tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81035919529503405962024-03-13T04:16:36.038-04:00Random RamblingsTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-41477210945215417702013-12-30T09:11:00.002-05:002014-01-02T14:05:57.395-05:00Weekly Ten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVhJsg_6lVUs7OTzUNSsVa0N5b_OTsvKHwFcZ_IRQF1HH5oyP9Y8cTIGjL1VWWKCeRxpZKK2OUIfU0f7meXwPaytt_dFl9iWEVehTCEWpUsff927T7npeWW9CazYbA7ztBaw9tgrnN7-q/s1600/weekly+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVhJsg_6lVUs7OTzUNSsVa0N5b_OTsvKHwFcZ_IRQF1HH5oyP9Y8cTIGjL1VWWKCeRxpZKK2OUIfU0f7meXwPaytt_dFl9iWEVehTCEWpUsff927T7npeWW9CazYbA7ztBaw9tgrnN7-q/s320/weekly+10.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok, so I'll admit that I stole this cute little picture and idea from another blogger, but with her permission. And I'll admit to being a "list-maker." Always have been, most likely always will be. I find it extremely satisfying to cross things off a list as I complete them, and it helps to keep an otherwise unorganized person at least slightly organized. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I meant to post this yesterday, to start on Sunday, but I think that I'll post on Mondays instead. So here goes....my first Weekly Ten!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strike>1. Order pictures from Shutterfly.</strike> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Monday</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strike>2. Sort and organize my scrapbook room.</strike> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; color: black;">Wednesday</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strike>3. Use my new steam mop.</strike> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Wednesday</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strike>4. Get the Christmas decorations put away.</strike> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Wednesday</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">5. Frame the cross stitch gifts I've completed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">6. Put together and mail a package to Kim in Virginia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">7. Sort out Brynn's books and toys, get rid of things she doesn't play with anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strike>8. Clean the refrigerator.</strike> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Monday</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">9. Mail birthday cards to Mom and Gramma.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strike>10. Sign up for a creative class for 2014.</strike> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Tuesday</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-47062890020278358282013-10-01T12:33:00.001-04:002013-10-01T12:33:43.407-04:00Summer's End<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summer is pretty much over here in western NY, so I thought I would try to get back into the habit of blogging with an easy post. I'm just going to share a few of my favorite photos from the summer of 2013.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ddi3ZekMilQebOPJZygJjaTR1DDRHmta-JMrCWwt3bZbvwBIah0LR-tfQhbCkGS13YFOqvZPPKeWaWfHROIFnXVjrX2JfZ9gawGQK-1AgDzwelJc9IUXv4KR70-XlcmK1y9zvVGgtCEh/s1600/IMG_4918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ddi3ZekMilQebOPJZygJjaTR1DDRHmta-JMrCWwt3bZbvwBIah0LR-tfQhbCkGS13YFOqvZPPKeWaWfHROIFnXVjrX2JfZ9gawGQK-1AgDzwelJc9IUXv4KR70-XlcmK1y9zvVGgtCEh/s320/IMG_4918.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blowing bubbles with Gramma </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkrSVQ8hQRacZACrkXyIyQwcuBohhKaY8XXEl8wTP12HskKKgY21P62aYPmhyphenhyphenQN8oT33fy4b_rADrrvfDpU2fAGqfrpKfFgSH8fiOgWFFlGxUuBwWyaOpChU5bmNDC7miLAGBv_45JsLO/s1600/IMG_4926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkrSVQ8hQRacZACrkXyIyQwcuBohhKaY8XXEl8wTP12HskKKgY21P62aYPmhyphenhyphenQN8oT33fy4b_rADrrvfDpU2fAGqfrpKfFgSH8fiOgWFFlGxUuBwWyaOpChU5bmNDC7miLAGBv_45JsLO/s320/IMG_4926.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">riding the carousel at Charlotte with Grampa</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTaS5Sdv6O7Z9d__6y8az1fBRDoXQfz4nYFau-grhJxukhiqVG8n5CqSVoXx-zo0A2fUpMsqTiBt_JuzV2y_-2jGXG9Ps003IHM_7d_ipmeCconn7NmglNablAsGnmTqsO1fIhoOw_Evd/s1600/IMG_4949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTaS5Sdv6O7Z9d__6y8az1fBRDoXQfz4nYFau-grhJxukhiqVG8n5CqSVoXx-zo0A2fUpMsqTiBt_JuzV2y_-2jGXG9Ps003IHM_7d_ipmeCconn7NmglNablAsGnmTqsO1fIhoOw_Evd/s320/IMG_4949.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brynn's first dance recital in June</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBhLS0VACI28VYDPBFLzFzurxB7xEUM_B0TLQa1qipqy5D09APukqddXnrKO50w0S_WcbgpR4xKTPil5_ECe0HXZxlxL5e3t5qZ6gMC9A4o35dDGBFB7Cpnffntc1pul3EesHP2WYH6hX/s1600/IMG_4969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBhLS0VACI28VYDPBFLzFzurxB7xEUM_B0TLQa1qipqy5D09APukqddXnrKO50w0S_WcbgpR4xKTPil5_ECe0HXZxlxL5e3t5qZ6gMC9A4o35dDGBFB7Cpnffntc1pul3EesHP2WYH6hX/s320/IMG_4969.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama and Brynn after her dance recital </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSjba84z2_fFadGDeJbEMv2KRwFsjnid6HIaKbaw4taTn2uJAgs8XSDlYLtypI-67rkvBgh6XTWlpw8UT_xUVCn7pQpjPukBKb2oxbckOaWeP9sAqYpWI92rRbdX-6x4jywFl6tZ9Q9aI/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSjba84z2_fFadGDeJbEMv2KRwFsjnid6HIaKbaw4taTn2uJAgs8XSDlYLtypI-67rkvBgh6XTWlpw8UT_xUVCn7pQpjPukBKb2oxbckOaWeP9sAqYpWI92rRbdX-6x4jywFl6tZ9Q9aI/s320/IMG_4978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brynn with all her grandmothers </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnYv7LOGGf_3C8GWcKrf_zgIalskFE8clHFmUdFNZhRATB8GLILJOFD4kudP6J28jzeslJMG4LRtUdbSVRYvUg44JJoKFF8_j0CkaqJXJsMf0Jc1PlLvhm1YWLqI6W06I0XG6HMA34mUI/s1600/IMG_4982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnYv7LOGGf_3C8GWcKrf_zgIalskFE8clHFmUdFNZhRATB8GLILJOFD4kudP6J28jzeslJMG4LRtUdbSVRYvUg44JJoKFF8_j0CkaqJXJsMf0Jc1PlLvhm1YWLqI6W06I0XG6HMA34mUI/s320/IMG_4982.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">practicing riding her bike</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fYPOQu1SWKSh2APhXR4M3nkPnKj7SLUYWNGKhayiZPi1iABkjxmDXD8PzWkjm7jfrGwno1caR-eZsXDZeHYBPEQIrJ3A3CX8wDUFrcYok1RCQIPX74JDEYWQdnBnWWHdD2jVj0aTqmEk/s1600/IMG_5000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fYPOQu1SWKSh2APhXR4M3nkPnKj7SLUYWNGKhayiZPi1iABkjxmDXD8PzWkjm7jfrGwno1caR-eZsXDZeHYBPEQIrJ3A3CX8wDUFrcYok1RCQIPX74JDEYWQdnBnWWHdD2jVj0aTqmEk/s320/IMG_5000.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a trip to Seneca Park Zoo, sitting on the lion statue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMXOethBF4j-VmBzihah8G_kPQxbA1AskXkQsu6paycoylaZhTLZ1tpna9S7Mq3288XkmBbr0xr6L4_H7AkMK0FxECwG8RsoaVBo7fXJHM3cs5ZXBCxmB8wAbEaZNjE56f1Al5F-4n-zW/s1600/IMG_5005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMXOethBF4j-VmBzihah8G_kPQxbA1AskXkQsu6paycoylaZhTLZ1tpna9S7Mq3288XkmBbr0xr6L4_H7AkMK0FxECwG8RsoaVBo7fXJHM3cs5ZXBCxmB8wAbEaZNjE56f1Al5F-4n-zW/s320/IMG_5005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fun in the water at Seneca Park Zoo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-2598796994372947132013-04-04T12:07:00.004-04:002013-04-04T12:07:39.592-04:00A to Z Blog Challenge-Depression
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is not an easy topic for me to write about, nor is it
going to be easy to click the “publish” button when I’m finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I’ve realized lately that I am
keeping too many things to myself, and perhaps writing about them will help me
work through them.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was officially diagnosed with depression in 2004, but I’m
sure it was present for many years before that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For a long time, I ignored it, as I have always been someone who cries
easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I attributed it to the change of
seasons and the extra-long winters we tend to have in western New York.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought perhaps it was due to the fact that
I wasn’t getting pregnant when all the people around me were having babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But after a while, I was unable to ignore it
anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no interest in activities
that I had once loved, primarily scrapbooking and cross stitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t sleeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was eating all the time, comfort foods and
