tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75622884519422982542024-02-19T06:46:16.623-08:00BooksflutterbyThoughts about events and life.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-9931170802603454542014-03-13T21:24:00.000-07:002014-03-13T21:24:30.054-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyw3eRR9tm5qqCCnqTwy2pseQSe2a0ro1rbEZY7IMYjV9R3MVt_LWIgF9ZrnBZY_jYZpA5WWihyphenhyphenBPTODb2aPSvWNYuLOADD3PcoT384tBsUKH98884sHYCMyHW4KllVfNVvfUhA3j2kUZ/s1600/Change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyw3eRR9tm5qqCCnqTwy2pseQSe2a0ro1rbEZY7IMYjV9R3MVt_LWIgF9ZrnBZY_jYZpA5WWihyphenhyphenBPTODb2aPSvWNYuLOADD3PcoT384tBsUKH98884sHYCMyHW4KllVfNVvfUhA3j2kUZ/s1600/Change.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
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I haven't stopped writing. You can find old and new posts at my new location <a href="http://booksflutterby.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://booksflutterby.wordpress.com/</a>. And here's a glimpse of a current post.</h2>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-87952623774730903282013-08-09T12:58:00.000-07:002014-03-09T21:31:43.491-07:00I'm ADHD and...Squirrel!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can relate to this little sideways goat. </td></tr>
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I was recently diagnosed with Adult ADHD. What does it feel like? See that little goat with his head turned sideways? My thoughts have raced around at a frantic pace since I was a kid, making me feel as if I was viewing everything at a slight tilt. No neat little rows of easily accessible information for me. It's been like having the messiest filing cabinet in the world in my mind, with everything simply shoved inside in random order.<br />
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Over the years I learned tricks to help me function. I made lists at work like a mad woman, and carried a notebook with me everywhere. If I didn't write it down, it was lost forever. When I needed to remember to do something, I often left an item out so I could see it as a reminder. Getting up during boring meetings and trainings wasn't appropriate business protocol, but taking the cap off of a pen over and over and over and over was OK. So was slipping my shoes off and on, off and on, off and on under the table where no one could see. And the Internet with its online banking and automatic payments became my best friend ever. I no longer had to remember to pay any of my bills. </div>
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I have my new husband to thank for helping me seek the help I've needed for so long. I wish I had been diagnosed so much sooner, but I've never been the typical bouncing-off-the-walls ADHD person that most people envision. I'm a daydreamer, unfocused, forgetful, fidgety, a little impulsive, hard to have a conversation with, can't follow directions, leave things partially done, and until recently was fairly good at masking and minimizing my symptoms so they didn't add up to something being "wrong" with me.<br />
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What I've come to realize is that there is nothing wrong with me, I'm just wired differently. My brain needs to be stimulated so I don't have all those symptoms that add up to ADHD. I started taking Concerta a couple of days ago and I can already feel a difference. I feel calmer, able to access information in my head easier and more quickly.<br />
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Of course, this is just the beginning of my journey. I still need to learn tools to help me live a more normal life. We'll have to figure out the right dosage of medication and I'll have to stay committed to taking it daily. But I'm looking forward to these things. I'm looking forward to never again feeling like I'm looking at the world sideways like that little goat. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465241950212258723noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-41555545166328001302013-07-24T15:11:00.002-07:002013-08-13T12:50:35.208-07:00Headlines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVx7DHmLiXFtfHQ-Tf7XwjvB3iBQfeSNZXXPiowtk3AfJhal5UHTSXNgGHEalBmiTDYJwXsZlsVypdPy3rOI9fTYZXlBqIxqNaaQyyJ0c2qHopQvFTwL5rzHlPMDCIIfmhueaxPs-Duu8/s1600/Breaking.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVx7DHmLiXFtfHQ-Tf7XwjvB3iBQfeSNZXXPiowtk3AfJhal5UHTSXNgGHEalBmiTDYJwXsZlsVypdPy3rOI9fTYZXlBqIxqNaaQyyJ0c2qHopQvFTwL5rzHlPMDCIIfmhueaxPs-Duu8/s320/Breaking.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I turned on the news yesterday morning and found that it was just as it was when I went to bed the night before. All royal baby news, all the time. I'm happy for William and Kate, just as I'm happy for the woman I saw in the grocery store last week with her newborn. But I don't care about every detail of their lives. And do we really have to rehash Diana's history?<br />
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What's really unnerving about all the hoopla is the more I see it on my television, computer, tablet, and phone, the more I begin to think - maybe I should care. The media is insisting that this is an "Event!" So shouldn't I want to read about it, obsess about it, think about it, talk about it? It's insidious.<br />
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Of course this isn't the only case of "created news" or "created hype" recently. If one were to have watched the news during the Casey Anthony trial, one would have thought that Caylee Anthony was the only child to have gone missing and finally be found dead - ever. More than 700,000 children go missing each year (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children). Where were the news reports and concern about all of them?<br />
<br />
I can't help but wonder how and why certain stories blow up and become more about entertainment for people who like to slow down at accidents on the highway than they are about actual news. Who decides that we need to hear about the death of one celebrity non-stop for a month, but only hear a small announcement about another? Who chooses to elevate the disappearance and death of one woman over those of thousands of others? Who makes celebrities out of people who do nothing more than appear on reality TV? The better question is, why do mind-numbed people sit in front of their televisions eating it up each day?<br />
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Truthfully, I don't care about the royal baby, Casey Anthony, manufactured celebrities, etc. I don't care what their sixth cousin removed has to say, or what the neighbor who lived down the street and grew up with them ten years ago might think. What I do care about is real news.<br />
