tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91980182975853788622024-02-20T10:45:42.533+01:00Living a Listful{l} LifeJenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-86938135012595758132015-07-05T19:09:00.000+02:002015-07-05T19:09:33.948+02:00Bucket List: Strawberry Picking? Check!Strawberries. Num. <br />
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Freshly picked strawberries? Double num. <br />
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I've always wanted to head to a strawberry patch to pick fresh strawberries, but the timing has never been right. Enter 2015. And our fabulous friends who guided J#4 and me on our first experience...<br />
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<a href="http://www.strawberrybasket.com/" target="_blank">The Strawberry Basket Farm</a> in Monticello, MN.<br />
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It's only natural I'd take my fruit--especially strawberry--loving girl with on this adventure. </div>
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My imagination lead me to believe it would be a long day at the strawberry patch, but low and behold, about a half an hour garnered about seven huge buckets of strawberries between all of us. Good thing, since it was a beautiful sunny and hot summer day in Minnesota. <br />
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- - -<br />
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So one thing checked off the list, means I should add a new thing, right? Any ideas?<br />
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<br />Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-89907853893111430552015-04-08T13:37:00.001+02:002015-04-08T13:37:42.626+02:00life. it's purpose. Life.<br />
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Its full of twists and turns, ups and downs. <br />
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Sometimes its hard to understand what we are living this life for and why we are going through all of the twists and turns and ups and downs.<br />
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And then I look at her. <br />
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And him.<br />
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And all of them.<br />
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I remember that God put me (and them) on this earth to live for Him and all of his creations. To serve him, others, and our family. <br />
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Blessings. Gratitudes. Those are the fruit of life. Those are the reasons we are twisting and turning, jumping and crawling.<br />
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Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-6402960789969319342015-03-05T12:58:00.000+01:002015-03-05T12:58:11.294+01:00New on the bucket list: UPDATE THE BUCKET LIST!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey friends, family, readers! How are you? What's news? <br />
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Remember the time I lived overseas? Three of the most interesting years of my life. Just about four years ago, when we had been there about six months and I had just given birth to my sweet J#4, I created this blog. The name at the time: A Drop in the Bucket. I created a bucket list, and then I'd use the blog as a place to update you on the bucket list progress, and the happenings in our life as expatriates. It was a great time. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">paris. of course. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">st. andrews, scotland: the old course</td></tr>
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The blog evolved into "Living a Listful{l) Life" to include news of bucket list updates and just general musings of a stay at home mom. When you look up the definition for 'listful', it means "attentive". And that was {and is} my goal: to live an atttentive, joyful life. <br />
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Fast forward a couple of years, and we are settled back in Minnesota. I'm a full time working mom but the rest of my life remains the same...and the bucket list progress has slowed to a trickle. <br />
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I've decided its time to jump back in. Writing the blog, checking items off the bucket list, offering those random musings of an attentive life. <br />
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But this is where I need you! What items should I add to my bucket list? I've got a few ideas: a food truck festival coming to our town this summer and strawberry picking {which has always been on the bucket list, but needs to happen this year!}...but what else should I add?<br />
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Let me know in the comments, and check back soon, I'm not going to be a "one hit wonder" this time around. <br />
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P.S. Curious about the J&#'s? I'll fill you in soon...<br />
<br />Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-58264095004637923462014-09-01T18:28:00.003+02:002014-09-01T18:28:59.000+02:00GAME ON :: A RETURN<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">For those newbies, and people who might be returning after a hiatus, here is a summary of the Game On! diet:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">First up the really quick details that are pretty important, so will be repeated again at the end: </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">The length of the game? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Four weeks. Doable. Right?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Buy-in? </b> $40. Take that times the # of players we have and that will be the winning prize, which is split between: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">--the winning team</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">--the winner individual player (that isn't part of the winning team)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b><u>NOW--the low down on the rules, etc....</u></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">The first part of the plan is the</span><u style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b><i> points scored</i></b></u><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">, which include:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#1. Meals/Food (a person can get up to 30 points/day in this category):</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">In the book, they detail a listing of "flabby" foods {to not be eaten} and FYT {Flatten your tummy} foods. But they also say on their web-site {http://thegameondiet.com/} that you can follow Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig or any other diet as well. So, friends, that is up to you. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#2. Exercise (20 points/day): </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Pretty simple. You exercise at least 20 minutes a day {breaking a sweat}, you get 20 points. You don't exercise? You don't get the points. You exercise 10 minutes a day? You don't get the points. It's 20 minutes people. We CAN do this.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">TIME OUT:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> Stick through to the end. I have good news for you. Really good news.