sweets that weren’t at all good for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I finally got up the nerve to talk to my doctor about it, asking her
about a medication that I had read about online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t a fan of the one I had asked
about, but prescribed another one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was a new person after a short period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happier and I was finding myself once
again loving my crafts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was trying to
deal with the fact that I might never be a mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was also gaining weight, a side effect of the drug I was taking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t</span> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">remember how long I took it for,
before I weaned myself off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was at
least a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since then, I’ve tried a series of drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve participated in a research study for a
new drug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve taken medication for a
while, stopped taking it when I felt better, and started again when I was
feeling bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned strategies to
deal with my emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned the
triggers for my more serious bouts with depression, and while I can’t always avoid
those triggers, I can at least cope with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through it all, I’ve learned a great deal about myself, and I’ve become
a stronger person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I became a mom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had stopped thinking about, wondering about, and worrying about having a
baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was when I discovered, in September
of 2009, that I was expecting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
having my daughter hasn’t cured my depression, it has definitely helped.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Would I recommend doing things the way I did, taking myself
on and off meds without asking my doctor?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Definitely not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I recommend
talking to your doctor if you think you have any form of depression?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most definitely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the best thing I ever did for myself!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are numerous places online where you can check for
signs and symptoms of depression, and quizzes you can take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As someone who has dealt with it for many
years, I would also be happy to talk to anyone!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-89174773559029435422013-04-03T14:58:00.001-04:002013-04-03T14:58:12.844-04:00A to Z Blog Challenge-Country Girl<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am totally and completely a country girl at heart! I may live in a neighborhood in the suburbs now, but I dream of living in an old farmhouse on several acres of land. I grew up in the middle of nowhere, with grandparents who ran a dairy farm. There were cows, horses, and, when I was younger, an old collie named Laddie. I loved spending time there, climbing in the haylofts, riding on the tractors, feeding the cows and horses, and walking through the fields. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Most of my family still lives in the small town I grew up in. My grandmother has since sold the farm to my uncle, who ran it as a dairy farm for a number of years, before selling the cows several years ago, as being a dairy farmer in NY isn't profitable anymore. Both my grandmother and my uncle still live on the property, so I still get to visit my old stomping grounds. And no matter how long I live in the city, that tiny town will always be home!</span>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-67213235857203814442013-04-02T10:46:00.001-04:002013-04-02T10:46:20.452-04:00A to Z Blog Challenge-Balancing Act<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sure that I am not the only one that feels like my entire life is a balancing act. Work, home, family, my daughter, hobbies...it seems like the list is never-ending! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I work from 7:30am to 3:30pm. All day, I'm balancing multiple responsibilities, from providing direct services to the people I work with to completing paperwork and meeting deadlines to maintaining peace among staff. There are days that I feel like I've been extremely productive, and days when I go home feeling like I got absolutely nothing accomplished. Last week, I decided to close and lock my office door for an hour in order to attempt to catch up on paperwork. In that hour, there were 12, yes 12!!! knocks on my door. Each interruption was for a question that the staff person could have answered themselves. Needless to say, I ended up frustrated and nothing got done!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">After work, I pick up my daughter at school/daycare. We either go straight home or stop at the grocery store for dinner supplies. Once again, the balancing act begins. She is, and always will be, my number one priority. However, once we get home, I also have to fit in cooking, cleaning, laundry, and all the other household tasks that nobody else does. I make every attempt to give her my full attention, and I feel bad when I'm unable to do that. My only hope is that, once she's older, she won't look back on her childhood and feel like she was neglected in any way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My question to everyone is this....how do you go about balancing the multiple responsibilities in your life, and how do you fit in time for yourself? </span>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-46469631206940216772013-04-01T10:41:00.001-04:002013-04-01T10:41:49.776-04:00A to Z Blog Challenge: All About Me<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So many possible topics came to mind for the letter A post today. Apologies, addiction, autism, adultery, Argyle (tiny town where I grew up), adulthood...all things that I could write quite freely about, but none that seemed quite right for a first post for the A to Z Challange. I'm guessing that most of the people who will be reading this blog for the next month, and hopefully longer, will be people that don't know anything about me. That thought led me to the topic I chose for today...All About Me. Here are some random things about me that will hopefully help you get to know me, at least a little bit!</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was born in northern New Jersey, grew up in the eastern part of New York, and now live in the western part of New York. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have an undergraduate degree in Speech Language Pathology and a graduate degree in Special Education.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have a 3 year old daughter named Brynn, who is the love of my life!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In my spare time, I enjoy doing counted cross stitch, scrapbooking, and photography.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have worked with people of all ages, from 18 months to 84, with varying disabilities. My favorite group to work with was children with autism. I think I learned as much from them as they learned from me!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have 3 tattoos, all of which can be covered in professional settings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am 38 years old, and starting to worry about turning 40 in 2014.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I guess that's enough for now, as I should get back to doing some work this morning! </span>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-80015509626257054882013-01-15T10:54:00.002-05:002013-01-15T10:54:40.641-05:00Tasty Tuesday-Crock Pot Mac & Cheese<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's this week's recipe...this is a favorite in my house! Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Crock Pot Macaroni & Cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">8 oz macaroni, cooked and drained (6 cups)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 tablespoons oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 13 oz evaporated milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 1/2 cups milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3 cups shredded sharp cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/4 cup melted butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 tablespoons minced onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Toss cooked macaroni in 2 tablespoons oil. Add all remaining ingredients. Pour into lightly greased crock pot. Stir well. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally. </span>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-91802892296118838702013-01-08T13:17:00.000-05:002013-01-08T13:18:44.571-05:00Tasty Tuesday-New Orleans Barbequed Shrimp<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have decided that I'm going to share a recipe each Tuesday. Each one will be one that I've tried. Some will be ones I've found online, ones that have been passed down through my family, and ones that were recommedations of friends. Today's recipe is one I found online, and is great served with earm French bread or over angel hair pasta (my preference). Enjoy!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">New Orleans Barbequed Shrimp</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 pound shrimp, heads off and unpeeled</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup zesty Italian dressing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 tablespook lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 teaspoons ground black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/8 teaspoon garlin powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1. Preheat over to 350 degrees</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2. Wash shrimp and drain well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3. Melt butter in a one quart casserole dish. Add salad dressing, lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic powder.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4. Add shrimp to the casserole dish. Stir gently to cover the shrimp with the mixture. Cover and bake, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes or until shrimp are pink.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">5. Serve the shrimp on a large platter and place the sauce in individual bowls so that you can easily dunk bread in the sauce or pour over angel hair pasta in individual bowls.</span>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-53402673633098191102013-01-07T15:07:00.003-05:002013-01-07T15:08:50.624-05:00Favorite Holiday Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brynn was the perfect age for Christmas this year! She was so excited about decorating the tree, helping to pick out and wrap presents, and preparing for Santa's arrival. Here are a few of my favorite photos from Christmas 2012.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ-gVlXIq4c/UOsIP-qOApI/AAAAAAAAALA/pNazIRon2QI/s1600/IMG_4599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ-gVlXIq4c/UOsIP-qOApI/AAAAAAAAALA/pNazIRon2QI/s400/IMG_4599.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Christmas Eve at Mana's house, she loved Uncle Bill's train</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjvYR7u7zJU/UOsIP6wp8GI/AAAAAAAAALI/gOcZe4JlFjk/s1600/IMG_4620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjvYR7u7zJU/UOsIP6wp8GI/AAAAAAAAALI/gOcZe4JlFjk/s400/IMG_4620.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">checking out the filled stockings on Christmas morning</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeCr6rqqu1E/UOsIPxgqq3I/AAAAAAAAALE/ea9L5cWtNS8/s1600/IMG_4621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeCr6rqqu1E/UOsIPxgqq3I/AAAAAAAAALE/ea9L5cWtNS8/s400/IMG_4621.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">checking out all the presents Santa left under the tree</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJL8OnWNNCc/UOsIQ_heqHI/AAAAAAAAALQ/535si-Bk6fs/s400/IMG_4666.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Brynn's dollhouse...it's huge! She needs the stool to be able to reach the 3rd floor, and she can barely reach the attic!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJL8OnWNNCc/UOsIQ_heqHI/AAAAAAAAALQ/535si-Bk6fs/s1600/IMG_4666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEaq1hoSc3g/UOsIRcUIT0I/AAAAAAAAALc/KshLIaq96qY/s1600/IMG_4679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEaq1hoSc3g/UOsIRcUIT0I/AAAAAAAAALc/KshLIaq96qY/s400/IMG_4679.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Brynn wore her Santa hat almost all day!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_Jq9utpO7I/UOsIRdzdUBI/AAAAAAAAALY/kbHbiAhdM40/s1600/IMG_4701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_Jq9utpO7I/UOsIRdzdUBI/AAAAAAAAALY/kbHbiAhdM40/s400/IMG_4701.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">with Nonnie and Papa on Christmas night</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7K96HBIMPk/UOsISAmrqcI/AAAAAAAAALg/LORVt0GtRxQ/s1600/IMG_4727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7K96HBIMPk/UOsISAmrqcI/AAAAAAAAALg/LORVt0GtRxQ/s400/IMG_4727.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">my crazy family in Argyle....it was the first time all 23 of us had been together, including new baby Gavin, who was born in October</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OruQPRlVOi0/UOsISd_RheI/AAAAAAAAALk/aUKZLWXaimg/s1600/IMG_4740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OruQPRlVOi0/UOsISd_RheI/AAAAAAAAALk/aUKZLWXaimg/s400/IMG_4740.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">my beautiful niece, Aislin</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rM0F8xegd3s/UOsIS_gz0BI/AAAAAAAAALs/gKuha1ncpP4/s1600/IMG_4741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rM0F8xegd3s/UOsIS_gz0BI/AAAAAAAAALs/gKuha1ncpP4/s400/IMG_4741.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Brynn and Aislin...definitely going to frame this one once I get the red eyes fixed!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-20604457243704668122013-01-03T10:10:00.003-05:002013-01-03T10:10:36.822-05:00Personally Yours by Tasha<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the year I will get my business off the ground. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is the year I will bring smiles to people's faces with handmade, personalized gifts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is the year I will feel a sense of accomplishment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is the year I will stop being afraid of failure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Several years ago, I decided to start selling handmade, personalized cross stitch items. I spent hours deciding on a design for business cards. I made sure I took pictures of all the projects I completed and had given as gifts. I set up a Facebook page and an Etsy shop. Then I got scared. Scared that no one would like the items. Scared that no one would purchase anything. Scared of failure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Not anymore. I'm done being scared. I know that I will never make enough money from selling handmade items to be able to stay home. I know that it will just be for extra money. But for me, the sense of accomplishment means more than the money. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Now I just have to figure out how to promote my Facebook page and Etsy shop. I guess this blog post is one of the first steps! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PersonallyYoursTasha?ref=search_shop_redirect">http://www.etsy.com/shop/PersonallyYoursTasha?ref=search_shop_redirect</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Personally-Yours-by-Tasha/431409983563543">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Personally-Yours-by-Tasha/431409983563543</a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64ks6mf7BuwfonYyiB0opAxfeYfQnLJVEMSew50sI_b6fJxNnbDYvS_p245mqeVLzdL3VFuBLGf3FfO1cTUz8MVkqG-puhcfWDC4Nigi3DhQAj2dQshm_ZYJEQdVt1FeQkhvDafIV_nJv/s1600/brynn+cross+stitch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64ks6mf7BuwfonYyiB0opAxfeYfQnLJVEMSew50sI_b6fJxNnbDYvS_p245mqeVLzdL3VFuBLGf3FfO1cTUz8MVkqG-puhcfWDC4Nigi3DhQAj2dQshm_ZYJEQdVt1FeQkhvDafIV_nJv/s320/brynn+cross+stitch.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl's name, with hearts</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO21ciRkfiWl25PzFfc6quFJ_o1N1q59YEbBeqs-aVlrpyeDJcFmXzURj2Zai3lbVLubFXP28LVPLih_6TKtgk3A8bmavQzyLojQ7L5uC6VQ1hDoua2j1rtCZ4wr4oQ-_xPl0N03MITHE/s1600/wyatt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO21ciRkfiWl25PzFfc6quFJ_o1N1q59YEbBeqs-aVlrpyeDJcFmXzURj2Zai3lbVLubFXP28LVPLih_6TKtgk3A8bmavQzyLojQ7L5uC6VQ1hDoua2j1rtCZ4wr4oQ-_xPl0N03MITHE/s320/wyatt.