tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72304445920175760802024-02-19T01:04:18.059-07:00Better late than neverJessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.comBlogger372125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-6561157051100284682014-03-16T15:12:00.004-06:002014-03-16T15:12:53.601-06:00Hi there.<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/AVvXsEgOCzjGlwzWsGrULKqwKNe8dTpGM1YpQAjmy1wZ4z-zuuLjTscQM6DYDlGTI0eexvr4o_-whSe0c_88kuj29Z3-5vqeiKHzV6bZH3jUocWkfWM9J955jprtqcAsO88kR8D58xG26rQDYZQ/s1600/Coronado+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCzjGlwzWsGrULKqwKNe8dTpGM1YpQAjmy1wZ4z-zuuLjTscQM6DYDlGTI0eexvr4o_-whSe0c_88kuj29Z3-5vqeiKHzV6bZH3jUocWkfWM9J955jprtqcAsO88kR8D58xG26rQDYZQ/s1600/Coronado+sunset.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Coronado Beach sunset</i></td></tr>
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<br />
Well, howdy. It's been a hot minute.<br />
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I've missed this. I miss the writing, the community, and getting on my soapbox from time to time (ha!). As spring slowly thaws out Pittsburgh, my writing muscles are thawing out, too.<br />
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I have things I want to share with you. Adventures I'm having, projects I'm starting, dreams I'm scheming, challenges I'm facing. The desire to share has been brewing for weeks now, but I had to work out some kinks in my head. Sometimes I get too wrapped up analyzing this and that, worrying that my ramblings are of little to no interest to anyone. I know my fellow writers can relate... I also know that we throw in the towel at some point and jump right in anyway!<br />
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So, here I am. Feeling a little rusty. Feeling a little shy.<br />
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Here's a sneak preview of what I'll probably chit-chat about in the coming weeks:<br />
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<i>* I'm teaching weekly fitness classes to seniors at a local senior facility. They're a kick in the pants!</i></div>
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<i>* I finally went swing dancing after living in Pittsburgh for a year and a half. A year and a half too long, yo.</i></div>
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<i>* I visited San Diego last month. Love. </i></div>
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<i>* I registered for Zumba training and certification at long last.</i></div>
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<i>* Rheumatoid arthritis is no joke. Two years post-diagnosis, I have much to rant about.</i></div>
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I think that's a good start.<br />
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<b><i>It's nice to be back.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>xoxo </i></b></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-75027358470302833062013-10-31T18:20:00.002-06:002013-10-31T18:27:19.185-06:007 out of 31Well. #31Days has come and gone and I logged seven days out of the 31.<br />
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This is not a stellar percentage, I know.<br />
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After only a week in, I knew that blogging everyday was not in the cards. Despite every good intention, I just couldn't do it. Well, I chose not to. <br />
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You see, I quickly realized that I had to make a choice. The way my days have been structured between an insane month at work, commuting, getting myself to the gym, spending QT with the hubs, cooking/eating dinner, trying to maintain some level of order to the apartment, AND trying to blog each and every night after all of the above... Something had to give.<br />
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I hated letting it go. I hated that I had made such grand plans and bold statements--<i>let me tell you all about America's best homegrown dance, the Lindy Hop!</i>--only to jump ship so early on. I <b>hated </b>that I felt like a failure and the lamest blogger on the block. I was embarrassed and felt guilty for standing you all up. And that is why I was suddenly MIA without a trace. With each passing day sans posting, I got more and more discouraged, and the guilt dug deeper and deeper.<br />
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I am sorry for standing y'all up.<br />
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{I realize how utterly crazy an apology may sound over something like a blog, but seriously, promising something and not following through is not cool.}<br />
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That said, can I say that I've finally realized <b><i>and accepted</i></b> that this season in my life is more about going and doing and making and connecting than sitting and writing on the reg. Giving myself permission to be and do sans guilt is pretty amazeballs.<br />
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Not to say that I don't have anything to say on le blog.<br />
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Not to say that I don't want to share all about the Lindy Hop, as I outlined <b><a href="http://jessibetterlatethannever.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-day-1-why-lindy-hop.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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Not to say that I don't have things to discuss about my latest adventures and projects.<br />
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I do. And I will. Just on a timetable that better jives with where I'm at right now. I hope you can dig it, amigos.<br />
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<i>I'll be checking in... </i></div>
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x<i><b>oxo</b></i></div>
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<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-64897691720064539552013-10-07T20:32:00.001-06:002013-10-07T20:32:10.728-06:00#31Days, Episode 6/7: Influence + life lately + freedom<i>Hello friends and welcome to <b>Episode 6/7</b> of <b>#31Days to the Lindy Hop</b>, the writing challenge linkup hosted by <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/09/welcome-to-31-days-2013.html" target="_blank"><b>The Nester</b></a>. Today is detour from straight up Lindy story-telling, though. I have another story to tell today, one that explains a little bit of my life lately... but it circles right back to dance. </i><br />
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Just over a week ago, I returned from Indianapolis where I attended the Influence Conference. <br />
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I've had a really hard time articulating to people just how awesomesauce the Influence Conference was. When asked, I stare at them for a second and then blurt out "so great" or "just what I needed!" Not too profound, and it definitely doesn't do the conference justice. <i>But amigos??</i> It changed the trajectory of my life. Them's fightin' words, I know. And while even this post won't do what is going on in my heart and head justice, it is the best I can do for now.<br />
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Leading up the to the conference, I was not in a good place. My life was full of busy-ness, but I was expending what little time and energy I have outside of my full time job on pointless things. To add insult to injury, I <i>knew </i>that I was wasting and losing time. But I felt helpless and stuck and I had no idea how to even begin to dig myself out. <br />
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Add to that bitterness and pure, black anger that had been residing in my heart since leaving Colorado in August 2012. I hated Pittsburgh, y'all, just hated it. And I hated that I hated it, because I am not a hater. My essence is joy and energy and life and glitter and sunshine. For <b>real</b>. But somehow, somewhere along the way, my first year living in the 'Burgh was filled with ugly, hot anger. I tried so hard to fight it, I really did. I tried to "have a better attitude", to pretend that I was okay, to fake seeing the good in the city. It was exhausting and it flattened me.<br />
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Then God took me to the Influence Conference and in the span of three days, shifts on a tectonic scale occurred within my heart.<br />
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The point at which I realize it had happened was while riding the bus back into the city from the airport. Instead of the usual knot of lead in my stomach, I found myself eager.... <i>what the what?</i> I was in shock. Then, as I transitioned back to normal life and returned to my daily routines last week, I experienced another strange feeling: I felt at home. <i>What on earth happened to me in Indianapolis??</i><br />
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Call me crazy, amigos, but that is nothing to me but proof that prayer is no joke. Because there is no other explanation for such a sudden 180-degree turn in my heart. The power of positive thinking? Please. God really <b>does </b>hear us. Through last year, He heard all of my sobbing and my f-bombs and everything in between. Go figure.<br />
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So how on earth does this nice little story have anything to do with the Lindy Hop?? Well, I find God in art, specifically dance and music. When I am on a dance floor or stage, or listening to my Louis Armstrong Pandora station, my soul feels things that can be nothing else <i>but </i>God. But while I was stuck in the hamster wheel of busy-ness and anger, this was impossible. Art was impossible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqZV_ZSJ0JMg7lsHSXYweZnYdHcM3vwIipdccQOrSU6xdJei7wduN2VmgkgtuOhZAdZlYf8kt1SRC8MWb55YAWUki1c91W17rKdmaPckodzef1LeFMkwVjHF9SJyX0uAnN6WjnH0Of8w/s1600/Joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqZV_ZSJ0JMg7lsHSXYweZnYdHcM3vwIipdccQOrSU6xdJei7wduN2VmgkgtuOhZAdZlYf8kt1SRC8MWb55YAWUki1c91W17rKdmaPckodzef1LeFMkwVjHF9SJyX0uAnN6WjnH0Of8w/s640/Joy.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/163677767678727409/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></td></tr>
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Now, as if awakening from a paralytic coma, I'm <b>free</b>. Free to <b>do</b> art. Free to find God again on the marley, at the barre, in a swing out, in the wail of the trumpet...<br />
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<i>Get down with your bad selves, amigos!</i></div>
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<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-37353936642600827502013-10-05T16:41:00.001-06:002013-10-06T16:22:14.600-06:00#31Days, Episode 4/5: Swing Kids<i>Hello friends and welcome to <b>Episode 4/5</b> of <b>#31Days to the Lindy Hop</b>, the writing challenge linkup hosted by <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/09/welcome-to-31-days-2013.html" target="_blank"><b>The Nester</b></a>. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy a story chock full of joy, jive, and jazz!</i><br />
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I first caught the swing bug when I saw the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108265/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Swing Kids</a>, waaaayyyyy back in 1993. I was in middle school (um, yep, I just dated myself).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasWScc98CzCXwnqdwvvdgpNsJRWTt6g9XLVzFmbc298gtsx11a7CDrT4c2qPnbhcJd518sNPBdt2n4npxf3T8AWHVnR9WCmU45u0rYJh-YFnlvfKv0wPgGcz6F6uPJPL3dZqGXhbhwBc/s1600/Swing+Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasWScc98CzCXwnqdwvvdgpNsJRWTt6g9XLVzFmbc298gtsx11a7CDrT4c2qPnbhcJd518sNPBdt2n4npxf3T8AWHVnR9WCmU45u0rYJh-YFnlvfKv0wPgGcz6F6uPJPL3dZqGXhbhwBc/s640/Swing+Kids.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/405675878904444025/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></td></tr>
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I poignantly remember seeing the dance scene for the first time: my eyes got buggy, my jaw dropped, and my heart starting pounding in my chest. I wanted to do exactly what they were doing and I wanted to do it right then and there.<br />
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Being in middle school and living in small town suburbia were not very conducive to finding swing lessons, of course, so I just made up my own moves. I couldn't help it--I most definitely could not sit still. I began buying big band music and I would dance all over my kitchen like a crazy person, trying hard to mimic the actors in the movie, and doing a doozy of a job at that--<a href="http://jessibetterlatethannever.blogspot.com/2013/10/31days-to-lindy-hop-frankie-hellzapoppin.html" target="_blank">Frankie </a>would probably have stood there shaking his head at me, ha!<br />
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I can't help but smile at middle school me now, thinking back to that movie and how cool I thought it was, how amazing I thought the dancing was. Now that I know how to Lindy, the dancing in the film is really not that great. Of course, they're doing all the flashy tricks, spins, and jumps, but as I said in <a href="http://jessibetterlatethannever.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-day-1-why-lindy-hop.html" target="_blank">Episode 1</a>, this does not a dancer make.<br />
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It's all good, though. Swing Kids, bad dancing and all, was my start on a journey that I still treasure. In fact, the fever that started when the swing bug bit me back in 1993 is still with me. I haven't been on a social dance floor in over a year (which will change soon--more on that in a future episode!), but when I have Pandora set to my Louis Armstrong station, my poor downstairs neighbors are in for a lot of pounding. Sorry guys.<br />
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I guess <i><b>I </b></i>will forever be a Swing Kid.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-1316495181199025912013-10-03T18:40:00.003-06:002013-10-05T16:43:31.091-06:00#31Days, Episode 3: From world headlines to a new dance craze<i>Hello friends and welcome to <b>Episode 3 </b>of <b>#31Days to the Lindy Hop,</b> the writing challenge linkup hosted by <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/09/welcome-to-31-days-2013.html" target="_blank"><b>The Nester</b></a>.</i><i> Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy a little story chock full of joy, jive, and jazz!</i><br />
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Yesterday I told you that today I would be sharing about my first forays into the world of the Lindy Hop, but I've decided to switch gears. More about me later.<br />
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Have you ever wondered where the name "Lindy Hop" came from?? I mean, who or what or where is "Lindy"?<br />
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Well, "Lindy" was a <i><b>who </b></i>(haha, that sounds so Dr. Suess)...<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The quick 'n dirty rundown: swing dance evolved in the late 1920's
alongside jazz music. Dance and music do go hand in hand, after all. Well, dance marathons were <b>hugely </b>popular in the ballrooms of the day, and couples would compete for days and days <i>and days</i> against other couples, hoping
to be the last couple standing at the end. What this looked like, if you can imagine, was each person leaning up against his or her partner so they would remain upright and dancing (more like sleep-dancing). If you sat or fell down, you forfeited.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Okay. So, during one particular marathon, a man
by the name of George “Shorty” Snowden was dancing with his partner, Big Bea.