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What would a week with only reports about actual news be like? And what would it be like if those reports only showed up during the morning and evening news, or in newspapers (print and online)? Even better, what if they only updated us when something newsworthy happened in the story? And what if they never, ever speculated about what might be or could be or should be?<br />
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Life without the constant barrage of useless noise and speculation, only real news and relevant updates. I could live with that.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-895230082342247962013-04-29T12:10:00.000-07:002013-08-13T14:55:01.061-07:00No $$$, No Voice, No Difference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCWqEtm6qyyu8syvS5qWrk_7kChyphenhyphena771boJdVoK3pJRtVEy4o-K0n0IJCzwdHyelKC6L_KvtOtJ_HYazSUkIhZVkWcGz5JOtgIUOXSYb0qHaBn9iCgP6dk1WtVQZzPAg2uJ_M-F1sbr8/s1600/faa-head-start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCWqEtm6qyyu8syvS5qWrk_7kChyphenhyphena771boJdVoK3pJRtVEy4o-K0n0IJCzwdHyelKC6L_KvtOtJ_HYazSUkIhZVkWcGz5JOtgIUOXSYb0qHaBn9iCgP6dk1WtVQZzPAg2uJ_M-F1sbr8/s400/faa-head-start.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have a multiple choice question for you, and I'd like you to choose the answer that makes the most sense from a human standpoint. <br />
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Funding to most programs in the United States has been cut by 5-8% from 2013 until 2021. You can choose to add money to one of them to ease the pain of those who use the program. Which do you choose?<br />
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<li>Head Start - providing early childhood education for infants/toddlers/preschoolers/children with disabilities, nutrition, and parenting skills to low income families.</li>
<li>Meal on Wheels - providing hot meals to senior citizens who can't afford and often can't physically make meals of their own regularly.</li>
<li>Work Study for College Students - providing students with a way to gain practical work experience while paying part of their tuition and avoiding student loan debt.</li>
<li>Energy Assistance for Low Income and Elderly - providing assistance with energy bills during times of extreme heat and cold when many can't afford the higher bills. </li>
<li>Federal Aviation Administration - providing air traffic controllers who keep airplanes moving. </li>
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Which would you honestly choose?<br />
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Last week I was appalled at the response the FAA furloughs received, simply because people who can afford to fly in airplanes have been inconvenienced by the austerity package, better known as sequestration, imposed upon us by our government. This idiotic plan called for across the board cuts to most federal programs in March 2013. What has sickened me is that as people with money and the voice to speak up have realized the cuts will affect them, federal dollars have magically appeared to exempt programs deemed critical - FAA, TSA, meat inspectors, border patrol agents. </div>
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Meanwhile, those who have no money and no voice, those who rely on all the other programs, are continuing to suffer the devastating cuts. Food banks are losing funding, unemployment benefits are being cut, programs for low income housing are squeezed, school meal programs are being slashed, and more. </div>
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And don't think it all ends September 2013. It doesn't. The poor are expected to suck it up and make due until at least 2021. That's right. If you hear that sequestration ends this September, don't believe it. We're in this for another 8 to 10 years unless our government takes action. What are temporary furloughs this year will become permanent layoffs next year, meaning not only services lost, but also jobs lost and more people added to the already long unemployment rolls.</div>
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If you currently have a job, house, car, plenty of food on the table, new clothes, shoes, and can go to the movies whenever you want, good for you! You're probably thrilled the FAA is no longer experiencing furloughs. But what if all of that went away tomorrow? What if you were faced with a crisis so large that it all disappeared? Think it can't happen? Many people are a job loss or medical emergency away from becoming low income or homeless. Ask the millions of people who are now low income if they honestly thought they would be where they are today. I'll guarantee you they don't want to be there.</div>
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So if that disaster hit you and you had nowhere to turn, wouldn't you hope there would be organizations and people in the community who could help you? Without the assistance of the programs that are being cut today, you would be in serious trouble. Those of us who have voices need to speak up. We have to make phone calls and write letters to Washington to let them know that children, seniors, and poor are just as important as people who can afford to buy a plane ticket. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465241950212258723noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-42471441002218974332013-03-25T08:45:00.000-07:002013-08-13T14:50:22.607-07:00The Bad Guys Are Right Here<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/AVvXsEirj28TBGQrXQqaHak-i_2CLREDscBnb0ny7mhmKqebBfp3MXRpkKoqWxm26P8oF0jWznwtI-9AOKgjQ-RNxvsU5qpLm4bcqio89l0mXHb49A_AJ8zPELVydDhPXZ8y8-HSWXh8uL1loLY/s1600/boehner-gdevil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirj28TBGQrXQqaHak-i_2CLREDscBnb0ny7mhmKqebBfp3MXRpkKoqWxm26P8oF0jWznwtI-9AOKgjQ-RNxvsU5qpLm4bcqio89l0mXHb49A_AJ8zPELVydDhPXZ8y8-HSWXh8uL1loLY/s200/boehner-gdevil.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Boehner, <br />
<i>U.S. Speaker of the House </i><br />
<i>and Leader of Evil</i></td></tr>
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Steven and I recently watched the remake of <i>Red Dawn</i>. I'm not giving anything away by telling you the country that invades the United States this time is North Korea. One of the movies on our "Movies To See" list is <i>Olympus Has Fallen</i>. I've read reviews and surprise, North Korea is once again the villain invading us. Are they our new foreign "go to" baddie? If so, it doesn't work for me. I have news for Hollywood. I'm not as afraid of North Korea, or any country with evil intent, as I am of our own leaders. You read that correctly.<br />