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy's name</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uuMQOT1RgMn3rhOhL2NPDyA3OyONumPbED2FoBFP2H30pO61OzLBLWidkgIkYHqtBva9Hs1Lzbf8D6iSW0sutPfxj09dxt0XTw8NMb6ZnJ8P8gNKBrczjMlXZSdjkS8C8AXtN97yE1mT/s1600/wedding2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uuMQOT1RgMn3rhOhL2NPDyA3OyONumPbED2FoBFP2H30pO61OzLBLWidkgIkYHqtBva9Hs1Lzbf8D6iSW0sutPfxj09dxt0XTw8NMb6ZnJ8P8gNKBrczjMlXZSdjkS8C8AXtN97yE1mT/s320/wedding2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Gift</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TVbKTPXFDXxALO5CCJm8nud67fXKkfHeUP2jiKm5rivicAYL1WE5btatTD4NobZjAWBuSlwXo7af3aupU7maHhSvx_z4jySi8zPHTQ6-4r5FOPn_goKTHNguWsfZcv37kqW_RcgGljq1/s1600/clara.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TVbKTPXFDXxALO5CCJm8nud67fXKkfHeUP2jiKm5rivicAYL1WE5btatTD4NobZjAWBuSlwXo7af3aupU7maHhSvx_z4jySi8zPHTQ6-4r5FOPn_goKTHNguWsfZcv37kqW_RcgGljq1/s320/clara.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl's name without hearts</td></tr>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-85620468414378328352013-01-02T13:24:00.000-05:002013-01-02T13:24:03.065-05:00Admiration<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided again this month to participate in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, trying to write each day in January. I attempted to do this in October and was not at all successful, so we'll see how this month will go. I'm not making any promises to succeed, but I will promise to make a conscious effort!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When I got the blog challenge email this morning, I immediately started formulating my post in my head. It's something that's been on my mind a lot lately. Who do you admire and why? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The answer came quickly...my parents. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have 2 younger brothers, and when we were little, they worked opposite shifts so that someone was home with us before and after school. As we got older and became more self-sufficient, they both worked day shifts. We took family vacations together, to the Jersey shore, rented cabins on Lake Champlain, took a trip to Boston. They never took a vacation without us. They made sacrifices for us, as many parents do. They never drove new cars. When we were old enough to play sports, they were always in attendance at our games, both home and away. In high school, when I decided that I was interested in Speech Pathology, my dad used his connections at the hospital to get me an internship so that I could really see what the job entailed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Money was put away to help with our college educations. We were encouraged to find a college that fit, whether it be close to home or far away. I remember several road trips with them, in search of the perfect school. While living 4 hours away from home during college, my parents made sure that I knew they were thinking about me. We'd have long, rambling phone conversations every Sunday night. I'd get cards and care packages for no reason. They made it easier to be away from home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've lived away from "home" since 1996, but my parents have continued to there for me. When I had back surgery several years ago, my mom offered to come stay for a few weeks until I was feeling better. When I was put in the hospital and labor was induced 4 weeks before my due date, my mom packed a bag and was there the entire time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The past few years have been rough for my mom and dad, but through it all, my admiration for them has grown. When my dad had kidney problems several years ago, my mom was by his side the whole time, adjusting her diet to meet his needs. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer last March, dad slept in her room at the hospital the entire time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">They've taken care of 3 kids, taken care of their ailing parents, and taken care of each other. They are my heroes, my support system, my cheerleaders. But most of all, they are my parents, and I admire them more than words could ever say!!!</span>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-66009350260195419362013-01-01T15:10:00.001-05:002013-01-01T15:10:30.286-05:0013 Things to do in 2013<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy New Year, everyone! Here's hoping that 2013 brings much health, happiness, and peace to your lives! Instead of doing actual resolutions this year, I decided to make a list of 13 things I'd like to do in 2013. Here's the list...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Lose 30 pounds. I was doing really good at eating healthier for a while, and then I got off track. I have a gym membership that expires in May 2013, and I haven't gone in a while. I need to get myself back in the habit of eating well and getting my butt to the gym on a regular basis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Brynn needs to finally meet her Aunt Kim. Kim's been my best friend since junior high, and our crazy schedules haven't allowed us to see each other in years. This needs to be the year that we get together and Brynn gets to meet this wonderful lady!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Catch up on Brynn's scrapbooks. I'm way behind with my scrapbooking and I'd really like to get her albums caught up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Blog on a regular basis. I tend to think that nobody cares about what I have to write, and then it dawned on me that it really doesn't matter. I write because I like to write, I enjoy the outlet of writing about random things (hence the title of this blog!). I'd really like to start writing at least twice a week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">5. Try 2 new recipes each month. I've gotten in a rut with dinners lately. It seems like I make the same things over and over again, and we're all bored with them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">6. Send cards to friends and family for special occasions, but also for no reason at all. It's so easy to send an email, but it's also fun to open the mailbox and find something other than bills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">7. Finish sewing projects that have been sitting around. I have one large cross stitch project called "The Gift" that my sister-in-law asked me to make for her. It's a confusing pattern, so when I pull it out to work on it, I never stick with it for very long. This will be the year that I surprise her with the completed project.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">8. Read more books. I have a whole library of books on my Kindle just waiting to be read.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">9. Get Personally Yours by Tasha off the ground. I've had business cards made for a while, started a facebook page, and attempted to make a few contacts in the local area. I also started an Etsy page, but I haven't done much else. I'd really like to be able to sell some items this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">10. Be more positive and optimistic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">11. Do more random acts of kindness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">12. Spend more time with my family. This has been a rough year, and we haven't been able to spend much time together. I really miss them all, and Brynn needs to get to know her family in Argyle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">13. Get my house organized. There are closets that need to be cleaned, clothes that need to be sorted, and old boxes that need to be gone through. If I tackle one area at a time, I should be able to get it all done.</span>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-68463692421078038772012-11-30T21:29:00.002-05:002012-11-30T21:33:56.404-05:0030 Days of Thankful<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like many people I know, I decided to participate in the "30 Days of Thankful" on Facebook. Each day in November, I looked forward to reading what everyone was thankful for in their lives. And each day, I posted something that I was thankful for. Some things were silly, like November 5th, when I had a particularly rough day and was simply thankful for chocolate, but other days were more significant and included my daughter, family, and friends. Just for fun, I thought I'd compile a list of each of my posts here, so I could easily look back and be reminded of all the things in my life that I have to be thankful for. Here goes...