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#3. Sleep (15 points/day):</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Participants must sleep at least seven hours each night. You do that, you get 15 points. Easy, right? {Please note that this is that you INTEND to get seven hours. If you have a baby, puppy, spouse, etc. that wakes you up in the middle of the night? We get that. Really. We do.}</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#4. Water (10 points/day): </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Go find that water jug. Go. I'll wait here.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Alright. You need to drink 3 liters per day. That is 101 ounces. 12 cups. T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">his part might take some getting used to, but your body will adapt quickly. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#5. New Habit (10 points/day): </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Pick a good, healthy habit to start doing. And do it. Ideas: Yoga, journaling, meditation, organizing.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#6. Old Habit (10 points/day): </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Pick an old, bad habit {not like nuns wear} and STOP doing it. </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Something like checking Facebook every single hour of the day? Or playing Angry Birds like its your job? Yup, one of those might just be mine. </i><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#7. Communication (5 points): </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">In order to get these dandy 5 points, you need to be in communication with at least one of your teammates and one of your opponents once a day. </span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">THE GOOD NEWS? You get a day off!!! </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">More about that at the end...the very end. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Hehe. See how I did that?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Alright, so here are </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><i><b>the penalties</b></i></u><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">. It's a game people. There have to be penalties {I guess}.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#1. Scale Penalty (Deduct 1 point per penalty):</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> If you weigh yourself more than once a day? Take off a point for each time. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#2. Snacking Penalty (Deduct 10 points per penalty): </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">You get five meals. Don't eat at other times of the day. Like when you are sitting in front of the t.v. at night watching The Bachelor {oh, that's just me...when I am in the States?}, don't be chomping on potato chips. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#3. Collusion Penalty (Deduct 20 points per penalty): </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Be honest. Don't try to convince a teammate or opponent to cheat with you. Just don't do it. It isn't fair. Nope, not a bit. If you do it? Take off 20 points.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#4. Alcohol Penalty (Deduct 25 points per penalty): </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Other than your day off or your meal off, if you have alcohol? 25 points deducted. Each time you imbibe. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">#5. Change your Habit: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> See #s 6 and 7 above? Change them? Deduct 50 points. So make sure they are good ones. :-)</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">You get bonus points for: </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">~Reaching your fitness/weight loss goal (1% of your starting weight that week): 20% of total points earned</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">~Reporting your score to your team scorekeeper on time (10 points)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><i>DAY OFF!</i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> Yup, you get one. Do what you want with the day. Want a glass of wine {or two}? Drink it. Tired of exercising? Take a break. Even the habits...this is your day off, enjoy it. Plus, you also get a </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">MEAL OFF. </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">So if you are following the book's diet, you can indulge in your favorite carbs, etc. and not worry about the points. Got it? </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br />The length of the game? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Four weeks. Doable, right?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Buy-in? </b> $40. Take that times the # of players we have and that will be the winning prize, which is split between: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">--the winning team</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">--the winner individual player (that isn't part of the winning team)</span><br />
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Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-30078189169488020982014-09-01T18:19:00.000+02:002014-09-01T18:19:12.890+02:00A return. I'm baaaack! <br />
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We shall see how long it lasts, but for right now, I'm going to try and make a few more regular visits to this blogging home. <br />
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I'm also back to the Game On scene--with an important goal of getting healthier and losing weight. <br />
<br />Want to join? My next post is going to be the Game On rules...Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-53558106036250073692014-05-09T15:57:00.000+02:002014-05-09T15:57:38.528+02:00Five Minute Friday: Grateful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Back in my 'ole blogging days, I used to join in the fun of a link-up called "Five Minute Fridays". So, of course I had to join in again now that I'm trying blog a bit more. </span></div>
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The whole idea is to set a timer, write for five minutes about a topic, and then link up over <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2014/05/five-minute-friday-grateful-3/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Grateful. Of course I am! How could I not be? </div>
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For realz. Look at these two...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh9F3cNT-rJQsJD36vS6GqzusCk7TziWs4PYwmAHZHg2RGvkbQPfCz3ufAz_E7s4XK7xUw22tI5S4UFaXNSjXa4Um2M_CNcbn4jh79Ripa1ZYCa98MbQdr9M-XV9ewvqpZd3LnCYAFr0/s1600/Screenshot+2014-05-09+at+6.29.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh9F3cNT-rJQsJD36vS6GqzusCk7TziWs4PYwmAHZHg2RGvkbQPfCz3ufAz_E7s4XK7xUw22tI5S4UFaXNSjXa4Um2M_CNcbn4jh79Ripa1ZYCa98MbQdr9M-XV9ewvqpZd3LnCYAFr0/s1600/Screenshot+2014-05-09+at+6.29.49+AM.png" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
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Sometimes it is so easy to get lost in the 'everyday-ed-ness' of life. You get stuck in routine. Crabby because the ever elusive sun won't show it's shining face. </div>
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It's easy to forget all that we have to be grateful for, like for me: </div>
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<li>a husband who puts up with all my moods</li>
<li>kids who don't even notice them</li>
<li>and love spending time with me, giving me hugs and kisses </li>
<li>mostly just making me feel like the luckiest mom on earth</li>