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From my perspective as a middle class American, the people I had no choice but to vote into office (both Republicans and Democrats) are more of a threat to my way of life at the moment than any leader in another country. They seem bent on dismantling my world, piece-by-piece, starting with my job. The recent sequestration cuts have hit me directly. I'm facing the loss of a paycheck, which will affect how I budget my money and live my life. I'll feel fortunate if I come out of this in a few years with my job still in place. I wouldn't be surprised to see the program at which I work go away altogether, even though it successfully serves thousands of children and families across the United States, and makes a positive difference in their lives.<br />
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The bad guys aren't nameless people from a foreign land who don't speak English well. The bad guys were born and raised in America, and they were elected by us. The bad guys are men and women who are so far removed from every day American life that they have no idea what it's like to live paycheck-to-paycheck or have only enough savings to get them by for one or two months. They are people are have no financial stake in the outcome of the decisions they're making. They are people who no longer care about serving the middle and lower class citizens who elected them, but only care about furthering their own agendas based on beliefs that no longer fit a 2013 society.<br />
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The sick and sad thing is that we have built a political system in which we have no real choices. We can't elect individuals who would truly represent us anymore. The system is twisted so that only the wealthy or connected can run for office. Sure, a "middle class" person slips through now and then, but look closely and you'll see the strings attached to his or her arms and legs as wealthy backers manipulate them into doing their bidding.<br />
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It's hard to take Hollywood movies seriously when they have North Korea invade Washington D.C. and have a super cool good guy come to the rescue. No, I don't want North Korea to win, but at the same time, I'd like to see all the John Boehners and others be pushed out a few windows. I'm tired of them making my life miserable. I'm ready to see them pay, even if it's only a fictionalized version of them. I don't give a rip about seeing North Korea pay. That's what makes blow-em-up action movies fun. We want to see the bad guys that threaten our daily lives pay. So come on Hollywood. Make me a movie about the Senate and House taking a major hit and the U.S. having to start completely over with new rules. Maybe a nice political uprising with the working poor and middle class taking over for a change. We're smart. We know what needs to happen. I'd like to see that movie. Heck, I'd like to live that life.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-62714386846351371722013-02-28T15:40:00.000-08:002013-08-13T12:54:07.706-07:00Book a Flight for Me...Anywhere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I need a vacation. Not a load up in my car and drive across the mountains to see my family or fiancé kind. No, I need a real vacation. The kind where I get to fly someplace I've never been, stay in a hotel, order room service, sleep late, follow no schedule, visit a spa, take fun photos, relax like I haven't in years, and pretend I don't actually work for a living. I need a <b>real </b>vacation. Did I mention that?<br />
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It doesn't have to be anyplace super fancy or amazingly cool. And I don't want to go alone, I want my fiancé with me. I simply need a break from the routine of life, preferably someplace pretty. I need to recharge my soul; the little red warning light is flashing. It's been 12 years since my last real vacation.<br />
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Today the temptation to pull up Travelocity, pick a random city, and book a hotel/flight/car package for two was almost overwhelming. They make it so easy. Sadly, all my vacation time has been consumed or promised to others. I have none left for my spontaneous flight of fancy. Just knowing this makes me tired, and makes me realize how much I need a real vacation (I'm also too responsible to leave on a whim).<br />
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And I know I'm not alone.<br />
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In two days I've talked to two people who have shared my lack of vacation relaxation. They told their tales of out-of-town family who believe that every free day off should be spent traveling to and visiting with them. The three of us wondered, who is more selfish? Is it us for wanting to reclaim the time we've worked so hard to earn and use it as we please? Or is it them for expecting us to drive or fly to different states for a family visit every time we take a few days off?<br />
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I don't know the answer, and today I don't care. Today, I just want a real vacation.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-8449666636610970242013-01-22T15:48:00.000-08:002013-08-13T12:54:07.709-07:00Bring On The New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a new year, and I have a feeling it's going to be a good one! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465241950212258723noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-53179321907842858392012-11-12T11:08:00.000-08:002013-08-13T12:55:03.359-07:00A Better Motto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is a holiday, it's snowing outside, my kitten is laying on my lap purring, I'm still in my pajamas, and I'm tired from not sleeping well last night. Don't all of those sound like great excuses to stay home snuggled under a warm blanket? I think so too, but alas, I can't. I've made a commitment to workout today.<br />
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One of the easiest commitments to break is the one I make to myself to workout. I've done it often. So this time, in order to keep my word to myself, I'm also telling someone else and making a definitive plan. I've created a workout calendar so I'll know what I'm supposed to do each day and can mark off the days I've accomplished my goal. I'm adding my workouts to my electronic calendar that syncs with every device I own. Now it will be an official appointment with myself, instead of just a vague idea of something I mean to do. I've told Steven my plan, so now I'm accountable to someone other than myself. I also have a friend at work who is going to help me by pushing me beyond what I believe are my physical limits. <br />
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We all have good intentions when it comes to working out or losing weight. We think we can do it on our own and often without a clear plan, but it takes more than just good intentions and hope that we can make it to the end. We have to know how we're going to get there, and we have to have people who can help us along the way. <br />
