Civic behind the truck, and driving the Honda Element separately. My Mom and our good friend Andy are flying out on May 11 to make the trip back with us. </div>
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The menagerie will be in the Element (two dogs, three cats, and hopefully 1 skunk if she shows up by then), which should provide for plenty of comical entertainment.</div>
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The house is not packed, but I have started sorting everything in it into X categories: Keep/Long term storage, keep/take to Mom's house, sell, donate/give away, and garbage! I obtained a packing tape kit from a U-Haul store that has several color coded rolls, each printed with a different room or "fragile", "open first", or "storage." These will prove very helpful when loading the truck in an efficient and logical manner!</div>
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In the numerous times that I've moved, I've found it helpful to start with all the sentimental stuff and decor. Make it look less homey and it will be easier to dismantle! I've taken almost everything off the walls, and have been gathering up framed pictures and memorabilia. </div>
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Today we sorted through the garage, double checking to make sure that Stinkerbell was not trapped in there somewhere, but I also threw some things away and did a little pre-sorting of what is out there. Fortunately I had sorted/packed the majority of the fall and Christmas decor, into labeled clear plastic bins of various sizes. Those can then be packed, several at a time in larger cardboard boxes, labeled for long term storage. </div>
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I do have a few <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PiecesdeReese" target="_blank">sewing</a> jobs to complete before I pack up my machine, but I'm hoping to get those knocked out in the next week.</div>
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I also have two pair of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flossworks" target="_blank">sneakers</a> to be embroidered, and a few other pair that may arrive before we leave. </div>
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We are also trying to inventory the contents of our pantry and deep freezer, we're throwing a buffet/fundraiser/party on Cinco de Mayo, planning to cook up a bunch of stuff that wouldn't do well traveling for a week, then feeding it to local friends for a suggested donation. </div>
Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-85629747149340540392013-04-24T15:28:00.001-04:002013-04-24T15:28:21.349-04:00Chaos and TurmoilI've decided I need to get back to blogging, if for no other reason than we are moving back across the country in a little under three weeks. Some may remember<a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/2006/09/road-trip-day-one.html" target="_blank"> the initial trip</a>, heading east. Now we're headed back, but with more animals.<br />
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The house is in total disarray, I have taken on several sewing clients/projects that need to be done before I depart, and of course there is all the cleaning, packing, organizing, etc. All this made more difficult by stress.<br />
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The key stress factors both entail loss; almost 2 months ago my best girlfriend here in Georgia (she had also been renting our guest room since October) was killed in a car accident. She was the passenger and the driver's blood-alcohol level was .165. The other loss is that our pet skunk Stinkerbell has been missing for almost two full days. She has gotten out of the house once before, but came back in just a few hours.<br />
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I am packing, cleaning, sorting, looking for a skunk, grieving my friend, and being excited about our next evolution.<br />
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From time to time I am featured as an interviewee or guest blogger over at <a href="http://humaninrecovery.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Human In Recovery</a>, under the <a href="http://humaninrecovery.wordpress.com/tag/monthly-manic-mondays/" target="_blank">Monthly Manic Mondays with Marisa</a> theme.<br />
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More to come!<br />
<br />Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-13891692003343002352012-11-15T00:33:00.000-05:002012-11-15T00:33:36.040-05:00Housewifery: Day (I don't want to count that high)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWf-pU20cds9AaFQd01ocNHTE2JqHD1iongcHGqsrjWSJU7BOJOlMpSbIiHPQyhFGwhZwWLrAIQXGkh1rEpXEi-_YkPOHZhmrB8UdjhuK38yel-b1f0N-77QmfjvNRKC-8e9MF/s1600/composite1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWf-pU20cds9AaFQd01ocNHTE2JqHD1iongcHGqsrjWSJU7BOJOlMpSbIiHPQyhFGwhZwWLrAIQXGkh1rEpXEi-_YkPOHZhmrB8UdjhuK38yel-b1f0N-77QmfjvNRKC-8e9MF/s400/composite1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I quit my job in February of 2011. At the time, there were medical things that made life complicated (turns out there still are, but there were more pressing ones then), work was DRAMA filled and not worth the pay, and I was burned out there, anyway.<br /><br />It's been almost two years. It has gone REALLY fast. <br />
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I've spent my time getting our fledgling <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hbhotsauce" target="_blank">hot sauce business</a> off the ground and creating <a href="http://gonnaeatthat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">recipes</a> that are healthy, delicious, and/or use our sauces as an ingredient.<br />
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I had to say goodbye to our much loved senior Boxer dog, Buster, and have welcomed two young goofball Boxers (Bento and Rousey) into our home.<br />
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I have become involved with a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LocalHelpingLocalCSRA" target="_blank">group of business women</a> that promote small business, the local economy, and give back to worthy community charities. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwOxLDBkacnPnUS9bb8c3kznC5w4q2xH_QMoBqYMwajMratVdlUwDu5fyI2i-X9J8sl3gT41higJrBLY576xW8GkQjn3W1w92ZHaBNdOD-KKBtUNnV8LS09EdPpqhZa_3nIkS/s1600/SMRedFleece1.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEjYwOxLDBkacnPnUS9bb8c3kznC5w4q2xH_QMoBqYMwajMratVdlUwDu5fyI2i-X9J8sl3gT41higJrBLY576xW8GkQjn3W1w92ZHaBNdOD-KKBtUNnV8LS09EdPpqhZa_3nIkS/s320/SMRedFleece1.jpeg" width="320" /></a>I bought a sewing machine for $50 at a friends' estate sale and have been remembering all of the things my Grandma taught me as a youngster. I have a huge stack of fabric in my craft cupboard and took advantage of a sale at Joann's that netted me 15 patterns for $1 EACH. <br />
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I've been sewing wrap dresses inspired by Diane Von Furstenburg, and recently started a fundraising project turning donated people sweaters into doggie sweaters. The "upcycled" (this is a popular term with the hipsters and on Etsy, which, let's face it, is mostly hipsters anyway) sweaters are sold in my Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Flossworks" target="_blank">shop</a> and then 50% of the profits is donated to a different animal rescue every month. (November is <a href="http://www.starsrescue.org/" target="_blank">STARS</a>, December will be <a href="http://www.boxerbuttsandothermutts.org/" target="_blank">Boxer Butts and Other Mutts</a>, which is where Bento came from).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3IbupM0qRbIQVveDTK0dSUig-2WM98xGqGa4ebsQCSSh_chJjWBYkKrmiE0NN5rSdcQ0l39mc5K96Aq0Px0twLwGlelBgNny8YVW-b5gyOupRV0kzAOHxfDG6OuvcH3fAW7s/s1600/PairComplete.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/AVvXsEhl3IbupM0qRbIQVveDTK0dSUig-2WM98xGqGa4ebsQCSSh_chJjWBYkKrmiE0NN5rSdcQ0l39mc5K96Aq0Px0twLwGlelBgNny8YVW-b5gyOupRV0kzAOHxfDG6OuvcH3fAW7s/s320/PairComplete.JPG" width="320" /></a>I've been hand-embroidering sneakers like crazy, mostly for weddings, but some for softball teams, family pictures, etc.<br />
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I've also been traveling a lot, taking trips to Oregon two to three times a year and also to Arizona, California, New York, Virginia, Washington DC, and very nearly Chicago. I'm hoping to take a month and do a big cross-country road trip next year... we'll see if I end up with the time.<br />
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Mostly, I get up every day and try to be a good animal mommy and housewife, try to ignore my fibromyalgia instead of whine about it, and try to clean at least one thing.<br />
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Sometimes it's even me.<br />