They had been dancing for a long while and nothing exciting had happened... Until! Shorty noticed that there were reporters nearby. Hoping to grab their
attention and make himself and Big Bea stand out--<i>he really wanted to win that marathon!</i>--he pushed Bea out, she did a
little twist of her hips, and then he pulled her back in. The reporters went
crazy! They declared a new dance move and demanded to know what it was called. Shorty had to think quick on his feet. He remembered seeing headlines about Charles Lindbergh's flight across the
Atlantic Ocean in newspapers, exclaiming “Lindy Hops the Atlantic!”</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/AVvXsEiaE555EOspi9CxmrLLC6eDn8ReD9ofd8ZvV_yikZMvKPHLXbe59JmcJ7sASbtvczB57xnoXxvPd-yoHKJSqtRXF2yNdvf8V2WwI42hDHeVJcHFpuzayzkjTJB3WZuudlohkTu1kb3Kzdw/s1600/Lucky+Lindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaE555EOspi9CxmrLLC6eDn8ReD9ofd8ZvV_yikZMvKPHLXbe59JmcJ7sASbtvczB57xnoXxvPd-yoHKJSqtRXF2yNdvf8V2WwI42hDHeVJcHFpuzayzkjTJB3WZuudlohkTu1kb3Kzdw/s400/Lucky+Lindy.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovered via Google Images and also seen <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/lindy-hops-over-atlantic-ocean" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So, with all the cool in the world, he told reporters: “That? Well<i><b>. </b></i>That ain't nothin' but the Lindy
Hop!”</div>
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<br /></div>
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And the Lindy Hop was born.</div>
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<br /></div>
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** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am not a historian. This story was gathered over years of swapping tales with my fellow swingers. If you have cold, hard facts that boost my story, please share! I'd love to connect. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6twHnQZ4Zv7-fh-6eoC2s42vezH9AmBJO3smbNINr0c1Kz6IjAnlxpQIwGO7oLJfGGjjO6PA-vnbuLJbo_pe74kM7pzl9QzHvoDNfXaM8nHoqETpg4fHZdfNqsyTS3xnpZYZoeMzlUvI/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6twHnQZ4Zv7-fh-6eoC2s42vezH9AmBJO3smbNINr0c1Kz6IjAnlxpQIwGO7oLJfGGjjO6PA-vnbuLJbo_pe74kM7pzl9QzHvoDNfXaM8nHoqETpg4fHZdfNqsyTS3xnpZYZoeMzlUvI/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> xoxo</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J </b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-32310840957007353482013-10-02T20:31:00.001-06:002013-10-05T16:42:53.760-06:00#31Days, Episode 2: Frankie + Hellzapoppin'<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hello friends and welcome to <b>Episode 2</b> of <b>#31Days to the Lindy Hop</b>!<b><br /></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9STAxHFRreVpkn4CLB5jRjPzgVmcjJPO4kUaRjcAJKLMff5G-BTAM1pBHBX_UwX_nsYOnANJxJS4NP26owd4FMH_BNFnTnkp_qNGMEinn0gktj03l9s-DSKkD5CG8PT2KXPOwCNWgtBc/s1600/31Days+Lindy+Hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9STAxHFRreVpkn4CLB5jRjPzgVmcjJPO4kUaRjcAJKLMff5G-BTAM1pBHBX_UwX_nsYOnANJxJS4NP26owd4FMH_BNFnTnkp_qNGMEinn0gktj03l9s-DSKkD5CG8PT2KXPOwCNWgtBc/s400/31Days+Lindy+Hop.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Real life, amigos? Today was not my day. I am just now sitting down to blog, right up against my bedtime. I am so worn out that my bones hurt. So. I'm going to postpone my story-telling for tonight, and instead share a little eye-candy. I hope you don't mind. I hope you understand. And I hope you enjoy this clip as much as I do, and maybe even hit "repeat" a couple of times, just like I do :)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Watch for this guy. He's easy to spot by that huge smile.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHs_JXRZQDgbR_nNy8vnX5mh_spp88dS2KWIniqaEAeu0WE7XtELbOem42ttEBsgSLwDiDZtU5F7xhwkLG71PvuXXuYSaPTTyJTEIOB_cBIl6m_4xQzZmIm7XwljRZaoBPJHNt9GsM6hA/s1600/Frankie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHs_JXRZQDgbR_nNy8vnX5mh_spp88dS2KWIniqaEAeu0WE7XtELbOem42ttEBsgSLwDiDZtU5F7xhwkLG71PvuXXuYSaPTTyJTEIOB_cBIl6m_4xQzZmIm7XwljRZaoBPJHNt9GsM6hA/s400/Frankie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>His name is Frankie Manning. He's kind of a big deal. He shows up on the sidelines, sportin' those overalls, around :38, but then he shows us what's up at 1:14. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qkthxBsIeGQ" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i><i>Does that get you as jazzed as it does me?!</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'll be back <a href="http://jessibetterlatethannever.blogspot.com/2013/10/31days-day-3-from-world-headlines-to.html" target="_blank">tomorrow to tell you more</a> about my first steps into the world of Lindy Hop.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8aK7pW-3uff1zThaUkN4cZoGcKoTtOlxIZvKQ_CkhUTF6KvWMVNgjIlQk4LUh847tSdHanp1VE5QIsaweD7KbYq83hrS46WJHedQ2KxxgqE1P_9sbg5ft3NNJ8HdYRvE_NmMNLQuqtg/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8aK7pW-3uff1zThaUkN4cZoGcKoTtOlxIZvKQ_CkhUTF6KvWMVNgjIlQk4LUh847tSdHanp1VE5QIsaweD7KbYq83hrS46WJHedQ2KxxgqE1P_9sbg5ft3NNJ8HdYRvE_NmMNLQuqtg/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>xoxo</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-24330826879927923102013-10-01T19:35:00.002-06:002013-10-06T16:28:11.813-06:00#31Days, Episode 1: Why the Lindy Hop<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6h52ns0W9m9dJRSk8n-64_EFlIYhPXX0uRKnODvEs0hc3HxuO0LmthYb_uzIYy2jwBCSU_v9zHGEBGdqI8z3vQwFjWJZlS8MfKb95N5Fow4XN-HKPDz7ioqrWrDJTCE3z2ZQUD4My9U4/s1600/31Days+Lindy+Hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6h52ns0W9m9dJRSk8n-64_EFlIYhPXX0uRKnODvEs0hc3HxuO0LmthYb_uzIYy2jwBCSU_v9zHGEBGdqI8z3vQwFjWJZlS8MfKb95N5Fow4XN-HKPDz7ioqrWrDJTCE3z2ZQUD4My9U4/s400/31Days+Lindy+Hop.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Hello friends and welcome to <b>Episode 1</b> of <b>#31Days to the Lindy
Hop</b>! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy a little story chock full of joy, jive, and jazz.</i><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<b>Why </b>the Lindy Hop?</div>
<div>
<br />
The Lindy Hop is, and will always be, my first dance
love. Before there were the 'tard and tights, there were the spectators
and spankies, the red lipstick and hair rolls. <i>There was jazz, man!</i> Hot,
swinging jazz. And it was <b>good</b>.</div>
<br />
I want to share more about this rich, high-energy art
form, one that was born right here in the
US of A. Oh, swing is most definitely all over the world at this point,
but it started right here.<br />
<br />
I want to tell you, dear reader, that swing is so much more
than flashy, acrobatic moves. Tossing a partner through the air is not exactly <i><b>dancing</b>.<b> </b></i>I don't say that
to come off exclusive, amigos, I just want to shed light on the fact that Lindy does in fact have footwork and technique. And there is etiquette on a social dance floor--big moves on a busy floor is a big no-no. The flashy
moves are oh-so-fun (see my face in the pic above?) but
they are just the cherry on top.<br />
<br />
More than anything else, though, I want you to know how <b><i>important </i></b>the Lindy Hop is. It was born and cultivated at a time in history when the country's economy flat-lined, when America jumped into the middle of another world war, and while racial segregation was still rooted deep like an ugly weed. The Lindy Hop gave people joy and happiness and hope at a time when even a simple smile was a struggle.<br />
<br />
The Lindy Hop is important to this gal, too. It shaped me to be who I am today by encouraging me to blossom from an insecure girl to a young woman with confidence. It helped me discover who I am: a dancer! I met my best friends. I traveled around the country. I even got to meet some of the people who shaped the very Lindy world way back in the day.<br />
<br />
Yes, yes, y'all, I have a whole lotta love for the Lindy Hop. Thank you for stopping by and allowing me to share it with you!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Anyone else a Lindy lover? Please tell me about it in the comments, I'd love to connect!</i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eE2Dbo5DRsCJKdEIpa6eSYIdUABcZxNTkpL7lfwio6KnSqTwrhT9rZ1FFJPd07D4cRq_veta7TJsCeJEpBbDo1jnAJpSaXC1PpNGg5PM5aHKxNPvuVzpvG8ZKmiNZSeq77_rMbU6pUY/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eE2Dbo5DRsCJKdEIpa6eSYIdUABcZxNTkpL7lfwio6KnSqTwrhT9rZ1FFJPd07D4cRq_veta7TJsCeJEpBbDo1jnAJpSaXC1PpNGg5PM5aHKxNPvuVzpvG8ZKmiNZSeq77_rMbU6pUY/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-58736231307635763382013-09-30T20:47:00.000-06:002013-10-05T16:43:49.309-06:00Influence + #31Days sneak peak<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21191">
<i id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_32769">Oh, where to begin?</i></div>
<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21354">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21354">
I
just returned from the Influence Conference and my heart and my head
are so, so full. There is so much I want to share--<i>so much</i>--but I'm going to divulge in a slow stream over time, as things come to me, rather than one big heart dump. That would just be a mess.</div>
<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21354">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21354">
<i><b>So much inspiration.</b></i> </div>
<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21354">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21354">
<a href="http://laracasey.com/about/">Lara Casey</a> and <a href="http://goinswriter.com/about-me/">Jeff Goins</a> both caused a major paradigm shift in how I think of myself, my dream, my <b>why</b>. </div>