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S.E.L.F. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.<br />
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It's fairly simple. Set goals. Exercise. Love yourself. Focus on fitness. Rest and relax. Eat right. Smile. Portray positive. Enjoy life. Care for others. Tell yourself you can do this.<br />
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I can follow those guidelines, and I've started by setting my workout goals and making them concrete, for the first time in my life. I have a plan. Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-81147891093611011342012-10-22T15:06:00.001-07:002013-08-13T14:43:20.371-07:0013 Isn't Scary At All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In case you haven't been paying attention, I've now lost 13 pounds. It hasn't been the fastest weight loss in history, but I claim victory over that unwanted poundage. Soon I will say goodbye to more in my quest to become a healthier me.<br />
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Someone asked for one tip that's helping me lose. Here's an easy one. Most of the time I cook and eat at home, but now and then it's fun to eat out. Before I go to a restaurant, I visit their website and check out their menu and nutrition listings. A few places allow you to mix and match items so you can build your own meal. By doing this, you'll know exactly what to order before you arrive and you won't be tempted by items that aren't goal friendly. Steven and I did this while dining out and it was nice not having to stress about what I could or couldn't order. We were able to relax and enjoy the meal.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-58376378776833965062012-09-24T06:12:00.001-07:002013-08-13T14:43:20.367-07:00Slow Going, And It's OKFor anyone keeping track, you'll notice my weight didn't change last Monday. That isn't because I didn't weigh in or log my progress, it's because I didn't lose anything. I maintained for the week. It happens, even when I follow all the rules. Of course I'd rather lose something rather than nothing, but at least I didn't gain. This week I seem to be back to my 1 pound weight loss. I'll take it. Last week was stressful and hectic at work, but I did my best to stay healthy and it apparently paid off.<br />
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We're all going to have weeks when we don't lose anything or we gain back a pound or two. Sometimes it will be because we had some missteps during the week, and sometimes it will happen even when we do everything exactly right. No matter what the scales say, we have to keep exercising and eating right.<br />
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Last night I posted a new recipe in the <a href="http://booksflutterbyrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/09/chicken-asparagus-and-portobello-stir.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Recipes </b></i></a>section. Check it out when you have time. It's one of my favorites. I love Chinese food and this satisfies my craving while letting me control what goes into my dish. Prepared as posted, it tastes like something you get from a restaurant. Feel free to add veggies you enjoy. You can never go wrong with more veggies.<br />
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Good luck to everyone in the coming week! Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-68217094042983283862012-09-10T06:35:00.002-07:002013-08-13T14:43:20.370-07:00ProgressI'm making slow, but steady progress in my goal to lose weight. I'll take 1 pound per week. It's a healthy rate at which to lose. How is everyone else doing? Are you hanging in there with me? Still losing?<br />
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This week I plan on posting a new recipe on my <b>Recipes </b>tab and a new post here about misleading food labels I've found recently. More later...<br />
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-68729768425907089842012-08-27T06:39:00.002-07:002013-08-13T14:44:01.400-07:00I Want My Half Pound PleaseI love MyFitnessPal, but I feel cheated. I lost 1.5 pounds this week; however, the program doesn't display half pounds. Sigh. I'm sure it all equals out in the end and I'll get my half pound back in my public results later, but I'd like every bit of credit I deserve. I worked hard for that half pound.<br />
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So the real grand total of weight loss for last week is <b>1.5 pounds</b>! Yay!<br />
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-39334885850198602352012-08-23T13:33:00.000-07:002013-08-13T14:58:01.205-07:00The Art of LunchI've become fascinated with bento boxes. If you're not familiar with them, I highly recommend you do a Google search and check out a few images. Some are fantastical art that only resemble food when you look closely. <br />
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What I like most about bento boxes is that they seem like little lunchtime gifts. Most aren't elaborate art, they're simply lovely food divided into small containers in a lunchbox. Simple enough isn't it? But how many of us take the time to package our lunch so it's a wonderful treat when the clock strikes noon? I don't. I throw things into baggies with one hand as I use the other to pour water into the cup that goes with me everywhere. Then I dash out the door to work. When lunchtime rolls around, I eat at my desk and hope people have the decency to leave me alone for at least 30 minutes while I wolf down whatever happened to land in the lunch bag that never keeps anything cold or warm enough.<br />
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No longer. Bento boxes have made me realize lunch isn't just about satisfying the gnawing little hunger in my stomach I keep trying to ignore. It's about taking a break, breathing deeply, relaxing, enjoying what I'm eating, reading a book, writing a story, talking to a friend, listening to music. Perhaps one of the things that's keeping me from truly being satisfied at lunchtime is that I'm not stopping to actually participate in the art of taking a lunch.<br />
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So I purchased my own version of a bento box, and today I filled it with my favorite yogurt, apple slices, carrots, cucumbers, spinach, tuna salad, veggie chips, pita bread, and string cheese. I brought a placemat, real silverware, and a cloth napkin with me to complete the experience. It's the same lunch and snacks I had yesterday, but it was <b>so</b> much better today. Music played as I relaxed and enjoyed my meal, which was arranged nicely in burgundy bowls. I didn't think about photographing it until I was finished, but this is the lunchbox I'm using, purchased at Amazon.<br />