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<br />Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-70064794593595515392012-05-26T19:34:00.003-04:002012-05-26T19:34:31.142-04:00Bleach DesignsI attended a "Crafting Day" this afternoon at a friend's house. It ended up being just she and me, which was actually great!<br /><br />She had several projects going, we did some string art and then she bleach dyed a couple of shirts and a skirt. It looked so easy, I decided to try it myself.<br /><br />On my way home I picked up the necessary items (plain green shirt $5, bleach pen $3).<br /><br />I googled "How long do I leave bleach on a shirt" and chose <a href="http://laundry.about.com/od/bleachandwhiteners/a/How-To-Use-Bleach-To-Decorate-Clothes.htm" target="_blank">this page</a> for my answer.<br /><br />I've seen this kind of thing on Pinterest before, but I free-handed the feather while looking at a drawing of a peacock feather.<br /><br />I love it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFubD1Z8SkP0uQ4wAp9ndf9qhPSi7FbadHab-fq8pJnTiO82H60wGfCwzhMkMjvTu9H5NFvv_FoweWrYMq3zPxg1ZIktR79tCGw4-s1G-810nyT7q-a3Sp2P25cnMI5W5fcAVm/s1600/Green+Peacock1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFubD1Z8SkP0uQ4wAp9ndf9qhPSi7FbadHab-fq8pJnTiO82H60wGfCwzhMkMjvTu9H5NFvv_FoweWrYMq3zPxg1ZIktR79tCGw4-s1G-810nyT7q-a3Sp2P25cnMI5W5fcAVm/s400/Green+Peacock1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Left Pic: Before. </div>
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Center Pic: while bleach was setting - about 10 minutes.</div>
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Right Pic: after a rinse in hydrogen peroxide and water (1/10).</div>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-723221298822819682012-03-21T14:36:00.002-04:002012-03-21T14:36:49.453-04:00Facebook Explained: Home ScreenIs your newsfeed clogged up with status updates? Is your ticker driving you crazy? Hate timeline?<br />
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If you have no idea what any of those things mean, this tutorial is for you! It will be a little bit long, so there is a "jump" (kind of a shortcut that gives a preview of the post here, and if you want to read the whole thing you can click just below where I say "Here it is!" below to see the rest).<br />
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When you log in to Facebook, your screen probably looks a little like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmX6Rgyqyk5Dx3xLzl6PfyEK_tWtuMLzyIW2ssMJzzopK3pHjxOCnCJlTvtDqhboA8lgIwUAGJTuomXmt9EU5jXH7vOUSOhzeaxwX3S5quBRtp6XRtllJiPnOFiwRnXR-nufZg/s1600/NewsFeed1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmX6Rgyqyk5Dx3xLzl6PfyEK_tWtuMLzyIW2ssMJzzopK3pHjxOCnCJlTvtDqhboA8lgIwUAGJTuomXmt9EU5jXH7vOUSOhzeaxwX3S5quBRtp6XRtllJiPnOFiwRnXR-nufZg/s640/NewsFeed1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This may seem like a lot to take in, just as it is!<br />
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I'm going to break this screen down into components, and you will learn what each component does and how to navigate it and/or change it.<br />
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Ready for the "Jump"? Here it is! (it will take you straight to the rest of the post!)<br />
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We're going to start with the main part of this screen. I will place big purple numbers on the graphics so you can identify the various parts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl94tM5smHQrO40Y_gKJio_AnZN1mjjkfR3VKZija4Z3QNyYKwBp8mVYzrocaVfT2zm1ktI8MqMjZzsZc2vauqwK2stku-fFOHrzHLcmxPlLv_BsCQNaITKQ31Sb3ijjy1Lqnv/s1600/NewsFeedNumbered.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl94tM5smHQrO40Y_gKJio_AnZN1mjjkfR3VKZija4Z3QNyYKwBp8mVYzrocaVfT2zm1ktI8MqMjZzsZc2vauqwK2stku-fFOHrzHLcmxPlLv_BsCQNaITKQ31Sb3ijjy1Lqnv/s400/NewsFeedNumbered.png" width="303" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Search Box</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Actions Section</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The NewsFeed</span></li>
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<b>1. The Search Box: </b></div>
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I find the Search box most useful to me when I want to view another person's profile, or see a group page, fan page, or business page (We'll go into the differences of those in another lesson).</div>
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Just click in the search box and start typing the name of the person or group you are looking for. Facebook will show a pulldown box as soon as you start typing, anticipating what you may be looking for. If the person you are looking for is already your "Friend" on Facebook, their name should pop up close to the top of the pulldown. You can move your cursor over their name and click, it will take you to their profile page.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRndu1t1bFI3lX3AN3lC3dFK-iIVGjdfP8NWsRYY4loY-3ZmslLt0TvMLUkHyEGP4IBE4CjSwGlQIu15NkHo4Zt0MbUPtuFRBbP605TfzNgPO8xLtdDQJNwQNVf0FK7_lmchLb/s1600/SearchBox1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRndu1t1bFI3lX3AN3lC3dFK-iIVGjdfP8NWsRYY4loY-3ZmslLt0TvMLUkHyEGP4IBE4CjSwGlQIu15NkHo4Zt0MbUPtuFRBbP605TfzNgPO8xLtdDQJNwQNVf0FK7_lmchLb/s400/SearchBox1.png" width="282" /></a></div>
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Here I started typing "Sco" for "Scott", and it brings up anything it thinks I might be looking for. Friends with "Sco" in their name, etc. (we'll talk about "Checking In" later, too).<br />
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There are other great uses for the <b>Search Box</b> as well, but we can cover that later, too.<br />
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<b>2. The Actions Section</b><br />
Here is where you can change your "Status", upload a picture or video to share, or ask your friends a poll question of some sort.<br />
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To update your status, click on "Update Status" and it will give you a text box to type into.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsFAhSax2IyqcZ7fl8tjHW-Iqf2D9ca630Rvff2N9U2GKmM6BPfKKlziCF3ibwi_eo-hth4YGumsO046IqD6GVIkMJCC0vNse1fsHF9KKeSsIHDJBCtOs5FJOADdlmcYUJscN/s1600/statusupdate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsFAhSax2IyqcZ7fl8tjHW-Iqf2D9ca630Rvff2N9U2GKmM6BPfKKlziCF3ibwi_eo-hth4YGumsO046IqD6GVIkMJCC0vNse1fsHF9KKeSsIHDJBCtOs5FJOADdlmcYUJscN/s400/statusupdate.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Keep in mind that many people will be able to see what you write, so be wise about what you say.<br />
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I always think about the fact that my Mom is on Facebook and reads all of my posts, so I don't ever say anything I think she might be horrified by. Granted, she's a pretty understanding lady, and I'm an adult, but it's a good barometer.<br />
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To upload a picture or video, click on "Add Photo/Video" and it will bring up a text box asking you what you would like to do. You can click "Use Webcam" to have your laptop or webcam take a picture of you, or if you want to create a whole new album for your photos, click on "Create Photo Album". For now we will just worry about the simplest way to upload a picture or video.</div>
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Once you hit the "Post" button, it may take a little while for the picture to upload, depending on the speed of your computer and your internet connection. You will know it is complete when it shows up in your news feed!</div>
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(I used one of the graphics above as an example to upload to Facebook):<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqUFEqCYf_PtDW80CpvG8kK0H-A1Ifmv2BX9cUmPJmJ0IyyVZ2Nh_1PLPrAOYuJ24YtxK4XYh9SLPI4E5SBAuTG4dje4jPPYsItlZVepeOJqFm_gHNXjYfzKYU-IvKXeVXsTO/s1600/uploadpiccomplete.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqUFEqCYf_PtDW80CpvG8kK0H-A1Ifmv2BX9cUmPJmJ0IyyVZ2Nh_1PLPrAOYuJ24YtxK4XYh9SLPI4E5SBAuTG4dje4jPPYsItlZVepeOJqFm_gHNXjYfzKYU-IvKXeVXsTO/s320/uploadpiccomplete.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, to ask a Question, click on "Ask a Question".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxowtVD7uF41tFSfw3HyFoeDhc8fkCIaDtab4het9j_qGHk_LpFeO8icfgOEVRQgrwr4ZWJ6OI2WxrPaSuG53tpjcQBZpaOauchpZq1MKsX51GC47gXqGYp_sEXldQVR5-EpHF/s1600/askaquestion1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxowtVD7uF41tFSfw3HyFoeDhc8fkCIaDtab4het9j_qGHk_LpFeO8icfgOEVRQgrwr4ZWJ6OI2WxrPaSuG53tpjcQBZpaOauchpZq1MKsX51GC47gXqGYp_sEXldQVR5-EpHF/s400/askaquestion1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once you hit "Post", your question will show up in your NewsFeed.<br />
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<b>3. The NewsFeed</b></div>
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I know, I've talked about the NewsFeed a bunch already, but we'll just take a quick look at it anyway.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKbVgrNMOVtQzUBiH4jJlc_9EWUHRphDpZkAY0KSHkee8oigPeymjbgxmStIjpJxFQnKV9M91pANA6VOtNdAVHb1251352lO3gAKtvYJ094_X1LKxaXfZERTZ_8jwZJrH3zam/s1600/NewsFeeditems.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKbVgrNMOVtQzUBiH4jJlc_9EWUHRphDpZkAY0KSHkee8oigPeymjbgxmStIjpJxFQnKV9M91pANA6VOtNdAVHb1251352lO3gAKtvYJ094_X1LKxaXfZERTZ_8jwZJrH3zam/s640/NewsFeeditems.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The NewsFeed is basically what tells you what's going on with all of your friends, group pages, and any business or "fan" pages you have "Liked".<br /><br />At the top is "Sort: Most Recent" in tiny little letters. If you click on the pull-down arrow (the little downward arrow to the right) it will give you a box with two options; "Most Recent" and "Top Stories".<br />