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 1-Today I am thankful for my sweet little girl, who can always make me smile, no matter how bad my day has been.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 2-Today I am thankful for a wonderful group of friends.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 3-Today I am thankful for my amazing mom and dad, and I'm so happy they booked their next cruise. It's been a rough year and they deserve it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 4-Today I am thankful for the technology that allows me to quickly and easily keep in touch with family and friends, both near and far.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 5-Today I am thankful for chocolate!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 6-Today I am thankful to live in a country where I can vote without fear of persecution, prosecution, and even death (in some countries).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 7-Today I am thankful for the wonderful nurses at Brynn's pediatrician's office.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 8-Today I am thankful to have found a great daycare/preschool for Brynn. She loves it there, and the teachers are fantastic.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 9-Today I am thankful for second chances.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 10-Today I am thankful for modern medicine.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 11-Today, and every day, I am thankful for those who have served and continue to serve in our military.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 12-Today I am thankful for the job opportunity that came my way this past April. The change has been amazing, and because of it, I have been able to renew a lost friendship. I have also met and work with some great people.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 13-Today I am thankful for warm fuzzy socks and a big mug of chai tea.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 14-Today I am thankful for the morals and values instilled in me by my parents.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 15-Today I am thankful for good advice from trusted friends.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 16-Today I am thankful for quiet time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 17-Today I am thankful for great neighbors.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 18-Today I am thankful for my 2 brothers. While we may not talk all the time and don't see each other as often as I'd like, I hope they both know how proud I am of the amazing men they've become. Love you, Gregg and Jonathan!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 19-Today I am thankful for my wonderful best friend, Kim, for way too many reasons to list. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 20-Today I am thankful for my DVR.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 21-Today I am thankful for a 4 day weekend.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 22-Today I am thankful that I had a nice talk with my parents, even if I wasn't able to spend the day with them. A big part of my heart will always be in Argyle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 23-Today I am thankful for online shopping and free shipping.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 24-Today I am thankful that Brynn got to spend time with Aunt Dee Dee.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 25-Today I am thankful that I got lots done around the house before I started feeling yucky.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 26-Today I am thankful for leftovers and not having to cook dinner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 27-Today I am thankful for karma.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 28-Today I am thankful for some really great co-workers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 29-Today I am thankful for some much-needed time alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nov. 30-Today I am thankful for all the little things that make me smile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you've gotten all the way through my boring list, thanks for reading. It's been a while since I've written anything on my blog, and it feels good to write again, even if this was a pretty easy post. Really going to try to get back into the habit of writing on a regular basis!</span><br />
Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-365574913001523702012-10-05T15:44:00.002-04:002012-10-05T15:44:23.275-04:00Golden Thread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKiF7Cxoxj_WW4UbRxtptrDuO10E6USz4SXF9uTL718CKM6Lfn37H0deVkK27Sp8wpa_AB-lGb-vDq8RKB1SQQ7VWlG-IPdMEpkb3yXxZKzAcuPkpLENBiyQPK-29TWkAGv4kTaJcT-Fg/s1600/IMG_4392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKiF7Cxoxj_WW4UbRxtptrDuO10E6USz4SXF9uTL718CKM6Lfn37H0deVkK27Sp8wpa_AB-lGb-vDq8RKB1SQQ7VWlG-IPdMEpkb3yXxZKzAcuPkpLENBiyQPK-29TWkAGv4kTaJcT-Fg/s320/IMG_4392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorite places to shop is Golden Thread Needle Arts in East Rochester. Andrea, the owner, is just wonderful. What other shop can you take your 3 year old to and let her run? What other shop owner sets your child up with a little tea party every time we're there, and even participates in said tea party while Mommy shops? Any time I stop in without Brynn, Andrea asks about her. I discovered this shop several years ago while searching for a specific color fabric and now visit on a fairly regular basis. Andrea knows my taste in patterns and always points out anything new she's gotten in since my last visit. Gotta love people like her! </span>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-15121705509163778662012-10-04T13:15:00.001-04:002012-10-04T16:19:52.493-04:0038 at 38<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is my 38th birthday, so I thought I'd make a list of 38 random things about me that people may or may not know. </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love having long hair, but I hate the time it takes to actually do something with it, so it's usually in a ponytail or a messy bun.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I highly dislike politics.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am on medication for high blood pressure...thanks, Dad!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love mashed potatoes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Counted cross stitch and scrapbooking are my favorite hobbies, although I haven't done much scrapbooking in the past few years. I have more supplies for both than I will ever be able to use in my lifetime.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love to make lists, any kind of lists. Grocery, inventory, to-do....</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I still call Argyle "home," even though I haven't lived there since 1996.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I can't remember the last time I slept through the night.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have 3 tattoos and want at least 2 more. I want a Celtic Tree of Life and a ladybug.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I would much rather text people than actually talk on the phone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love flannel sheets.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love Coke, especially from McDonald's.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I wish I was a better photographer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am addicted to reality television. And not just the game-show types. I like ones like American Pickers, Flip Men, and Auction Hunters too.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I cry over stupid commercials and TV shows.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I hate being cold, but I dislike being hot even more.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I take super-hot, extra-long showers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am a huge procrastinator.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I hate wearing shoes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I believe in psychic mediums.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am in the process of starting my own business, Personally Yours by Tasha.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Target and Wegmans are my favorite stores.