tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32482346647696862902024-02-05T02:25:07.916-06:00So I Was Just ThinkingMcMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.comBlogger453125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-25994568320573689152020-09-13T21:29:00.001-05:002020-09-13T21:29:59.773-05:00How to Get Your Floor Clean<p> Today we got our kitchen floor VERY clean. You too can get your floor clean by following these steps:</p><p>1) Decide to wash your face before going to bed.</p><p>2) Look for a washcloth in the laundry room.</p><p>3) Notice that you have an extra water filter on the top shelf.</p><p>4) Decide that NOW is a good time to change the fridge's water filter.</p><p>5) Recruit your oldest to remove the old filter.</p><p>6) Wonder why water is spewing from the port in the fridge.</p><p>7) Watch gallons of water pour into the fridge and onto the floor.</p><p>8) Figure out how to turn off the water behind the fridge.</p><p>9) Watch more water come out of the port.</p><p>10) Locate every towel you have when you regret owning only a Swiffer floor cleaner.</p><p>11) Wipe out every shelf in the fridge, throwing out old bottles of this and that.</p><p>12) Move the fridge back in place and see what interesting detritus is exposed.</p><p>13) Recruit the oldest to clean it up. </p><p>14) Return to washing your face which is all you wanted to do in the first place.</p><p><br /></p><p>It's been a long time since you have been blessed with an <a href="https://soiwasjust.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-morning-workout.html" target="_blank">Annemarie "How-To"</a>. You're welcome.</p>McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-18779981217288816802020-08-19T19:04:00.000-05:002020-08-19T19:04:16.873-05:00Story Time<p>It's been a long time since I told a proper "Annemarie" story so here is today's antics.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsC2EDewqeRQkWGR6jUub-iYpUtni2h8i9ZWrKUThe_Fqmrn8H2Dv9-9_cDPUQOKZBvxvyk2V30iK-teJI-rcC0NCAqGEoBl5klnUp3rZR4CoquiKpTD7BOaL8ihN9nT7Yknu56-s96M/s2048/20200819_181916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsC2EDewqeRQkWGR6jUub-iYpUtni2h8i9ZWrKUThe_Fqmrn8H2Dv9-9_cDPUQOKZBvxvyk2V30iK-teJI-rcC0NCAqGEoBl5klnUp3rZR4CoquiKpTD7BOaL8ihN9nT7Yknu56-s96M/s640/20200819_181916.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr">
You see this dress. I love this dress. I got a deal on it. I think I have worn it once before. I like it because it's 100 degrees here today and still have to dress for my job as a Curriculum specialist at my school, so it's cool enough but long enough to cover the little shorts I wear under dresses. Why is this dress the center of my story? Follow along my friends.</p>
<p dir="ltr">School starts at 7 a.m. We are 100% online and technology issues often arise, so I like to be on time to catch the help line. That means leaving close to 6:30. I was so proud of myself for getting out at 6:35 (I have a 15 year-old who likes to oversleep.) Backpack on, purse over my shoulder, coffee cup in one hand and water cup in the other. All items are being placed in the back seat when I find I can't remove my backpack. The tiny little hook is caught in the seam of the bag. Try as a I may, the hook won't come undone. At one point I looked like a dog chasing her tail. I finally found myself lying facedown in the back seat of the car, legs sticking out, hoping to relieve the stress of the backpack on the tiny little hook. No such luck. I had to call my daughter outside. "Come out to the car. I need your help. I can't explain." Cryptic, I know.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Daughter comes out and unhooks me, laughing all the while. I leave for work. I'm now cutting it close, but I slide in under the wire. That should be the end of the dress issues, but no. It continues. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The dress has a white liner. I have on black shorts. The liner is opaque enough to hide the shorts...EXCEPT...the liner spent the day riding up over my bum. I can't count how many times I had to find a way to pull it down without others seeing. If I had stayed in my office all day, I would have been fine, but that's not what my job is about. I had to drive to another office to pick up curriculum materials. I had no idea how many boxes awaited me. Four flat bed trollies later, my friend and I had them squeezed into the bed of the truck. All the while I'm pulling the liner back in place.</p><p dir="ltr">When we returned to campus I got the privilege of unloading the truck with my coworker. It's 100 degrees and we have been wearing a mask all day. One hand truck, one tiny flatbed, one massive shopping cart, hand truck, flatbed and so on until another coworker comes out to help. And what is that liner doing? You guessed it. The darn thing is up around my waist at this point and I've had it, but I can't go home because it is only two o'clock and I have two more meetings to attend. One of which I am leading. </p><p dir="ltr">What's a girl to do? I led from my seat. I just couldn't bring myself to play that game for another hour.</p><p dir="ltr">I'm home now in my jammies trying to problem solve: Keep the dress and pay someone to make a better liner? Keep the dress, cut out the liner and buy a slip? Get rid of the dress? What would you do?</p>McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-72362231902311033162019-06-11T12:27:00.000-05:002019-06-11T12:35:15.248-05:00I'm Baaack...At Least for a BitLong time no post. So what brings me back? <a href="https://www.maritspaperworld.com/blog/quirky-dutch-summer/" target="_blank">Quirky Dutch Summer</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.maritspaperworld.com/blog/quirky-dutch-summer-1-2/" target="_blank">Week 1</a> has me making my own art journal. This sent me on a field trip to Hobby Lobby where I found quite a deal on journals, canvases and a pad of primed sheets of canvas. (More than 75% off.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAm9d3LdbPIzvzQxBeVTgmm_20Wls5sCexlvV9Nv0OesOIeQJzS9reSt7sl18Pi32FzgTEipHv-Pz_9azd3-PXn7qEh-TF0BWy1ThV1kmUUkgQIEYfFZBfOHRLSlA_1SUT-F81gT3EwE/s1600/20190610_143359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAm9d3LdbPIzvzQxBeVTgmm_20Wls5sCexlvV9Nv0OesOIeQJzS9reSt7sl18Pi32FzgTEipHv-Pz_9azd3-PXn7qEh-TF0BWy1ThV1kmUUkgQIEYfFZBfOHRLSlA_1SUT-F81gT3EwE/s320/20190610_143359.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I then dug through a very old stash of acrylic paint. All of my art supplies are in the garage after I cleaned out my office for Thanksgiving a year and a half ago. I needed room for a long table. I also didn't want my company seeing my messy workspace. I've not brought much in since then. That's what I'm liking about Quirky Dutch Summer. It has me playing in my art stuff again.<br />
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I have no plans this summer and my youngest is about to leave for cousin camp, giving me plenty of time to get my hands dirty.<br />
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So let me show you what I've made.<br />
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First I painted the front of the canvas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwiZz6iup-XaQ5584Lcb-KKa6qfbanzFZvqGXgngXd0NCj1wziJuLQqZQn6bYQ4RlE_m9TEIROComnJuL3G-82vYimDfmuqEFS49GG0RucfCPMJAfaHmVO2Bf82YGkWXXSpqdgzEg0Pw/s1600/20190610_192246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwiZz6iup-XaQ5584Lcb-KKa6qfbanzFZvqGXgngXd0NCj1wziJuLQqZQn6bYQ4RlE_m9TEIROComnJuL3G-82vYimDfmuqEFS49GG0RucfCPMJAfaHmVO2Bf82YGkWXXSpqdgzEg0Pw/s320/20190610_192246.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I painted the back and let them dry overnight. </div>
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I folded the edges over and glued them down. I used Aleene's Clear Tacky Glue. Not too bad, but then it took a good effort to keep the edges down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmNxLsfXLfHMpiOmfOe1jH5vP0LWvfOunZ6pguagEiGdtodbHAcqD3OA1vcLy_xvbqebU6x-4oMwEsVlSTcvR5cO4UGstiOX7HvgQkeHNkOx0HAGm3REnMU8np1tMYjxhKJj4IxLdsBA/s1600/20190611_091516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmNxLsfXLfHMpiOmfOe1jH5vP0LWvfOunZ6pguagEiGdtodbHAcqD3OA1vcLy_xvbqebU6x-4oMwEsVlSTcvR5cO4UGstiOX7HvgQkeHNkOx0HAGm3REnMU8np1tMYjxhKJj4IxLdsBA/s320/20190611_091516.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Next I freehand drew a mandala on the cover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYM8MGebDJ-OaXAMaUpKUuWyjN05dZOhxU7kbnAvgL2X_WBcfc84fr0GvsU-5CUKwGT7ey32olbVxhetWI421qoaLWL7peSviFwvqOFaUACb1Seil17eSyjOCKSnx23I02sWyUFYxS6cM/s1600/IMG_20190610_202639_764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1600" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYM8MGebDJ-OaXAMaUpKUuWyjN05dZOhxU7kbnAvgL2X_WBcfc84fr0GvsU-5CUKwGT7ey32olbVxhetWI421qoaLWL7peSviFwvqOFaUACb1Seil17eSyjOCKSnx23I02sWyUFYxS6cM/s320/IMG_20190610_202639_764.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBVAInFzaGfQdvC8SjSAb66G0NSEY5ES5OkCXCA4mEDOf8yrICdIrz2553w-JcuoycBdyljl47TDyUBPz2HselDlAFr6m0D0Z6o9TwdAXuta41jW_3u-xA49Ihv0WufDH0ukpVgzmqAw/s1600/20190611_114229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBVAInFzaGfQdvC8SjSAb66G0NSEY5ES5OkCXCA4mEDOf8yrICdIrz2553w-JcuoycBdyljl47TDyUBPz2HselDlAFr6m0D0Z6o9TwdAXuta41jW_3u-xA49Ihv0WufDH0ukpVgzmqAw/s320/20190611_114229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I followed Marit's directions on book binding and ended up with my very own handmade art journal. Not my first, but definitely the easiest I've ever made.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE6y_0Q_YnsI-ip_vw-PNzrwvp4828bUzurUO4a3V63Q5k1ILgUD165H4pyhwn-AoUZ-xmX7fiAlGYe5R0WGnIeOZXrZkTX0dGjc5uHzYrokOY1ETHj9OyLLQXaQFTwBMv8-QWMxNTIk/s1600/20190611_114329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1145" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE6y_0Q_YnsI-ip_vw-PNzrwvp4828bUzurUO4a3V63Q5k1ILgUD165H4pyhwn-AoUZ-xmX7fiAlGYe5R0WGnIeOZXrZkTX0dGjc5uHzYrokOY1ETHj9OyLLQXaQFTwBMv8-QWMxNTIk/s320/20190611_114329.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Now we wait for Week 2. At least it will get this blog going again for the next two months or so. </div>
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See you next week. </div>
McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-57088898413395011742017-07-21T13:42:00.001-05:002017-07-21T13:42:10.807-05:00I Love a GiveawayDoodling, Tangling, Zentangling....I've been doing these for years. Last year I joined the Tangle It! Pattern Club. It's a great source of inspiration. The folks there are Ah-Mazing!<br />
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Well, Pattern-collections.com is holding a giveaway. The prize? a Tangle-It Planner. It's not only a planner, it also has tips, tricks and suggested tools for keeping a Tangled Planner.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCSSLhSdleUdN-x21T8TrVWpsrXAWm1TiPmAfMxdNUvFlugTsy_nmV4B0v0DXzm8IPnagLn1REcLBHX6Dbdzohp688vBrl2d0RpwCJzIwTrxqm-yhgxFmPcKZFwwGjvwyttIS3bxNChs/s320/51Y9M9XAJ3L._SX348_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="224" /></div>
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Click <a href="http://pattern-collections.com/index.php/2017/07/17/pattern-collections-give-away/" target="_blank">HERE</a> for the giveaway</div>
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Here are some of my latest tangles and doodles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A6zoL6rcS4fbp8-v_kGKnd-LAbgJMose2cHDgKG1Y8z49jQQx5Wj5isSYP90Lt3Pw_mmbSzvV8Z3blbT2N_qOzEgZDIfH7PkZaCedT-nHFlp5zsgJhPDwFb07K7UzByTsHUJ0j_USYY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-21+at+1.38.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A6zoL6rcS4fbp8-v_kGKnd-LAbgJMose2cHDgKG1Y8z49jQQx5Wj5isSYP90Lt3Pw_mmbSzvV8Z3blbT2N_qOzEgZDIfH7PkZaCedT-nHFlp5zsgJhPDwFb07K7UzByTsHUJ0j_USYY/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-07-21+at+1.38.14+PM.png" width="317" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8M1qgzcsokGnfZCRlLjx_0vIJ7HgmjPkiVGy0DUjE_a1HVch9jB1BGrVmJVb0h1Isn8ENzD8dvHBTKgunVpV9X56w1ZpJn52PYuybKJrznBHxD4h8zEUfbuXAzBTSDo_maXN_O5CdGw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-21+at+1.38.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="452" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8M1qgzcsokGnfZCRlLjx_0vIJ7HgmjPkiVGy0DUjE_a1HVch9jB1BGrVmJVb0h1Isn8ENzD8dvHBTKgunVpV9X56w1ZpJn52PYuybKJrznBHxD4h8zEUfbuXAzBTSDo_maXN_O5CdGw/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-07-21+at+1.38.51+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj565b-6qqImLHBWJ_AJtaz31_UUxYzDjrhTlIAQJM4DGb-sQsi-xMSby24xBwr-CphAd5GQOumusYj_lckyaxtDIs3zz6_acWxET0O2OSrHUyaRmF2e4dXDXcaqd0T2W3zURNMrAVJw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-21+at+1.39.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="453" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj565b-6qqImLHBWJ_AJtaz31_UUxYzDjrhTlIAQJM4DGb-sQsi-xMSby24xBwr-CphAd5GQOumusYj_lckyaxtDIs3zz6_acWxET0O2OSrHUyaRmF2e4dXDXcaqd0T2W3zURNMrAVJw/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-07-21+at+1.39.04+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzUWryr9ipZrEbUDrds_S8pzrjJZQKVfN2330aP8RW-NvCpak3InsxuKtLKx-oCpsbXsaKde2zG8D8LfP8MAUFAq3l6LyiFlC4R7EEDr5sA1JoS8J985g_xrKGJuWDkWfoMgJQUMbmdQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-21+at+1.39.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="453" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzUWryr9ipZrEbUDrds_S8pzrjJZQKVfN2330aP8RW-NvCpak3InsxuKtLKx-oCpsbXsaKde2zG8D8LfP8MAUFAq3l6LyiFlC4R7EEDr5sA1JoS8J985g_xrKGJuWDkWfoMgJQUMbmdQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-07-21+at+1.39.16+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZW8kIkVehC8XLN-VB8X0AAIN62Zy8jcsXqWpHvpE424WdR-otcCZsE94gPRhzvT-j6P2yYdyKFS9_QmgcRcmg-KsqoYluD2yQWIKINaLullnDyRD1QLcL74ldEald_jZK7jNeji5hkU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-21+at+1.39.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZW8kIkVehC8XLN-VB8X0AAIN62Zy8jcsXqWpHvpE424WdR-otcCZsE94gPRhzvT-j6P2yYdyKFS9_QmgcRcmg-KsqoYluD2yQWIKINaLullnDyRD1QLcL74ldEald_jZK7jNeji5hkU/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-07-21+at+1.39.28+PM.png" width="316" /></a></div>