<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21354">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21354">
<a href="http://shaunaniequist.com/">Shauna Niequist</a> reminded me that my work is <i>my</i> responsibility. She gave me permission to do my thing with <i>my </i>brand of crazy. She also dropped this truth bomb:</div>
<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21354">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div id="yui_3_10_1_1_1380581094812_21354">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"The lie is scarcity; the truth is abundance."</b></i></span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
There is plenty of room in this world for more art, more creativity, more beauty. No artist should be hoarding her gifts. <i>Preach, Shauna</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, there is much, much more. More inspiration, more encouragement. Seeds have been planted--ideas, friendships, truth. More to come...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
** ** ** ** ** ** ** **</div>
<br />
In the spirit of the conference and in honor of one of these seeds, I'm joining in the 31 Days link-up hosted by <a href="http://www.thenester.com/" target="_blank">The Nester</a>, which kicks off tomorrow, October 1. The linkup is a writing challenge to post every day in the month of October, talking about one topic, any topic. My #31Days topic is where it all began for me, my <b>roots</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufvZjA-Nj0PT4ted0eRNLIHOM7PNRCA78m6NRD-Z4QUBqpMk9Uva5rc-8MVURfZPn7n-c9o5yKkeYFZTn-DZIuoizy0vj9Nkyr_-ExFc66Kurukd1hz6lLOEkr_OCeJBpotMTOsh4zJI/s1600/31Days+Lindy+Hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufvZjA-Nj0PT4ted0eRNLIHOM7PNRCA78m6NRD-Z4QUBqpMk9Uva5rc-8MVURfZPn7n-c9o5yKkeYFZTn-DZIuoizy0vj9Nkyr_-ExFc66Kurukd1hz6lLOEkr_OCeJBpotMTOsh4zJI/s400/31Days+Lindy+Hop.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I cannot <b>wait</b> to share this story with you.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://jessibetterlatethannever.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-day-1-why-lindy-hop.html" target="_blank">Join me tomorrow</a> for the kick off!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHVGA7ZG7Am6YZ1ByeFgmG812n33B-h1EY976GyOGGbTGcV-xT4Sg_HN7_p3E-PDTN7NTAenrWF0L5CtQZPR1r5j-cq1nUH4OOrvrl6UUrYpmjLwW1DHYnmADWrYnWdIIMe6iw1_KyN0/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHVGA7ZG7Am6YZ1ByeFgmG812n33B-h1EY976GyOGGbTGcV-xT4Sg_HN7_p3E-PDTN7NTAenrWF0L5CtQZPR1r5j-cq1nUH4OOrvrl6UUrYpmjLwW1DHYnmADWrYnWdIIMe6iw1_KyN0/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-43447979660949158522013-09-11T17:54:00.000-06:002013-09-11T20:09:03.434-06:00Goodbye to GramsMy beloved Grams passed away last night. It's been looming; my family was prepared. Her health has steadily declined over the last couple of years, and it really plummeted for the last month.<br />
<br />
Let me rewind a bit to replay some of the details... <br />
<br />
My mom called me about a month ago to tell me that I should really start looking at flights to fly home to Colorado and see Grams, stat. I panicked a little and jumped online, hoping I'd find a sweet deal, pronto. No dice. Ticket prices ranged from $600 to $800--<i>what the what?!</i> Yes. <i>I just want to go home to see my Grams, not play tourist in the mountains!</i> It was infuriating<br />
<br />
I continued checking, looking farther and farther in to September, then October.... <i>Please God, let her wait for me... please let these crazy prices drop...</i><br />
<br />
Last Thursday my mom called me in the middle of the day. She never does this, knowing I'm at work, so I figured it was important. Before I hit "accept", I just knew it was about Grams.<br />
<br />
Grams was in the hospital. ICU. Her lung had filled with fluid, she couldn't breathe on her own. Ventilator, sedated. Cancer.<br />
<br />
Back to the interwebs. My work colleagues helped me search flights for that night. <i>Does $550 work for you?</i> Boom, I'll take it. Ticket purchased, I rushed home to pack, then rushed to catch my buses to get to the airport. I hopped a couple planes and landed in Denver about midnight that night. <i>Please God, let her wait for me... </i><br />
<br />
I headed to the hospital Friday morning. She was sleeping, but would stir when we talked to her and even opened her eyes, under the influence of the sedatives. Her eyes stared blankly back at me, but I chatted her up anyway, told her I had finally come, that I was there.<br />
<br />
The plan at that point was to turn everything off, unplug, say goodbye and let go on Sunday. But Grams had other ideas.<br />
<br />
<br />
On Friday afternoon, her status began to steadily improve. By Friday evening, the doctor's plan was to wean her off the sedatives and test the waters with some breathing exercises, seeing how she might fare off the ventilator. On Saturday, she was a star patient--she was awake, she responded to questions by nodding her head, and she was sure ticked off that she had a tube down her throat. It was decided: come Sunday morning the ventilator was to be shut down and the tube would come out.<br />
<br />
Sunday morning, the family gathered. We fidgeted and paced the hallway, awaiting the doctor to finish rounds. The time arrived at last--success! We rushed in and took turns hugging her, talking to her, holding her hand. All the nurses and doctors marveled at what a strong fighter she was and discussed release from the hospital the next day!<br />
<br />
My flight back to Pittsburgh was scheduled for Monday morning. I said goodbye to Grams on Sunday night, giving her lots of kisses on the forehead. She said she would see me again.<br />
<br />
They released her home yesterday afternoon. Mom sent me a text late last night, telling me she was home and that hospice was set up.<br />
<br />
This morning I awoke to find another text from Mom: <i>your Grams passed tonight</i>.<br />
<br />
See, Grams <b>hated </b>hospitals. Hated. Them. She knew her time had come but refused to breathe her last within the hospital's walls. She would be <i><b>home</b></i>.<br />
<br />
I am so grateful that I was able to finally make it home to see my beloved Grams. I am at peace knowing she is no longer suffering, that her last moments were in the house she had lived in for 60-plus years, that my mom and uncle were by her side up until the final moments, and that she is finally back with Grampa.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEi_uk46Cp6CgQEsbtjrXsTGm7IvLUylYcPswsobRoNdT92wZkJ9rbjDfnAGKi1YmNJXMbdruSPlyZifOa690og3jgF7_Yx0zaVINWzjyPWBWodYJhHhsvdaOwJriGtSgGdTKJrx2UlwraM/s1600/099_js_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uk46Cp6CgQEsbtjrXsTGm7IvLUylYcPswsobRoNdT92wZkJ9rbjDfnAGKi1YmNJXMbdruSPlyZifOa690og3jgF7_Yx0zaVINWzjyPWBWodYJhHhsvdaOwJriGtSgGdTKJrx2UlwraM/s640/099_js_wedding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Three generations on my wedding day, August 2012. Isn't she <b>lovely</b>??</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Goodbye, my Gramma C. Nighty night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bight. I will love you forever and ever.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1ijuPL2dMpx4kYkq0XpY6e3KcRUr_HQaD6Xyxkcpsy8MMgSS8OdS-TDA_RwgCrFQYVVIuuVMzTzzs4kJoesyADrwEzFZeFVxVAN95FXxrN-0W5dcp4DtRYMetnP8KPBA0S2vBH_-50A/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1ijuPL2dMpx4kYkq0XpY6e3KcRUr_HQaD6Xyxkcpsy8MMgSS8OdS-TDA_RwgCrFQYVVIuuVMzTzzs4kJoesyADrwEzFZeFVxVAN95FXxrN-0W5dcp4DtRYMetnP8KPBA0S2vBH_-50A/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>your Jessi C</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-80942803760429353662013-09-10T18:18:00.003-06:002013-09-10T18:25:04.566-06:002 + 2: Influence Meet 'n GreetIn just over two weeks I will head down to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the <a href="http://www.theinfluenceconference.com/">Influence Conference</a>!! I'm stoked, but I'll admit that I'm also a little overwhelmed with all I need to do to get organized and ready--biz/blog cards! decide which workshops to take! get a haircut! plan my outfits!--this is my first blog conference after all.<br />
<br />
But! Before I hunker down for some serious list-making, here is a little 2 + 2 list for our <a href="http://theinfluencenetwork.com/2013/09/pre-conference-meet-and-greet/">pre-conference meet and greet</a>...<br />
<br />
<br />
Two things you will find in my bag:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Batman</b>.The moment Batman and I found each other on the bus that sunny Saturday afternoon, we've been inseparable. Just take a gander at <a href="http://instagram.com/jessikolouri#">my Instagram</a> reel and you'll see.<br /><span id="goog_639402093"></span><span id="goog_639402094"></span><span id="goog_639402095"></span></li>
<li><b>Crabby snacks</b>. Low blood sugar = bad news bears. Yes, I'm one of <i>those</i> people... but don't worry, as long as I have good eats, I'm good to go. <i>Anyone want to make a grocery store run Thursday afternoon??</i></li>
</ol>
Two things I'm most looking forward to:<br />
<ol>
<li> <b>In real life</b>. I'm uber-excited to finally meet the gals I've been reading and tweeting with and looking up to for months and months. Connecting with peeps just jazzes me up. I have a feeling I'm in for a treat.</li>
<li><b>Sparking</b>. I've been wishing/hoping/dreaming for many moons about how to take this and <a href="http://thevirtualvine.net/">my other blog</a> to the next level. I'm ready for the spark to get the fires going.</li>
</ol>