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I don't go anywhere without my cell phone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I listen to talk radio all the time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I eat some kind of chocolate almost every day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have to most amazing best friend, and even though we live over 400 miles apart, we talk (via text) pretty much every day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My toenails must be painted at all times, usually some bright, crazy color that I wouldn't dare wear on my fingernails.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I wear contacts, and have for 20 years. I'd love to have laser vision correction done, but I'm too chicken!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I make a wish when I see that it's 11:11 on the clock.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I can't watch scary movies.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love the sights and smells of fall.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I need to lose about 25 pounds.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Purple tulips are my favorite flowers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I wish I could bake like my Gramma Sibyl.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have a horrible singing voice, so I only sing in the car when I'm alone or when I'm with Brynn.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am a very disorganized person.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The sound of someone grinding their teeth is equivalent to nails on a chalkboard to me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">When I was younger, 38 seemed old. Now that I'm 38, it doesn't seem so bad. I am blessed with a wonderful daughter, a great family, and amazing friends. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for me!</span></li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51aQPYzBVQ76s7VQaLawT6OAhF7B9g_ZlP94BiJrfHUHT0RQ6SHBTE-5oywoFNYrZqILCPsFzwoT5K17i2p-TVJsHjyv3BtLscxWN8gXF38VICx9uyQ6Fr85u4Verk6aBDvE3vSw7QlKA/s1600/me1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51aQPYzBVQ76s7VQaLawT6OAhF7B9g_ZlP94BiJrfHUHT0RQ6SHBTE-5oywoFNYrZqILCPsFzwoT5K17i2p-TVJsHjyv3BtLscxWN8gXF38VICx9uyQ6Fr85u4Verk6aBDvE3vSw7QlKA/s320/me1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me at 38, hair up (see #1)</span></td></tr>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-41835146348672950732012-10-03T16:16:00.000-04:002012-10-03T16:16:31.102-04:00Conversations<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I'm at work, many of my conversations are one-sided. Most of the people I work with on a daily basis are, for the most part, non-verbal or have limited conversational skills. That's not to say that they don't communicate though! Many of them have learned various ways of letting me know their desires or getting my attention (like banging on a desk every time I walk by so he can wave hello to me). Several have some knowledge of sign language, some speak in one-word or short, familiar phrases, and some don't speak at all. We manage to get through our days together just fine.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">However, my conversations completely change once I pick Brynn up from pre-school. How did I get such a chatty child? Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk....chat, chat, chat, chat, chat....talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. And there's always some singing in between the talking! It amazes me how verbal Brynn has become and some of the language she uses...appropriately! There's never a dull moment when she's around, and I never know what or whom we'll end up talking about. All I know is that this child loves to talk, and the teacher and speech pathologist in me can't bear to tell her to be quiet! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here are a few of out recent conversations....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Mama, can we get a kangaroo?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"No."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Why not?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Because they don't belong in the house and would make a mess."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"But Mama, they hop!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Gotta love the logic behind that one!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Mama, my tummy hurts."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"I'm sorry, Brynn."<br />"Don't be sorry, Mama. You didn't do anything wrong."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxQuzWR_tfXGjGNwJVDbmfKAvyHw-wBdT_MVFy5V06Ezly7k40QI3Ctw5fjF22lEkP0QaxiqGicXLGfU_HA4iaBmkdLLNnRW7IzzumnguzbyAM5PripSbTlaPncLP2zfgVtVI2mr71JT-/s1600/IMG_4318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxQuzWR_tfXGjGNwJVDbmfKAvyHw-wBdT_MVFy5V06Ezly7k40QI3Ctw5fjF22lEkP0QaxiqGicXLGfU_HA4iaBmkdLLNnRW7IzzumnguzbyAM5PripSbTlaPncLP2zfgVtVI2mr71JT-/s320/IMG_4318.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She even loves to talk on the phone!</span></td></tr>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-10514065586567646902012-10-02T14:57:00.000-04:002012-10-02T14:57:10.288-04:00Out and About<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to keep Brynn home from pre-school today and spend the day doing fun things with her instead. We started our day at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. It was a really quiet morning there, which was great, because she could run around and explore without crashing into everyone. And when I say run, I mean run! This child does not know the meaning of the word walk. It's no wonder she gains weight so slowly!!! Anyways, the museum was nice. She's been a few times before, but hadn't really gotten up the courage to really explore and try out new things. Today, she stood on the earthquake simulator, rode on the submarine (which simulates going under Lake Ontario), and dug for fossils. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe2GGNaC65lw72nctXJbq6HyELgv3_S0t5XlVoPh1toS606ZtrmeAHrkO71-_BfwV4UIKM9KUkuuZwggJLM2SzwnPdNCfP8yH0QeTyiVf_8qojNeB9hPJq_A86odbDP8obiOR8kqQILbb/s1600/museum3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe2GGNaC65lw72nctXJbq6HyELgv3_S0t5XlVoPh1toS606ZtrmeAHrkO71-_BfwV4UIKM9KUkuuZwggJLM2SzwnPdNCfP8yH0QeTyiVf_8qojNeB9hPJq_A86odbDP8obiOR8kqQILbb/s320/museum3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Digging for fossils</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCCBUOaeW4GuWFxACRp8j98mjviIAbCVpPiQUOGiFWRa3cBf-NcATjf2zGtK0XYdDxLJnZaH_JNafy-T5vpYO6B_LupI0H2JQDcGNid2jZJOAJSszgvVRQyrSaem3UJdFMeIYlXpjGICb/s320/museum2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't you just love the look?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After lunch, we made a quick stop at Nazareth to pay a surprise visit to Mana. Brynn loves to visit her at work and draw pictures at her desk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, it was off to lunch at Bill Gray's. I love their cheeseburgers, and they have a mac & cheese kid's meal, so it's a win for both of us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love being able to spend extra time with my favorite girl! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On a side note, this makes 2 days in a row I've posted....off to a good start for the Ultimate Blog Challenge! Let's see if I can keep this up for the entire month! Also, doing something fun with Brynn was on my list of goals for my week off. I try to do fun things with her every day, but for the week, I wanted to spend the day with her doing things we don't normally have time to do. One thing checked off my list of goals! I attempted to scrapbook yesterday afternoon, but I took one look at my craft room and decided it needed an overhaul, so instead of actually getting pages done, I cleaned and did some organizing instead. Hopefully now I'll be able to find things a little easier and actually get something accomplished! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hope everyone has a great day!!!</span></div>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-436715266945769912012-10-01T12:25:00.000-04:002012-10-01T12:25:12.032-04:00Goals<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am on vacation this week. Not a "go somewhere fun, sit on a beach" vacation, but just some time off from work and some much-needed mental recuperation. Last week was a rough week, so this couldn't have come at a better time. I don't generally go away on vacation, and I usually make a "to-do" list, things I'd like to get done while I'm home, and I've done a list again for this week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One of my goals is to blog every day. Actually, one of my goals is to blog every day this month! I joined a blog challenge, in hopes that it would keep me motivated and give me something to write about on days when my mind goes blank (which seems to happen quite frequently lately). So far, so good....it's Day #1 and here's my post!