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Wanna join the fun? Go to Facebook and join <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/TangleItPatternClub/" target="_blank">Tangle It! Pattern Club</a>.</div>
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McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-6592509141164110122017-06-14T20:31:00.002-05:002017-06-14T20:31:37.289-05:00Here I Am - Three Years LaterIt's interesting how it still hurts to really talk about how much I miss you. However, it does get better. Everyday I feel better. <div>
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When you first left so suddenly, the pain was so strong, crippling, paralyzing. Then the numbness came. I had to work. I had to become an automaton. Get up, help the kids, go to work, help other people's kids, get along with coworkers, drive home, be a mom. Lather, rinse, repeat. I did find out I was difficult to be around so I had to numb myself some more.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSkRm0xjxTLv6ncXUBXZR2b5S4zdi3Oj3Y09HeMs3kEnIiqCYPzTEGiBTFiW_QXtItBEkhr6iyCVv_UR7mgZa7DVGVfI5FjIsb2FRX680I9Tch0HFreez3YUUcisSSpW3ZR6HrnrLIKc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-06-14+at+7.26.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSkRm0xjxTLv6ncXUBXZR2b5S4zdi3Oj3Y09HeMs3kEnIiqCYPzTEGiBTFiW_QXtItBEkhr6iyCVv_UR7mgZa7DVGVfI5FjIsb2FRX680I9Tch0HFreez3YUUcisSSpW3ZR6HrnrLIKc/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-06-14+at+7.26.29+PM.png" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusty Shoes - Post Canyon Hike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgto1MdWFMc9vJDLFk2VwHDus4wvyw_Qu8SBJkv_vV5XCbqJVePs9LgsckOe2gTnz23YO8CTVJMnd4KBCa1dvf0hwpY4u3mjIpVnbEQB_9Hvi8nTUaF2-gH5Qpdx_YusjrSPQ0Zk3CxTZY/s1600/20150626_082154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgto1MdWFMc9vJDLFk2VwHDus4wvyw_Qu8SBJkv_vV5XCbqJVePs9LgsckOe2gTnz23YO8CTVJMnd4KBCa1dvf0hwpY4u3mjIpVnbEQB_9Hvi8nTUaF2-gH5Qpdx_YusjrSPQ0Zk3CxTZY/s400/20150626_082154.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting Goofy at Disneyland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
The following summer, I took the kids on our dream road trip seeing everything you and I said we would see with all of our kids (eight in total). Grand Canyon, Disneyland, Washington, Colorado. We saw it all, minus a few kids. It was fun and sad all at the same time. Visiting your relatives was especially poignant. Sitting out in your uncle's backyard, I could imagine you sitting out there chewing the fat, sipping a beer, watching the sun set, wishing you could see your family more often. That year I found CrossFit and Fit Camp. Exercise became my outlet. It meant working out at 7:30 at night in order to get classes for free. I also had to rely on Caitlin to pick up James from football practice so I could make time for myself. I slowly felt my sanity coming back, and I had the added benefit of being healthier. I still dreaded driving home from work and the gym in silence. No more bluetooth conversations discussing our workdays and our fitness achievements.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCBlt4dTcd4OnogjaigBDydHwXpgwZs6qItPgEgS3HZT1bit4JJNh2HBpem5MP4WlW4DRay4pX3U3WPVE46rRyOPv3xf_5J5EpzwHqdmXaVsn8QNBs8YJ5ILZ4EDgpj3n6xhkPUy5ODU/s1600/13413664_10208805673677168_7590463967144831462_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCBlt4dTcd4OnogjaigBDydHwXpgwZs6qItPgEgS3HZT1bit4JJNh2HBpem5MP4WlW4DRay4pX3U3WPVE46rRyOPv3xf_5J5EpzwHqdmXaVsn8QNBs8YJ5ILZ4EDgpj3n6xhkPUy5ODU/s320/13413664_10208805673677168_7590463967144831462_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I was lost.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
The next summer, I still needed to get away. I found myself in Arizona, hiking the trails of Sedona. As I got lost more than once, the solitude provided me with the quiet I needed to reflect on what direction I wanted the rest of my life to go. I could no longer maintain the status quo. Something had to change. That's when I made the decision to improve myself professionally. I researched what would take to become a school administrator, borrowed the money from my mom and enrolled in a principal certification program. Your encouragement was noticeably absent.</div>
<div>
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<div>
This summer is underway with no major trips for me in the foreseeable future. Instead, I am wrapping up the nine month process of earning my principal certificate. I have passed the test. I have completed my major coursework. I have four more days of required professional development, and then I am officially done. DONE. DONE! I know you are proud. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today I have new struggles. As life goes on, I meet people who never knew you as the other half of me. They don't understand why today is a sad day. We never got to be married. We didn't get to share a name (even though I told you I would never change my name again. LOL.) Our unique relationship is hard to describe. People also love to ask if I am ready to date. Why do they do that? There is no simple answer. I know there is no replacement for you. I know that you want me to be happy. I don't like sitting home watching Netflix without you, but I don't have what it takes to forge new friendships at this time. There is only so much energy, and mine is dedicated to advancing my career and ensuring James's and Caitlin's wellbeing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Despite these obstacles, I'm doing okay. I've accepted that it will never be the way it was. I don't expect it to be. Instead I live a new kind of normal - one that finds me achieving new things and wishing I could call tell you all about it.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBST_5iroIt08um1bkd3fPMiw2fJbQ7OAucCwZVV6E3TZBn7O9zDe1vOT5-Z3_om9SsAtK5K-S7SxVNvewHob8TvnnsixYEaNB0yFxQbfpQhGVpOprGPfrPOfRuCW990Iv7Sb-pvNXEiU/s1600/20140703_192433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBST_5iroIt08um1bkd3fPMiw2fJbQ7OAucCwZVV6E3TZBn7O9zDe1vOT5-Z3_om9SsAtK5K-S7SxVNvewHob8TvnnsixYEaNB0yFxQbfpQhGVpOprGPfrPOfRuCW990Iv7Sb-pvNXEiU/s320/20140703_192433.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your memory wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
On the anniversary of your passing, I won't dwell on the negative. I will use this day to honor you and your memory by reflecting on the progress I've made and anticipating the progress yet to come.</div>
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McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-51057544435649945462017-01-08T16:30:00.000-06:002017-01-08T16:30:21.473-06:00The Mistress of Make DoOne of my favorite online/TV people is Ree Drummond - AKA <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman</a>. When I need something tasty, I often choose her recipes over those of other celebrities like Martha Stewart or Ina Garten. The PW makes meals that aren't complicated but full of flavor and appeal to everyone in my family.<br />
<br />
The easiest recipe I have found on her site is for oven <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/roasted-potato-wedges/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">roasted potato wedges</a>. The problem with most recipes in my house, however, is I don't always have all of the ingredients. This means I either have to forego the recipe or make do with what I have in the pantry. This weekend like most weekends was a make-do kind of day.<br />
<br />
I really wanted to have potatoes, but when I looked through the pantry and fridge, I found I was short ingredients like olive oil. I also am not eating butter this month (say it ain't so!). This left me wondering what to do. I then looked in the closet and found a jar of coconut oil. I couldn't figure out how to pour a solid over potatoes. Then it hit me, Warm it up! After melting it in the microwave for a few seconds, I poured it over the potatoes and mixed in a variety of seasonings I found in the cupboard (salt, pepper, garlic powder, cajun seasoning) before throwing it in the oven 450 degrees on a foil-lined pan that I sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.<br />
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The result? Golden tasty potato-y goodness.<span id="goog_2115274040"></span><span id="goog_2115274041"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4lUUFm20K2YvPgplf2MlOcResFQckfASKl1Ee6TqlPjY4SuIuZ_crVOXEMhF8f7zl3lo3Hmc_utkqYIkVKf3W8HgOuzEKmWQMBlImvqmZ9UkbFl8KINgs0jjwVIYeA4Xo5L4IUuwkFg/s1600/potatowedgepan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4lUUFm20K2YvPgplf2MlOcResFQckfASKl1Ee6TqlPjY4SuIuZ_crVOXEMhF8f7zl3lo3Hmc_utkqYIkVKf3W8HgOuzEKmWQMBlImvqmZ9UkbFl8KINgs0jjwVIYeA4Xo5L4IUuwkFg/s640/potatowedgepan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Straight out of the oven - hard to resist burning the fingers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqdrD4dhWt1YiJXpioyG-eak-ZCixZ7Wq_Ub9UcrwSSgMqj3Oz1FXeP09oKZZLGMrJRTmIZofrxmbMWUJPsGsVcWpKwB5C6yljpmBKzp24BeoP4XlA-ReWPRhchcUiTioxK0G6kNfang/s1600/PotatoWedges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqdrD4dhWt1YiJXpioyG-eak-ZCixZ7Wq_Ub9UcrwSSgMqj3Oz1FXeP09oKZZLGMrJRTmIZofrxmbMWUJPsGsVcWpKwB5C6yljpmBKzp24BeoP4XlA-ReWPRhchcUiTioxK0G6kNfang/s640/PotatoWedges.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Mistress of Make Do is in love with these potatoes, and they are perfect for my current Whole30 way of life. I might have to make them every week.</div>
<br />McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-80749338163120331652017-01-06T22:41:00.001-06:002017-01-06T22:41:47.446-06:00Reason #2367 Why I Don't SleepI was asleep until my cell phone rang. It was my house phone calling. Why is my house phone calling? Hello? Hello? James is that you? Click<br />
Me: (debating whether to get up or not and finally getting up to look for the phone.)<br />
James, why do you have the phone?<br />
James: I thought there was someone looking through my window?<br />
Me: (confused how he saw someone in the window with the lights off, dark outside and the view of the window blocked by a bookcase. )<br />
Give me the phone. (Hanging it up and heading to bed)<br />
James: Sorry, mom.<br />
Me: Goodnight (but now I'm curious. Did he really see someone? Dang it! Putting on winter coat and boots, I head outside with the phone as if I could do anything)<br />
NOTHING<br />
<br />
Now I lay awake when I should be asleep since I have class tomorrow morning. And people wonder why I don't leave him home alone.<br />
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McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-84473207323840613282016-07-21T08:45:00.000-05:002016-07-21T08:45:31.081-05:00A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I guess that's so. When you look at photos taken by Ansel Adams or Annie Liebowitz, they definitely tell a story. The only difference between your photos and photographers like these two is you may never see yourself in a museum or on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. That doesn't diminish the stories that your photos tell.<br />
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Take for example this photo that showed up in my newsfeed today. What do you see?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYICdpKxFo2w_3VBThqlIyewzNQY6aNvPgfUTLCWo8ROUZ3hXzreLmV-DkC-iwlJyQOBY40tU6lUDFZJleJIBuKS0Km6byDWY3uSfMjwjOwiSOxh9fCFiq2tdIFLjG4cF1cQY5pmYO0Q/s1600/FB_IMG_1469105865000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYICdpKxFo2w_3VBThqlIyewzNQY6aNvPgfUTLCWo8ROUZ3hXzreLmV-DkC-iwlJyQOBY40tU6lUDFZJleJIBuKS0Km6byDWY3uSfMjwjOwiSOxh9fCFiq2tdIFLjG4cF1cQY5pmYO0Q/s320/FB_IMG_1469105865000.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
The man was my Sweetie Bobby. He would have turned 50 on Monday.<br />
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The car was his pride and joy. There was a carwash near his house that offered a rain check up to three days after your first wash. He used that raincheck and would upgrade to a full wash every time. When asked what kind of air freshener, he would always get New Leather. He took very good care of it, making sure to get the oil changed as directed and rotating the tires regularly. He needed to do this because his job had him driving long distance, and every three weeks he drove nine hours through the West Texas heat to see me.<br />
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In addition to the car, I see plaid shorts and gray trainers. He was a khaki pants, "dad jean" wearing kind of guy. He felt dressed up if he wore Dockers deck shoes. Bobby let me dress him, choose his clothes and even his shoes. So when I see those plaid shorts, I smile because it shows how much he valued my opinion.<br />
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Another thing I notice are his calves. When he would go to the gym, he would get on the elliptical machine and bang out the miles. He would call me after the gym and rib me about how many calories he had burned. Bobby also learned about spin class at the gym. There was something about the loud music and frenetic pace that grabbed his attention.<br />