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* * * * * * * * </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Now, to hunker down and make some lists...</i></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-60752726905927346132013-08-22T20:21:00.001-06:002013-08-22T20:21:11.177-06:00Life lately: August shenanigans<br />
Howdy amigos!! Another installment of the one and only Life Lately Linkup, a la <a href="http://www.wild-and-precious.com/2013/08/life-lately_19.html">Blair @ Wild & Precious</a>. My shenanigans as of late...<br />
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<h4>
Anniversary!</h4>
It was our one-year anniversary on the 12th, <i>woot woot!</i> We survived our first year, ladies and gents! Now it's smooth sailing from here on out. I kid, I kid... but seriously, I do feel that if we were able to make it through that crazy first year (and crazy it was) and still like each other, we're going to be alright. Love that man.<br />
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<h4>
Vacation in DC</h4>
In celebration of our anniversary, we finally escaped the 'Burgh and headed to Washington, DC. It was wonderful! Beautiful architecture, monuments, museums... delicious cupcakes and crabcakes... naps and pool time and cuddles and more naps... It was the perfect balance of play and rest, which is just what we needed. I came back feeling legitimately rested and ready to jump into fall projects and adventures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxffU3fku-a6o283o4CoNAqTztUZnpQa8L19pm5b37sxpXHDcqIC3aio5MpRcYfb73GzpTICcm2stEKz3IhJwysdPesukPHwrUzwdLIlX0vdxxTvIzuwIgRe1zXb_pfhZBLz9lLfZ7S0o/s1600/Ninja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxffU3fku-a6o283o4CoNAqTztUZnpQa8L19pm5b37sxpXHDcqIC3aio5MpRcYfb73GzpTICcm2stEKz3IhJwysdPesukPHwrUzwdLIlX0vdxxTvIzuwIgRe1zXb_pfhZBLz9lLfZ7S0o/s640/Ninja.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>International Spy Museum = coolest. ever.</i></td></tr>
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<h4>
Another anniversary</h4>
The day after our anniversary marked one year of living in Pittsburgh. This is a bittersweet one, as some of you may know. I won't get into too much detail here, but I will say this: I still miss Colorado like crazy, I don't hate Pittsburgh like I did last fall/winter/spring, and I've decided to stop being apologetic that I'm not in love with this city. Just like the boys before the hubs, we're just not meant to be. And that's a-okay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_J2gfB9pzxnmsXt4ZR4qj66wZR46Tv0HdwSC8fQ_Y9WgwQe7h6MLobLkaNbyb8hyphenhyphenR8HaOWLp1__Eo7dj4xW7GP390s-6DZYuXpMyq3i9QJcTUBQpATOswSV0BrnyAGS9syY0XEbdpZQs/s1600/CO+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_J2gfB9pzxnmsXt4ZR4qj66wZR46Tv0HdwSC8fQ_Y9WgwQe7h6MLobLkaNbyb8hyphenhyphenR8HaOWLp1__Eo7dj4xW7GP390s-6DZYuXpMyq3i9QJcTUBQpATOswSV0BrnyAGS9syY0XEbdpZQs/s400/CO+love.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/163677767678658893/"><i>Pinterest</i></a></td></tr>
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<h4>
Sore flub muscles</h4>
Back to life in the 'Burgh means back to
training! And back to training after a few weeks of not training means
soreness galore. My flub muscles? My flubs are what I call my inner
thighs. You know, the part that touches, the part that I'm perpetually
obsessing over and trying to firm up. Lunges, zumba, squats, cardio
kickboxing, and good ol' fashioned floor barre were on the menu this
week. Must do the work, amigos--I can't be teaching my own classes
without strong flubs!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXV32lIL5Z6r7H254oShqieGyGryqN4nQ_BtVZXODFqdQ9HnkB7D3T62hmsydNrMzrwQN8IiLmXVjDIFHOdAeqlFBqqRjRsNUNNp2QjiXKKFJQYG1fuxbUt2R2lK25ZjsQcqfkxCkvFg/s1600/Dance+conditioning+at+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXV32lIL5Z6r7H254oShqieGyGryqN4nQ_BtVZXODFqdQ9HnkB7D3T62hmsydNrMzrwQN8IiLmXVjDIFHOdAeqlFBqqRjRsNUNNp2QjiXKKFJQYG1fuxbUt2R2lK25ZjsQcqfkxCkvFg/s400/Dance+conditioning+at+home.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/136445/ballet-barre-workout?lpgStart=1&currentslide=2&currentChapter=1">This is one of the routines</a> I do at home to work the flubs--check it out!</i></td></tr>
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<i>Whew, so much going on and so much on the horizon for fall! I'm excited for what's to come--squirming in my chair excited--and I will fill you in next time... But first! What have you been up to lately?? </i></div>
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<b><i>xoxo</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-16891495655272865012013-06-30T20:29:00.001-06:002013-06-30T20:51:18.409-06:00Adios, Google Reader! Hola, Bloglovin!Whew, thank goodness for Google Reader's disappearance being <b>the </b>topic of discussion all over the Twittersphere at the moment--I've been zoned out in my own little world and misplaced the memo! But all is well and I now can be found and followed over at <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4908895/?claim=xy4z9uvu84g">Bloglovin!</a><br />
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I'm enjoying all kinds of new social media and tech toys lately: someone finally got herself an iPhone! Wowza, what an upgrade from my Crackberry, which has been dying a slow death for months. I've been playing with apps and just figuring out the ropes.<br />
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<i>More on the iPhone and other life lately happenings to come!</i></div>
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<i><b>Happy July Eve!</b></i></div>
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<i><b>xoxo<br />J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-20820753284068728542013-06-13T21:17:00.002-06:002013-06-14T20:04:30.894-06:00Roots: Wild West JessThat's my new nickname around the office. I even have a sheriff's star. Still working on the ten-gallon hat.<br />
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I'm a Colorado girl, born and bred. I was born on a blizzardy Friday in Denver. Then my parents, tired of the city bustle, hauled me an hour north of Denver, first to Fort Collins, but it also got to too big, so we finally settled in Loveland.<br />
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My growing up memories involve lots of time playing outside. Coloradoans really like to play outside. I mean, how can you not, with the best playground in the land right outside your door?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0luSaFhpGrFk5BCOAiKWa1i8PbbF6iT5jAfY6EDA84QrL1j83KdmRLqAL4iqaguJEYKOqvNXHQRqblSKTPyQiL6t6jEPtQMId_zv4rvkTFxeHEkb4eD9esFB-9D_jCK_WYA1e8ttyuHU/s1600/A+la+seconde+at+14k+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0luSaFhpGrFk5BCOAiKWa1i8PbbF6iT5jAfY6EDA84QrL1j83KdmRLqAL4iqaguJEYKOqvNXHQRqblSKTPyQiL6t6jEPtQMId_zv4rvkTFxeHEkb4eD9esFB-9D_jCK_WYA1e8ttyuHU/s400/A+la+seconde+at+14k+feet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dance atop a 14er? How we roll</td></tr>
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Fast forward to summer 2012. My husband got accepted to his dream Ph.D. program at Carnegie Mellon University, so, the day after we got married last August, we moved across the country to the Steel City (yes, we're crazy).<br />
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This link up is all about <i>loving where you live</i>. The truth amigos? I do not love my new city. I am warming up to it as slowly as the summer temps are finally making their appearance in Pittsburgh, but love has not yet found it's way into my heart. I felt guilty about that through fall, winter, and into spring, hiding it from the interwebs for fear of being the killjoy at the party. But you know what? I've realized that I don't have to love where I am. I may in the future, I may not. At the end of the day, it's my experience and it's part of my story.<br />
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My heart is still in Colorado, in the high altitude, abundant sunshine, and eating really good Mexican food, but I am finding beauty out here at last. The lush green of the east never ceases to blow me away. The flora and fauna here are pretty astounding. And I've got a lead on a legit Mexican restaurant just half an hour outside of the city... fingers crossed!<br />
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Let's roll out... <i><b>yee-haw!</b></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24Rkxr6DWz-Km5j9AuTuJoZXSiYBveOnrUfnG1BzY67yBjnOgHC6g5fbOEgsSQbfsOwwPz7oM0VpvruY1-B11v5ZewcnDQOHkbv0c6ChMfa4FHwpeeW6VTeN4mX1exnvUoYTPATRmhr8/s1600/Home+sweet+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24Rkxr6DWz-Km5j9AuTuJoZXSiYBveOnrUfnG1BzY67yBjnOgHC6g5fbOEgsSQbfsOwwPz7oM0VpvruY1-B11v5ZewcnDQOHkbv0c6ChMfa4FHwpeeW6VTeN4mX1exnvUoYTPATRmhr8/s400/Home+sweet+home.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/163677767678658893/">Pinterest</a></td></tr>
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<i><a href="http://www.influencenetwork.blogspot.com/2013/06/love-where-you-live-location-link-up.html">Stop by the blog</a> to find out where my other Influence sisters call home!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzRXNzRaqizfRVJEQFIYNWJKWOARvEFr5IkrZb7RvAcOUTN2rQR5b7pZUzdmrlPtyBT1pCXMQKI4MtAW-L87ar2ZS143d4CjGHO9Vy46S_Ujx6jONfZ3kiEwEy0U0QD2udMiFuIg1VXc/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzRXNzRaqizfRVJEQFIYNWJKWOARvEFr5IkrZb7RvAcOUTN2rQR5b7pZUzdmrlPtyBT1pCXMQKI4MtAW-L87ar2ZS143d4CjGHO9Vy46S_Ujx6jONfZ3kiEwEy0U0QD2udMiFuIg1VXc/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-49305827966450839182013-06-10T07:00:00.000-06:002013-06-10T18:55:23.883-06:00Life Lately + a Birthday!Hello hello!<br />
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Well. That break did me good, real good. It allowed much needed space and time to fill the well back up. <i>Weary </i>is not a place from which to create.<br />