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here's a list of my goals for the week. I'll post later in the week with an update as to how much I've actually crossed off my list.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">clean the closet in the den</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">sort out the Christmas gifts I've already purchased and make a list of what I still need to buy (for those that don't know me very well, I like to have all my shopping done by Thanksgiving!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">scrapbook 10 complete layouts (I'm waaaaay behind!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">spend a day doing something fun with Brynn</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">steam clean the basement carpet</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">get my car inspected</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">frame 5 finished cross stitch pieces</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">set up facebook and etsy pages for my business (more to come on that later)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm off to tackle one of these items, just not sure which one yet! Wish me luck!!!</span><br />
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-54528346522807076342012-09-27T11:42:00.000-04:002012-09-27T11:42:32.662-04:00Recent Projects<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cross stitch is my outlet, a source of relaxation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love starting new projects, which would account for the number of unfinished pieces I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rarely make pieces for myself; most of them are for gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few of the recent ones I’ve completed and given, using several of my favorite patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I love the flexibility of these patterns.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">made for my friend Wendy’s 4-year old son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">for my friend Heather’s little boy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">made for my friend Wendy’s 3-year old daughter</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">made for my friend Wendy’s new baby<o:p></o:p></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlyp4LIsD4s4-GZRE3eZTeLHnlHEpI97aJg4gk90YBtn5xjQuGN8wq9npP3DMgIsG3gaVPsIjfn_M75mWlWOlCPKEjHe78Gqe9JmrCUoBvTEh_S1F0biwWoz1bTUKcDbGp26NE82ObwFZ/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlyp4LIsD4s4-GZRE3eZTeLHnlHEpI97aJg4gk90YBtn5xjQuGN8wq9npP3DMgIsG3gaVPsIjfn_M75mWlWOlCPKEjHe78Gqe9JmrCUoBvTEh_S1F0biwWoz1bTUKcDbGp26NE82ObwFZ/s320/IMG_4372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">for my friend Heather’s new little girl</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">for my friend Jeremy’s new baby<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">for Brynn's bedroom</span></div>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-79559028609954331982012-09-26T11:01:00.000-04:002012-09-27T09:22:50.081-04:00Farewell, my friend<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It was just last week that D rolled into my office, crashing into the doorframe on the way, with a piece of paper on his lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s that,” I had asked him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His quick response…”It’s a picture of you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held up the piece of paper, and this was the picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgbacpSWNEAHjABi5ZOdCKWvkfbSDSiSc2quyOMdWpA4U1LbUfSdTkZe5tyGrDvtL11sXeZKkz988o7lwP5MkE2WibpN0x5skA9jaOZEZCErCkOWTVRaaK_qw1pOwFyAC30ha5zFT4fh3/s1600/Darius2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgbacpSWNEAHjABi5ZOdCKWvkfbSDSiSc2quyOMdWpA4U1LbUfSdTkZe5tyGrDvtL11sXeZKkz988o7lwP5MkE2WibpN0x5skA9jaOZEZCErCkOWTVRaaK_qw1pOwFyAC30ha5zFT4fh3/s320/Darius2.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s the kind of quick wit and humor that made D so lovable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the first day I met him in 2009, we had an instant connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might have been the fact that we were both sarcastic and understood each other’s sense of humor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might have been the fact that he was always in a good mood and could always make people smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever it was, right or wrong, he was one of my favorite people to work with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was working at my first jobsite, he would drive himself (in his power wheelchair) into my office every morning and ask me when I was going to start working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never mind that I had been there since 7am and usually had 3 things going at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And every day, he would ask about my daughter, how she was doing, what new things she was doing, if I had any new pictures of her, and when I was going to bring her to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent countless hours working with him in the small store in that building, helping him make change and wait on customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was during those times that we had some of our best conversations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I transferred to a new jobsite in April, and D shortly followed me to that new site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, so he wasn’t really following me, but he was there due to some medical issues and some decline in physical abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he was the same old D, quite-witted, funny, and constantly harassing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His passing was unexpected and quite a shock, and I think it will take a while for the reality to set in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already miss him visiting my office, whacking me as I pass by, and telling me to get to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I am blessed to have gotten to know him and will never forget his smiling face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rest in peace, D, and know that you will be missed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-20683272394112484982012-08-13T14:33:00.005-04:002012-08-13T14:33:43.194-04:00I miss.....<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently, I've been missing some people, more than usual. Living in a city where I have no family, or at least no blood relatives, is definitely not an easy thing. There are days when I wish I could just hop in my car and have dinner with my mom and dad, or have a piece of my grandmother's pie, or spend time with my brothers. The reality is, that's just not possible. Yes, there are only 5 hours away, but everyone has busy lives and jobs and responsibilities that make visits fewer than I would like. Trips home (yes, I still call it "home") have to be planned. Most trips home revolve around a holiday, which is great for seeing everyone, but not so great for actually spending quality time with them, if that makes sense. It's difficult to really talk to people when there are over 20 of us crammed into my grandmother's house, including several small children. Don't get me wrong, I love these holiday get-togethers, I just wish there was more time for catching up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thinking about how much I've been missing my family has led me to think about other things I have also been missing...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I miss sleeping! I can't remember the last night I slept well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I miss scrapbooking and many of the people I used to do it with. I definitely need to get back into this hobby and find people to scrap with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I miss some of the families and kids I used to work with as a Special Education teacher. Thankfully, technology and Facebook have allowed us to keep in touch and reconnect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I miss being able to fit into some of the cute clothes in my closet. I'm hoping this will happen again soon though (I've lost 29 pounds so far...).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I miss some of the people, both staff and clients, at my old work site. While the switch in job sites I made in April was the best thing I could have ever done, there are definitely a few people I wish I could see on a regular basis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I miss the care-free days of college. Why was I in such a rush to be a grown-up???</span><br />