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You may notice he is taking a picture. It was probably with an iPhone. That man loved technology, especially his Apple products. I once converted him to Android but it was short-lived. When the next iPhone came out, he immediately switched. His dining room was not a dining room. It was his technology center where he took apart computers or experimented with Raspberry Pi circuits.<br />
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Lastly, you will see that this photo was taken in the mountains. Bobby loved the outdoors, camping with his youngest and traveling. This trip was to the McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains. When the instructors taught about the planets, stars and satellites, Bobby was all ears. As we left, he was already talking about the next time.<br />
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So I challenge you. Find a photo you haven't seen for a while. Look at it carefully. What story does it tell you?McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-26381221166008909322016-07-16T16:34:00.003-05:002016-07-16T16:38:35.031-05:00But You Are so White!I've heard that many times in my life, and today wasn't much different.<br />
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It's actually a funny story. There is a girl who calls me mom. I never did get a chance to officially become her mom because Bobby and I never married. Nonetheless, LM is one of my children.<br />
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LM called me today while Caitlin and I were driving down the highway, and just like my other two kids, if she needs me, I'm usually going to do what I can for her. Her question was a funny one. "You speak Spanish, right?" Now the answer to that is a complicated one, but yes, Spanish words have been known to come out of my mouth. So I tell her I do and ask her why. Well, it seems while she was having a garage sale, there was a man there interested in buying a car she had. However, he only spoke Spanish. I tell her I am five minutes away and head over there instead of going to Hobby Lobby.<br />
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When I get to the garage sale, I introduce myself to the man who starts talking a mile a minute in Spanish. Uh oh! I give him my overwhelmed look, and he begins to slow down. I tell him what I can about the car, relay his questions to LM and her boyfriend R, and try to translate back to the man what R said. It's quite comical listening to me speak in Spanish at the level of a three year old because I clearly don't know how to say things like timing belt and battery. My Spanish is limited to asking where the bathroom or library is or telling someone that <i><b>Juan is wearing brown pants</b></i>. Nevertheless, we settle on a date for the man to come back and see the car when the garage sale isn't going.<br />
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As he and I walk away, he thanks me and wonders aloud how I learned Spanish. I explain that my parents are both Puerto Rican but I grew up here (Texas) to which he responds with the typical, "You're so white."<br />
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Growing up in America with Puerto Rican parents, I have learned a few things. 1) There are people of many races in Puerto Rico. 2) That seems to be the truth in any country. 3) Even Hispanic people can be ignorant to the fact that Latin American people come in many colors.<br />
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And this is why I gave this man my usual response. I nodded and smiled.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYgcDRXy86A3JCCrvI0J842cKTDCF67JGHUKpXUUExfFcxIm3V1zE1ajojn1IJ2_AROw0XeZmylkzxyaCw2TQI3SUnvKE-nQm3_lRAu66OqzTLRpwg_c3Mra4c0BoDMcjvguCtRKN6F8/s1600/20160716_162540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYgcDRXy86A3JCCrvI0J842cKTDCF67JGHUKpXUUExfFcxIm3V1zE1ajojn1IJ2_AROw0XeZmylkzxyaCw2TQI3SUnvKE-nQm3_lRAu66OqzTLRpwg_c3Mra4c0BoDMcjvguCtRKN6F8/s400/20160716_162540.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my many Puerto Rican cousins. (2005)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-79433743159440320152016-01-01T06:00:00.000-06:002016-01-01T06:00:12.815-06:00OLW - GROWIt's that time again, time to reflect on the past year and decide what kind of progress I've made. My word for the year was FORWARD. Even though I didn't write about it at all, I feel I have managed to move forward pretty well. But to see how I've moved forward I would like to take a look back - waaay back.<br />
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A look back at where it all began - 2009<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCusr-kHzA2_CvlGs1aD7O1zx-9nGUpjRpZ5sm5MruDupgsPoWvXtMV84ebaXmS3r7yiVdZwidoRg89usLPfpzgNI3AQIVhwfY5KyZrIcwzaF22zaa8W2OujL3X_CI-1UjP3KF4zN5Rs/s1600/Screenshot+2015-12-30+16.36.05.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCusr-kHzA2_CvlGs1aD7O1zx-9nGUpjRpZ5sm5MruDupgsPoWvXtMV84ebaXmS3r7yiVdZwidoRg89usLPfpzgNI3AQIVhwfY5KyZrIcwzaF22zaa8W2OujL3X_CI-1UjP3KF4zN5Rs/s1600/Screenshot+2015-12-30+16.36.05.png" /></a><br />
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I said I wanted to develop good habits such as:<br />
<ul style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small;">Cooking at least 5 days a week </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">ā</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">Drinking Water <span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ā</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">Exercise <span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ā</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">Reading books </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">ā</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">Playing with my children<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">ā</span></span> </li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">Sticking to my plans<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">ā</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">Saving Money <span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ā</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">Go to bed no later than 10 p.m. on weekdays <span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ā</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Did I? Not so much then, but I do </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">many of them </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">now and I think that says something. It says you may plant a seed to something that may take awhile to grow but with patience you will see results, especially with periodic reflection on where you have come from.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">The year 2012 found me looking to live more BOLDLY and boy did I. That was the year <a href="http://soiwasjust.blogspot.com/2012/06/long-journey-part-deux.html" target="_blank">everything changed in a big way. </a></span></div>
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I went through a lot that year including moving out with my kids, moving back to Texas, starting a new job, and so many other things.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghf9tQ-fg7ZW9S-GojLcKWy1PzFU5T8rZ4JJ150bVIyjepCkAu-UVJXzl7aDrvAhAPi28DPc7s6fg6tzq0qI0JPFq2ZxfCwbJKX6Lfh9F1oHD17UJHBy7hknDDak6XA6AEYB6IUmGOh1U/s1600/Screenshot+2015-12-30+16.46.27.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghf9tQ-fg7ZW9S-GojLcKWy1PzFU5T8rZ4JJ150bVIyjepCkAu-UVJXzl7aDrvAhAPi28DPc7s6fg6tzq0qI0JPFq2ZxfCwbJKX6Lfh9F1oHD17UJHBy7hknDDak6XA6AEYB6IUmGOh1U/s1600/Screenshot+2015-12-30+16.46.27.png" /></a></div>
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That has to be the funniest OLW ever. I still do't finish much - at least when it comes to crafty projects. I have a half painted bookshelf in the garage, an unpainted table in the garage and a table that needs to be repainted in the kitchen. I also have my feet propped on an ottoman that needs to be recovered. That's pretty much me - full of ideas that never get accomplished. In fact, I don't even think I even finished focusing on my OLW for 2013. Typical.</div>
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So this leaves me with 2015's word FORWARD where I said:</div>
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The word FORWARD makes me think of this little clip from Meet the Robinsons:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LmW3H-EXYS0" width="560"></iframe>
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<a href="http://jamesclear.com/fixed-mindset-vs-growth-mindset" target="_blank">Growth mindset</a> is what we teach our students at my school. When you fail, you keep moving forward. So thinking about this concept leads me to my word for 2016.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">GROW</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="190" src="//giphy.com/embed/Qw4X3FLjAuZv4cAZH8c" width="240"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/globalentertainment-rose-flower-blooming-Qw4X3FLjAuZv4cAZH8c">via GIPHY</a><br />
<br />
Will I blog about it? We will see. I'm looking forward to what 2016 has in store for me.McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-69197827930856198002015-08-08T20:04:00.000-05:002015-08-09T08:40:59.529-05:00What to Cook? What to Cook?This summer found me being a bit lazy, especially because I was on vacation for three weeks and my youngest was away for three weeks. So imagine six weeks of not cooking when the little one asks, "What's for dinner?"<br />
<br />
James's favorite dinner is spaghetti. I usually keep ground beef, pasta and sauce on hand as a go-to because I know it is something he will he eat.<br />
<br />
The other day Cait and I went to Sam's Club and bought a big box of spaghetti and a four pound package of ground beef, but I didn't bring home any sauce. My go to is Hunt's Traditional spaghetti sauce. It's inexpensive. It can be used for pasta, lasagna, meatball subs and many other things. However, when James said, "Spaghetti," my mind did a mental inventory and realized I had none. So what's a mom to do? Improvise.<br />
<br />
I have never made spaghetti sauce from scratch but could imagine what would go in it. Here's what I came up with.<br />
<br />
I found two small cans of tomato sauce (a staple in a Puerto Rican household), an onion, garlic, a random jar of roasted red peppers and regular seasonings. I asked Cait if she had remembered to divide the ground beef into one pound packages, but she didn't so we had to deal with a four pound frozen lump of beef. Somehow she managed to break the block into four even sections that she placed in freezer bags and placed back in the freezer. The pound that we needed was still frozen solid and it was suppertime, so we put it in the five quart pot with a quarter cup of water, turned the pot on medium and covered it. It wasn't long before the meat was cooked and Cait broke it up into large crumbles.<br />
<br />
Normally, I would sautƩ the onions and garlic first and then add thawed ground beef and seasonings. So if you have thawed meat, try it that way. It will give the meat more flavor.<br />
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After the beef was browned, I put in the rest of the ingredients but found it was a bit acidic so I added a tablespoon of sugar. Caitlin tasted it and liked it so I decided it was good to go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUaSmWShrSqrK2pepjSYPRjHNxbdKo4MfSnF9cAyvotVlMFOHtky5qvMLw3LqORGEBo9Hazc7LY2FzoFzAmK3Y9uqQ9WaY4Upy_2BQwgdq2FqtREocsn-z557BY4yMWzFAErVcsnVxdc/s1600/IMG_20150808_183859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUaSmWShrSqrK2pepjSYPRjHNxbdKo4MfSnF9cAyvotVlMFOHtky5qvMLw3LqORGEBo9Hazc7LY2FzoFzAmK3Y9uqQ9WaY4Upy_2BQwgdq2FqtREocsn-z557BY4yMWzFAErVcsnVxdc/s200/IMG_20150808_183859.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Cait cooked the spaghetti noodles to al dente, drained the noodles and put it back in the pasta pot. I scooped some sauce on the noodles and mixed it together. James ate it that way, and I served Cait and me with some more sauce on top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1wr5ngC1W2XNr4YejIcA5_Bhdz_JYwzGQggt6z8S-oxNva1eaDvK6UHbseG0Btzh3pK3Q4fxYBESDpT3xzfOWVNcp0IBxzj6gRyROAFMqlrLP5UBcal1GJvYpgrzppiyEvtV0j492kk/s1600/IMG_20150808_185852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1wr5ngC1W2XNr4YejIcA5_Bhdz_JYwzGQggt6z8S-oxNva1eaDvK6UHbseG0Btzh3pK3Q4fxYBESDpT3xzfOWVNcp0IBxzj6gRyROAFMqlrLP5UBcal1GJvYpgrzppiyEvtV0j492kk/s200/IMG_20150808_185852.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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For having never made my own sauce, I am pretty darned impressed as was James. I may be done using store bought sauce. Try it out and let me know what you think.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlQZXE8XUL6mHaEVjgtTybAueeC3HoqRhnEU0d5wWPHjSnlYMRbwwPmMLrIUK3IJM2VDwzMZBUm-Uos5fxSEgpLoZNCjrzPp85hzn3d2mWJO5AiHccwBqQ3kV6hvPT40Ft7Dq7SLMRYA/s1600/IMG_20150808_185754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlQZXE8XUL6mHaEVjgtTybAueeC3HoqRhnEU0d5wWPHjSnlYMRbwwPmMLrIUK3IJM2VDwzMZBUm-Uos5fxSEgpLoZNCjrzPp85hzn3d2mWJO5AiHccwBqQ3kV6hvPT40Ft7Dq7SLMRYA/s200/IMG_20150808_185754.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">2 TBS Olive Oil</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
1/2 Sweet onion diced</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
3-4 cloves of garlic minced</div>
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1 lb ground beef</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
1 tsp salt</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
1 TBS of dried oregano (crushed)*</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