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Today's experience proved to me that it's worth taking a few minutes each night before I go to bed to make my lunch so I can have an enjoyable meal every day at work. If I'm more satisfied with my meal and less stressed overall, I'll be less likely to want to have an unplanned snack later in the day.<br />
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Thank you, little bento boxes!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-15905566642849158442012-08-20T11:58:00.002-07:002013-08-13T14:51:12.022-07:00Monday, MondayI may be a little nuts, but I decided to make Monday my official weigh-in day. Whether the results are good or bad, I'll share them once a week, and hopefully we'll all watch the pounds lost add up on the MyFitnessPal badge to the left. <div>
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I'd love to know how all of you are doing too. If you've lost, share and let's celebrate together. If you've gained, let us know and maybe we can encourage you to keep trying. Your day doesn't have to be Monday, but it should be the same day every week.</div>
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And the grand total lost for week one is...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465241950212258723noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-46617504403670414502012-08-17T18:11:00.002-07:002013-08-13T14:58:01.207-07:00That Naughty Four Letter WordI celebrate, mourn, kill time, and console with it. At times it feels like my best friend, and then it turns on me. The variety of it is endless, and yet I often stand frozen, staring, waiting for the perfect thing to jump out at me as I search the kitchen with my eyes and stomach.<br />
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It haunts and taunts me, making me feel like I have no more control over my appetite than I do the weather. The mere notion of being on a diet is enough to send my body into hunger shock. If I dare to take action and limit the amount and types of food I eat, my stomach rebels, going into a Hulk-like rage until I give in and down the nearest unhealthy treat within reach. I slump in disgrace as my stomach gurgles, "Puny human." I am no match for the lure of food. </div>
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Still, I try. Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Weigh Down, Slim Fast, and The Christy Knight Starvation Plan. Of them all, the best for me was Weight Watchers. I learned that I didn't have to deprive myself of things I love to eat and drink, as long as I did it in moderation. It worked. Again and again and again. But counting points or calories, and analyzing every morsel or drop that slips past my lips is simply no fun. Eventually I near my goal and grow tired of the chore that eating becomes. I think B.B. King was singing about food in his famous song. The thrill is gone indeed.</div>
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But here I sit, ready to give it another try with yet another program...make that programs. And this time I'm making it more public. Perhaps sharing on my blog how much I've lost or gained will help me keep my resolve to be a healthier person at a healthier weight. Maybe it will shame me into submission when I feel the need to rebel.</div>
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So look up and to the left. You'll see an indicator from <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">MyFitnessPal</a> that will show how much I've lost in total. I'm starting at zero so we have a clean slate. Along the way I'll blog about topics that are on my mind, share things I find that are useful (or not), and post recipes on the "Recipes" tab (always with nutrition info). If you're interested in joining me, <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">MyFitnessPal</a> is free. I'm also going to use some of the <a href="https://www.choosemyplate.gov/SuperTracker/default.aspx" target="_blank">USDA SuperTracker</a> tools. It's also free, and if you've never peeked at it, you should. I like them for different reasons. Both were very revealing to me and helped me see where I need to improve.</div>
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I'll leave you for now with a clip of a gentleman named Aaron Wilburn singing part of the lyrics to a song called <i>The Diet Song</i>, written by Shel Silverstein (modified by Mr. Wilburn). Wish me luck in my new journey. Join me if you dare. <br />
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-78289160869018892892012-08-14T10:13:00.000-07:002012-08-14T10:13:04.663-07:00Change Is Coming...And it's going to be good!<br />
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-56549771531663315212012-05-30T16:06:00.004-07:002013-08-13T14:58:48.218-07:00Recipes SectionIf you haven't checked out my new Recipes tab (see above), take a quick look for some delicious delights. I have several more to post in the coming days.<br />
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The latest?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sirloin with Mushroom Sauce</span></b></div>
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-77125372852643021242012-03-19T12:32:00.000-07:002013-08-13T14:58:48.220-07:00Recipe: Easy Breakfast Casserole<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLfJPgiWk4zYR7c9r619ReR3IYB8Q6pPIE6W7j4JhP8QouBVKwSQ-_RC1VowDDQ9zUzR1dCQZnVH7yaDDJXZPZ9wdCJclS9o2xM7DxFeaCB67H278TF53lajFmofWHI5mz3WhNpRIpAgG/s1600/Breakfast+Casserole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLfJPgiWk4zYR7c9r619ReR3IYB8Q6pPIE6W7j4JhP8QouBVKwSQ-_RC1VowDDQ9zUzR1dCQZnVH7yaDDJXZPZ9wdCJclS9o2xM7DxFeaCB67H278TF53lajFmofWHI5mz3WhNpRIpAgG/s400/Breakfast+Casserole.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Christy Knight</td></tr>
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Let's try something a little different for my blog today. I have a favorite recipe I like to make on the weekends for a quick warm-up breakfast during the week, or when we have an office potluck. It's easy and you can modify it to suit your taste. I've even included a lower fat version for those who might like a healthier breakfast.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Easy Breakfast Casserole</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
1 12 oz. package sausage<br />
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br />
1 cup Bisquick mix<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp pepper<br />
2 cups milk<br />
4 eggs<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<br />
Brown sausage, cook until done, then drain. Arrange crumbled sausage in bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Arrange cheese on top of sausage. <br />
<br />
In a separate bowl, beat milk, eggs, Bisquick, salt, and pepper, until smooth. Pour mixture over cheese and sausage.<br />