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Nothing like a little link up, <i>a la</i> the lovely Blair over at <a href="http://www.wild-and-precious.com/">Wild and Precious</a>, to inspire a post-break post to fill you in on life lately...<br />
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<i><b>Mind</b></i><br />
As indicated a month ago, I've been striving to find and hit the refresh button. It was a little elusive, but I'm figuring things out with a little help from my friends. I picked up an ebook written and published by the wise <a href="http://www.naptimediaries.com/">Jessi </a>and <a href="http://www.thetinytwig.com/">Hayley</a>, appropriately called <a href="http://www.therefreshbook.com/">Refresh</a>. It was a 55-page <b>gem</b> and just what I needed to take the first baby steps to re-establishing balance. Basically, it reminded me that employing even small things can make a <i>huge </i>difference, and putting the right priorities first in the schedule makes me less spazzy overall: daily quiet time; daily exercise; cooking and eating whole<b> </b>food; reading a book; painting my nails. It's daily/weekly battle, but I will win.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjNR0a0hEE9b53_YNCCa4zxkyvJZXrsqyoThhEekFd-gvoITNUjrOf9vofpTciUibUjnhhcpNVdQDndU85FEfox-OrOkZtTgrDWB8-VEg3QeCBmFzB0smskPQRtCyEUxK3UHTqKr1aG8/s1600/Watering+plants+at+Phipps+6-1-13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjNR0a0hEE9b53_YNCCa4zxkyvJZXrsqyoThhEekFd-gvoITNUjrOf9vofpTciUibUjnhhcpNVdQDndU85FEfox-OrOkZtTgrDWB8-VEg3QeCBmFzB0smskPQRtCyEUxK3UHTqKr1aG8/s400/Watering+plants+at+Phipps+6-1-13.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big kid in the kids' garden at <a href="http://phipps.conservatory.org/">Phipps Conservatory</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><b>Spirit</b></i><br />
I created and launched a new blog! It's basically a journal logging my daily Bible reading and subsequent thoughts. If you're into that kind of thing (even if you're not but you're curious what this is all about), check it out: <a href="http://www.thevirtualvine.net/">www.thevirtualvine.net</a>. It's still a work in progress, just like my life, but I'm proud of this little baby.<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/AVvXsEjBzFYvlazF5VKT2tsf_fbkotnQCMLfn4C-cL2f54JXU0lgsBcRhh5amR82QNRDV8QRzKtpJ7Se8UtahaELkcUbUtjvokEQA5co9cP_MmO-SRSLCkEHR-GJYQzZjMxbz0O1nnseVK6fpy4/s1600/the+virtual+vine+blog+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzFYvlazF5VKT2tsf_fbkotnQCMLfn4C-cL2f54JXU0lgsBcRhh5amR82QNRDV8QRzKtpJ7Se8UtahaELkcUbUtjvokEQA5co9cP_MmO-SRSLCkEHR-GJYQzZjMxbz0O1nnseVK6fpy4/s400/the+virtual+vine+blog+image.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Beautiful logo designed by <a href="http://www.canvasandslate.com/">Canvas & Slate</a></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><b>Body</b></i><br />
I'm a few days out from finishing a 10-day fitness challenge hosted by <a href="http://consideringyou.com/fitness/june-fitness-challenge/">Considering You</a> and created by Bobby over at <a href="http://yourwholefitness.com/">Your Whole Fitness</a>. Following a bout of lingering pain and inflammation in my left shoulder this spring, I took a step back from certain activities so it could heal... but I also got a bit, <i>ahem</i>, lazy, and then out of shape. Enter the challenge, which included a plethora of burpees and pushups. Burpees are the devil, yo, but so awesome at the same time. I <b>will </b>get my guns and my ninja status back.<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/AVvXsEgqzAp4jM8ptfG7d5nK_AByDqqbpYfIBz_-b0dv90mUaYhdbBi1FEnRG-3aw_divPE0GAUVuBrEmfEEcT19YVOdqE3njUmTRxDQYjSHAg9S9QTDhVv6VNIIFIHAHMXKPTLMeWC3hFdps0U/s1600/Burpees+equal+vom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzAp4jM8ptfG7d5nK_AByDqqbpYfIBz_-b0dv90mUaYhdbBi1FEnRG-3aw_divPE0GAUVuBrEmfEEcT19YVOdqE3njUmTRxDQYjSHAg9S9QTDhVv6VNIIFIHAHMXKPTLMeWC3hFdps0U/s400/Burpees+equal+vom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/jessicday/sweat/">Pinterest</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Another side effect to the challenge: I've been tossing around the idea of teaching dance and fitness once again. I miss it! A huge obstacle holding me back, however, is feeling very unqualified to stand up in front of a class. How can I ask students to hold a plank or do <i>tendus en croix</i> if I'm not able to do them <b>well</b> myself? A teacher should be on her game and then some. I've been unsure where to start because the task just felt so big. It still feels big, but the fitness challenge definitely gave me that important initial shove over the starting hump. Starting is <i>always </i>the hardest part.<br />
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* * * * * </div>
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Oh! This is little blog is officially <b>5</b>! Time flies when having too much fun... Happy Birthday, Better Late than Never! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCbS4gQAax0f0qgArmzrEAZdHvS9CHoL2MaWFf-JucIeqPE0-amOUxEwMWJS_Dr-eqWjsDCV4IL_6vFISVmgvwTFJX5WGJ0sqVDZnXhuPApZKOFYrOWjhUh0J4w5n2Sdq6nBlmx4JcRk/s1600/2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCbS4gQAax0f0qgArmzrEAZdHvS9CHoL2MaWFf-JucIeqPE0-amOUxEwMWJS_Dr-eqWjsDCV4IL_6vFISVmgvwTFJX5WGJ0sqVDZnXhuPApZKOFYrOWjhUh0J4w5n2Sdq6nBlmx4JcRk/s400/2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Your turn... I miss you! What's been up in your life lately?</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4TCPBv2gOAe6pDxF1Ni25ySWVcW-H2VF3vlZ_b9O9tOjHv9CKZaMwmn0LBLCASvQJ0YV3Ef0Ha-SNDFuOUJ96zBwbLeDzbzsPEDEmLNL4RUifVR2nucsdSyJieM1MdcnOCJcnU9AcU0/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4TCPBv2gOAe6pDxF1Ni25ySWVcW-H2VF3vlZ_b9O9tOjHv9CKZaMwmn0LBLCASvQJ0YV3Ef0Ha-SNDFuOUJ96zBwbLeDzbzsPEDEmLNL4RUifVR2nucsdSyJieM1MdcnOCJcnU9AcU0/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-7621580858776857072013-05-06T20:19:00.001-06:002013-05-07T20:42:37.805-06:00Out of the OfficeHello hello!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z3_ASAUOOn2E0gheBn-2JLtlICWF28WHM8UCDmwkWo2jviFTkGV4pQAQE6_NKOrXrmM7Xi19hsXHmWmQr03dPSfkF19Rf9IwRbeaNU3vuRJbxvBv5k2VX0dau9nDcmn48oObMyrwZH0/s1600/Magnolias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z3_ASAUOOn2E0gheBn-2JLtlICWF28WHM8UCDmwkWo2jviFTkGV4pQAQE6_NKOrXrmM7Xi19hsXHmWmQr03dPSfkF19Rf9IwRbeaNU3vuRJbxvBv5k2VX0dau9nDcmn48oObMyrwZH0/s640/Magnolias.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Well it's been a hot minute, hasn't it??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNs6peeK74SQOF6TiUK3LxicDmpCdMUlycFB4MBy5B8Z1E0jQsKf0x3rBSrABdIoBafpXoW0ZYhxfEgGxof-qh7iGelQSFmUtJOvYbhivAnSQtnteiGB0jU_C5FAfFT9pe680PET8x3s/s1600/Tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNs6peeK74SQOF6TiUK3LxicDmpCdMUlycFB4MBy5B8Z1E0jQsKf0x3rBSrABdIoBafpXoW0ZYhxfEgGxof-qh7iGelQSFmUtJOvYbhivAnSQtnteiGB0jU_C5FAfFT9pe680PET8x3s/s640/Tulips.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm sorry for going MIA without so much as a <i>be right back</i>. I'm a busy little bee with old projects and new projects... Life is full, but I'm longing/searching/fighting to find that balance between <b><i>do </i></b>and <b><i>be</i></b>. My body needs it, my mind needs it, my spirit needs it. Consequently, I've stepped back from the interwebs a bit. Making adjustments. Reprioritizing life, online and off.<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/AVvXsEhsemF0gdAdbOLnpj2zMzwZXyvj2KJq6-Wyrn408DKgDg_Q2EvbtjEg_ACxWdsrOhCwNCo3_tj3OPSMCenVGURhz6tKkPNIMdSnDfMvTSIDV6wZrGuWdZOsd_WBQIg9JQx0ZtSjboUUFEQ/s1600/Amen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsemF0gdAdbOLnpj2zMzwZXyvj2KJq6-Wyrn408DKgDg_Q2EvbtjEg_ACxWdsrOhCwNCo3_tj3OPSMCenVGURhz6tKkPNIMdSnDfMvTSIDV6wZrGuWdZOsd_WBQIg9JQx0ZtSjboUUFEQ/s1600/Amen.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A to the men. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/163677767680047003/">Pinterest</a>.</td></tr>
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I'm not jumping ship. Just setting my sails and seeing where the winds take me. I'll be back on course, soon enough, when the time is right.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBsFPdnBSxKqC6MP6TSpTU1DfTNTA0mr7HtW-JSzCdsIB_KFggKaBCxlIg57Z0b2zt6admMxgpg4FRv3eF11Sj9F2BNCsrlqPCBLGROpYcJ6WrcjDaNTPqhJsD8UyvqO1jhd36ecgodY/s1600/Sail+away+sail+away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBsFPdnBSxKqC6MP6TSpTU1DfTNTA0mr7HtW-JSzCdsIB_KFggKaBCxlIg57Z0b2zt6admMxgpg4FRv3eF11Sj9F2BNCsrlqPCBLGROpYcJ6WrcjDaNTPqhJsD8UyvqO1jhd36ecgodY/s640/Sail+away+sail+away.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/163677767679993915/"><i>Pinterest</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>TTYL! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7akN4i3lI4pj_kgWU_ntDEDiMstyMU2OrkL5BmvR3jBTa1b8AbCN_FE3z0-QGCUccQ2kpOdGtzhcV1qOQoYiLdDp6e0Ay3P3Kp_xAeYaxv1lwIy-fXgV9NSOKSAUF0hgDwRm7Z5fhXFE/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7akN4i3lI4pj_kgWU_ntDEDiMstyMU2OrkL5BmvR3jBTa1b8AbCN_FE3z0-QGCUccQ2kpOdGtzhcV1qOQoYiLdDp6e0Ay3P3Kp_xAeYaxv1lwIy-fXgV9NSOKSAUF0hgDwRm7Z5fhXFE/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-31243837503184795302013-04-08T19:35:00.001-06:002013-04-08T19:35:05.493-06:00Signs of life<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a long time coming. And I exhale a huge sigh of relief. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPY0TCfrdNMruYvVPSNTY84oD9BmLVeDO9C5T97ZCBEoGrRHYVSBt057VElMJypXVJCM5buCYgVVet__h7nGm2LHyTKs1I6_KJa_38cYyn0y9l6POIj5JyElsyuNJSlsCpcmjv5kz0R0/s1600/Crocus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPY0TCfrdNMruYvVPSNTY84oD9BmLVeDO9C5T97ZCBEoGrRHYVSBt057VElMJypXVJCM5buCYgVVet__h7nGm2LHyTKs1I6_KJa_38cYyn0y9l6POIj5JyElsyuNJSlsCpcmjv5kz0R0/s640/Crocus.