<li>the ability to be close to family and friends</li>
<li>a beautiful home </li>
<li>a fun job</li>
<li>with great froworkers (& coworkers)</li>
<li>a full weekend packed with entertaining our most favorite people this weekend</li>
<li>the promise of days ahead</li>
<li>the promise of each new day, where I can start again</li>
<li>the fact that I don't ever have to stop trying...and someday, someday... </li>
<li>the knowledge that habits and good changes will stick</li>
<li>vacation days</li>
<li>Fridays</li>
<li>'stay at home' days = my daughter's name for weekends</li>
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What are you grateful for today? </div>
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Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-795562275453362172014-05-07T13:20:00.004+02:002014-05-07T13:20:38.616+02:00"Ain't got no time for that?"A few years ago the whole "Ain't got no time for that!" phrase was all the craze. <br />
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It's not anymore...right? So why am I saying that? <br />
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Now, clearly life has changed a <strike>bit</strike> lot for me over the last year. I went from being a stay at home mom in Scotland to a working mom in Minnesota, after all. <br />
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BUT. That isn't an excuse. There are still some things that I LOVE doing, like writing on this blog. With that being said, my intent is to write here more. I know, I know, I've been saying that since the beginning of the year, right?<br />
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It's sort of like my weight loss. "Woulda, coulda, shoulda Jenny." <br />
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Point taken. The proof is in the pudding. {Speaking of pudding. Do a lot of people still make pudding? I cna't remember the last time I've had it...but I digress.}<br />
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The proof is in action, so I'm going to take the action of being more faithful to the blog. My hope is that there is a side benefit and I choose to use my time writing blog posts when I'm feeling hungry or bored (which makes me hungry) or lonely (which makes me hungry) or if I have something fun to share (which makes me hungry). Are you seeing the theme there? <br />
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It's a win-win, as I see it. My fingers stay busy on a keyboard and you get something to read.<br />
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That is, if you are there. Are you there?<br />
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Hello. :: knock, knock :: Is this thing still on?<br />
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<br />Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-44146919291167947282014-04-09T05:30:00.001+02:002014-04-09T05:30:42.327+02:00The beginning. And now. The beginning of this blog was a bucket list, and my intention is to return to the bucket list. Maybe shift it a bit with the <strike>world</strike> country we are living in now.<br />
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But one think I know, is that until the weight I'm intending to lose is gone? That is going to be a focus. Because it has to be. And this past week? No weight lost. That is going to happen, as losing weight isn't an easy task. <br />
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Even though I know that is the case, I'm still not happy about it.<br />
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But a couple of <strike>things</strike> people I am happy about:<br />
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Wacky day at daycare. Thank God for our Scottish hats.<br />
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<br />Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-78494114645676607582014-03-25T01:41:00.001+01:002014-03-25T01:42:36.456+01:00inspiration :: plus weekly weigh inTwo things we need to talk about here today.<br />
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#1: Weigh in. Lets just get it out of the <strike>weigh</strike> way. I'm down five pounds after a week of eating healthy and exercising regularly. Not bad. Not bad at all. I know that will slow down after a bit, but of course I'm hoping not for a few weeks at least....<br />
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Have you ever noticed how much more work it takes to lose weight than it does to gain weight? Annoying. Maybe at some point "that'll teach me".<br />
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#2: Inspiration.<br />
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These three are my inspiration for this weight loss. <br />
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I've got heart issues I've written about before, and getting healthy is only going to help that situation. It won't solve it--but it will definitely make a positive difference. Better heart = longer life = more time with those three people in the photos above.<br />
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That and the fact that I want to be a good example for my daughter. She lives and breathes fruits and vegetables. So I'm taking her lead and making sure there is someone in the house doing the same thing. Hopefully that means she won't decide to change her mind about her love for all things healthy. {fingers crossed}<br />
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So how about you...what is your inspiration? I've got these peeps as my screen saver on my phone, to remind me many times a day of my motivation. <br />
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<br />Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-11665456904464178642014-01-20T01:01:00.000+01:002014-01-20T01:01:38.377+01:00Acceptance.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A key thing I've learned as I've gotten older: acceptance. </div>
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Eh, okay. A little. I have a ways to go. And when I'm talking about acceptance, I'm talking about accepting things in my life, that directly affect me. </div>
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Take today, for instance. The plan? Get a bunch of stuff done. Get all packed for the trip the kids and I will be leaving for on Friday. Head over to my brother and his family's house for some sledding and dinner. But then this happened: </div>
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The packing? The cleaning? With a little lady on my lap, I was a bit stuck {in a good way}. The packing had to wait. <br />
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There is only so long that these little ones will find themselves on my lap and stay there for longer than a few minutes. <br />
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My plan is to take advantage of every minute of it. <br />
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<br />Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-79484018279627224022014-01-05T23:43:00.000+01:002014-01-05T23:44:05.184+01:00One Word :: 2014 :: Firework {cont'd}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I may be biting of more than I can chew. BUT my goal for 2014 is to be a firework. <br />
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<i>ORIGINAL: </i>not worrying about being one of the crowd, doing my {or our} own thing.<br />
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<i>ILLUMINATING:</i> bringing light to the world, to the people around me, to myself.<br />