<br />
Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly browned.<br />
<br />
<b>Optional Add-ins</b>:
Onions, mushrooms, spinach, etc. I've tried them all and they each give
the dish a different twist. Have fun trying new things!<br />
<br />
Number of servings 12<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>Lower Fat Version </b></i></span><b><br /></b><br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
1 12 oz. package 50% less fat sausage<br />
1 8 oz. package fresh mushrooms (optional)<br />
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (lowfat)<br />
1 cup Heart Smart Bisquick mix<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp pepper<br />
2 cups skim milk<br />
4 eggs<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<br />
Brown sausage, cook until done, then drain. Arrange crumbled sausage in bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Arrange cheese on top of sausage.<br />
<br />
In a separate bowl, beat milk, eggs, Bisquick, salt, and pepper, until smooth. Pour mixture over cheese and sausage.<br />
<br />
Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly browned.<br />
<br />
<b>Optional Add-ins</b>: Onions, mushrooms, spinach, etc.<br />
<br />
Number of servings 12Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-87893581473048347562012-03-05T09:18:00.000-08:002012-03-19T13:20:22.252-07:00Please Stand By...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lately, Steven and I have had several conversations about the dumbing-down of television. It seems that smart TV is becoming more difficult to find. I'm not talking about shows that delve into the meaning of life or that explore the deepest of scientific theories. I'm simply talking about programs that give the audience credit for being intelligent enough to pick up on subtle clues or facial expressions without having it explained minutes later or telegraphed seconds before. As we say in writing -- show, don't tell. (We won't even talk about the atrocity that is "reality" TV.)<br />
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So when I come across a TV show that gets it right, I'm excited and become a devoted fan. The shows I feel warrant making it onto my list is sadly short.<br />
<br />
<b>Fringe</b><br />
<br />
Forget the fact that we're keeping up with four versions of the same characters living in their respective universes. Let's focus on the fact that the writers know they don't have to explain everything or explicitly point out every nuance. And they aren't in-your-face things. They're subtle. Example: Walter, a main character, was at one point considered the most hated man in the world. He was taken out in public wearing a protective vest in a quick scene. They didn't linger on it and no one mentioned it. It was a subtle reminder of his status.<br />
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<b>All in the Family </b><br />
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This was without a doubt a ground-breaking show. It was a comedy that dealt with serious real world issues without apologizing or trying to soften the message. The audience was given credit for being able to handle what they were offered. I'll never forget the episode where Edith opened the door to a man who raped her. What other comedy would do that to a beloved character? It was a tough episode to watch. I'm not sure a show like <i>All in the Family</i> could be done on network TV now. We'd have to watch it on HBO or Showtime.<br />
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<b>The Twilight Zone </b><br />
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It's a shame this one didn't last longer. It often managed to deliver a social message, masked as sci-fi; something that was done quite a bit in the 1960s and 70s. Each episode led us down a twisting path, keeping us guessing about what was really going on, and giving us credit to understand it in the end. Sometimes what we didn't see was more important than what was on our screen. At times, not hearing dialogue at all was extremely powerful. If you've never seen an episode called <i>The Invaders</i>, you should. Not a word is spoken until the end.<br />
<br />
<b>Prime Suspect </b><br />
<br />
Alas, this one was just canceled. It's a shame because it featured a smart female cop who wasn't trying to look like a supermodel in hooker heels and a low-cut shirt while chasing bad guys (I'm talking to you, Poppy <i>Unforgettable</i> Montgomery<i></i>). Maria Bello played Detective Jane Timoney, and was my favorite female cop since Cagney and Lacey. She was blunt, dedicated, and had a realistic relationship with her male counterparts. I wish more people had given the show a chance.<br />
<br />
<b>Mad Men </b><br />
<br />
The 1960s were an interesting time in American history, and Mad Men gives it to us in all its ugly glory. They don't try to pretty it up by playing down racism, sexism, alcoholism, smoking, homophobia, etc. Instead they embrace it, and tell us this is what was happening during the times and the characters are flawed. They've made me appreciate what the women before me did to make my life in the work world better. It's been fun watching Peggy rise through the ranks of a male-dominated business. Somewhere there are more than a few real Peggys that deserve a thank you.<br />
<br />
<b>Lost</b><br />
<br />
Those who know me knew I had to comment on my favorite. Even if it weren't my favorite, it had to be on this list. On September 24, 2004, millions watched a plane crash on an island. Before the end of the program, it was clear this was no ordinary island. We were given mysteries to unravel and debate. Titles of books seen on the show became must-reads, just in case they contained clues about our Lostees or The Others (<i>Watership Down</i>, <i>A Wrinkle in Time</i>, <i>Of Mice and Men</i>, <i>Fountainhead</i>, <i>The Third Policeman</i>, and many more). The creative team rarely made mistakes. But when they did, they copped to it and were quick to correct by, for example, giving James (Sawyer) Ford glasses or swiftly and diabolically killing two very unpopular new characters (buh-bye Nikki and Paulo). Theories in science were introduced, and fans argued the possibilities. Religious themes set off more debate, as did questions of morality and the ever-fun choice vs. destiny. Viewers paid attention to all the details and the creative team paid attention to the viewers. Both were rewarded with a show that was fun, interactive, and had excellent writing, acting, and directing. It remains, as you can probably deduce, my number one show...for now. <br />
<br />
Of course there are so many more... <br />
<ul>
<li><i>M*A*S*H* </i></li>
<li><i>Person of Interest </i></li>
<li><i>The Good Wife </i></li>
<li><i>Firefly </i></li>
<li><i>The Killing </i></li>
<li><i>Hill Street Blues </i></li>