1 tsp pepper</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
1 roasted red pepper chopped finely**</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
8 oz tomato sauce</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
1 TBS sugar</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
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<i>*The oregano I used was Mexican oregano because that's what I had.</i><br />
<i>** I had a jar of roasted red peppers in the pantry so I used one whole pepper from the jar.</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
Heat a 5 quart pot over medium heat and add olive oil. SautƩ diced onion until almost clear. Add garlic and continue to sautƩ. Brown ground beef in the same pot until juices run clear. Add salt, pepper and crushed oregano while browning.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
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Once the meat is cooked throughly, stir in the chopped roasted red pepper, tomato sauce and sugar.</div>
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Simmer while you cook the pasta of your choice.<br />
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Mix the pasta and the sauce and serve.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
Serves 6</div>
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McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-12254776045637050502015-07-24T22:13:00.000-05:002015-07-24T22:13:12.250-05:00A Meaningful LunchMy mom doesn't live too far away but we only see each other three to four times a month. Sometimes I drive to her, sometimes we meet at the movies and many times she drives to where I live to eat at the local diner. Today was one of those days.<br />
<br />
Lunch at the diner is nothing special. We usually see the same wait staff and eat the same food. Today, however, I got a big surprise.<br />
<br />
My mom and I were looking over the pictures from my vacation when one of the servers complimented me on my sneakers. I looked at her and saw a flash in the eyes that made me ask her what her name was. When she told me, I couldn't believe it. She was a student from fourteen years ago. I told her, "I was your teacher!!!" She shouted, "Mrs. Victory!!!" and hugged my tightly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they cute?</td></tr>
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We then started talking about her and how she'd been. She was proud to tell me that she was married and had a child. She remembered
being a difficult student. (She was.) She was one of those hard case kids whom
everyone shook their heads about when they saw her coming down the hall. She
was loud and disrespectful, and I felt I wasn't reaching her. But the kicker
came when she told me, "But I learned from you. I learned that actions
have consequences." It really touched my heart because it is the one thing I talk to my students about ALL THE TIME. </div>
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<o:p></o:p><span style="text-align: center;">I asked her about her plans. She told me about attending college and studying criminal justice. I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">As we left the diner, she called out to me again. She hugged me again and then let me know something sad. Two of her classmates had passed - one due to drugs and the other because of gun violence. My heart was crushed.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">It made me realize, you can't reach every kid. You can make yourself crazy trying to. But you try your best. Hold your students to high expectations. They may not all hear you, but the ones who do just might surprise you. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>SIDE NOTE: I referred to this young lady as "she" a lot. My mother always told me not to use "she" because of something the nuns used to say, but I didn't feel right using her name and using a made up name didn't seem to fit either.</i></span></span></div>
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McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-13878666176872574172015-06-14T08:26:00.002-05:002015-06-14T08:26:34.394-05:00A Year LaterI would like to thank everyone who helped me through this past year. A year ago today I lost my other half. It was one of the most heart crushing losses I have ever experienced. Bobby brought me so much joy, happiness and support during our time together. He was loving, patient and kind even when I was difficult. I am thankful for the time we had together. It taught me that there are people out there like my dad who are willing to do anything for you without asking anything in return.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9HRcJLjYYHATF8sbSG_Q0reeFgluK7DpiErQMr7aiLlFirMBJw9yzbjjv5WRpz5NKvIhDOffhWVBQag46k7ejrJcEV6CSPENwuf8NI7yT_Nlm75EJ7L9Utv8Qv9pS_dX0Z063D7VSHs/s1600/17117_10205666654163642_7290262128417473539_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9HRcJLjYYHATF8sbSG_Q0reeFgluK7DpiErQMr7aiLlFirMBJw9yzbjjv5WRpz5NKvIhDOffhWVBQag46k7ejrJcEV6CSPENwuf8NI7yT_Nlm75EJ7L9Utv8Qv9pS_dX0Z063D7VSHs/s1600/17117_10205666654163642_7290262128417473539_n.jpg" /></a></div>
Christmas 2012<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lM1LOIja_wSoZoQN2qelZBzU60RpLokcFHBUo4CjmmZvoWLJYRt8WHIALF-ksHOtzKlEXiDyLD076sEoUsBecM0LKMeXnI3dJFGOWHBP_mVk7GgzQqErKnZjWdGwRGEamG6-f8bB12k/s1600/10854390_10205666660643804_8853371492525166396_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lM1LOIja_wSoZoQN2qelZBzU60RpLokcFHBUo4CjmmZvoWLJYRt8WHIALF-ksHOtzKlEXiDyLD076sEoUsBecM0LKMeXnI3dJFGOWHBP_mVk7GgzQqErKnZjWdGwRGEamG6-f8bB12k/s320/10854390_10205666660643804_8853371492525166396_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Alpine, TX 2013<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqR3HIsqI5BhuF3zk6wdrHC3zKkxP6IDYkZcU1or6y9pHRrsZ0i2M5rfF3NY2eKRM7neBSlZYO11-coI87ya-Xm0TT3Eo9kvqe6-y81Kl_OOAOIKjyeX_fA1MPTryE8Egex-g707f1hM/s1600/11032203_10206096956080921_5103223457348194505_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqR3HIsqI5BhuF3zk6wdrHC3zKkxP6IDYkZcU1or6y9pHRrsZ0i2M5rfF3NY2eKRM7neBSlZYO11-coI87ya-Xm0TT3Eo9kvqe6-y81Kl_OOAOIKjyeX_fA1MPTryE8Egex-g707f1hM/s320/11032203_10206096956080921_5103223457348194505_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
White Sands Missile Range 2014<br />
<br />
So today I thank some of those people. Renee thank you for dropping everything and picking me up off the floor that first day - oh, and for folding laundry with me. Erica and Junior thank you for letting this blubbering mess stay with you, teaching me how to shoot at things and going with me to the cemetery. Janet and Brian thank you for opening your home to me when the stress got too much. It was just what I needed. Thomas you were a rock to your sister, mother and me, and I hope you have remembered that you need taking care of as well. I have enjoyed sharing Audiobooks with you. Judy thank you for accepting me as your daughter and sharing all of your family photos. Lauren, I consider you like another daughter. You are smart, talented and funny and strong. You can do anything you set your mind to do. Don't forget that. Mom, there are no words to describe all you have done. Just know I don't take it for granted. My children Caitlin and James, I love you. Bobby loved spending time with you. You give me the strength to get up everyday. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge <a href="http://isitreallyallrandom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pamela K</a>. You provided me with the resources I needed to manage my grief. I found a new friend in you.<br />
<br />
Others who let me open up include <a href="http://www.thetexashomemaker.com/" target="_blank">Michelle</a>, who showed me the value of aromatherapy; Jamie and Rebecca, although sometimes the loss you experienced somehow seems far more significant than mine at times, you opened your hearts to me. My running crew who pushed me and gave another reason to get out of bed every Saturday morning. The stamina you helped me build provided me with the physical strength I needed to pull myself through this year. Finally, my coworkers who had no clue what they were signing up for when I joined their team. Thank you for a successful year.<br />
<br />
When I talk to my friend <a href="http://miruspeg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Miruspeg</a>, the conversation often turns to a book by Ruby Payne called the <u>Framework for Understanding Poverty.</u> According to this book, there are several resources for success beyond financial security. They include:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> EmotionalĀ - the person can choose and control emotional responses, especially to negative situations, without engaging in self destructive behavior</li>
<li> MentalĀ - having the mental ability and acquired skills (reading, writing, and computing) to deal with daily life. </li>
<li> SpiritualĀ - believing in divine purpose and guidance. </li>
<li> PhysicalĀ - having physical health and mobility</li>
<li> Support SystemsĀ - Having friends, family, and backup resources available to access in times of need </li>
<li> Relationships/ Role ModelsĀ Having frequent access to adults who are appropriate, nurturing, and who do not engage in self destructive behavior. </li>
<li> Knowledge of Hidden RulesĀ knowing unspoken cues and habits of a group</li>
</ul>
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<br />
When I evaluate my life according to these standards, I find I am truly rich. Thanks again to everyone who has acted as my support system this past year. You truly made a difference.McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-1848960791286371842015-05-18T21:43:00.001-05:002015-07-20T18:42:35.413-05:00Road Trip Anyone?As a teacher, I am very much looking forward to summer break. The kids and I have lots of plans. What are your plans for this summer? Are you planning a road trip? Will your kiddos be going along? Do you dread hearing, "I'm bored"?<br />
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I have an idea for you.</div>
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My good friend <a href="http://www.thetexashomemaker.com/" target="_blank">Mimi</a> has put together the most amazing Travel Activity Binder you could ever imagine. AND it's only $2.99<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can you believe it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;">I don't want to give too much away, but it is jammed packed with over 30 pages of fun. I know my kids will enjoy them (even the teenager), and I am excited to see how much unplugged time we can get this summer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;">Want to check it out? Hey, it's only $2.99</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> and well worth it. Just click on the image below.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42E1JBjR-ptP-IaNGWFcy6BQ1SEiDrmI8z-Jqs3JIYCs5uGrbHfd3VRW5yDSvXgMZJmF7euNinAeolTN3_Shyphenhyphen8Zk1bcFniTikouXZHEYSToVignC90qY4gFwm5_F-zBgpwYQyizToB48/s1600/the-ultimate-collection-of-travel-games-2.99-642x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42E1JBjR-ptP-IaNGWFcy6BQ1SEiDrmI8z-Jqs3JIYCs5uGrbHfd3VRW5yDSvXgMZJmF7euNinAeolTN3_Shyphenhyphen8Zk1bcFniTikouXZHEYSToVignC90qY4gFwm5_F-zBgpwYQyizToB48/s320/the-ultimate-collection-of-travel-games-2.99-642x1024.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Mimi calls herself </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a self-proclaimed "<a href="http://www.thetexashomemaker.com/about/" target="_blank">creator-holic</a>." Her wholesome <a href="http://www.thetexashomemaker.com/category/the-texas-homemaker-in-the-kitchen/the-texas-homemaker-recipes/" target="_blank">recipes</a> make me want to get back to basics. I also wish we lived just a bit closer so I could drop in for dinner. So w</span></span>hile you are at her site, go through her recipe and craft ideas, too. You will be glad you did. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclosure: I did receive this product for free to review.</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3248234664769686290%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D184896079128637184&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sGl6nj0ca8A%2FVVqhfAhvUzI%2FAAAAAAAAMDE%2FkHglera4Cb8%2Fs1600%2Ftravel-games-150x240-2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 278px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 328px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3248234664769686290%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D184896079128637184&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sGl6nj0ca8A%2FVVqhfAhvUzI%2FAAAAAAAAMDE%2FkHglera4Cb8%2Fs1600%2Ftravel-games-150x240-2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 278px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 328px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-46064345762472143552015-01-11T21:36:00.001-06:002015-01-11T21:36:40.654-06:00Not LastThat's right. I ran/walked a 5K race today, and I was not last. In fact, I was seventh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMyUCPaV0iK7Zk1FENh9DEBQlVfZh4F03g1sf9Kq6n2V4iqJbiozJvOzyA4QhUvVzDk6yP0E2V7ncV5DipgO-N2qI3cXVaqnTgo_ZKI_31Lq_0uEApvO8jACPDt5IxvwBiMalIK4YxSE/s1600/RaceResults.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMyUCPaV0iK7Zk1FENh9DEBQlVfZh4F03g1sf9Kq6n2V4iqJbiozJvOzyA4QhUvVzDk6yP0E2V7ncV5DipgO-N2qI3cXVaqnTgo_ZKI_31Lq_0uEApvO8jACPDt5IxvwBiMalIK4YxSE/s1600/RaceResults.jpg" height="187" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I signed up for the race, I knew it would be cold, but I didn't expect the icy day that ended up happening. Neither did the race coordinators. As the race date approached, I was watching the weather. It was going to be the coldest day of the month. In preparation, I bought cold weather running gear and kept watching the weather. </div>