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-62050664580235418652012-08-07T10:48:00.001-04:002012-08-07T10:48:13.383-04:00GBE 2 Challenge-Hidden<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is definitely not the easiest topic for me to write about, as I tend to be a pretty private person. In thinking about what to write, I have realized that I keep many things in my life hidden from almost everyone. Political feelings, what's going on in certain relationships in my life, the full stories behind things that have happened, diagnoses I've received, personal struggles,</span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> just to name a few. I don't talk to many people about personal things, simply because there aren't many people I'm that comfortable with. I think that's one of the reasons that I've always liked to write. Writing has always been an outlet for me, a means of "talking" to someone about everything. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana;">That being said, there is one person in my life who knows absolutely everything there is to know, who has been there for me through thick and thin, who I would trust with my life. I have the most amazing best friend in the world! When there's big news in my life, she's the first one I usually tell. We've been friends since 7th grade, having met in the halls of our extremely small school, and we clicked from day one and were pretty much inseparable. Even though she changed schools halfway through 10th grade, we remained close, often spending weekends at each other's house. We played softball for opposing schools, meeting on the sidelines after games to talk. We talked on the phone on a regular basis. After graduation, I moved to Rochester for college and she left for Virgina. At that time, e-mail wasn't readily available like it is today, so we relied on old-fashioned letter-writing. I always looked forward to getting mail from her and hearing about what was going on in her life, so far away.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana;">Today, 20 years after high school graduation (yes, 20 years!!!), we are still the best of friends. Time and distance haven't done anything to our relationship, and today, I feel like we are closer than ever. I am thankful to have her in my life!!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana;">Thank you, Kim, for everything you do for me, for all the love and support you give me, and for accepting me for exactly who I am! </span>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-75773951072295114132012-07-30T11:16:00.000-04:002012-07-30T11:16:26.930-04:00Day at the Zoo<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">watching the rhinos<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We spent a great afternoon at the Seneca Park Zoo on Sunday, July 29th. Brynn loves the animals, and she got to spend time with her cousins at the same time. Kathy is here from the Netherlands with Mink and Nola, and the kids don't get to spend a lot of time together, so when they're here, we try to get them together as much as possible. This was our first trip to the zoo since the new African exhibit opened this spring. The lions were sleeping right up against the glass, so Brynn got a close-up view of them. We got to see the rhinos, elephants, snakes (ewww!), and a bunch more animals. I think the kids ended up having more fun wading in the stream than actually seeing the animals, but as long as they have a good time, that's all that matters!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mink, Nola, and Brynn checking out a big lizard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lion sleeping right by the glass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the statue outside the African exhibit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wading in the stream</td></tr>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-76620184223002199322012-07-28T19:10:00.000-04:002012-07-28T19:10:22.877-04:00Today-All About Brynn<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Age: Turned 3 in May</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hair: Blonde</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Eyes: Most days, hazel-ish</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Height/Weight: 35", 25 lbs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Favorite Foods: Pasta, strawberries, goldfish crackers. This child could eat pasta for every meal, every day, if I let her!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Favorite Color: Pink! Everything must be pink lately! One day, she even asked me if I thought the construction workers would paint the Bay Bridge pink. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Favorite Movie: Winnie the Pooh, with Tangled a very close second</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Random Things: Loves to draw and color, especially on a dry erase board while sitting at the coffee table. Has an unbelievable memory. Puts puzzles together so quickly, she's up to 48 pieces right now. Likes to talk to everyone on the phone, especially all 3 sets of grandparents. Loves to color in everyone's birthday and holiday cards before we mail them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This little girl makes my heart happy, so I just had to share a few tidbits about her :-) Thanks for reading and allowing me to share!</span>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103591952950340596.post-67145305221439604002012-07-24T14:44:00.000-04:002012-07-24T14:44:44.413-04:00Breathless<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this is my first official completion of a GBE2 blog challenge, let’s see how this goes…</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week’s challenge…”Breathless.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">I wasn’t sure how to address this topic when I first saw it, but decided it would probably be easiest to hit on a few key things, rather than write a long diatribe about a single thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My daughter saying “I so love you, Mommy” or “Mama, I love you really much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Side note…for some reason, instead of the word “very,” Brynn says “really.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the longest time, I wasn’t sure I would ever hear those words from a child of mine, so now, no matter how many times a day she says them, or how much she’s trying to use those words to get out of trouble, they still leave me breathless</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hearing my unborn child’s heartbeat, seeing her on the ultrasound, and hearing the very first cry of my newborn baby, and so many little things between that day and now…see above reason!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Getting a call in the middle of the afternoon and seeing my parent’s phone number on the caller ID in March. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parent’s NEVER call in the middle of the day unless something is wrong, so that’s something that always makes me catch my breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just hearing my dad’s voice on the other end of the line confirmed my initial thoughts that it wasn’t good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your mom’s in the hospital” was the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just writing this now still brings me to tears, even though things are looking up.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A beautiful sunrise or sunset</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Driving on icy roads in the winter…yes, I grew up in NY and have lived in the western part of the state for nearly 20 years, but I still don’t like the winter weather and will likely never get used to it.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weddings…the beauty of a bride walking down the aisle and the pure joy on her face are priceless.</span></li>
</ul>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243316448844686596noreply@blogger.com11