<li><i>Flash Forward </i>(canceled way before its time) </li>
<li><i>Mad About You </i></li>
<li><i>White Collar </i></li>
<li><i>Frasier</i></li>
<li><i>Modern Family </i></li>
<li><i>Once Upon a Time </i></li>
<li><i>House</i> (until it jumped the shark) </li>
<li><i>The X-Files</i></li>
<li><i>Castle</i></li>
<li><i>The 4400</i> (also canceled before its time) </li>
<li><i>Star Trek</i> (the original series) </li>
<li><i>The Big Bang Theory </i></li>
<li><i>Lie to Me </i>(another canceled too soon) <i><br /></i></li>
</ul>
A few new ones could make the list eventually. I'm sure I've forgotten several, and as soon as I post this, I'll want to add them. But these are the shows that came to my mind first. They're the ones that have left an indelible impression on me. I wish the entertainment industry would give me more new shows to add to the list. Sadly, they seem intent on feeding me reality silliness and scripted TV full of plot holes, but I'm not going to bite.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-13444121539143678082012-03-01T12:33:00.000-08:002012-03-01T12:36:46.886-08:00New Post This Weekend!<span style="font-size: large;">What will I write about? Here are some clues. </span><br />
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-57751818419610298122012-01-15T10:45:00.000-08:002013-08-13T14:53:13.363-07:00My Private Paradise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The city where I live built a wonderful little park for me. The winding walking trail begins across the street from my front door and progresses down a small hill. Tall trees stand guard as the trail leads to several small grassy areas with shorter trees, planters, boulders, and flowers. Soon they will fill my private paradise with new plants, trees, art, and a small foot bridge.<br />
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As I walk through the little park, I'm greeted by various birds. During the spring, summer, and fall, a trio of doves were always there to greet me and make my day brighter. Today a gaggle of geese looked at me briefly, then went about their business. When the weather is warmer, butterflies float across my path, and grasshoppers bound joyously in the distance. It's a place of peace. It's a place where I'm usually alone and can think.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The view from below.</i></span></td></tr>
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Of course the city didn't build it just for me, but because I'm usually the only person walking through the park on any given day, it often feels as if they designed it with me in mind. Occasionally I'll cross paths with a wayward family riding bikes or out for an evening stroll, but usually it's all mine. I never thought I'd have my own park.<br />
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We all need special places that feel as if they're all ours. These little oases give us comfort and help us recharge our batteries so we can deal with the world in a civilized manner. They help those of us who are creative reconnect with our muses. My place is a park across the street. For others, it might be a busy coffee shop or a room in their home.<br />
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Now you know mine. I hope you have yours as well.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-30988447719596524912011-12-23T17:13:00.000-08:002011-12-23T17:13:15.446-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_0YiPCR6H3Ic0lHs7zif6Sir69-91QILla30IYBqe9pv_toL7lJ7pV563k7HZ1lqvOmE8rbMgyPArSAWgdEi2qX3H4Z5PHknyzVksHgTCBOqLBYjauutJcp1znEjp_TNi0Xxi8pjXBzm/s1600/xmas+art+2011+ck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_0YiPCR6H3Ic0lHs7zif6Sir69-91QILla30IYBqe9pv_toL7lJ7pV563k7HZ1lqvOmE8rbMgyPArSAWgdEi2qX3H4Z5PHknyzVksHgTCBOqLBYjauutJcp1znEjp_TNi0Xxi8pjXBzm/s400/xmas+art+2011+ck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-54194458741736522442011-11-26T09:25:00.000-08:002013-08-13T15:00:22.619-07:00And We're Surprised...Why?We've all seen news about various Occupy movements around the country and the term <i>class warfare</i> has been tossed around by the likes of Speaker of the House John Boehner and others. Now <i>generational warfare</i> is the latest, as the Super Committee admits failure to come to consensus. Anyone who's surprised by recent events hasn't been paying attention.<br />
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For years Americans have arrogantly believed it was their right as citizens of the U.S.A. to build wealth and flaunt it. In fact, they felt they were entitled to it. Can't actually build wealth? Hey, it's OK. Just borrow money and pretend you have it to spend. It's what the U.S. government does. Instead of learning values from their parents, many American citizens learned them from a government that has continued to pretend it's still a superpower in the world. They learned from celebrities who ask for more and more for doing relatively little. They bought into the false belief that everyone who lived on U.S. soil was, for some reason, inherently entitled to wealth and "the good things" in life.<br />
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Is it really surprising then that when everyone came crashing down to earth, when reality finally set in, that people would be angry? The economy has failed. The losers are those who bought into the pretense of living beyond their means, those who simply wanted to have a piece of the American Dream of owning a home, and those who were unlucky enough to work for companies or government agencies that felt the need to begin massive layoffs to balance budgets or build reserves. In the meantime, people who have remained wealthy, those who actually had plenty to lose and still float in the deep end of the luxury pool, are living their lives as they always have; however, they're now perceived as the new super villains, along with government and corporations.<br />
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It was inevitable. Life as many people knew it was going to change, and not for the better. If people didn't see this coming, they were lying to themselves. I'm not an economist or a great world thinker, but I had conversations with people years ago about how it was all going to come crumbling down one day. It was inevitable.<br />
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I'm not going to delve into who's right, who's wrong, who needs to see the light, who needs to back off. I'm just surprised by the number of intelligent people who watched the same news I did, saw the same things happening in our country, and didn't see that one day we would be a country at odds with ourselves. Republicans vs. Democrats. Rich vs. poor. Insured vs. non-insured. Those with homes vs. the homeless. Well fed vs. the hungry. Baby boomers vs. Generation Z. The list goes on. The only thing I can't look into the future and see is how it's all going to end. I wish I could.<br />