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<i>SHOCKING:</i> in 2014 I don't want to stop surprising myself, my husband, my children. Life is short, it's time to make it exciting.<br />
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<i>ENERGETIC:</i> explains itself, yes?<br />
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<i>INSTANTANOUS: </i>no procrastinating. Do things now--now waiting.<br />
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<i>IGNITE:</i> my passion. Not sure what direction this blog is going to take, but it's involved in my passion of writing. So expect to see me more around these parts.<br />
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and last:<br />
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<i>BEAUTIFUL:</i> comes from <a href="http://momastery.com/blog/2013/12/31/6676/" target="_blank">this blog entry</a> at Momastery.<br />
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Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-25906345038478012652014-01-02T00:03:00.002+01:002014-01-02T00:03:58.838+01:00One Word :: 2014 :: FireworkA fresh start.<br />
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A new year.<br />
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A new word.<br />
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Firework.<br />
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More to come. </div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
<br />Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-86546449163368790182013-12-31T20:47:00.001+01:002013-12-31T20:47:26.946+01:002013 was...too much. <br />
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At the begining of 2013, I chose a word to be my theme: ENOUGH.<br />
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I'll admit here and now that I didn't stick with that theme. <br />
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But at the beginning of the year, I didn't really understand what I'd be dealing with in 2013.<br />
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The year started with high hopes. I remember not being happy with 2012, and having big plans for 2013. <br />
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And then the year happened. From a move back to Minnesota, nearly losing a best friend (not because of a fight but because of a darn bacteria), adapting to life as a working mom, the passing of two aunts and one uncle within four weeks of each other this holiday season, building a house and trying to get an old one sold... sigh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vUDJuOATQw5PSy91aOXt_9Hp6tMG9geL6RIHO1QAf5SyyyRLPiMmLPgrjmYuG-Ng-kOL1LxRK7-aOw3slquANGtNf8GHHK4rcyLGCVZQO1bpY-CMu0BTze9jeuTpJd5x5wkIYCJ7tHE/s1600/July.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vUDJuOATQw5PSy91aOXt_9Hp6tMG9geL6RIHO1QAf5SyyyRLPiMmLPgrjmYuG-Ng-kOL1LxRK7-aOw3slquANGtNf8GHHK4rcyLGCVZQO1bpY-CMu0BTze9jeuTpJd5x5wkIYCJ7tHE/s400/July.jpg" width="266" /></a>What other things were 2013?<br />
<br />
2013<br />
<br />
...<i>was</i> a year of development for my kiddos. Potty training, pre-school, writing and both speaking...and speaking...and speaking. <br />
...<i>was </i>a year with too many hotel night stays.<br />
...<i>was </i>a year of good-byes, and hello agains.<br />
...<i>was.</i><br />
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It's done {well, jut about}; a year to remember fondly for a move back to Minnesota and many, many beautiful moments watching our children grow up and spend time with those closest to us.<br />
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Oh, one more thing 2013 was: a year of gratitude. Each day I added a photo to my 'Gratitude 365' app. EVERY day. <br />
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One thing 2013 <i>was not: </i></div>
a blogging year. Fourty-four total blog posts.<br />
<br />
I pledge now, even before the new year starts, that 2014 will bring more blog posts. <br />
<br />
At least 45. <br />
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Here's wishing you all a happy, safe and fun New Year's celebration! Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-73742313035293374292013-11-05T13:42:00.000+01:002013-11-05T13:42:55.502+01:00Be Happy Now: Sieze the Day<i>Remember when I was going to share my 31 days of 'being happy now'? So it begins... please feel free to comment here or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-a-Listfull-Life/248615025196852" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, I'd love to make it a conversation! </i><div>
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How many people spend a ton of timing thinking about how they can be happier? You know...you'll be happier when: </div>
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<ul>
<li>all that weight is lost</li>
<li>that darn to do list is all checked off</li>
<li>the next season begins because this one is [too cold, too hot, too dark, too long]</li>
</ul>
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::Raises hand:: Looks around... </div>
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<div>
I know it's not just me. There was a post that someone shared on Facebook last night, and I decided to make it prettier so I could share it on <a href="http://instagram.com/jenlives" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </div>
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I have no idea who came up with these so-called rules. But he or she is right. On every single point. Enough that I think I might just have my next seven blog posts. Because you know what? As I look at this, it's an instruction manual on how to be happy now. </div>
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So thanks anonymous. </div>
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And CARPE DIEM. </div>
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Sieze the day. </div>
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Think about one of the items above that you could try today to make your day happier. </div>
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See that's the trick. To be happy now, means that you need to be. happy. now. Not tomorrow, not two weeks from now. </div>
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We have the power to make any change {small or big} today. </div>
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* * * </div>
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So what are you going to do? What one change are you going to make to be happy now? </div>
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Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-89889203149521936252013-10-18T15:54:00.000+02:002013-10-18T15:54:03.453+02:00Hello??? Is this thing on?? So, I've been pretty quiet around here, haven't I? I'm going to blame our move back to the United States, living in an extended stay hotel for six weeks and the two additional weeks it took us to get settled into the town house we are living in for a while. Plus a few more weeks of adjusting to life, period. <br />
<br />
Now three months post move (to the day!) I feel like my feet are under me...mostly.<br />
<br />
Here's a secret for you--I was going to do the whole 31 days of blogging series hosted by<a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/09/31-days-categories.html" target="_blank"> the Nester</a>, as I have the last few years. And then I decided...quit being crazy, Jenny.<br />
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BUT I had planned out 31 posts about how to be happy NOW. <br />