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People asked on the race's Facebook page about possible cancellations/postponements, but organizers insisted that the only reason they would cancel would be because of lightning. So I prepared myself for the worst and was definitely going to be bundled. (Two dri-fit shirts, an undershirt, dri-fit sports bra, two pair of leggings, two pair of socks, neoprene gloves, ear warmers...you get the picture.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbDgIUtOloJAa5qcRSqJZDEAL_nt-j-eg3ydEo4aLsPAIrkK_AdUU4Xc_9NCKCx2_SimyyGdrsYoETd4N3zP2phLqfi9vZiy8JAAeYRrTKcuxso50QgzlPmehJd-J-bdYJwmFxyaVl2A/s1600/10931307_10205152157861556_4487095953372060197_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbDgIUtOloJAa5qcRSqJZDEAL_nt-j-eg3ydEo4aLsPAIrkK_AdUU4Xc_9NCKCx2_SimyyGdrsYoETd4N3zP2phLqfi9vZiy8JAAeYRrTKcuxso50QgzlPmehJd-J-bdYJwmFxyaVl2A/s1600/10931307_10205152157861556_4487095953372060197_n.jpg" height="320" width="156" /></a></div>
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Late Friday night, after I had pulled all the tags off of the gear, I found out the race that WOULD NOT be EVER postponed, was postponed. The organizers were worried about people driving on bad road conditions. Instead, they moved the race to Sunday afternoon.</div>
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When I left for the race, I realized that it was actually perfect running weather. Not a lick of heat and no wind either. I wore both shirts knowing that I would have to take off the top layer.</div>
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At the rest, I was greeted by several church and work friends. It was a comfort knowing I wasn't running alone. Half way through the race, sure enough, the top shirt had to come off, but I din't want to stop so I did it as I ran. I had to take off an arm band that held my phone, pull the shirt off which had my bib number and tie it around my waist with the number showing on my backside. I had to reattach my armband. So I think if I hadn't had to strip, I would have been a skosh faster. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzVCXHL7Ban8DZFRcxuCAxULWKGgUUH54t1ScjMSkGVHjy13td4aFVevOvR8nXYEJ2zNyHwAHUBhzOOKe64rc81prCr5YlTi00Avx9RnbBUjvPY90e0bjtH0OBYH6L08GnQe72GzsYa8/s1600/10898304_10205163625868249_6104219442627949591_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzVCXHL7Ban8DZFRcxuCAxULWKGgUUH54t1ScjMSkGVHjy13td4aFVevOvR8nXYEJ2zNyHwAHUBhzOOKe64rc81prCr5YlTi00Avx9RnbBUjvPY90e0bjtH0OBYH6L08GnQe72GzsYa8/s1600/10898304_10205163625868249_6104219442627949591_n.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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I will continue running throughout January. The next race is the end of February. I am looking <a href="http://soiwasjust.blogspot.com/2015/01/olw-forward.html" target="_blank">FORWARD</a> to it.</div>
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McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-15588979374685093762015-01-02T17:29:00.000-06:002015-01-02T17:30:00.765-06:00OLW - FORWARDNow that 2015 is here, I find myself reflecting on 2014 and trying to choose a word to direct my life. A lot as happened this year and I want to move on. Since July my main goal was to accept the hand I was dealt. This year I would like to move FORWARD. I know that's what my love would have wanted for me.<br />
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So as this year ends I will share with you how I worked through the pain and heartache of Bobby's loss. I kept a daily art journal where I wrote to him and shared with him the things I would have told him on the ride to work and in our evening talks. Here are a few of the last pages I made to help me through.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzLp8EDd9wDZRuNF5AFTzA-PkxXGdRenblj5KNqkVVgg8b3PB1viSV7iHm5Y0t9C87ecIY0eAt0p3POQObYVg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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In the future I hope to use this blog to help me continue in a FORWARD direction. I would like to do that through storytelling, especially stories about my children and the crazy and wonderful things they do everyday. I remember how much joy that brought me during previous trials and I believe that writing will help me again. I also look FORWARD to creating more. I am not sure what form these creations will take, but there will be art journaling and crafts and furniture and many more things. Finally, I will press FORWARD in improving my physical health while running and cooking more for my children. I have Pinterest boards full of things I have been wanting to try. 2015 will be the year I cook more.<br />
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So in true Annemarie fashion, this blog will go back to the cornucopia of goodies that span all interests. I may even bring back the music.<br />
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Happy New Year. What will you be focusing on this year?<br />
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<br />McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-77018224595079201592014-08-09T13:24:00.002-05:002014-08-09T13:53:44.698-05:00Let's Try This AgainI am not sure how many posts I have started that try to give an example of the craziness known as the thoughts that run through my mind. Let's try again, today.<br />
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This morning, I got up early like I usually do to meet my friends for my Saturday morning run. It was still dark out and no one in their right mind is up at this time on Saturdays. I have a new neighbor, and I noticed that the lights are on in their kitchen. However, I don't think anyone has moved in officially. I have seen the owner and her parents working on the yard and such, but no boxes have moved in yet. So I started thinking about all the things that probably needed to be done on her house, and that got me thinking about the things that need to be done on my house.<br />
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This led me to think about the honey-do list Bobby had before he passed away. Suddenly I was picturing the hole in the fence and felt sad that he will not be here to fix it. As I was winding my way to meet my friends, I found myself crying. What is wrong with me? How did seeing my neighbor's kitchen lights lead me all the way to mourning the loss of my future life with Bobby?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlKhxpWMJJelIQOBtweud8Sq1wxrJg5g7yydXY9sRKY_72lfkvUNtZHdiWultjXUqRuxLs4P8v2rYQZUWx5Zkk7t56bMF0g5Iz7jmzZooHJp4LdWVV70_uSmaLddgexZFjjs5XRaQrG8/s1600/20140809_085437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlKhxpWMJJelIQOBtweud8Sq1wxrJg5g7yydXY9sRKY_72lfkvUNtZHdiWultjXUqRuxLs4P8v2rYQZUWx5Zkk7t56bMF0g5Iz7jmzZooHJp4LdWVV70_uSmaLddgexZFjjs5XRaQrG8/s1600/20140809_085437.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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This happens all the time. I see the homeless man lying under the bridge (whom I have never given too much thought to except to be impressed with the wagon he pulls with his bicycle) and suddenly I am thinking: "Is he okay?" "What if he died?" "Who would know?" "Does he have family?" "OMG - How long was Bobby sitting in that park after he died?" "What if I hadn't called his brother to look for him?" "Would he still have died if I had made him come home that weekend instead of insisting that he stay at home with his kids?" I'm now driving down the highway crying about a homeless man I don't know.</div>
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Am I crazy? Do other people's brains work like mine? How do I stop this out of control spiral?</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-75754307736654965422014-07-19T14:49:00.001-05:002014-07-19T14:49:43.800-05:00The Left Hand to My RightI took one of those online quizzes on Facebook about which part of the brain I use the most. According to the test I use both halves equally. I posted the results and one of your former bosses and friends, J.S., responded with the comment about being left-handed and being his right mind. This made me laugh because you being left-handed used to make the same joke.<br />
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The conversation continued and led to JS sharing <a href="http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/anablog/4401962/Left-brained-vs--right-brained-people--Where-does-engineering-and-art-merge-" target="_blank">an article about engineering and art:</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Popular belief is that the left hemisphere of the brain is for rational, analytical and logical thinking and the right hemisphere of the brain processes visual and audio logical stimuli, spatial manipulation, facial perception and artistic ability.</span></blockquote>
Oddly enough, you were the logical, rational one, but you could put things together like nobody's business. You never considered yourself artistic until I shared with you the art of <a href="http://www.zentangle.com/" target="_blank">Zentangle</a>. You thought I was the creative, artistic one.<br />
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This started me thinking about how you and I complemented each other:<br />
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<li>When we walked together, I would stand to your right leaving our dominant hands free to write, use the phone, whatever.</li>
<li>We were both musical. After all, that's how we met in high school. But you admitted that you were jealous of musicians who learned to feel music rather than just play notes on the page. I on the other hand, from a young age, was deeply moved by music. I was even found crying at age three in Macy's department store. My mother asked me why, and I said the music was so sad.</li>
<li>You loved Classic Rock and some Heavy Metal while I kept my tastes centered around 80s Pop music. In high school, you could be found rocking out in the garage to Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Boston, Kansas, and the like. Meanwhile, I loved groups like Duran Duran, Toto, Men at Work, Genesis, Chicago. Our road trips found us listening to both and I learned to appreciate your music. Now, I often to turn to the classic rock station on the satellite radio. It often makes me cry.</li>
<li>You appreciated that I had an eye for design. Whenever you moved to a new place, you asked me to help you arrange the furniture, pick out wall decorations, and accessories. I was amazed by how spatially inclined you were. There wasn't anything you couldn't put together. You drove a little Mazda 3. Many a time we stood in the Ikea parking lot trying to figure out just how we were going to get home a full-size bed frame, mattress, <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/series/09064/" target="_blank">4 x 4 Expedit, desk</a> and kitchen paraphernalia. We always got it home.</li>
<li>While math was your fortƩ, I found writing to be my calling. But you sure did love books and poetry. I was scrolling through old emails looking for something of you to hang onto and found you had sent me many poems that you had found that spoke to both of our hearts.</li>
<li>Speaking of books. You loved audiobooks. I thought this was weird until our first road trip together. We listened to a book about vampires (so not my genre) called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Passage-Novel-Book-Trilogy/dp/0345528174" target="_blank">The Passage</a>. Then the sequel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Twelve-Book-Passage-Trilogy/dp/0345504992/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y" target="_blank">The Twelve</a>. Then you got me started listening to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Shrugged-Ayn-Rand/dp/0451191145" target="_blank">Atlas Shrugged</a>. Who would have known that you could get me to listen to a socio-political commentary in novel form. (I should probably listen to it again.) Your brother got me listening to more Sci-Fi. This makes me feel closer to you, too.</li>
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All this thinking about how you complemented me led me to create a page in the leather journal you bought for me for my birthday last year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LS1uMRzBXNPDa-C5U1lNVDa7uWZvj5aHfgXb7a9GcUrQXW1xPmHpsjcXo_GundaEBh-w-D2G9D3t5NVSoYH0GXUEbuyPJhK5DFKISnN21I_PtwqW8vgUsLHpkdod8zv4xAX6jZU9XYY/s1600/20140719_123246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LS1uMRzBXNPDa-C5U1lNVDa7uWZvj5aHfgXb7a9GcUrQXW1xPmHpsjcXo_GundaEBh-w-D2G9D3t5NVSoYH0GXUEbuyPJhK5DFKISnN21I_PtwqW8vgUsLHpkdod8zv4xAX6jZU9XYY/s1600/20140719_123246.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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When this page was finished, my inclination was to send you a text about it. You would have given me lots of compliments and told me how you wished you could actually hold that hand. Today, however, it is I who wishes your hand was here to hold. IMYAITOY</div>
McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-72017922188511064992014-07-12T14:58:00.000-05:002014-07-14T10:01:40.132-05:00Packing LunchesYou and I were a predictable couple. We woke at the same time every morning, texted good morning conversations until we could no longer procrastinate getting up, followed the same morning routines, griped about morning traffic idiots, texted each other throughout the day, came home every evening and packed our lunches for the next day.<br />