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If your setting is "Most Recent", then you will see the most recent items (or "stories") first. If you choose "Top Stories", the stories with the most attention (comments, likes, shares, etc.) will show at the top of the NewsFeed first. I personally prefer "Most Recent", because I enjoy reading EVERYTHING in my NewsFeed.</div>
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In the future, we'll address how to control what you see and don't see in your NewsFeed in an even more specific way.</div>
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That about does it for today! We'll go a little more in depth next time, with profile and security settings! </div>
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Thank you for reading, and please let me know in the comments if there is a particular thing you would like me to address in this tutorial series!</div>
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Happy 'Booking! :)</div>
<br />Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-11241980340306396192012-03-20T01:35:00.003-04:002012-03-20T01:35:54.297-04:00Facebook, Explained.I'm going to start a series of tutorials for Facebook.<br />
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You could say I am inspired by my parents and those of their generation, who aren't familiar with all of the ins and outs, especially since major components of it seem to change in a big way on a regular basis.<br />
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I'll start tomorrow.<br />
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:)Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-29295928310941444602012-02-27T10:38:00.000-05:002012-02-27T10:38:09.749-05:00IndecisionI've often thought that I should have a particular theme for this blog and stick to it. The problem with this is that I, myself, am WAY too ADD to do this.<br />
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One day I am <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/search/label/crafty%20me" target="_blank">crafty</a>, one day I am <a href="http://gonnaeatthat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">cooking</a>, another day I am <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/search/label/cheating" target="_blank">ranting </a>about something or <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/search/label/Swing%20Sisters" target="_blank">reminiscing </a>a favorite memory. I just can't narrow it down because it's a real representation of what is swirling around in my mind.<br />
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I love <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/search/label/photos" target="_blank">photography</a>, <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/search/label/home%20decor" target="_blank">home decor</a>, and am constantly making things out of other things. I love <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/search/label/animals" target="_blank">animals </a>(we have 5 pets) and love to <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/search/label/Travel" target="_blank">travel</a>.<br />
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Today I don't really feel inspired by anything, I have a lot of hot sauce work to do and that's kind of taking over my brain today.<br />
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So I'll leave you with a cute picture of our puppy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8oqtizuMt8VaeZDs3_Wb8fABGbqwkkVmHfvyq92lAWovHd-hfFyvYo7oZO3VZ0RmXL4o58jhbXkYaz0Q4T-qkWX4Lpl1kDGfhhse43JrnXC1w68JI7z9VXahTaZmQbBZDdfk/s1600/398608_10151254415305008_830530007_22764631_55615986_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8oqtizuMt8VaeZDs3_Wb8fABGbqwkkVmHfvyq92lAWovHd-hfFyvYo7oZO3VZ0RmXL4o58jhbXkYaz0Q4T-qkWX4Lpl1kDGfhhse43JrnXC1w68JI7z9VXahTaZmQbBZDdfk/s400/398608_10151254415305008_830530007_22764631_55615986_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-59781272197205281362012-02-18T17:59:00.002-05:002012-02-18T17:59:52.972-05:00Bad, Bad, Bad.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Facebook has been the death of this blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not giving up, but it's been so much easier to just post little bursts of things on FB than collect my thoughts here in one cohesive post at a time. I have managed to post somewhat regularly to our food/recipe <a href="http://gonnaeatthat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, but that's different.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of last year was crazy. As you can see, the last two posts were nearly five months apart! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As much as I'd like to blame all of my problems on Facebook, that really isn't fair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The true culprit is Depression and Anxiety. I have acquired them both genetically, and once I quit my job they started to creep back in. I held them both at bay for most of last year with Lexapro, something I had been on since about 2003, but I started to wean myself off of it due to several side effects I didn't want to cater to anymore (the worst being VERY vivid nightmare/hallucinations nightly for the last five years).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Going off of any kind of medication can be difficult, and I did this as slow as possible - I took almost three months! Choosing to go OFF of a depression and anxiety medication over the holidays (and during the darkest point in the year) was probably not the most fabulous choice, but I suffered through (as has my HusBean, friends, and family).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was hoping originally to not be on any kind of medication for depression OR anxiety, but have found that at least during the winter, I just can't do it by myself. "It" being life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last year was largely overshadowed with medical issues in our household, fibroid for me, the decline and eventual passing of our family dog, the near-passing of one of the cats, getting HusBean on a new regimen to battle his Diabetes... and then I was diagnosed with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCOS" target="_blank">PCOS</a> in December. In the process of that diagnosis I was referred to a new primary care doctor (I chose to leave the last one when she wasn't interested in removing the fibroid) who I finally met with this week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have suffered from neck/back and random joint pain and chronic fatigue for many years and no doctor has ever done much about those complaints. Sometimes they would have me sit up straight, feel my back and say "you're fine" or prescribe me a sleep aid so I can sleep through the night and not be so tired during the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This new doc listened to my history and my complaints and while she is having the lab run some blood tests to rule out other things, she is calling it <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibromyalgia" target="_blank">Fibromyalgia</a> for now. You can go read about it for yourself, but the main thing to understand is that it is not a disease, but more a name for a group of symptoms that have no other identifiable cause. The symptoms are often exacerbated by depression, they generally go hand-in-hand but it is not a matter of the body pain being "all in your head"... it's real, and it is exhausting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The doctor prescribed me a new depression medication (hooray!) which is known to also help somewhat with fibro symptoms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another thing that is helping with depression and anxiety is that we got a new dog! After Buster passed we decided to wait awhile before getting another dog, as having three cats, a dog, and an exotic can be a lot to manage at once, but we happened upon this guy and fell in love.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVdQSJvdtRs-jvFN4mwaiW4vUWRK7WewF2czXFOR6tkdIYuwpIHjrDqmITmiUIZ-k0R41L108j3E68QmAlNHFU_x7v8_kkcvIfdYzQgxLELS2zBOWCHvQ7NucfrbTfAglg_j8/s1600/423896_10151292306410008_830530007_22888637_1209249846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVdQSJvdtRs-jvFN4mwaiW4vUWRK7WewF2czXFOR6tkdIYuwpIHjrDqmITmiUIZ-k0R41L108j3E68QmAlNHFU_x7v8_kkcvIfdYzQgxLELS2zBOWCHvQ7NucfrbTfAglg_j8/s320/423896_10151292306410008_830530007_22888637_1209249846_n.jpg" width="250" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I learned about him from a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BoxerButtsandOtherMutts" target="_blank">Boxer Butts and Other Mutts</a> (a rescue organization) on Facebook (see! It's good for something!) that my cousin is associated with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was in Portland in late January and saw his picture on their profile. I copied it to my phone and sent it to HusBean, and that was pretty much it. By the time I got back to Georgia everything had been settled and we drove to Asheville, NC to pick him up the very next day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have named him <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento" target="_blank">Bento</a>, HusBean says it is because he is our little happy-meal. He is just over a year old and still quite energetic, so there is no sleeping all day for me anymore and we go on 1/2 mile to 1.5 mile walks daily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm hoping to get back in the routine of blogging here, and other creative projects (and housework!) soon.