<br />
See, I find myself thinking next year is going to be better and I will be more happy then, because I'm not going to be doing the whole repatriating thing. {By the way, the repatriating thing? It's not as simple as it might look. A fellow expat posted <i><a href="http://naomihattaway.com/2013/09/i-am-a-triangle-and-other-thoughts-on-repatriation/" target="_blank">this article</a> </i>on Facebook, it summarizes where my mind is right now better than I ever could.}<br />
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While my mind is thinking next year will be better, the rest of me knows I need to be enjoying the moment this year.<br />
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I need to be grateful for the several blessings I have in life: an awesome husband, brilliant children, family and friends who I get to be around daily, and new friends that I can keep in touch with via Facebook and email. Not to mention a great job, a comfortable home and and all the comforts of "home" that now surround me again. <br />
<br />
All that being said to let you know...I'm back to the blogging game. And I'm going to take those 31 days I had planned, and spread them out over the next few months. What better time to focus on <i>being happy now</i> then during the holiday season? <br />
<br />
Seriously--have you seen a four year old and two year old understand for the first time what Halloween is all about? <br />
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We've already got their costumes waiting in the closet. And they've been there for a few weeks already too.<br />
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Those are the kind of moments I plan on enjoying now. <br />
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<br />Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-12073318860468907102013-08-10T00:00:00.000+02:002013-08-10T00:00:01.779+02:00settling....Life is finally settling down.<br />
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Er. Scratch that. <br />
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Parts of life are starting to settle down. <br />
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Fun moments with a 4.5-year-old and 2.5-year-old are still the norm, but right now they are taking place in an extended stay hotel. Which, while it is supposed to have all of the essential 'comforts of home'? Is not a home. <br />
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But we continue on, trekking through our days creating a new normal and a new routine--for the next month at least.<br />
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Then we'll move to another rental, while we build our forever {if I have anything to say about it} home.<br />
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I've got some posts simmering around in my brain about returning to life in the U.S. And how surreal, and somewhat overwhelming AND underwhelming the past several weeks of this journey has been. However, my first week back at work...in an office...with adults...and thinking about businessy things...is draining my brain of all energy. <br />
<br />
So you'll just have to wait just a little bit longer. <br />
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In the meantime, check out this great video that my friend over at <a href="http://marydebastos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i>My Life in Scotland</i> </a>shared. <br />
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<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Gzj1OF7d9m4" width="560"></iframe><br /></center>
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It's sort of a little peak into the differences of living in the U.K. versus the U.S. of A. and what I'm getting used to as my normal again. Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-32850908038537258752013-06-10T09:59:00.002+02:002013-06-10T11:35:43.015+02:00tick. tick. tick. Time is winding down. <br />
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We have just over a month left in Scotland. And within that month we have visitors that arrive tomorrow for ten days, and then we have another visitor arrive just a few days after that who will be here for a week.<br />
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Time is going to fly by. So the trick will be to <i>stay in the moment</i>.<br />
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To not be looking towards the next thing...or the next visitor...and for sure the next flight that will take us "home" to Minnesota.<br />
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I'll be working outside the home come August, so my days at home with these little people are limited. <br />
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And I'm going to enjoy every last minute {or at least try real hard to, because lets face it...sometimes there are just <i>moments</i>}. </div>
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So if you don't hear from me much around here, that'll be why. <br />
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I will however show up over <a href="http://jenliveshealthy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a> at least three times <i>every</i> week. Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-3676190341790775692013-06-01T18:11:00.000+02:002013-06-01T18:11:31.434+02:00energyI have all of these thoughts of how I want to be. <br />
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<i>The kind of mom I want to be. </i><br />
<i>The kind of wife I want to be. </i><br />
<i>The kind of daughter and sister I want to be. </i><br />
<i>The kind of aunt and Godmother I want to be. </i><br />
<i>The kind of friend I want to be. </i><br />
<i>The kind of woman I want to be. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
If only I had the energy for all of it. There are days right now {not every one, but a few here and there...ahem, like today} where I am lacking the energy just to sufficiently get halfway to where I want to be with the first two items.<br />
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Do you ever feel that way? <br />
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I find myself trying to remind myself of my word for the year: <i>enough.</i><br />
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I'm trying to tell myself that I am doing enough. That all of the things that are up in the air for our family will eventually work themselves out and settle as is planned for us. <br />
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If I could just leave all of the thinking to someone else, maybe I'd get more energy?<br />
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So I will try and rest my mind, and take these thoughts to Him. My prayers were answered in one area this past week. Literally, between prayers, some medication and more accurate testing I am blessed to be able to avoid a medical procedure (at least for now). <br />
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I will continue to work on developing more patience, and choosing joy through each day.<br />
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I will shift my mind to a positive place, because that is how I am intent on living right now.Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-72353322019189987162013-05-30T09:44:00.000+02:002013-05-30T09:44:01.218+02:00Summer 2013 Bucket ListOoooh, <strike>boy</strike> girl, do I have something fun for you today! <br />