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I had a pink lunch cooler and you had a red one. Mine is much worse for wear, but yours stood the test of time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsO5bE86729HbrivVEJVoxOxdIzPZuO_Ier1k_YBtEsrslnPYbiXwpNlJw0gAAVjhuXXgqIzuXClUrpyjZxR3H1a-LCGbkQNpiziKupXlrdipjpfHr0wjmmVdQp9_9ZnSS8qba-i8e1M/s1600/20140712_141007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsO5bE86729HbrivVEJVoxOxdIzPZuO_Ier1k_YBtEsrslnPYbiXwpNlJw0gAAVjhuXXgqIzuXClUrpyjZxR3H1a-LCGbkQNpiziKupXlrdipjpfHr0wjmmVdQp9_9ZnSS8qba-i8e1M/s1600/20140712_141007.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you drove home for visits, you would pack two coolers - the lunchbox and a mini Igloo. We learned how to save money while traveling by packing snacks, sandwiches and drinks. You loved my strange whole wheat sandwiches, apple slices, bananas and bean burritos. You fueled your nine-hour drives with bottled water and Dr. Pepper. You loved your Dr. Pepper. Even though you had given them up for Lent on more than one occasion and got on a water kick, you always came back to it.<br />
<br />
Today, something made me look up at the top of the fridge where I saw your lunchbox. Immediately, a flood of memories came over me. I had a sudden realization, one that had not occurred to me before this moment: I will never get to make my strange whole wheat sandwiches for you again. I won't get to give you a hard time about Dr. Pepper. We won't wander through the grocery store together searching for the perfect balance of healthy snacks vs. things you loved to eat like gummy bears and Butterfingers.<br />
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Will I be able to use your lunchbox as a replacement for my dilapidated one without having a meltdown? I'm not sure. How many little things am I going to find around the house that will bring me to tears, things I thought I had put out of sight? I find a greeting card, a piece of candy, a shower poof, deodorant, shampoo, mowing sneakers, some little piece of something that you left behind thinking you would be back for it again. The list is endless.<br />
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I'm not sure what the formula is for making pain go away. Instead, I think I will make a whole wheat sandwich.<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 144px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 144px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-62790346021949331142014-07-11T09:40:00.002-05:002014-07-14T10:02:04.341-05:001212We always used to note when we saw 11:11 on the clock or 1111 in an address. It was our thing. It was something that Peggy had shared with me and I had shared with you. It was our way of letting each other know we were thinking of each other.<br />
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When you passed away, I noticed 1111 all the time. It was special but painful. However, little by little, I catch that time less and less. I might see 11:12 or 10:11, but never 11:11. It bothered me for a while, but then I began noticing something else. 12:12 or 1212.</div>
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<div>
This morning when I got up, these lyrics from an Anna Nalick song (Breathe) came to mind.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">"Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">No one can find the rewind button, boys,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">So sing it if you understand,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">And breathe... just breathe,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Oh breathe, just breathe"</span></blockquote>
I then got up and went for a run.<br />
<br />
When I run, my mind wanders all over the place. I hear song lyrics; I have "woulda, coulda, shoulda" conversations with myself; I complain about the branches on the sidewalk; I wonder why people don't bring in their stinky trashcansā¦it goes on and on.<br />
<br />
On the last stretch of my run, I noticed the address 1212. It gave me a new perspective. 1111 was our thing, our time, our place. We will always have that time, but I am eventually going to have to move on - move forward in time, move forward to another place, a place where I can remember you fondly and without pain. I am naming that time and place 1212. I look forward to that time and place.<br />
<br />
In the mean time, IMYAITOY (I miss you and I'm thinking of you.)McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-5470980917553037472014-07-09T09:14:00.002-05:002014-07-14T10:02:32.177-05:00The CardinalEvery morning on my walks, I see a cardinal. This morning he followed me for quite some time. Although I have my phone with me, I am never fast enough to capture a picture of him. However, it gives me a smile nonetheless. I looked up cardinals today and found this description:<br />
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<i>The cardinal tells you that you can handle challenges, and to believe in yourself. It is important to be proud of yourself for your abilities or for the things you have achieved.</i><br />
<br />
This is significant because, you used to tell me how proud you were of me and my accomplishments as a teacher and more importantly as a mother. You always made a point to remind me of everything that I have overcome these past 2 years. That is something I will miss about you.<br />
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<h2>
Things you were proud of for me:</h2>
Having the gumption to get myself out of a difficult situation.<br />
<a href="http://soiwasjust.blogspot.com/2012/06/long-journey-part-1.html" target="_blank">Driving a 20 foot moving van while towing the Le Sabre on a flatbed.</a><br />
Being able to ask for help.<br />
Taking a job that I didn't want so I could take care of my kids.<br />
<a href="http://soiwasjust.blogspot.com/2012/08/pfewww.html" target="_blank">Getting the job I wanted.</a><br />
Staying at that job even when it was challenging.<br />
Learning to mow my own lawn.<br />
My creativity.<br />
Deciding that my health was important and wanting to do something about it.<br />
Losing weight - even though you loved me how I was, you celebrated each little victory.<br />
Each time I improved my running/walking time or went a little farther.<br />
Each 5K I entered and completed.<br />
<br />
There are so many more times I heard you say how proud you were of me, but those are the ones that stand out in my mind.<br />
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I love you. I miss you and I can't wait until the thought of you brings me more smiles than tears.McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-4403332173773968132014-06-25T08:20:00.000-05:002014-06-25T08:27:24.517-05:00Things I Miss About You<div style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
It's 7 a.m. and by now I would have texted you "Good morning". It seems strange that two people who lived so far apart could become so integral in each other's lives, yet we did. I'm going to miss our morning wake up texts and end of the day Skype sessions. I will miss driving to work every morning with you letting me talk your ear off about traffic, the songs on the radio, my crazy students, the busy day that lay ahead. No longer will I get to count the number of sleeps until you came back Home.</div>
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I no longer enjoy tv. It is now just noise because I don't have you there to make running commentaries on instant message. Watching Diners, Drive-ins and Dives is less fun because it reminds me of all of the restaurants on our list that I will have to try without you... and I WILL be trying them without you. I know you would have wanted me to. </div>
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Your brother recommended a whole bunch of audio books to listen to. I checked out your library and downloaded them all. I listened to one on the way home from your funeral. I could just imagine you laughing out loud at certain parts. Your laughter was one of my favorite things about you. You would throw your head back and sometimes laugh so hard your whole body would shake. The smile that lingered made me understand what a beautiful person you are. </div>
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You never understood how a "beautiful girl like" me (your words, not mine) could love someone like you. I had to often remind you that it wasn't nice to Yuck My Yum. Eventually you accepted that I loved you and adored your beautiful face, loving eyes and calm, patient demeanor. You never once raised your voice at me or my children even when I could be difficult. You brought out a side of me that learned to be patient. </div>
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There are so many more things I will miss about you, but suffice it to say that like that crazy rose tattoo on your ankle that looked like an alien, you left a permanent mark on my life and in my heart. And while this pain will slowly ease, the impact of your love will remain as a reminder that there are good guys out there, and I had the brief yet special privilege of having you in my life. </div>
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I miss you Bobby. </div>
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PS - Your daughter is taking me next month to finally get that tattoo we kept planning. I hope you like it.<br />
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(Note: Bobby passed away due to a blood clot to the heart after doing what he loved - mountain biking.)</div>
McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-48940896032170994062014-01-12T20:20:00.001-06:002014-01-12T20:21:13.059-06:00Things Keep ChangingI started this blog almost six year ago. And, yes, it has been dormant for a bit. This is mostly because of Facebook.<br />
<br />
Before Facebook, if my kids did something silly or interesting or if I felt I had something "profound" to say, I would post it on Blogger. Now, it is so quick and easy to share these ramblings as a status update. I am sure many bloggers feel the same way.<br />
<br />
I do miss the process of blogging. I loved receiving the notifications that people have commented on the blog or looking at the stats to see how many times people have stopped in to see what quip I felt the needed to share with the world. Blogging has brought me many benefits, the greatest of which is the circle of friends I have "collected" over the years.<br />
<br />
Way back when I blogged regularly, I would correlate music with my post. I would then share the background of the music that was playing with some little bit of my history. I did this using Playlist.com. Unfortunately, Playlist has changed and it is for this reason I find myself sharing post again.<br />
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Playlist has gone in the direction of online radio sites like Pandora. Instead of being able to embed a player that plays a specific song, it now wants you to choose a "channel." While I love Pandora, this is not why I used Playlist. It was fun to try and find just the right tune to accompany my words.<br />
<br />
While I am sure there are other embeddable players out there, it took me so long to gather my list of songs that I don't think I can do it again. Even though Playlist was kind enough to archive my list for me, I would have to enter each song on the player to be able to have the same eclectic mix. So instead of doing this, I am going to just paste my list here to serve as a reminder of the musical journey on which I have taken my readers.<br />
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<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">John Fogerty - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Centerfield</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Lovin' Spoonful - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Summer In The City</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Paradise Boys - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Summer Of Love</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Cyrkle - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Red Rubber Ball by C...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Jefferson Airplane - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Embryonic Journey</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Andrew Gold - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Thank You For Being ...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">John Mayer - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Bold As Love</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">R.E.M. - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">It's The End Of The ...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Waitresses - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Christmas Wrapping (...</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Ace Of Base - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">The Sign</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Silhouettes - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Get A Job</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Last Goodnight - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Pictures Of You</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Daughtry - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">September</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Lawrence Welk - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Champagne Polka</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Ting Tings - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">That's Not My Name</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Barbra Streisand - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Don't Rain On My Parade</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Tokens - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">The Lion Sleeps Tonight</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Nutcracker - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Dance of the Sugar P...