</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-32016578103435925702011-12-05T11:15:00.001-05:002011-12-05T11:45:32.894-05:00Headboard Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFthbaJ2gBD3mrNJ6lDlvfasKsU0KCpFJ5bRb9C_hyphenhyphenRSNOWSiw5siRrNG7DbpRrBmoCikjbOyvrzt1CiuQCsCuRLS4acIjuyfBsAC6IANsJ1EJJ3dHxKeMzpBcstWfFuZlXooV/s1600/HeadboardFinishedGroup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFthbaJ2gBD3mrNJ6lDlvfasKsU0KCpFJ5bRb9C_hyphenhyphenRSNOWSiw5siRrNG7DbpRrBmoCikjbOyvrzt1CiuQCsCuRLS4acIjuyfBsAC6IANsJ1EJJ3dHxKeMzpBcstWfFuZlXooV/s320/HeadboardFinishedGroup.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made a headboard last week. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've been sleeping on the floor for 3 years. Okay, not ON the floor, but the box springs are on the floor. When we moved from Key West, the bed was on it's last legs and we elected not to drag it with us and have it likely deteriorate further.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The aging dog really enjoyed being able to get on the bed easier (he has since passed away - in the beginning of September) and the cats and skunk appreciate the accessibility as well.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am fine with the bed being low to the ground, that doesn't bother me. Having no space UNDER the bed is ok, too, as there is then nowhere for things to get lost or small animals to hide.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has always seemed to me that a headboard makes a bed look "real". When we dumped the old bed, we agreed that we would not purchase any bedroom furniture unless it was what we really loved, and we would save up for it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Working at P1 gave me the opportunity to pick up some very nice coordinating pieces for pretty affordable prices, but they never had a headboard and/or bed that was quite right.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided a few months ago that I would just MAKE a headboard. I've seen DIY stuff on HGTV showing the many different ways of creating the beast, so I decided to do the cheapest/lightest/nicest looking thing and this is the result.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-8dFuCFRrrbffJZ0xtRo7az0ZKytEGBhdqYF_J0mO7rjGwIN-0sooX6nIBbBsXC1gv97UsDjuR00Py9FQmmzFg3y5SL4BL5t8d065qZ4fk7DMlr2CPBvi6W68AKu1V1_AgSl/s1600/DSCN0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-8dFuCFRrrbffJZ0xtRo7az0ZKytEGBhdqYF_J0mO7rjGwIN-0sooX6nIBbBsXC1gv97UsDjuR00Py9FQmmzFg3y5SL4BL5t8d065qZ4fk7DMlr2CPBvi6W68AKu1V1_AgSl/s320/DSCN0944.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I purchased four pieces of foam-board that are 1/2" thick and laid them next to each other, placing five 1" dowels (are they still dowels if they are square?) on the ends and on the seams, adding 1/2" dowels across the tops for reinforcement and two more 1/2" in strategic (and clearly scientific) positions, hot gluing them all into position.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbFDIGDQDn2gyho_Jzuvfx1F-mIGLl1XXrOoHTmb9Mm5qo_1pO91jrSqAmnKVSs89xq9LNaMwcKiGqgE-TNrp6VlkFNVkSjC1jISuFDNcfvji2_NIPY0fWHhhwDy3E_325-2P/s1600/DSCN0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbFDIGDQDn2gyho_Jzuvfx1F-mIGLl1XXrOoHTmb9Mm5qo_1pO91jrSqAmnKVSs89xq9LNaMwcKiGqgE-TNrp6VlkFNVkSjC1jISuFDNcfvji2_NIPY0fWHhhwDy3E_325-2P/s320/DSCN0945.JPG" width="288" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was originally my intention to nail the wood pieces together, but the nails I had were too thick and started to split the wood, so I decided a hot-glue-and-staple-gun route was better.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xCegzUGC8BuJb2G5wSlDN0HCECoY03SRjhuNU-WF6NHyC60mrX8sRhB_zSuqGe2DRx0GZo8gr4S01dmuSTaQ2CNV7rN_E5mKuskW1fmRIve8MwsZFhh9M8T0s9JzekpiZC6b/s1600/DSCN0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xCegzUGC8BuJb2G5wSlDN0HCECoY03SRjhuNU-WF6NHyC60mrX8sRhB_zSuqGe2DRx0GZo8gr4S01dmuSTaQ2CNV7rN_E5mKuskW1fmRIve8MwsZFhh9M8T0s9JzekpiZC6b/s320/DSCN0947.JPG" width="172" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also stapled the seams between the foam pieces on the front side to help keep them together.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TN07rEh3P6PN9pI7GueGTxZevUlhKY-14UKcyJj8NE74nRjkTv4ce598nIaRiwgyxCMijKG4K3wr3tQVLLKgddv3DHkL-KSVZvwLihafrSnUBbCLQM7FQNYKt2jjbnEAomJ3/s1600/DSCN0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TN07rEh3P6PN9pI7GueGTxZevUlhKY-14UKcyJj8NE74nRjkTv4ce598nIaRiwgyxCMijKG4K3wr3tQVLLKgddv3DHkL-KSVZvwLihafrSnUBbCLQM7FQNYKt2jjbnEAomJ3/s320/DSCN0949.JPG" width="228" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time for batting and fabric! I bought one bag of quilt batting in a Twin bed size, which turned out to be perfect when folded in half long-wise.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPpcV30LWuctdTjx6-Hb2oKyzWyKWTY4CShn-LRggEIbh6xuH7uwtoyafb5I6TnGooTMTj7dFFSZ9wF5Ss8hLo3mf-h81-jMZ2kWu9hqFOWYeXlVpBxJt1Vp-6Z88Y7YqHDH8/s1600/DSCN0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPpcV30LWuctdTjx6-Hb2oKyzWyKWTY4CShn-LRggEIbh6xuH7uwtoyafb5I6TnGooTMTj7dFFSZ9wF5Ss8hLo3mf-h81-jMZ2kWu9hqFOWYeXlVpBxJt1Vp-6Z88Y7YqHDH8/s320/DSCN0950.JPG" width="302" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvws4z8VtWokRkRPwakda8kQmR6NPGNaFewYZzIIsvojt_fz9JjA2liT25s9hWPJO3Ob3X6rQM-syBqd0VTi_XRq7-ZsuZVsiGx3kv367ADtAaaP2dlKUwdredbQ7j6mb9P3y/s1600/DSCN0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvws4z8VtWokRkRPwakda8kQmR6NPGNaFewYZzIIsvojt_fz9JjA2liT25s9hWPJO3Ob3X6rQM-syBqd0VTi_XRq7-ZsuZVsiGx3kv367ADtAaaP2dlKUwdredbQ7j6mb9P3y/s320/DSCN0953.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Used the staple gun to attach the batting to the form, down the center and all around the edges.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jEbHOv0L4gviPk0_cq4W15b6OaUvum9Xd-JACvmjdxeNkMCwj8FoW5_S0Lo02cNbq8sZSW0SjQb2Q_qZMfo8aMM1PpiXaJDqtn90as2uM7YiM2bfm1ds0GZe1geaXODRr9We/s1600/DSCN0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jEbHOv0L4gviPk0_cq4W15b6OaUvum9Xd-JACvmjdxeNkMCwj8FoW5_S0Lo02cNbq8sZSW0SjQb2Q_qZMfo8aMM1PpiXaJDqtn90as2uM7YiM2bfm1ds0GZe1geaXODRr9We/s320/DSCN0954.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I laid out my fabric and discovered that when I had calculated how much I would need, I had been intending to use the foam boards the other direction, which was shorter. Oops.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went ahead and fastened it (staple-gun of course) in a centered position, leaving equal sized blanks strips on the ends.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXUZVrsf1qIILxc6H4pWuO0FjcVwUg1_khs3L-y4ukvib2IQs_ENkJOr1QoXHJEYh-c1nAWDXvXngxClSSEWJDthI_jEH9_gzTYJR9LVQ4GnBJuHisL34ew73Cs4ib5TVYjMZ/s1600/DSCN0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXUZVrsf1qIILxc6H4pWuO0FjcVwUg1_khs3L-y4ukvib2IQs_ENkJOr1QoXHJEYh-c1nAWDXvXngxClSSEWJDthI_jEH9_gzTYJR9LVQ4GnBJuHisL34ew73Cs4ib5TVYjMZ/s320/DSCN0955.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fortunately I have some lovely fabric from my still-planned third incarnation of the big ottoman. The craft store always has it in stock, so I can pick up more if I need to. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cut two strips off an end, folded and hot-glued the edge, then hot-glued AND stapled the strips on the ends of the headboard.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEuuba8ysXSNDMNXzru5l6esiARPLTWCgIzhBmyUzb-GzTKUEmQ7n7Dtts7Rpi9szkGxxAaX44iTSBwQq5_K8Hh_FzN4KCSYPXyA4lfLrA9IzuNdVsX5uMX-uZj9U6vgTgJD0/s1600/DSCN0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEuuba8ysXSNDMNXzru5l6esiARPLTWCgIzhBmyUzb-GzTKUEmQ7n7Dtts7Rpi9szkGxxAaX44iTSBwQq5_K8Hh_FzN4KCSYPXyA4lfLrA9IzuNdVsX5uMX-uZj9U6vgTgJD0/s320/DSCN0956.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have to say, it kinda looks like I meant to do that, and I think I like the look of it better than if the light-colored fabric had reached all the way to the end.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NCclbM_bAv55FrBV9hyUlih47xlrzLqtowxMhXRAG7YOMRSZkQezTFTvAudhW3tJCzSE9Zdw2ijcBhPELW83jwYJj5xhJtiCTIK-FJxCIY-_NToIGtnNio6ni1_JxXusbLxm/s1600/DSCN0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NCclbM_bAv55FrBV9hyUlih47xlrzLqtowxMhXRAG7YOMRSZkQezTFTvAudhW3tJCzSE9Zdw2ijcBhPELW83jwYJj5xhJtiCTIK-FJxCIY-_NToIGtnNio6ni1_JxXusbLxm/s320/DSCN0962.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now, the headboard is just on the floor (the 1" dowels make great feet to hold the thing up at the perfect height) between the bed and the wall, but it's lightweight enough that I can hang it on the wall if we ever raise the bed and build/buy a bed frame.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yay!</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-6436069434840351352011-07-29T13:02:00.000-04:002011-07-29T13:02:18.363-04:00Life Keeps Truckin'My one devoted fan (Hi Lou!!) reminds me that this venue has been neglected of late.<br />