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We need to look at ourselves, that includes me, and ask what our part in all of this is. We need to look at ways we can concretely create change. It isn't by pitching tents and sitting on sidewalks, waiting for a rogue cop to pepper spray us. It's by closing our wallets to big corporations and supporting our local small businesses. Transferring our money from big banks to local credit unions. Researching candidates and items up for vote before we cast our ballot. And actually following through and casting that ballot. Perhaps we need to remember the values our grandparents and great-grandparents had; those that focused on family, friends, and earning an honest living - not material possessions. Maybe we need to get back to the basics.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-55493943699361310592011-11-07T17:18:00.000-08:002013-08-13T14:56:59.184-07:00My Sweet Addiction<div>Dear Hershey's </div><div><br />
</div><div>Someone gave me a bag of your Pumpkin Spice Kisses for Halloween. Now I'm addicted. I've searched my town and a neighboring city; however, it appears all the Pumpkin Spice Kisses have been replaced with Christmas Peppermint and the like. What's up with that? I mean it's not even Thanksgiving yet. Hello... Pumpkin pie... Pumpkin Spice Kisses... It adds up to <b>they should still be for sale everywhere</b>. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Thanks to you I'm now stealing Pumpkin Spice Kisses from my coworkers' candy dishes and begging for their bags of leftovers. Yes, I've been reduced to this. Last week, someone baked cookies and put these little bits of deliciousness in the middle of each. When everyone was distracted, I pulled them all off and stuffed them in my purse. They're a little fuzzy, but I can't be picky at this point.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Fair warning, if I have to go to Pumpkin Spice Kisses rehab, I'm going to send you the bill, as it truly is <i>all your fault</i>. If, however, you would like to donate several bags of Pumpkin Spice Kisses to me, I would be ever so grateful and we'll call it even.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Sincerely, </div><div><br />
</div><div>Me</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitztMbX0KS3lZcB8BtoPA3R1OYBUiTY3KsO5_pzLVIpXWUS9hfTM3Fu2NCIRC1G1UChNVzKh73wSP-Ui72YlwMnygWL7RyRG8S3Z_uzcQEpdo9FZl0aH99gg0zOkH12YrMUjmyC2j5qeDn/s1600/Kisses.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/AVvXsEitztMbX0KS3lZcB8BtoPA3R1OYBUiTY3KsO5_pzLVIpXWUS9hfTM3Fu2NCIRC1G1UChNVzKh73wSP-Ui72YlwMnygWL7RyRG8S3Z_uzcQEpdo9FZl0aH99gg0zOkH12YrMUjmyC2j5qeDn/s320/Kisses.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Where are the Pumpkin Spice Kisses?</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vzrbAwl8-lBIjRm7zDLC3GL8wo_kRKxtMUBRYqY2_G31AHN6WrJsni8kGHFWF6oU-eqP7gJsJWRgWdOzigD5MAy1DrRAfzko-FtfcTgupaG2Gbxb3qhjSPjQMtfkucwQAuMnTf22RVvw/s1600/holidays+Kisses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vzrbAwl8-lBIjRm7zDLC3GL8wo_kRKxtMUBRYqY2_G31AHN6WrJsni8kGHFWF6oU-eqP7gJsJWRgWdOzigD5MAy1DrRAfzko-FtfcTgupaG2Gbxb3qhjSPjQMtfkucwQAuMnTf22RVvw/s320/holidays+Kisses.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>All I see are Christmas Kisses.</i></span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>Is there a seasonal candy or food you long for that has already been removed? Or are you thrilled to see Christmas type candy and food emerging? </div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562288451942298254.post-77729540887600420062011-09-29T19:51:00.000-07:002013-08-13T15:01:10.932-07:00But So-and-So Said...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzB_zgvNGAIZpsQmE1VfBHyEe1aSxLFQFtVEdxVUrkkQW02fUCfxsNTFFjZTswn0tgGIoXrL15sPtHWLTAX37J2RgQgfulXb3zDaBDSnzgk42hpE7ldK5s3wm3QUTciJNTjDqan5z1qY7/s1600/Info+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzB_zgvNGAIZpsQmE1VfBHyEe1aSxLFQFtVEdxVUrkkQW02fUCfxsNTFFjZTswn0tgGIoXrL15sPtHWLTAX37J2RgQgfulXb3zDaBDSnzgk42hpE7ldK5s3wm3QUTciJNTjDqan5z1qY7/s400/Info+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
People often make statements about things without having all the facts. They go by hearsay, making assumptions based on what they've heard through the grapevine, from their neighbor, an email from a friend, a news outlet, or a magazine ad. Some wonder enough to do a little research and find the facts, but many choose to simply believe what they were told by mass media or an individual with an opinion or a little gossip.<br />
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As one who doesn't take things at face value and always likes to go to the source for information, it's hard for me to understand people who base their entire belief system about a subject on what they've been told by a third party. How can you effectively debate or defend your support of a political party or bill up for vote in Congress if you've never actually checked out the background of the candidates or read the bill itself? Is it possible to truly know a person if all you've heard about them is what your coworkers have told you? Shouldn't you talk to the person directly and find out if they really did rob that bank back in 1992? And then there's the biggie. Religion. Faith and belief in a higher power is something that is innate in many of us. But that doesn't mean we have to blindly accept the religion of our parents. Doesn't something as important as your core belief system deserve some time and research? It doesn't mean you have to deny or abandon your Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, atheist, Wiccan, whatever views. It just means you're a more educated person who is confident and knowledgeable about not only your religion but others as well. <br />
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People slam us with information every day. Unless you stay home with the phone, television, computer, and radio turned off, there is no way to avoid someone trying to influence you about something. Some are subtle and wind it into a conversation. Others are blatant and present you with a laundry list of "facts" that you <i>need</i> to know. Sometimes we realize right away that what they're telling us isn't true or that they aren't telling us a truth we don't already know. Other times we have do a little digging at the source to get the truth. <br />
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When you defend your point about a subject, when you make a judgement about a person, do you base it on what you've heard from others or do you try to find the truth for yourself? Are you open to knowing the truth if it differs from what you've heard or what you've always believed it to be?Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560145562225008943noreply@blogger.com9