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I saw there was a link-up for summer bucket lists. And I thought, "well why not?" Clearly this is bound to be one of the more exciting summers of our life. <br />
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Half of it will be spent in Scotland, where 'summer' may not be the best word for season. Seriously folks. No air conditioners, because the temps rarely get over 70 degrees. <br />
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The other half will be in Minnesota, and after two full summers away, we are excited to get back there, mosquitos and all. (No, seriously. You should see the Jenny Long Legs in Scotland. Look like a mix between mosquitos and daddy long legs. Gross. They don't bite, but still. Gross. And no screens on windows....so. I'll let you think about that for a second. Eeew.)<br />
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With that being said, I humbly present our 2013 Summer Bucket List:<br />
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What do you think? Anything we should add? Who's up for a bonfire?</div>
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I should have added a bubble gun fight. Oh, wait. That already happened. </div>
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Alright, I'm off to find out how to make our own bubble solution, since I have a feeling J#3 and J#4 will be chomping at the bits to take these bubble guns out again. Pinterest, don't let me down. </div>
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Linking up with these ladies: </div>
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<a href="http://www.thestanfieldclan.com/"><img alt="button" height="150" src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z468/suit1/HollyandTristalinkup_zps38ba9d43.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-53438288099436366062013-05-29T09:48:00.000+02:002013-05-29T09:48:15.798+02:00my ode to stay at home momsI'll tell you a little secret. Well, if you know me, then it may not be a big secret. But for those who are just meeting me on this here interwebs, it may be. <br />
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<i>I never thought I'd be a stay at home mom. </i><br />
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I was raised by a working (and from the age of nine, single) mother, whom I respect and admire. I didn't know a different way of life, and I was just fine with that. I saw myself growing up to be just like her, working daily and spending time with my family on nights and weekends, while entrusting the care of my children to trusted day cares and the superb schools that we are lucky enough to have in Minnesota. <br />
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Then my husband got an offer to move overseas for three years. And I no longer was going to be a working outside of the home mom.<br />
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A new world thrust itself upon me, and I have to admit, I've been fighting it ever since. Perhaps, for my last two months overseas, I'll embrace it. Eh...maybe. But either way, I want to make sure I remember this experience. I want to remember it both for its glory and its trials. <br />
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So...a little essay:<br />
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<b>Why stay-at-home mothers will forever be my heroes</b><br />
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by Jenny H.<br />
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For the times when you are losing your mind, but you swallow your holler and sing that song or give that hug or fill that milk glass, because you know their precious eyes will startle from the holler.<br />
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For the times that you just about trip over your two year old daughter inevitably sending one or both of you to the E.R., but you save yourself at the last minute by grabbing ahold of that vacuum cleaner that you have to push around once too often, because you realize that there simply isn't time for a hospital visit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbIBHVHj-6jrGnfllnMs-ZBoqFl_Lrq4Xxrku4zhzlUDx2J_hVKTnvvcCp4uTpGgwZAXyzp-k3p36y6p4E6CKBj6b_qIhS-JrtLfMIVqxQhyphenhyphenufsHfqX0IntrRoHcZCvm2ArO7Yj9_eFs/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbIBHVHj-6jrGnfllnMs-ZBoqFl_Lrq4Xxrku4zhzlUDx2J_hVKTnvvcCp4uTpGgwZAXyzp-k3p36y6p4E6CKBj6b_qIhS-JrtLfMIVqxQhyphenhyphenufsHfqX0IntrRoHcZCvm2ArO7Yj9_eFs/s400/IMG_2108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
For the days when they wake before dawn, and stay up past sunset with nary a nap or school to break up the day, and you maintain even an once of patience.<br />
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For the rainy days that seem endless and impossible, but your optimism reminds you that in fact, the sun <i>may</i> come out tomorrow.<br />
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For the moments it would just be easier to give in to the whining and crying, but you stand your ground so that your children learn that isn't the way to get what you want (even though sometimes you wish maybe that would work for you). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIMDDVtY6mSxFFCSy8q0UYSHI4owgLqJTqNuAYjNT6BdPLVq5ia57LpJDOKGN7KmLKu3XoWs1XYFRkF0ik8pYVxyMWqFVD8qz5gCk1mU7m5807jf6uJ6fWlsAco5FMPq40hZ5GYTnVcU/s1600/squeeze.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIMDDVtY6mSxFFCSy8q0UYSHI4owgLqJTqNuAYjNT6BdPLVq5ia57LpJDOKGN7KmLKu3XoWs1XYFRkF0ik8pYVxyMWqFVD8qz5gCk1mU7m5807jf6uJ6fWlsAco5FMPq40hZ5GYTnVcU/s400/squeeze.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div>
For all the photos you take and albums you make to remember the madness, that you barely are pictured in but thats okay, because you know you were there.<br />
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For all of those days and moments and all of the others that make you cringe, smile, cry, laugh, sigh and that give you goosebumps...you are my heroes.<br />
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Linking up today over at:<br />
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<a href="http://thingsicantsay.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://thingsicantsay.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pouryourheart1.png" /></a></div>
Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-33691073389950288362013-05-27T09:51:00.000+02:002013-05-27T09:51:35.638+02:00Memorial Day thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are a few things that help me to appreciate holidays such as Memorial day even more as I grow older. <br />
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First, having now spent nearly three years outside of the United States of America, I've learned to appreciate all that our fair country has to offer. I can't even explain what the specifics are, its just a feeling that America is HOME. <br />
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Second--while it compares in no way, shape or form--having spent this much time away from 'home', family, and all that is familiar, I have a new found appreciation for what our troops experience as they leave all that they are familiar with and love to serve our country. <br />
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So on this Memorial Day I send thoughts and prayers to current troops, veterans and those who have gave their lives to protect our country and our freedom. <br />