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This year has been a hectic one at our house... <br />
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In January I was diagnosed with a <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/2011/04/bits-and-pieces.html">grapefruit-sized uterine fibroid</a> (rather uncomfortable to house, if you were wondering). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5wytt8hAC7BtezjtvseiLRnnU8KfKTG-xO86prBf91igrwNK821zEtpvwQkXzrHYRuf1ZGSdMBiEBz_Fq9wwcXWEXx1-R-45keK8CvwSweVDTuaV5CjQzs5zbjgMe4NPwEOe/s1600/Chou24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5wytt8hAC7BtezjtvseiLRnnU8KfKTG-xO86prBf91igrwNK821zEtpvwQkXzrHYRuf1ZGSdMBiEBz_Fq9wwcXWEXx1-R-45keK8CvwSweVDTuaV5CjQzs5zbjgMe4NPwEOe/s320/Chou24.JPG" /></a></div><br />
In February I decided to quit my job at Pier 1 due to my physical limitations (thanks, Grapefruit) and the increasing drama caused by employees that wanted nothing more than to make my job difficult (and thought that would make theirs easier). Also in February The Chou was poisoned somehow (we don't know how) and went into major kidney failure. We thought his time was up and were emotionally wrecked for a couple of weeks, but after 24 hours of fluids at the vet and another week and a half of fluids given at home, he recovered almost fully! He's on a special diet now and has lost about 3lbs since then.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSZ1IQty0wsV4Zzq71S81zbJ4VcP3HLYU6ZAR84k3WyAq3OtBoUpqyGbtggrTH1viZnYbVLQR3hWmABAgOcOqf-qSk5uw7GkJybn7UaojJOp-QVLoTuYNdkG9zL5X5ntDf69w/s1600/206943_10150580737555008_830530007_18120701_2910163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSZ1IQty0wsV4Zzq71S81zbJ4VcP3HLYU6ZAR84k3WyAq3OtBoUpqyGbtggrTH1viZnYbVLQR3hWmABAgOcOqf-qSk5uw7GkJybn7UaojJOp-QVLoTuYNdkG9zL5X5ntDf69w/s320/206943_10150580737555008_830530007_18120701_2910163_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My last day of work was mid-March, and I was originally scheduled for surgery to remove the fibroid on March 29th. On March 16th, my HusBean's contract at work changed, which meant our health insurance changed... which meant no insurance until April 1st. The surgery had to be rescheduled and they wouldn't even look at a calendar until I provided proof of new insurance so they could send it through pre-approval all over again. Also in March my Mom decided she needed help with her last big project at work before retirement, so on a Sunday afternoon she asked me to fly out that Tuesday and help. We booked the ticket and I went to Portland for two weeks.<br />
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I got back from Portland on HusBean and I's third anniversary (April 12th) and I had a few weeks to try and get caught up at home, get the surgery re-scheduled, and pack before heading to NYC in mid-May for a week.<br />
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The night before my trip we had a visit from the Heartlife Homeschool Co-op while on their road-trip through The South. It was wonderful to have them here (all over the floor and in a tent in the back yard), spend some good time with Kevin and meet lots of new friends.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7L3xLHDJNRZaMA853Xav8UDDZUvNgkQOZICy4eNjCL7OYGpfS_ZxhzbOoZNHS8h9YhTz-E_ak4OLjTU3NUBoU2l6klJNjEeq1Ou13wgKhktASHFeGWZ1bphiMXx8lDvfonag/s1600/IMG_1921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7L3xLHDJNRZaMA853Xav8UDDZUvNgkQOZICy4eNjCL7OYGpfS_ZxhzbOoZNHS8h9YhTz-E_ak4OLjTU3NUBoU2l6klJNjEeq1Ou13wgKhktASHFeGWZ1bphiMXx8lDvfonag/s320/IMG_1921.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My week in <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/2011/05/its-up-to-you.html">NYC</a> was amazing and it was wonderful to get to spend some sister-time with HusBean's sister Katie and our nephew Jackson. I don't think I've even finished blogging the trip! I honestly don't even remember everything that happened in the last part of May, other than again trying to get caught up at home (laundry, Hot Sauce sales, etc.). (Also during my trip HusBean told me that our siamese - Maui - had escaped when the kids were leaving on Friday... the silly cat hid out in the bushes and around the neighbors houses for four days before finally allowing HusBean to catch him)<br />
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In June we had a lovely visit from Emily & Celeste while on their road-trip through The South. They only stayed a night, but we packed a lot into their time here! Scott made fresh pasta (with their help) and the next day I took the ladies downtown Augusta to see the James Brown statue, have lunch (AND DESSERT!)at <a href="http://thebollweevil.com/">Boll Weevil</a> and tromp through a few antique shops before sending them on their way.<br />
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My surgery was on June 16th, and I spent two nights in the hospital, going home on Saturday morning. I spent the first week sleeping in the guest room, since the master bed is on the floor and thus much harder to get out of for someone with no abdominal muscles. After that first week I was able to both go off of the Percocet and move back into the master bedroom. <br />
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My Mom flew out on July 3rd to spend twelve days with us, she had just retired after 44 years (Wow!) and deserved a vacation. Unfortunately, she spent a lot of the time helping out around the house and a TON of time cooking, but we had a lot of fun planning healthy meals and just hanging out together. And shopping. We did some shopping. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-QdMijOBbx9NRH2KGFes3nN7DBq8tkXHGMJdKMtZ11ZVKxUk-h3Zk-RIbCkPZTNxGyGMQu30Wtrc4y7qkcYjAeRritqVmxTHC3Qek8KthfTMwt3NVCVUHAvvJ3rxGPp4Fvg8/s1600/trip+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-QdMijOBbx9NRH2KGFes3nN7DBq8tkXHGMJdKMtZ11ZVKxUk-h3Zk-RIbCkPZTNxGyGMQu30Wtrc4y7qkcYjAeRritqVmxTHC3Qek8KthfTMwt3NVCVUHAvvJ3rxGPp4Fvg8/s320/trip+009.JPG" /></a></div><br />
While I was in the hospital, our Boxer - Buster - developed a UTI and Scott had to take him to the vet to get checked out and get antibiotics. Ever since then he's been going slowly downhill... He'll be 13 tomorrow (which is CRAZY old for a Boxer) and has arthritis in his back end. In the weeks following the UTI he didn't seem to be getting much better - was drinking GALLONS of water a day and peeing every hour - so we ended up taking him back in to get checked out. After some blood tests he has been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. <br />
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Yesterday morning after he got off the bed, he was walking through the bedroom door and suddenly fell over. I jumped up and ran to him, expecting that he had just dropped dead. He was still breathing, but limp. I called HusBean to come home, we pulled the dog onto a blanket and carried him to the door to head to the vet. When we set him down to open the door he suddenly sat up, then stood up, and walked himself out the door to the car.<br />
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After some more tests the vet thinks that Buster's heart is dropping beats periodically and that he likely fainted. Since he is a VERY senior dog, we are not going to put him through xrays and additional medication, we just got a prescription for better pain meds - Arthritis specific - and he acts like he is feeling better.<br />
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Our friend Dean arrived from San Angelo, TX last night to spend a few days with us for HusBean's birthday (today!).<br />
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When would I have had time to write? It's all I can do to wash the laundry, much less get it folded and put away! I have managed to keep the kitchen clean and keep up with Hot Sauce orders...Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-17100032302031236222011-07-01T14:36:00.003-04:002011-07-01T16:13:53.398-04:00Trends - OWLS!!I had no idea that I was so in to home decor until I worked at Pier 1. My 2.5 years there made me realize what fun it is to make my home an expression of my taste and a fun creative outlet.<br />
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Of course, between the pay and how much I spent at the store (despite my discount), we are probably saving money since I quit my job, but I'm still a fan of decorating and also of P1.<br />
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My current obsession is with Owls. My boss at P1 got me into it because her mother had loved owls and therefore my boss' daughter loved them. This made me start noticing owls. Fortunately, owls are all the rage right now anyway and I didn't have to look far.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvQRuWl8UHrb1pe6hMy7XtvbRZdl6b93LAscTzT_N9O-vF2KQpK22I_q-y5MEG9NJH-mZGxcwF96cJiddTS7e5inVsL_VTvWXt2E1jE9ZpxH6gBBY8YMyxYQIKiF745KKzUyp/s1600/targetowlnecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="130" width="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvQRuWl8UHrb1pe6hMy7XtvbRZdl6b93LAscTzT_N9O-vF2KQpK22I_q-y5MEG9NJH-mZGxcwF96cJiddTS7e5inVsL_VTvWXt2E1jE9ZpxH6gBBY8YMyxYQIKiF745KKzUyp/s320/targetowlnecklace.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I believe that this was my first owl purchase - a cute necklace from Target that I picked up in Charleston while I was there for a P1 meeting. <br />