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst4jwMOgIPc9rs9qLgJMOzzAoMyAa3U1AYd24MmkJD9naKSPGlRUZrkpIAFP3TtqHHWnNGgBbqKnNJOqmR_EIaP5rKEmYN1zOPT-jL5QQPY9guvzbGvjDrWhJVlE97dyS3GZNetYdG44/s1600/Iris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst4jwMOgIPc9rs9qLgJMOzzAoMyAa3U1AYd24MmkJD9naKSPGlRUZrkpIAFP3TtqHHWnNGgBbqKnNJOqmR_EIaP5rKEmYN1zOPT-jL5QQPY9guvzbGvjDrWhJVlE97dyS3GZNetYdG44/s640/Iris.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZ3QXBARuaYhDlFbvQe8imhwquI8QBlCeuZJUWSAvCXShMkm5bD0nalsTLTt39YvWj1zcegwsKzkPPUCRJhy-WdxP_WrrGg1WhuW5F7Yc5ImwTI7yJ8_J0JeZAVo6ziX2BpnENN59Oek/s1600/Daffodils+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZ3QXBARuaYhDlFbvQe8imhwquI8QBlCeuZJUWSAvCXShMkm5bD0nalsTLTt39YvWj1zcegwsKzkPPUCRJhy-WdxP_WrrGg1WhuW5F7Yc5ImwTI7yJ8_J0JeZAVo6ziX2BpnENN59Oek/s400/Daffodils+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Thank you, God, for the renewal and re-emergence of life!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSpCKLdyXaI3fGxPWZ1wpvj2Zux50CDOQfUpV1E1Ks6uiZoGa7dEl5Cpri_X8vxY-tn_CycwVKgtlcz6LGh6qZjoZGo_-A6YegnEjd8JSw0M9rt3SveZbmQbGLHOn-IcKndXVdjZaelA/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSpCKLdyXaI3fGxPWZ1wpvj2Zux50CDOQfUpV1E1Ks6uiZoGa7dEl5Cpri_X8vxY-tn_CycwVKgtlcz6LGh6qZjoZGo_-A6YegnEjd8JSw0M9rt3SveZbmQbGLHOn-IcKndXVdjZaelA/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J </b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-663266154108042552013-04-05T05:07:00.000-06:002013-04-05T06:23:42.934-06:00My first Stitch Fix!I have finally joined the <a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3058077">Stitch Fix</a> party, y'all! Fashionably late, of course, since that's how we roll around here.<br />
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I was first introduced to Stitch Fix by the lovely Blair over at <a href="http://www.wild-and-precious.com/">Wild & Precious</a>. I've stalked her Stitch Fix outfit posts for months, always loving the fresh ways she styles her Fixes (and all her outfit posts, for that matter... check her out!).<br />
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Shopping is challenging since we don't have a car. There is one mall relatively near where we live, right on a nearby bus line... but there are only so many times I can frequent the TJ Maxx/Marshall's/Ross before I exhaust my options. I needed a new gig.<br />
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When I arrived home last Saturday afternoon, the Stitch Fix box was waiting for me on the doorstep. I squealed when I saw it. Upon opening, this was my first glance...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bl4BhjiDa9YnZOhbvHg0vz_PYzLnCi2VT8txJq7Yj6zy6WTuPT39VihPvue8ZKbjnvp4L8VsfmPrdKJxUo7xd2iTOZU5bGJiHqrXdJ1ftDWpNBLJNxMh-o7yC9lhR9zGrDCKQiasVwE/s1600/first+glance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bl4BhjiDa9YnZOhbvHg0vz_PYzLnCi2VT8txJq7Yj6zy6WTuPT39VihPvue8ZKbjnvp4L8VsfmPrdKJxUo7xd2iTOZU5bGJiHqrXdJ1ftDWpNBLJNxMh-o7yC9lhR9zGrDCKQiasVwE/s400/first+glance.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was excited about each piece and I could not wait to try them all on. Mama is on a budget, though, so I knew I couldn't keep it all and I'd have to choose carefully. It was time to play dress up!<br />
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I wanted to claim these lovelies, but they just didn't make the cut...<br />
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1. Loved the color, loved the drapey cowl-neck, love the sporty chic style (<b>so</b> me), but it was too big in the bust department (see that tiny ta-tas button on the right side bar? yeah).<br />
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2. Again, loved the bright colors and the style, but again the fit wasn't quite right. My budget required that I choose wisely, so fun tank for me this time.<br />
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3. The sweater was cute, but I realized that preppy styles fit my fall/winter wardrobe, not so much spring and summer. Casual, sporty chic, with a slight boheme twist, draws me in the warmer months.<br />
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And the winners!<br />
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The Rye Houndstooth Print Tabsleeve Top by Sweet Rain is <i>perfect </i>for the office. In fact, I'm wearing this exact outfit today. I'm thinking I can also dress it down with some skinnies and sandals for <i>apres</i> office.<br />
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I'm super excited for the next piece... my first maxi dress! The Mystree Amillia Striped Maxi Dress. Funny, it's taken me some time to like maxis, but now, they're all I want for summer!</div>
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I. Love. This. Dress. I might not wear anything else all summer long.</div>
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What do you think?? Thoughts on my first Fix? Love love love!<br />
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Joining Stitch Fix was the best decision <b>ever</b>. Want your own Fix? <a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3058077">Join the party!</a><br />
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<i><b>Happy shopping!</b></i></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-25770569199003350162013-04-02T19:43:00.002-06:002013-04-02T19:43:39.335-06:00Hungry Dancer: chicken soup to the rescue!It started as a tickle in his throat Sunday night, only to be raw and sore on Monday, accompanied with a headache and stuffy nose. Hubs has another cold. This is a job for... <i>chicken soup!</i><br />
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Campbell's Chunky works alright, but nothing is better than <b>homemade </b>chicken soup. Several years ago my bestie shared her super easy chicken soup recipe with me, and I've been making it every cold season since (thanks Danisita!).<br />
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<h4>
Ingredients (sorry, no exact measurements this time)</h4>
Boneless chicken breasts or tenders (time saver alert: tenders cook faster!)<br />
Half a white onion, chopped<br />
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, chopped <br />
1 to 2 bay leaves<br />
Chicken broth (about 4 cups) <br />
Salt, pepper, thyme and sage, to taste<br />
Carrots<br />
Potatoes<br />
Egg noodles <br />
Frozen peas<br />
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<h4>
How-to</h4>
1. Gently boil the chicken (medium-high heat), about 25 minutes for tenders, about an hour for full breasts. Toss the onions, garlic and bay leaf in with the chicken. Season with salt and pepper.<br />
2. Once the chicken is cooked, remove, drain and cool.<br />
3. While chicken cools, add chicken broth, add potatoes and carrots. Add the thyme and sage, as well as more salt and pepper to taste. Cook until just tender.<br />
4. Add the noodles. Continue simmering until noodles are cooked <i>al dente</i>.<br />
5. While the noodles are cooking, shred the chicken (careful if not fully cooled), and add back into the pot. <br />
6. Throw in the peas and cook until heated through.<br />
7. Serve and feel better!<br />
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<br />
<i><b>Some Hungry Dancer tips...</b></i><br />
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I hate celery. It is vile. Don't try to tell me that "it doesn't have any flavor." Yes it does, and it's gross. So no celery goes into my soup. But you can add it to yours.<br />
I use tenders because they cook faster and I'm on a tight schedule, people.<br />
Fresh egg noodles, found in the frozen food aisle, are the best. But dried noodles work, too.<br />
I like my soup with a bit of bite, especially when the nose is stuffy and the taste buds have checked out, so I'm generous with the pepper, thyme and sage.<br />
I always use low-sodium broth. You can control your sodium by adding your own back in.<br />
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<i>What's your favorite to-the-rescue recipe? </i></div>
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<i>Happy eating!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgzXACiN6DifO-IdDZenRPTkWeFIZouyY1MHMqwHjHNRkVKa38FadMuNO_yNT-bbe1AntGWZigCP_Nl83cIwRhUqIHwOChpfeglYb3GtVUOMpZlOIVXy23Qm6pO6tEUeqZ9g4PIS371I/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgzXACiN6DifO-IdDZenRPTkWeFIZouyY1MHMqwHjHNRkVKa38FadMuNO_yNT-bbe1AntGWZigCP_Nl83cIwRhUqIHwOChpfeglYb3GtVUOMpZlOIVXy23Qm6pO6tEUeqZ9g4PIS371I/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>xoxo</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>J </i></b></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-60198185222892116032013-04-01T21:33:00.000-06:002013-04-01T21:33:39.145-06:00Weekend recap: full-filllingA full weekend. Sunday night rolled around and I was <i>le tired</i>. The kind of weekend where you need another day to recover from your weekend before another week begins. Busy and go-go-go, but fulfilling. <br />
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<b>Friday</b>. Good Friday service after work. A bittersweet observation of Easter weekend that always leaves me quiet and contemplative. Soon followed by a frantic house cleaning sesh in preparation for a weekend house guest - our first visitor from home! I told the Hubs that he was not allowed to bring D home before 11, at least. I finished at 11:30. Whew. <br />