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<br />Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-85101412976092128042013-05-23T09:51:00.002+02:002013-05-23T09:53:29.811+02:00#betterthanworryMy mind and my heart are in battle today, deciding who is going to win the thought war that I'm experiencing.<br />
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I'm on the edge. Worry is trying to needle its way into my day, robbing my heart of joy.<br />
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Scotland is delivering it's normal with a cloudy day at hand. I should be okay with that, since there have been several days of sun...but today? It just adds to my 'cons' list. <br />
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The trick is to pull myself out of this place my mind is taking me. So I turn to my new tool in dealing with life, the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shift-Happens-Inspired-Life-Starting-Right/dp/1401931707/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369292853&sr=8-1&keywords=shift+happens" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Shift Happens</a> by Robert Holden<i>. </i><br />
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Every time you worry you make movies in your mind that are full of imagine horror, disaster scenes, and unhappy endings. <i>Fear is the director, producer, and writer. </i> A frightening fiction take the place of reality. You do not perceive your won best interests you have no real vision, clarity or perspective. </blockquote>
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Worry solves nothing. The fact is, <i>worry never once in the whole history of the human race saved the day.</i> At best, worry is an alarm bell, but no alarm bell ever put out a fire. Worry is not enough. If you are worrying, you are blocking your true creativity. You are not in your true power. There is a better way. </blockquote>
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Shift happens whenever you decide to give up worry for something better. For instance: </blockquote>
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<i>"I worry about the future." </i>Worry is a waste of time. It kills spontaneity, fun and happiness now. Commit to now. Give your best to this day. Bless your past. And put the future in God's hands. (<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shift-Happens-Inspired-Life-Starting-Right/dp/1401931707/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369292853&sr=8-1&keywords=shift+happens" target="_blank">Shift Happens</a></i> p 199-201)</blockquote>
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So today, I'm going to give up worry for something better. At least three 'something betters', in fact. I'll document it on <a href="http://instagram.com/jenlives" target="_blank">Instagram</a> (click there to see the photos online), where I'll hashtag the something betters (I'm obsessed with hashtags right now) with #betterthanworry. <br />
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Who's with me?<br />
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<a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/category/desire-to-inspire/" title="A Royal Daughter"><img alt="A Royal Daughter" src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/D2IButton_zps98d3a085.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-60378259821524720012013-05-21T09:08:00.000+02:002013-05-21T09:08:09.432+02:00fragileWe were talking about some chocolate chip cookies I baked over the weekend at dinner last night. J#1 agreed that they were good (<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/343950/thin-and-crisp-chocolate-chip-cookies" target="_blank">here's the recipe</a>), but fragile. I joked, "just like me".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih57-v_soILnOM3HfzRnKfUIxr8ovKBziSs8Wl1_yK7VPBc7irTwfuD-vXvMWMwIrqGi_arz2XdmUfXhYf1wqeBABWmdqixwcpwQbqVI5prZ7QREEB4vOS_Qw0A-wkCJzKDNCnWm5hlW0/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih57-v_soILnOM3HfzRnKfUIxr8ovKBziSs8Wl1_yK7VPBc7irTwfuD-vXvMWMwIrqGi_arz2XdmUfXhYf1wqeBABWmdqixwcpwQbqVI5prZ7QREEB4vOS_Qw0A-wkCJzKDNCnWm5hlW0/s640/cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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April was a month that showed me, in more than one way, that life as a whole, is in fact, extremely fragile. One event can change your world forever. <br />
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May continues that trend, with the devastation that occurred in Oklahoma yesterday. My mind can't seem to stray from the parents who have lost their children, and all of the other families who have lost loved ones. I can imagine, just a bit, the terror that must have pierced those parents' hearts as they heard of a tornado knowing that they weren't with their children. Praying for them so that they may find some peace throughout this ordeal.<br />
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As I continue to read <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shift-Happens-Inspired-Life-Starting-Right/dp/1401931707/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369119962&sr=8-1&keywords=shift+happens" target="_blank">Shift Happens</a>, </i>I've learned about <i>The WAIT problem. </i></div>
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<i>"The WAIT Problem" </i>is a common block to happiness, love and success. In fact, there is no need to wait. Happiness awaits you. Love awaits you. Success awaits you. They await your choice, your acceptance, a sign from you, a "Yes" from you. For as long as you wait, you cannot see what is already possible, what is already here, and what is already waiting for you. (<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shift-Happens-Inspired-Life-Starting-Right/dp/1401931707/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369119962&sr=8-1&keywords=shift+happens" target="_blank">Shift Happens</a></i>, pg. 163)</blockquote>
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There is a great amount of truth in those words. <br />
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And in these:<br />
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So in honor of those who have been affected by the fragility of life, think about what you are waiting for, and then stop waiting. <br />
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What do you enjoy? Do it. <br />
Who do you love? Hug them. Kiss them.<br />
Stop waiting, and live life today the way you've always imagined you'd live it.<br />
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At least that's what I plan on doing.<br />
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Will you join me? <br />
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<br />Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-7110893947261803422013-05-20T09:08:00.003+02:002013-05-20T09:08:52.457+02:00moving madness on Mondays: week 1: dreams<i>A new series begins on the blog today. </i><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Moving Madness on Mondays</span></b></i><br />
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<i>See, about every second thought that runs through my head right now has something to do with our upcoming move back to Minnesota from Scotland. I know I'm not the first -or the last- person to move, and this is far from being my first dance with the experience, but I thought, "hey, I should share my thoughts on the blog, maybe someone else who is moving can benefit from it". Or, sometimes even if you aren't moving, you could benefit from it.</i> <br />