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After that we started getting owl merchandise at P1 and I picked up a <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/HomeTextiles/tabid/980/CategoryId/145/ProductId/8943/ProductName/Owls-Doormat/Default.aspx">doormat</a> and some figurines...<br />
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I LOVE the doormat and will likely keep it out all year (although I may sub my cute bat at Halloween) but like to change up the other Front Door Area stuff. Right now I want to transition from my spring stuff to summer and am looking for cute inexpensive ways to do that.<br />
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I designed the "spring" wreath currently on the door and am thinking I want to make one for summer with owls in it - but still in bright summery colors. Something along <a href="http://www.target.com/Owls-Branches-10-25-x-15/dp/B004BDP5A2/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=owl&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-30&qid=1309543141&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Owls%20Branches%2010%2025%20x%2015&node=1038576|1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0">these lines</a> color-wise. <a href="http://www.target.com/Hoot-Shower-Hooks-Brown-Multicolor/dp/B001RQUI5I/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=owl&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-26&qid=1309543732&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Hoot%20Shower%20Hooks%20Brown%20Multicolor&node=1038576|1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=6&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0">These</a> might work hooked into a grapevine wreath... they're a little more fall-colored though. Along that idea-line, <a href="http://www.target.com/Give-a-Hoot-Shower-Hooks/dp/B00494YEAK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=owl&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-5&qid=1309543819&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Give%20a%20Hoot%20Shower%20Hooks&node=1038576|1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=7&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0">these</a> are brighter... <br />
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And of course, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?search_submit=&q=owl">Etsy</a> is a fabulous place to find all sorts of wonderful things. <br />
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Maybe I'll have to head to <a href="http://hobbylobby.com/">Hobby Lobby</a> and just make some stuff myself. :) Maybe get some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kaufman-Minky-Cuddle-Carnival-Fabric/dp/B004MCLD9E">fabric</a> and make little tiny stuffed owls to put on the wreath myself with some coordinating <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&safe=off&q=gerbera+daisy+blue&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1195&bih=772&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=10122660707074245579&sa=X&ei=ExMOTrL2DcnagQfRo73oDQ&ved=0CGcQ8wIwAQ">gerbera</a> heads.<br />
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Hmm... I see some crafting in my future!<br />
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Target has some super cute <a href="http://www.target.com/Awesome-Owls-Bath-Coordinates-Collections/dp/B003WFWW06/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=owl&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-20&qid=1309543141&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Awesome%20Owls%20Bath%20Coordinates%20Collections&node=1038576|1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0">bathroom</a> <a href="http://www.target.com/Give-Hoot-Bath-Coordinates-Collection/dp/B004889I3U/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=owl&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-9&qid=1309543819&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Give%20Hoot%20Bath%20Coordinates%20Collection&node=1038576|1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=7&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0">accessories</a>, <br />
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Also at P1: <br />
Cute <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Dining/tabid/977/CategoryId/110/ProductId/9474/ProductName/Owl-Mug/Default.aspx">Owl Mug</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Dining/tabid/977/CategoryId/111/ProductId/7390/ProductName/Owl-Salt-Pepper-Shakers/Default.aspx">Salt & Pepper shakers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/CandlesFragrance/tabid/976/CategoryId/99/ProductId/32507/ProductName/Scented-Owl-LED-Candle/Default.aspx">LED Candle</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/HomeAccentsD%C3%A9cor/tabid/979/CategoryId/134/ProductId/32715/ProductName/Wise-Owl-Wall-Decor/Default.aspx">Owl wall decor</a><br />
Owl <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/HomeAccentsD%C3%A9cor/tabid/979/CategoryId/134/ProductId/33128/ProductName/Owl-Wall-Art/Default.aspx">paintings</a> - I like the blue-ish background one best<br />
Cute <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Gifts/tabid/978/CategoryId/125/ProductId/8367/ProductName/Blank-Owl-Card/Default.aspx">greeting card</a> with feathery accents<br />
LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuffed <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Gifts/tabid/978/CategoryId/121/ProductId/8794/ProductName/Plush-Animals/Default.aspx">owl toy</a> (I bought the Zebra for my sister)<br />
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And a bunch more cute stuff coming in <a href="http://media.pier1.com/img/pier1com/pressroom/media_images/merchandise_previews/fall11/fall2011_mp.pdf">Fall</a>... Gosh, you'd think I still work there.<br />
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Had some fun creating an Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQ4ODQzODd8NDAwOTIxMjYx/abowt-owls">treasury</a>, too.Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-12207784312018220692011-06-29T02:14:00.000-04:002011-06-29T02:14:28.153-04:00When you get caught between the Moon...I have to admit, Katie and I got a LOT accomplished that Tuesday morning while my nephew was in school.<br />
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After the <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/2011/06/now-i-need-little-give-and-take.html">donut shop</a> we continued our journey to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatiron_Building">Flat Iron</a> district.<br />
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Conveniently located just across the street was something on Katie's NYC bucket list: <a href="http://eatalyny.com/">Eataly</a>. I had never heard of the place, but according to Katie it is somewhere Mario Batali and other Food Network folks like to shop, which is enough to interest me! (random vague side note: I saw a guy there that I KNOW is on tv, but I haven't figured out who he is yet...)<br />
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The whole place is one big store, make that HUGE store, but broken down into different areas and stalls and mini-shops and restaurants. <br />
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I got a big kick out of the boards next to the Vegetable Butcher:<br />
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But also really enjoyed all the different shapes and colors of foods and drinks. I was in foodie/photo heaven!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1wa_uE-4GowfFliPps-GjrEsdh20abfz3cOZWnf2FBBmzmLYSYMXwuLFncph9EBM6bERLScGgOyiWwms7nZ1vDd8PGeytHDDf0RTWdSTfPr2oakp76N-X6_IItj2oPPZXhpb/s1600/eataly5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1wa_uE-4GowfFliPps-GjrEsdh20abfz3cOZWnf2FBBmzmLYSYMXwuLFncph9EBM6bERLScGgOyiWwms7nZ1vDd8PGeytHDDf0RTWdSTfPr2oakp76N-X6_IItj2oPPZXhpb/s320/eataly5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I think I could have stood at the pasta counter eternally...<br />
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...but we had to hop back on the subway and pick up the little man from pre-school and head home for a nap.<br />
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MORE Tuesday (to be continued...)Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-21033271805879821042011-06-27T11:30:00.001-04:002011-06-29T02:14:58.637-04:00...Now I Need a Little Give And Take...On Tuesdays and Thursdays my nephew attended pre-school.<br />
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Katie and I dropped him off just before 8a on Tuesday and made a quick stop at the Starbucks nearby before getting on the subway headed for Chelsea. <br />
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We got off the subway and walked down 21st Street (I think) to the Chelsea Market. <br />
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We walked through starting from the Food Network end where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaharu_Morimoto">Masaharu Morimoto</a> has his restaurant and bought freshly baked bread twists from a bakery before coming out onto 9th Avenue where we circled back around and took 21st to 10th Avneue and up the stairs to the High Line. <br />