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Foundations - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Build Me Up Buttercup</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Happenings - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">See You In September</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Neil Diamond - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">September Morn</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Platters - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">September Song</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Canned Heat - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">On The Road Again</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Willie Nelson - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">On The Road Again</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Petula Clark - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Downtown</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Katrina - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Walking On Sunshine ...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Every New Day - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Walk Alone</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Four friends - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">What's Going On</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Josh Rouse - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Quiet Town</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Sly & The Family Stone - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Hot Fun In The Summe...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Alice Cooper - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">School's Out</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Nate Henricks - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Selfish sparrow's ol...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Vitamin C - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Graduation (Friends ...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Jim Brickman - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Simple Things</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Rockwell - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Somebody's Watching ...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Brandi Carlile - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">The Story</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Various Artists - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Turn! Turn! Turn! (T...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Noah And The Whale - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Rocks And Daggers</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Akon - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Dance like there' s ...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Taio Cruz - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Dynamite</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Cyndi Lauper - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">True Colors (Morel's...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Michael Jackson - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Black Or White</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Neil Diamond - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Hello Again</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Jewel - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Hands</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Police - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Message In A Bottle</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Tears For Fears - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Everybody Wants To R...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Bobby McFerrin - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Don't Worry Be Happy</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Bob Marley & The Wai... - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Three Little Birds</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Vince Guaraldi Trio - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Charlie Brown Theme</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Prince - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Purple Rain</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Zutons - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">11 - Good Morning Go...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Various Artists - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Good Morning, Good M...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Rosemary Clooney - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Mambo Italiano</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Tarrentella - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Saturn (Tarrentella ...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Supertramp - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Breakfast In America</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Newsboys - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Breakfast</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Gnarls Barkley - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Karaoke: Crazy (Minu...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Avett Brothers - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Head Full Of Doubt/R...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Primitive Radio Gods - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Standing Outside A B...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Celtic Woman - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">SiĆŗil A RĆŗn (Walk My...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Tom Petty & The Hear... - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">The Waiting</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">David Guetta - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Acapella</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">New Radicals - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">You Get What You Give</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">ABBA - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Take A Chance On Me</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Owl City - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Fireflies</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Creedence Clearwater... - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Fortunate Son</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Abba All Stars - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Super Trouper</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">ABBA - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Lay All Your Love On Me</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Five For Fighting - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">The Riddle</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Cat Stevens - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">If You Want To Sing ...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Average White Band - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Pick Up The Pieces</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Cyndi Lauper - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Karaoke: Time After ...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Andy Williams - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Music To Watch Girls By</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Johnny Cash - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Folsom Prison Blues ...</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Tiny Tim - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Living In The Sunlig...</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Romantics - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Karaoke: What I Like...</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The New Rascals - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">It's A Beautiful Mor...</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Duran Duran - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">One Of Those Days</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">BTO - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Karaoke: Takin' Care...</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">John Mayer - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Say</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Kinks - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Tired Of Waiting For...</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Alexi Murdoch - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">All My Days</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Tom Petty - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">American Girl</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">U2 - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Karaoke: I Still Hav...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Warren Zevon - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Werewolves Of London</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Ultimate Kid Roc... - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">All Summer Long</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">LS - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Sweet Home Alabama</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Oran 'Juice' Jones - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">The Rain</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Altered Images - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Outro: Happy Birthday</span></div>
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<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Owl City - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">The Bird And The Worm</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Bon Jovi - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Wanted Dead Or Alive</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Hawkwind - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Hurry On Sundown</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Bangles - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Manic Monday</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Dead Or Alive - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Brand New Lover</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Simon & Garfunkel - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">The 59th Street Bridge</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Bill Withers - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Lovely Day</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Oingo Boingo - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Weird Science</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Barenaked Ladies - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">If I Had a Million Dollars</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Al Stewart - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Time Passages</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Bread - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">If</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Brady Bunch - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">It's A Sunshine Day</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Dean Martin - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">That's Amore</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Petula Clark - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Color My World</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Phil Coulter - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Take Me Home</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Yardbirds - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">For Your Love - Original</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Chilliwack - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Barry Manilow - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">I Made It Through The Rain</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Killers - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Human</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Stevie Wonder - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">I Just Called To Say I Love You</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Natalie Merchant - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Kind And Generous</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Ray Parker Jr. - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">I'm Free</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Various Artists - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Kiss From A Rose</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Julie Meyer - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Paint Your Picture</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">JJ Heller - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Your Hands</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Suzanne Vega - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Tom's Diner</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Brian Littrell - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Welcome Home (You)</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Mika - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Any Other World</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">ABBA - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Our Last Summer</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Michael Franti - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Sometimes </span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Michael Franti - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Say Hey (I Love You)</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Kiki Dee - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">I've Got The Music In Me.