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<b>Saturday</b>. I discovered my new favorite restaurant where I had the best fritatta of. my. life. It blew my socks off. I didn't even snap a pic to share with y'all, I was too distracted by it's deliciousness. I couldn't stop raving to my husband and to D and to our server how amazeballs it was. The cherry on top: my rave earned me a $10-off coupon for our next visit, boo-ya!<br />
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After brunch, the boys headed downtown to sight see and I was off to drum and dance. Oh, I've started learning drumming. I'm playing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunun">sangban and dundun</a>, to be exact. It was scary at first, but I'm getting the hang of it. And some pretty legit blisters on my hands, too.<br />
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And! The sun came out! It was warm enough to shed the winter coat and boots and wear a jacket. <i>A jacket!!</i> Good stuff.<br />
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<b>Sunday</b>. Easter. Jesus. Yes, I'm one of those. Easter means a heckuvalot to me, y'all. The chocolate bunnies and jelly bellies and new Easter dresses are fun, but Jesus is it. I don't mean that in any holy roller, preachy way, just the truth from my heart.<br />
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Each time I glanced in the mirror today, my eyes looked more bleary than usual... but it made me smile. A full-filling weekend indeed!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-89515714702161178102013-03-26T19:14:00.003-06:002013-03-26T19:14:21.400-06:00Hungry Dancer: craving springSpring may officially be here, but Pittsburgh seems to have missed the memo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHn39F4vFqmta5TgDpWfZRB05FUX_zTFsyHGFH-RxN1MzOAzgG3kwEMGT9ErjjstNNsNX07_drr8mAEZVaLADDM4Q9bH4jJcsQ9ymgzTA8zZC5tFgJKf_KJfjhv39lrlqzeZEi83Jjr0/s1600/Spring+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHn39F4vFqmta5TgDpWfZRB05FUX_zTFsyHGFH-RxN1MzOAzgG3kwEMGT9ErjjstNNsNX07_drr8mAEZVaLADDM4Q9bH4jJcsQ9ymgzTA8zZC5tFgJKf_KJfjhv39lrlqzeZEi83Jjr0/s640/Spring+snow.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view on Monday morning.</td></tr>
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I'm craving fresher, lighter meals, but I also find myself still wanting food that warms the bones.<br />
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Green beans. Strawberries. Peas. Asparagus. Rhubarb. These are my objects of desire as I peruse the market these days.<br />
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<br />
I <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/spring-lentil-soup-10000000524349/index.html">found a recipe</a> that was just right. Spring lentil stew stocked with spring veggies. I eliminated the tenderloin, wanting a li'l vegetarian fare this time around. Sub the chicken stock with veggie to make it 100% vegan.<br />
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It warmed the bones <b>and</b> satisfied the veggie crave. Spring lentil soup for the win.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>What recipes are you dishing up to ease the awkward transition between winter and spring?</i></div>
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<b><i>Happy eating!</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIi-4RrBEAhNbCyRsk58iVOPogCG7EfiY80y1F-Qn0WpBHY65CtO-Y-yOZe6A5PQEDRO5AIQ0Gws-I1n3fQfuqOt1boxdXRDEOLAKEHs5Co-wgnqQWXoMr8C245IrsxPLHT4ercKEwsKs/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIi-4RrBEAhNbCyRsk58iVOPogCG7EfiY80y1F-Qn0WpBHY65CtO-Y-yOZe6A5PQEDRO5AIQ0Gws-I1n3fQfuqOt1boxdXRDEOLAKEHs5Co-wgnqQWXoMr8C245IrsxPLHT4ercKEwsKs/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i>xoxo<br />J</i></b></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-36682486410102168232013-03-20T20:10:00.000-06:002013-03-20T20:10:05.647-06:00Nowruz Mobarak! {Happy Persian New Year!}<div style="text-align: center;">
It's more than the first day of spring, y'all... It's the Persian New Year!</div>
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I'm sharing a video that does an awesome job explaining the traditions involved in the holiday. Enjoy!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nsuAoZ5IYiU" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<b><i>Nowruz Mobarak, my friends!</i></b></div>
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<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-64516618255987640862013-03-19T20:01:00.000-06:002013-03-19T20:44:15.521-06:00Dance auditions: don't think, do {part 2}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Manic </span>Monday thwarted my posting schedule <span style="font-size: small;">once </span>again, hence why part two of my story is late.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>But you know how we roll here at <span style="font-size: small;">B</span>etter late than never...</i></span></div>
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I was a little nervous walking into the studio, of course, especially since the other dancers were greeting each other with seasoned familiarity. But wouldn't you know it, before I could even begin to feel sorry for myself that I was the odd woman out, one of the girls bounced over to me, said "Hi!", and when I reached out my hand to shake hello, she enveloped me in a hug instead.<br />
<br />
Yes. I was with my people.<br />
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We stretched, we filled out registration forms, and we took our places on the marley. And we danced.<br />
<br />
So, how did I do? Did I get my leg up to my head? I know you all lost sleep over this over the weekend... ;)<br />
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My leg did not get to my head (working on it). I stumbled here and there, I forgot bits and pieces of combinations, and good gravy my laterals (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lester_Horton">Horton technique</a>, anyone?) are out of practice. But you know what?? I deem the audition one big, fat success.<br />
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Here's why.<br />
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As I mentioned <a href="http://jessibetterlatethannever.blogspot.com/2013/03/dance-auditions-dont-think-do-part-1.html">in my previous post</a>, I was very concerned about being too old and too out of practice. I have convinced myself over the last year or so that maybe the four-plus years at CSU were it for me, that my pursuit of dance was a fun but temporary season, nothing I was going to really do anything with, and now it was time to move on. I was sad every time this crossed my mind, but that's been my train of thought as of late.<br />
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Thank God that runaway train was derailed.<br />
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After the audition, the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/awcde?ref=stream">August Wilson Dance Ensemble</a> held their company rehearsal, and they invited us to stay and watch. Sitting in that dark theater was the cherry on top. Watching those talented dancers work through their rehearsal process, watching the director work with them, asking them to give more of themselves, to move beyond the room we were in... Oh my heavens. Just yes.<br />
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It was just what I needed to reconfirm that yes, this is where I belong. My time on the marley is not quite over.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-40494528383626522352013-03-15T15:15:00.004-06:002013-03-15T15:15:48.970-06:00Dance auditions: don't think, do {part 1}I've been quiet on social media all week because I get all weird and superstitious about things like this. But I have been dying to tell you all about my Friday plan: a dance audition!<br />
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So there's this company based out of Chicago called <a href="https://deeplyrootedproductions.org/">Deeply Rooted Dance Theater</a>, whom I love. I attended their Summer Dance Intensive in 2009, and I haven't been able to let them go since I left the Windy City that summer. Back then, I entertained thoughts of packing up my life in Colorado and moving to Chi-town to pursue dance with this crew, but as time and life went on, it just didn't happen. I always regretted that a little. Now I follow their whereabouts and doings all over the interwebs, admiring them from afar.<br />
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As you might expect, I'm on their email list. Last Saturday I was standing in the kitchen with my husband, scrolling through email on my phone. There was one from Deeply Rooted about upcoming auditions for this summer's intensive. I didn't think much of it, knowing I {probably} can't go because of work, intending to delete the email after a quick glance... until I saw that the first city on the list was Pittsburgh!<br />
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My initial reaction was "Deeply Rooted is coming, I need to go!", quickly followed by "But
wait..." and a list of reasons why I shouldn't: I'm not prepared for an
audition. My technique is rusty. I can't get my leg up to my head. I don't have a head shot. I haven't taken a modern dance class for over a year. Everyone else will be at least 10 years younger than me. I'm old. Blah blah blah...<br />
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My husband raised his eyebrow at me while I rattled off excuses, finally interrupting me. "You should do it."<br />