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I won't go into a full description of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Line_(New_York_City)">High Line</a> (I'll let Wikipedia do that for me), but I will summarize by saying that it is a former raised railroad track converted into a park. <br />
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At one point it runs beneath the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Hotel">Standard Hotel</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNkM6XTnYp6j6Wo5NGzVi6GhuCZXQJ8F1U-bbV_gz7-F8Davd8V02h2rCgK5OzICBRabmY99QGvNIBXuQfuTJ-14L9SAx3o3Fvr2kd-NA8T7GSzUeeUfjBtpYH-U-NWkOK301/s1600/HL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNkM6XTnYp6j6Wo5NGzVi6GhuCZXQJ8F1U-bbV_gz7-F8Davd8V02h2rCgK5OzICBRabmY99QGvNIBXuQfuTJ-14L9SAx3o3Fvr2kd-NA8T7GSzUeeUfjBtpYH-U-NWkOK301/s320/HL2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The landscape design was very nicely done and I could have spent all day up there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXNtPRkKB1L83KD1f5B7To_G5QgSCz-aoy3Bk_UnCvXYYoNtPF2TjDIvhOrMOUH51tsF5OhIn2qYD4q1M099l9iFg6lFdK5RU378TeItEUDi0aLMmRJVlKjliPLEm6fSn686B/s1600/HL4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXNtPRkKB1L83KD1f5B7To_G5QgSCz-aoy3Bk_UnCvXYYoNtPF2TjDIvhOrMOUH51tsF5OhIn2qYD4q1M099l9iFg6lFdK5RU378TeItEUDi0aLMmRJVlKjliPLEm6fSn686B/s320/HL4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dHSjRAC2fhvsccMQ98fF9VjOIQgNGEYunzTtOXgy3cWlx5-xPVrvJvNr1ZXNP6tj7gHb9ry77aptt0nOpz4aJBv2xZ0hvKR6O7_lbOeFKzVSZmcgHn_r42iyQurcklnV4-2F/s1600/donut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dHSjRAC2fhvsccMQ98fF9VjOIQgNGEYunzTtOXgy3cWlx5-xPVrvJvNr1ZXNP6tj7gHb9ry77aptt0nOpz4aJBv2xZ0hvKR6O7_lbOeFKzVSZmcgHn_r42iyQurcklnV4-2F/s320/donut.jpg" /></a></div>We walked to the end of the High Line and then headed toward the Flat Iron district. On the way we came across a fancy donut shop. <br />
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We were much more impressed with the decor in the shop than the donuts, the prices, OR the customer service... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilphx7rmQIu14cj6hWkG5PXDu6L9vvj4noJL1vsKwsLFyJlxf1NpuKNzqXs3jwKiQ8zE4qB7OxTsUB63AKqbzoHHXYZNYJVX4-W_KRb5pMC1XAeDVNmOFYaNgRlwvzmOpqCcL4/s1600/donutdecor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilphx7rmQIu14cj6hWkG5PXDu6L9vvj4noJL1vsKwsLFyJlxf1NpuKNzqXs3jwKiQ8zE4qB7OxTsUB63AKqbzoHHXYZNYJVX4-W_KRb5pMC1XAeDVNmOFYaNgRlwvzmOpqCcL4/s320/donutdecor.jpg" /></a></div><br />
but how often do you get to disco while peeing?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaUQnZt9-ALU0N_eMLWAofHkciWypXyhtwfJKUJDj_Y7kKFZ45PPa9ecWNNT8SA3U9hLTuJTzpqbIMSvySgV4p7gMJq9WkC-Y_iG6SZH-k8MmjrE6AGBuaqEknYUeXe7zgWvc/s1600/discopotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaUQnZt9-ALU0N_eMLWAofHkciWypXyhtwfJKUJDj_Y7kKFZ45PPa9ecWNNT8SA3U9hLTuJTzpqbIMSvySgV4p7gMJq9WkC-Y_iG6SZH-k8MmjrE6AGBuaqEknYUeXe7zgWvc/s320/discopotty.jpg" /></a></div><br />
(Tuesday's escapades <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/2011/06/when-you-get-caught-between-moon.html">to be continued</a>...)Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-77317142651752955082011-06-27T08:46:00.000-04:002011-06-27T08:46:50.320-04:00Style!I know, I know, I'm all over the place. <br />
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Travel blog, home decorating, cooking, animals... what's next? Should I focus?<br />
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NAH.<br />
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I'm feeling very style-maven-ish today, particularly excited because I'm expecting the arrival of a pair of FREE shoes from <a href="http://www.shoedazzle.com/">Shoedazzle</a>. I've been a member for about a year and a half and love it so far. As long as I remember to "skip the month" by the 5th, I don't get charged unless I am buying a pair of shoes, and hot stylin' shoes for $40 plus shipping? Awesome. I earned myself enough points to get a free pair and they are on track to arrive on my doorstep this afternoon. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX8rj0nySwRaaLyWzFmfGj7WzPdtpAno4kgswTAhrLk8tU8zDVcYfVqGWiFnh1iymZRAFEUEb934u_b0_RnzUSU0rARJLQVlIxadtvFB5slT1Gu7bNEFqaUqjhLcKWnFJSFdN/s1600/Dottie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="306" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX8rj0nySwRaaLyWzFmfGj7WzPdtpAno4kgswTAhrLk8tU8zDVcYfVqGWiFnh1iymZRAFEUEb934u_b0_RnzUSU0rARJLQVlIxadtvFB5slT1Gu7bNEFqaUqjhLcKWnFJSFdN/s320/Dottie.png" /></a></div><br />
Cute, No?<br />
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I'm thinking of pairing them with something along these lines: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9lGVVIlDQSFrYpZCoVcux3EtFyQB990iWVpvNa1IH51nEerNFPOKTXTVO4g7Rh12Fbc2qZv30N8oVTMNkM_9BcMv78lY1rBOnJRzIjQwelVkT1PR4V7d8BpnWhIP7xArD0Bl/s1600/fordottie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9lGVVIlDQSFrYpZCoVcux3EtFyQB990iWVpvNa1IH51nEerNFPOKTXTVO4g7Rh12Fbc2qZv30N8oVTMNkM_9BcMv78lY1rBOnJRzIjQwelVkT1PR4V7d8BpnWhIP7xArD0Bl/s400/fordottie.png" /></a></div><br />
(Jeans from <a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446412557&afsrc=1&site_refer=GGLBASE001&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=ParentItem0415329581558">Saks</a>, top from <a href="http://fashion.hsn.com/twiggy-london-rectangular-sequin-tank_pf-126375_xp.aspx?&rdr=1&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Engine-_-Froogle-_-Women's%20Apparel-_-126375">HSN</a>, necklace from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bathroman?ref=af_you_favitem">etsy</a>, bag from ebay)<br />
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If you are remotely interested in the shoedazzle thing, let me send you an invite and I'll get more points (MORE FREE SHOES, HOORAY!).Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-64093310134317453772011-06-14T16:54:00.000-04:002011-06-14T16:54:36.321-04:00There's Nothing You Can't Do...When we last left our heroine (that'd be me), I had spent the Saturday of my trip to New York City walking and walking and walking, eating, karaoke-ing, walking some more, and finally sleeping.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq478uVXKanSya0tW-I47DIY9hfGTEDA5ZIFGV3i8vF_NTuEVZN4SM2jWyxRriXR04DSG9p0xa-NLQT7wFUHek-d7pbgKR72bvdjxvmR2HDTGwRtN4cAhyhpFRMxMleGAuRzU/s1600/city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq478uVXKanSya0tW-I47DIY9hfGTEDA5ZIFGV3i8vF_NTuEVZN4SM2jWyxRriXR04DSG9p0xa-NLQT7wFUHek-d7pbgKR72bvdjxvmR2HDTGwRtN4cAhyhpFRMxMleGAuRzU/s400/city.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Sunday morning my nephew Jackson had a birthday party to attend, so I was able to sleep in a little while until he and Katie returned. Most of the day was spent entertaining Jackson and trying to keep him out of the way so Katie could pack for their move to Virginia.<br />
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We decided to get pizza for dinner, so we walked a few blocks away to <a href="http://www.famousfamiglia.com/">Famiglia</a> Pizzeria. We had them make us a large - half "Veggie" and half "Fresca" (basically a margherita). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOq5DozS99sky2z_I76z6fquXEwsamwHAKNtIi30PmI1ZDWVy8D7N4i_LBcuYUDwpDfqJXjqmtDqdtwDjbMVGa9uprASzs7csh2TYuRIn5MQsTDy7VtGw3kVzCBXCkAPLUxFc/s1600/pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOq5DozS99sky2z_I76z6fquXEwsamwHAKNtIi30PmI1ZDWVy8D7N4i_LBcuYUDwpDfqJXjqmtDqdtwDjbMVGa9uprASzs7csh2TYuRIn5MQsTDy7VtGw3kVzCBXCkAPLUxFc/s320/pizza.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I had intended to try multiple kinds of pizza and cheesecake while in New York, only managed to have two different restaurant's offerings of pizza, and only ended up having cheesecake (although six different varieties) from the Whole Foods next door to where I was staying.<br />
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We went to bed at a reasonable hour Sunday night to prepare for our big morning out on Monday.<br />
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Katie had acquired tickets for the two of us to attend a taping of the Wendy Williams show. I will admit that I had never heard of Wendy Williams, but watched a clip or two of her on youtube before leaving on my trip, so I thought I had an idea of what I was in for.<br />
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I had no idea that I was going to be in for a crazy dance party and that Katie and I would have a ton of air-time. Wendy Williams herself is a riot, and the taping segments were fun, but the REAL entertainment is the audience-warmer, Kevin. <br />
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Kevin is a hoot. He gets everyone up and dancing and singing and laughing. He flirts with the entire audience and made us all feel welcome and like there was nowhere else in New York we would rather be RIGHT THEN.<br />
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If you are in the audience, you are instructed to dress "fashionably", so I decided this was probably my one chance to wear heels and get away with it. I chose a pair that are pretty awesome, but that I also have quite a bit of experience wearing, so that I wouldn't be uncomfortable walking a fair distance or standing in them for quite awhile. Unfortunately, we were running a little bit late, so we walked much faster than those shoes are intended for, and I ended up with blisters on my feet on only my third day in New York.<br />