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Since this is the beginning of the series, seems only appropriate to show you where my head is at a bit. And I had a dream this morning that is a perfect representation of the typical <strike>worries</strike> thoughts I have right now. </div>
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A little background: last night my husband and I had a conversation about Windows 8 (Microsoft's newest operating system), and the fact that they are bringing the "start" button back. A few things occurred to me as we were talking about that: </div>
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<li>I didn't even know they had removed the start button</li>
<li>He had to remind me where it was since I've only been using Apple computers since our move</li>
<li>I promptly started worrying that I wouldn't know how to run my computer when I start working again, because the chances are pretty good I'll have a pc. </li>
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Fast forward to this morning, and the dream that Kanye West woke me from {my alarm is his <i>Stronger</i> song}. </div>
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<i>I'm in my new office {at my old company, so sounds like my subconscious is hoping to be back there} and for some reason there is a cartoon on. Why do I have a t.v. in my office? I have no idea. A few of my co-workers are in the office with me, waiting for our meeting to start. </i></div>
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<i>But guess what? I hadn't even turned my computer on yet {probably because I don't know how to work it, right?}, so I didn't know what we are meeting about. Then, as my boss helps me turn on my computer, I realize that somehow I forgot to get daycare set up for the kiddos. </i></div>
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<i>So I wonder, since J#1 took care of drop off that morning, where did he take them? </i> </div>
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Then I woke up. </div>
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Probably a good thing, since it sounds like it was turning a bit more into a nightmare than a dream. </div>
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So tell me below in the comments or on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-a-Listfull-Life/248615025196852" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page...</div>
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What sort of topics would like to hear about in the <i>Moving Madness on Mondays </i>series? </div>
Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9198018297585378862.post-57354124351398650642013-05-17T08:44:00.000+02:002013-05-17T08:44:14.117+02:00"Shift Happens" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8Stgufa99u__meX5PKa3K0_xPjAMgw3PFVLQezCzldfFlWPcbQJCvyDFQBqyopCMq8blRC_genwAPl5LLNFfp3uHSCNyaeCrdGaY9xw9J9oftfHsxAroiJYnKxyVO125AdnktQOGeTE/s1600/happiness.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8Stgufa99u__meX5PKa3K0_xPjAMgw3PFVLQezCzldfFlWPcbQJCvyDFQBqyopCMq8blRC_genwAPl5LLNFfp3uHSCNyaeCrdGaY9xw9J9oftfHsxAroiJYnKxyVO125AdnktQOGeTE/s640/happiness.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Turns out the most recent book I've been reading works in perfectly with my word for 2013 {enough}. <br />
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<i>No amount of self-improvement can make up for a lack of self-acceptance.</i></blockquote>
Self-acceptance = <i>enough. </i><br />
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More on this:<br />
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Self-acceptance is your number one goal in life. Why? Because for as long as you believe that there is something unacceptable about you, you will push away love, you will sabotage success, you will unconsciously conspire against joy, you will struggle, and you will never really find out who you are or what you are really capable of. </blockquote>
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With self-acceptance, you fear you will lose something, but really <i>you lose nothing that is real and gain everything that is. </i>For instance, with self-acceptance, you lose your fear of lack and gain wholeness, you lose your guilt and gain innocence, you lose your self-criticism and gain great creativity, and you lose your ego and you regain your Unconditioned Self. </blockquote>
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(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shift-Happens-Inspired-Life-Starting-Right/dp/1401931707/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368688602&sr=8-1&keywords=shift+happens" target="_blank">Shift Happens: How to live an Inspired Life...Starting right now! </a>pg 95)</blockquote>
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So expect a little less self-improvement around here. <br />
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And my goal is to replace the self-improvement with giving. Because the author Robert Holden has some life-altering things to mention about giving of ourselves as well:<br />
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You are a gift-bearer, blessed with gifts of God, and you are here on earth to live fully and give fully--not just things, but <i>who you are. You are the gift. </i>My work has shown me over and over again that when people do not give themselves fully they experience lack, struggle with discontent, emptiness, isolation and illness. Do not sit on your gifts. </blockquote>
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The truth is <i>giving is a treasure in itself. </i> For instance, when you offer your smile, it is <i>your</i> body that produces more immunity-enhancing "T" cells; when you give love, it is <i>your</i> heart that gets the message; and when you give praise to someone , it is <i>your </i>consciousness that is raised. <i>What you give to others, you affirm for yourself. </i>Giving is receiving. There is not loss. </blockquote>
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<span style="text-align: right;"> (</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shift-Happens-Inspired-Life-Starting-Right/dp/1401931707/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368688602&sr=8-1&keywords=shift+happens" style="text-align: right;" target="_blank">Shift Happens: How to live an Inspired Life...Starting right now! </a><span style="text-align: right;">pg 84)</span> </blockquote>
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So being lazy on the couch and getting nothing done? Doesn't make me feel any better, and definitely doesn't benefit anyone else. Although I do need to figure out how watching my favorite t.v. shows is giving {ratings, perhaps? helping people with their careers?} because that I can't give up. <br />
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But as much as I can, I want to create scenes like this one of J#3 and me with our (according to him) "roofs" on:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmezWAhbX5V16gmLtVM-5cpGlsaPDGjkv1EBqQM0XjzNjdvDgaPqtA7K7j9-mqerYFhRBs2NMsZW35HiY3-vq2KbOWg92D5i09Tv3AFWVJ3fBSlXHnbhEjaFL1SRwSRvkB7oKl0oo-DY/s1600/roofs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmezWAhbX5V16gmLtVM-5cpGlsaPDGjkv1EBqQM0XjzNjdvDgaPqtA7K7j9-mqerYFhRBs2NMsZW35HiY3-vq2KbOWg92D5i09Tv3AFWVJ3fBSlXHnbhEjaFL1SRwSRvkB7oKl0oo-DY/s640/roofs.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Those are the types of moments that <i>give</i> me enough <i>happiness</i> to last all day. Jenny http://www.blogger.com/profile/10076043522662731834noreply@blogger.com1