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I stared at him for a second. And then something inside me sparked. "I'm going."<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/AVvXsEhZ97LKT-NAxVj11yx_jFfYj9eo95chXWHdFTNh8GJWE3CKF_OgSGJVfOtjwkecvHCxv2IpzF7CD9pVdwZGE6KEpIwGdfD5KE3J4GsaXnKA4xlKAhtvi2fKdrTxYfTyrluWt8ZKg8utBFs/s1600/Try.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ97LKT-NAxVj11yx_jFfYj9eo95chXWHdFTNh8GJWE3CKF_OgSGJVfOtjwkecvHCxv2IpzF7CD9pVdwZGE6KEpIwGdfD5KE3J4GsaXnKA4xlKAhtvi2fKdrTxYfTyrluWt8ZKg8utBFs/s400/Try.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/163677767677559829/"><i>Pinterest</i></a></td></tr>
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And we quickly began formulating a game plan. I had five days. Dance class. The gym. Floor barre at home. Massage a la the Hubs. All with the intent to prep smart not hard... killing myself, making myself too sore and tired by today would not have been the help I needed.<br />
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On Monday, I called the Deeply Rooted office to ask questions, mainly to find out if the audition was open to all levels and <i>- ahem -</i> ages. Tuesday I called back to register. This morning I hopped the bus that took me downtown. I walked into the <a href="http://www.augustwilsoncenter.org/">August Wilson Center</a> and said, <i>"Hi, my name is Jessi..."</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Part 2 coming Monday!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Find out how I did, if I got my leg to my head, and if I held my own with the 20-year olds... :)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<b><i>Happy weekend!</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfRbMNlfmlGM9zSAukX_OEekjy0MD4MXTdRBmQ9RKZERSCprRAAE3oKiK3b1PAzmlOjmPu1j1dOdOxO_o9MPwAEu14h8VkarTGp2XrlZx5cfLLgO5oxf9ilM9d3Th9GFnmfFgstPIk0I/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfRbMNlfmlGM9zSAukX_OEekjy0MD4MXTdRBmQ9RKZERSCprRAAE3oKiK3b1PAzmlOjmPu1j1dOdOxO_o9MPwAEu14h8VkarTGp2XrlZx5cfLLgO5oxf9ilM9d3Th9GFnmfFgstPIk0I/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-53079770630137209392013-03-06T14:06:00.001-07:002013-03-06T14:11:37.150-07:00Link-up loveToday the <a href="http://theinfluencenetwork.com/">Influence Network</a> is hosting a little link-up party, and I'm here to join right in! The purpose is to share a little bit about ourselves to help build community and friendships here on the tangle that is the superweb.<br />
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I will share: <br />
3 things about myself<br />
1 thing the Influence Network has taught me<br />
A favorite pic of me<br />
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Giddy up.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Age really <i>is</i> just a number</h4>
Almost six years ago, I decided that I was going to finally pursue a passion that I had always wanted to pursue, but never really had the means or the moxie. Summer 2007, I had the moxie. I marched myself to the Dance Department at Colorado State University and declared a Dance Major. All the dancing I had done up to that point was social, "street" style dances... Lindy Hop, swing, salsa, hip hop, and a little West African... but no ballet, no modern, no technical training. I was 27 years old. Some people thought I was crazy, but I had to see where I could go with
it, and if I failed, at least I could say I tried. But I didn't fail. Am I headed to American Ballet Theatre or Alvin Ailey? No. But I know that I am doing <i><b>exactly </b></i>what I should be doing.<b> </b>This is what inspired the name of my blog :)<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
A native Rocky Mountain girl living in the Steel City</h4>
I packed up and moved from Colorado to Pittsburgh, PA, about seven months ago, for my husband's Ph.D. program. To dispel a couple of myths about Colorado that I've run into out here, no, we don't ski everyday or live in cabins in the woods (although both are fun!) nor are we covered in 3 feet of snow all the time. Ha, it's funny the things I get asked! I've actually seen more snow in Pittsburgh than in several combined winters back home. Colorado is dry. And crazy beautiful. People are <b>happy </b>who live there. The <a href="http://www.weather.com/health/happiest-saddest-state-20130301?cm_ven=Facebook&cm_cat=fb_article_rec&fb_ref=story_share">Weather Channel</a> says so. But us Coloradoans already knew that :)<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Rheumatoid Arthritis</h4>
I was diagnosed with this autoimmune disease last year. It's been a tough emotional journey coming to terms with my body suddenly deciding to rebel against itself, and I'm not quite there yet, but it's a process. A quick explanation: the disease attacks primarily the joints, but it can also affect other body systems. I won't go into detail now, but it's a big pain in the butt (no pun intended... no joint in my butt, that I'm aware of, ha!). I finally have a doc here in the 'Burgh, so the pain is being managed and we're taking care of business. My RA is what's inspiring my desire to explore eating clean and other whole eating ideas out there. I discuss on the blog in my Hungry Dancer posts on Tuesdays. <br />
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As far as what I've learned from the Influence Network... It may sound silly, but the IN has given me permission to just be me. That I don't have to compete for the prettiest blog, the most profound story, the most popular DIY project, or a smile on my face 24/7... but that I can just be me, nothing more, and I still have a story to tell and that it means something.<br />
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And fave pictures! Yes, plural. I'm bending the rules, of course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkNfuSYIjrJuONvj3OmbcwvF2pWgnvXYbsCdscsObSwNo56qxZcy1_wO2RAzw_SK1k1pNnH5Hw6TIlKnSBzEuhkstWqJQ-Jp1374XTRpHP-uMmXQOd06IsbgDJeZOL98o3SFfowbdFpc/s1600/A+la+seconde+at+14k+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkNfuSYIjrJuONvj3OmbcwvF2pWgnvXYbsCdscsObSwNo56qxZcy1_wO2RAzw_SK1k1pNnH5Hw6TIlKnSBzEuhkstWqJQ-Jp1374XTRpHP-uMmXQOd06IsbgDJeZOL98o3SFfowbdFpc/s400/A+la+seconde+at+14k+feet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Dance. Colorado. The mountains. Doing something crazy. <span style="font-size: small;">Love<span style="font-size: small;">, love<span style="font-size: small;">, love. </span></span></span>(circa 2010)</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgmn7bD5SHPreNrfotSSLaXmwBYY7IH1JfpRaXNZK5ZqJfbYtGhVxBsaVxdFpyNE0tnczOx3ogDsGbJKBPYRzdZlxBs5VzjtxopN7zApkLPAPKleRIjEYXPp-BcibKIgemD-rmlzocIcnA/s1600/Soheil+and+Jessi_bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn7bD5SHPreNrfotSSLaXmwBYY7IH1JfpRaXNZK5ZqJfbYtGhVxBsaVxdFpyNE0tnczOx3ogDsGbJKBPYRzdZlxBs5VzjtxopN7zApkLPAPKleRIjEYXPp-BcibKIgemD-rmlzocIcnA/s640/Soheil+and+Jessi_bw.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">How can I not love this pic?! Our wedding day, August 12, 2012. The day before we moved to Pittsburgh. See? Crazy.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEtluCz8rNeZhRHpzVP4cn1Fak_bpN5JOeYQqHcMoCZwBtwCL2Xv5qlR_xG2mCpuk7UHIsMtPtGxhQ51lxp0tvEjOb1STXfvHmz0z9q6ygOa3UVgSjvcSrKpcbvffnkVkIC8rxMdhveY/s1600/129_js_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEtluCz8rNeZhRHpzVP4cn1Fak_bpN5JOeYQqHcMoCZwBtwCL2Xv5qlR_xG2mCpuk7UHIsMtPtGxhQ51lxp0tvEjOb1STXfvHmz0z9q6ygOa3UVgSjvcSrKpcbvffnkVkIC8rxMdhveY/s400/129_js_wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Kapow!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Want to learn more about the Influence Network? Go <a href="http://theinfluencenetwork.com/">here</a>. And <a href="http://www.theinfluenceblog.com/">stop by the blog</a> to meet a bunch of other great gals!<br />
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<i><b></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgD13hXgH07KNgYICmlCNcWPk5sE5wOzC4Xc2RmzJxlhH82f5EYkxeCYfZRrWbEiQXa2JJE1AfILi4OAP1rP6gxSYEzP2K-qJLgcA2xBZi8yi2ZDBc9qYjWDpyvPZ_QTPSHSfFn27by4g/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgD13hXgH07KNgYICmlCNcWPk5sE5wOzC4Xc2RmzJxlhH82f5EYkxeCYfZRrWbEiQXa2JJE1AfILi4OAP1rP6gxSYEzP2K-qJLgcA2xBZi8yi2ZDBc9qYjWDpyvPZ_QTPSHSfFn27by4g/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J</b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230444592017576080.post-90271972845517228152013-03-05T19:07:00.002-07:002013-03-05T19:07:55.296-07:00We interrupt our regularly scheduled Hungry Dancer program...... for some needed laughs. <br />
<br />
I was in the middle of composing a rather impassioned diatribe about all of my woes and failures (i.e. the office candy jar) with this eating clean business, only to realize that my wacko hormones, with this cold/minor flu/mystery virus as wingman, have taken over my body, mind and soul. Let's just let those thoughts simmer and come back when all systems are back to normal, shall we?<br />
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In the meantime, please enjoy a few laugh-out-loud PMS memes.<br />
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Life is too short not to laugh at that which curses us ladies every month. Who's with me?!</div>
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<i>Back to our regular Hungry Dancer programming next week...</i></div>
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<b>Happy Tuesday!</b><i> </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FfuAm8f-smWxWENXEdcklw3xvRz3uEe5jC7c6nCcbXtueeZrP96X7fYJCE4Gnf-FohxFzc3-5fp9tj8aslRMlxukkxZkWEby3_RQTpiva2cjmWxVwjb66c6q7OEoQnf1ItKHFoixYNw/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FfuAm8f-smWxWENXEdcklw3xvRz3uEe5jC7c6nCcbXtueeZrP96X7fYJCE4Gnf-FohxFzc3-5fp9tj8aslRMlxukkxZkWEby3_RQTpiva2cjmWxVwjb66c6q7OEoQnf1ItKHFoixYNw/s1600/lips.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b>xoxo</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>J </b></i></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10246039305632102747noreply@blogger.com7