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After getting back to the apartment we watched the playback of our appearance on the show, took naps (thank goodness for 2.5 year olds that take naps!) and I finished off the evening with a big salad and some middle eastern and Indian food from Whole Foods. <br />
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Fortunately, they healed quickly and I had several other pairs of shoes to wear throughout the week to avoid making the injuries any worse.Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-17473761028500591822011-05-28T12:11:00.000-04:002011-05-28T12:11:35.833-04:00It's Up To You...A week ago at this time I was gallavanting through NYC.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF34DDvRQ2AShUvRicmSeuacL83BVzZGzcMd0thEPIcqxlG36X6Hyqyg8ZojuFqm9eJj9w53BFtY50Do-kSYElHs6K8gCWkPw3ms600Eb9sRVI568wCFKeMvvO6oAOYMfFgagw/s1600/Centralpark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF34DDvRQ2AShUvRicmSeuacL83BVzZGzcMd0thEPIcqxlG36X6Hyqyg8ZojuFqm9eJj9w53BFtY50Do-kSYElHs6K8gCWkPw3ms600Eb9sRVI568wCFKeMvvO6oAOYMfFgagw/s320/Centralpark.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My nephew Jackson is two-and-a-half, and wakes up every day around 6a or 6:30a. When you are all living in a <i>tiny</i> apartment, there is not much sleeping in. Kevin had come up from Richmond for the weekend, so the four of us went to Central Park together for a walk and a little bit of running-around time.<br />
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Kevin took Jackson back to the apartment and Katie and I hopped on the subway to 42nd/Times Square. We walked through Times Square (Lego store!) and over to Rockefeller center before getting back on the subway and heading to the Soho area.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruqaVv13YfQ_J-grv7HVvBmLntlo4r-aK1KuP7v9QNEKb1pBlCx_2B96h-cfcgY2DWEJaT0vSpv1gYcK2Z3BZn4XaEzQgvk6rWwB0veevnFEt1eDbGx3k9v09NCT-2hiLIV_7/s1600/sohogzero.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruqaVv13YfQ_J-grv7HVvBmLntlo4r-aK1KuP7v9QNEKb1pBlCx_2B96h-cfcgY2DWEJaT0vSpv1gYcK2Z3BZn4XaEzQgvk6rWwB0veevnFEt1eDbGx3k9v09NCT-2hiLIV_7/s320/sohogzero.png" /></a></div><br />
We walked from there to Ground Zero (quite a walk!) by way of Bowery, through Little Italy and down Church Street and Broadway. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTdZW_VE59hY8urfQDmZwEKguKZky-dmtf-u6qmKAMDQCazrxS6LDT5gp7WoOduYVe973tNj617AuK8J8OPascr8UY2a8WpVP_4vEZJtTganfZQ0y8ZX4u37HughZoTqpHlZ4/s1600/groundzero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTdZW_VE59hY8urfQDmZwEKguKZky-dmtf-u6qmKAMDQCazrxS6LDT5gp7WoOduYVe973tNj617AuK8J8OPascr8UY2a8WpVP_4vEZJtTganfZQ0y8ZX4u37HughZoTqpHlZ4/s320/groundzero.jpg" /></a></div>This is one of the buildings under construction (many things under construction there of course).<br />
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<a href="http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/congregation/spc/">St. Paul's Chapel</a> is a Trinity Church is across the street from Ground Zero and has survived many New York disasters. It was opened in 1776 and was one of the only buildings in the area left standing in the "Great Fire" of 1776. When the World Trade Center collapsed, it again was nearly untouched and became a haven for rescue workers.<br />
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Katie and I took the subway back uptown and I got to take a little nap while Jackson was still sleeping.<br />
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Saturday evening we went to dinner at <a href="http://dhabanyc.com/menu.htm">Dhaba</a>, a fabulous Indian restaurant. We then met friends for drinks at Me Bar, which is next to the Empire State Building (and located in the top of a LaQuinta, of all things).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA_iKE4naDknbkqe4Ehzp7wE9RFHCO3TlQFmCSAPeUTF_Yhz7ODxnz6bo2PawyBoHYb5TLBtoViRYu3LK2zEg7vGjJptJcScyP28EBPi6SlhyphenhyphenCM0BJF40Jl-S2IC7jZE1Lzfq/s1600/karaoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="308" width="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA_iKE4naDknbkqe4Ehzp7wE9RFHCO3TlQFmCSAPeUTF_Yhz7ODxnz6bo2PawyBoHYb5TLBtoViRYu3LK2zEg7vGjJptJcScyP28EBPi6SlhyphenhyphenCM0BJF40Jl-S2IC7jZE1Lzfq/s320/karaoke.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After taking an obligatory picture of the landmark, we continued on to <a href="http://karaokeboho.com/?cat=6">Boho </a>(West) for some Karaoke. Katie had apparently been touting my abilities as a vocalist, so I was thrown into singing a couple of songs. I chose "Everything" by Michael Buble (which I have never sung publicly before, and had forgotten completely about the a Capella key change at the end... OOPS!) and Katie chose for me to sing "Stay" by Lisa Loeb. I was backed up significantly by the rest of the patrons.<br />
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There was a rather large group of people from New Jersey that inundated the bar shortly after we arrived. After they pretty much took over the place (and managed to gas us out more than once - thanks, dude) we decided to call it a night and parted ways with the girls that had come out with us.<br />
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Kevin, Katie and I took the subway back up to Times Square and then walked through so I could take some pics with all of the lights. <br />
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We then ducked in to the M&M's store about 10 minutes before closing since none of us had ever been to one. I picked up a postcard for my Dad, and Kevin picked up what turned out to be some VERY expensive M&M's.<br />
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We got back on the subway and headed uptown to the apartment, crashing into bed (the couch for me) soon after.Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25401610.post-49825513559611941602011-05-25T18:26:00.000-04:002011-05-25T18:26:12.647-04:00Traveling Hot Sauce SaleswomanBoy have I been busy!<br />
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I had the greatest of intentions to blog daily (HA!) or at least weekly (hardly!) once I officially became a housewife.<br />
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The truth is that I traded one full-time job for another, maybe even two. While I am indeed now a housewife, I am also now the driving force behind the <a href="http://hbhotsauce.com/">Homeward Bound Hot Sauce</a> roller-coaster. (If you have been a faithful reader and not figured out what this hot sauce thing is all about, I'll be happy to talk your ear off about it!)<br />
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Between trying to get the house into a better general state and filling hot sauce orders, I haven't had much time to do all the project-y things I'd like to tackle now that I supposedly have some free time.<br />
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I HAVE been able to start to tackle a few things, like embroidering penguins onto a pair of Converse for my nephew, and sending out the stack of remaining Christmas presents that have spent the last five months next to our front door.<br />
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I traveled to Portland, OR for two weeks in March/April to help my Mom with her last big project at work before she retires this summer, to visit my best girlfriend and her newborn baby (and her other three children), and to visit my best guy-friend and clean out my Vancouver house. It was wonderful to spend so much time in what I consider to be my "Home Turf" and it really helped me get motivated to dive into our dream of making the hot sauce what ultimately takes us home to the Pacific Northwest.<br />
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After I returned home to Georgia I was able to reschedule my <a href="http://reesepie.blogspot.com/2011/04/bits-and-pieces.html">surgery</a> for the middle of June. Once that was taken care of it enabled me to schedule the other pieces of my summer.<br />
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My sister and brother-in-law and our nephew have been living in New York City for the last year and are moving to Virginia. This was my last chance to visit them here (and maybe my last chance ever for free lodging), so I booked my tickets once our tax return came back and arrived at La Guardia airport on Friday evening around 6p.<br />
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I took a cab to Katie's building and we spent the evening catching up and making our initial plans for the week.<br />
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I have taken about 300 pics so far and uploaded over 200 to Facebook, I'm having an amazing time seeing the sites and appreciating all the artistry and nature in this huge city.<br />
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I still have a few things to see (and EAT) before I head home early this Friday morning.Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10071013960717010630noreply@blogger.com0