</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Dave Matthews Band - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Why I Am</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Sting - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">If You Love Somebody...</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Yaz - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Don't Go </span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Glen Campbell - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Southern Nights (Live)</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">- </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Here Comes the Sun</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">JJ Heller - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Oh Come Oh Come Emanuel</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Three Dog Night - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Karaoke: Black & White</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Ohbijou - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">The Woods</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Gene Kelly - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Singing In The Rain</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Willie Nelson - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Picture In A Frame</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">August Rush Soundtrack - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">August's Rhapsody</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">The Style Council - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">My Ever Changing Moods</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Randy Newman - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">You've Got A Friend in Me</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Chicago - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">You're The Inspiration</span></div>
<div class="ng-scope" itemprop="tracks" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicRecording" ng-repeat="track in tracks" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<em class="track-artist ng-binding" itemprop="byArtist" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 700;">Boy George - </em><span class="track-title ng-binding" itemprop="name">Karma Chameleon</span></div>
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I am not sure how much blogging I will be doing in the future, especially since I also lost my blog reader list when iGoogle went the way of the dodo, but I will leave the blog open in case one day I would like to do it again on a regular basis.<br />
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Thanks for letting me walk down memory lane.McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-41426417482333450942013-07-24T22:34:00.000-05:002013-07-24T23:01:46.610-05:00Vacationing the Groupon WayHave you heard of <a href="http://www.groupon.com//raf/UserReferral_rp/121015/10r1act/lk/uu41660412" target="_blank">Groupon</a>? When I first heard of it, my friend <a href="http://armybloggerwife.blogspot.com/search?q=groupon" target="_blank">ABW</a> was trying to use hers up before moving back to Texas. I was unsure about them. Now, I know that they are a great way to go on vacation.<br />
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If you haven't used them before, they are basically deals that give you about 50% off meals, lodging, services, entertainment. When you sign up for Groupon notifications, you will get a daily email letting know about the latest deal. Each offer is only available for a short time and often for only a limited number of deals. When you see a deal that sounds interesting, you go to the main site and read the "fine print". This is VERY important. I will explain more about this later. You will then purchase a voucher for the meal, hotel, or service. This will stay active in your account until you redeem it. For example, if you buy a $20 voucher for frozen yogurt for $10, you can redeem it for $20 until the expiration date. (Watch out for those.) If the expiration date passes, the voucher is still worth $10 for a pretty long time. There is an expiration date on these too, but not for a long time.<br />
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The first time I redeemed a deal was with Restaurant.com. I had received three $25 cards as a reward for purchasing something else. These work a little differently. You tell the site which restaurant you want to redeem the cards at and print a voucher out. The deal is you have to spend $50 dollars at the restaurant. A friend and I were headed to San Antonio's Riverwalk so I looked for a restaurant in the vicinity. Here's one of the caveats I will share with you. READ REVIEWS BEFORE YOU GO! It never occurred to me that the restaurant might be terrible. Unfortunately, terrible it was. From that point on I learned my lesson.<br />
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So when my friend and I went on a mini vacation to Austin this summer, I was very cautious. Back in <a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-vintage-villas-hotel-event-center-getaways" target="_blank">December of 2012</a>, I saw a deal for <a href="http://www.vintagevillas.com/" target="_blank">Vintage Villas</a> - a hotel on Lake Travis.<br />
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For $69, I was able to purchase a room worth $158. After checking out online reviews, I bought two nights with the plan to go for my friend's birthday. This is where I will remind you to be mindful of expiration dates. This particular Groupon required me to make a reservation by a specific date, but the actual use date didn't have to happen until December 2013. The great thing about a deal like this is that you can plan for a future vacation by purchasing the lodging when you have the money - like a vacation savings plan. This was great because the government has implemented a furlough on its employees which has basically cut pay by twenty percent having them only work four days out of five. This put a crimp in our already planned vacations, but not to worry Groupon and Living Social to the rescue.<br />
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My travel partner purchased meals like the ones we got for <a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/chisos-grill" target="_blank">Chisos</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLQRZEDqdQoW_i6NXwsU4rkNiAH33Il2IFV0bsLd6iXJMVfnve7dj4nhlcog1-O7rHX2leRM9lCLNHt9tVU09MBn8_ScmtZQjBKxcng842oSrK1UMPQvvBGXlQLB_gCy1bDQeFP7lZ0Y/s1600/994503_10201326260176505_1516292572_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLQRZEDqdQoW_i6NXwsU4rkNiAH33Il2IFV0bsLd6iXJMVfnve7dj4nhlcog1-O7rHX2leRM9lCLNHt9tVU09MBn8_ScmtZQjBKxcng842oSrK1UMPQvvBGXlQLB_gCy1bDQeFP7lZ0Y/s320/994503_10201326260176505_1516292572_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and <a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/the-pizza-bistro" target="_blank">Pizza Bistro</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6pNyF10t-WNYvXLV7U_MRnLIWFxZoczUwrHH3i2hSA3U8D_Lot_1V6pquiRU5ZHXsa8IPdx7b4HbCpKRarhk1QggEGPCKOZv3tGa6e17R6H9VszklPJG9y59GPaHDEKw1ohWjI8mZxw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6pNyF10t-WNYvXLV7U_MRnLIWFxZoczUwrHH3i2hSA3U8D_Lot_1V6pquiRU5ZHXsa8IPdx7b4HbCpKRarhk1QggEGPCKOZv3tGa6e17R6H9VszklPJG9y59GPaHDEKw1ohWjI8mZxw/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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where we ate lunch/dinner for only $10 for $20 worth of food. We also get weekly coupons/deals from Chili's that we love taking advantage of. This is where we learned that we were eating WAY to much so we started sharing an appetizer and an entree.<br />
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We finished our trip with mani/pedis compliments of Groupon at Donna Liane's. Donna and her daughter Ashley gave great manicures and pedicures.<br />
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I am now in El Paso for two weeks before the kids come. And you can be certain that I will be Grouponing my way through my stay here. That is when I am not cooking things I have promised I would make off of Pinterest...but that's for another post.<br />
<br />McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3248234664769686290.post-83718509913351085112013-06-30T16:54:00.000-05:002013-07-04T00:34:06.951-05:00All By MyselfThe long expected day finally arrived; the day when their dad came to get them for over a month; the day when they find out that all his promises are true or not. I don't like putting them in that situation, but he has his rights and the youngest so wants to be with him. They listen to his grand ideas while he raises their expectations about some magical mystery job he has been going on about for two years with mysterious salaries that never materialize and they believe him. And I will be here to pick up the pieces when they come back with a new look at reality.<br />
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In the meantime, I will get Little Man's room ready with the sports theme that he has been wishing for. Maybe it will soften the blow. And in the same meantime, I will take my savings and go back to school shopping for both children to wipe out the memory of a year ago while we lived on public assistance when every other word I wanted to say was, "No, we can't afford it."<br />
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What got me through all of this? Aside from the helping the hands of loving family and friends? Art!<br />
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Over the past year, I have explored different media including doodles, sketching, water color, art journal and most recently <a href="http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com/icad/icad-faq.html" target="_blank">Index Card a Day (ICaD) from Daisy Yellow.</a> Although I am behind most of the people participating, I have tried to keep up with this challenge - 61 index cards in 61 days. (I started late.)<br />
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I love that this is a pretty open challenge with guidelines but no rules. I am the kind of person who when given rules will become so focused on them, that the creativity vanishes. On the other hand, without guidelines, I often stare at the blank page and get nothing - feeling jealous of those who just seem to have IT.<br />
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The following are cards I created (in no particular order)<br />
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One last thing for those who were following my son's team to the championship. Unfortunately, I came to discover that the coach's beliefs didn't gel with mine. In short, he felt that winning was more important than teaching children about good sportsmanship. I am not one of those parents who believe that his or her child is perfect and is going to be an athletic superstar. On the contrary, I know that my son struggles in this area. However, he was part of the team and he made 95% of the practices and EVERY game. BUT Coach felt that since he couldn't count on James to hit the ball every time or catch the ball 100% that he probably wasn't going to play him much if at all at the district playoffs. ****What kind of BS is that?! James was willing to delay his visit with his father in order to be a part of team he worked hard to play on yet this "man" couldn't see fit to put him on the roster - "For the good of the team." WHAT?! I explained that I didn't think it was fair that he would be a <a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/bench+warmer" target="_blank">benchwarmer</a> after doing his best. I also said that it was pretty crappy policy that the city was supporting his actions by allowing him to pick three "top" players from other teams who weren't going to district. These are eight year olds, not middle schoolers, not high schoolers, not college students. Your job is to teach them how to play and how to be good sports, not how to smash their hearts by leaving them sitting on the bench wondering what they have done wrong. In essence, this coach wasn't even man enough to say that's why he was leaving James off the roster. Instead, he blamed it on other coaches, on the city, even going as far as to blame in my son by saying he only plays because I asked him to which, by the way, didn't happen.<br />
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****Sorry, I wasn't going to there, but bringing up the subject brought back everything I was feeling that day.<br />
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In the end, I told James that he was not going to the playoffs because I didn't want him learning bad beliefs from his coach and so he could spend more time with his dad.McMGrad89http://www.blogger.com/profile/01724953414601437820noreply@blogger.com5