tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34651847953975014422024-03-20T04:01:08.048-04:00Hot Coco(a)...sipping my way through life.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-72094785148045031372018-12-19T14:27:00.001-05:002018-12-19T14:27:04.715-05:00If Anyone Out There Is Still Reading...Hi! I have no idea if anyone is still out there reading, since I haven't posted in years, but I wanted to share the link to my NEW BLOG!<br />
<br />
I started Baltimore Girl Reads, <a href="https://bmoregirlreads.com/">https://bmoregirlreads.com</a>, to share book recommendations, recipes, products I love, and life ramblings. If anyone would like to follow along, I'd love to have you join the fun!<br />
<br />
For partnerships, reviews, or any other projects (or just to say hi!) email me at bmorebookbabe@gmail.com.<br />
<br />
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-87156902668229568702015-04-03T13:22:00.000-04:002015-04-03T13:22:45.985-04:00Why I Don't Regret My Eating Disorder
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>42</o:Words>
<o:Characters>242</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Susquehanna University</o:Company>
<o:Lines>2</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>283</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>862</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4915</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Susquehanna University</o:Company>
<o:Lines>40</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>11</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5766</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
Someone once asked me if I regret my eating disorder. My
response to that question? No. No, I do not regret my eating disorder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not
regret my eating disorder because my eating disorder was not a choice. Like
anyone who has been diagnosed with a serious illness, am I sad I had an eating
disorder? Yes, of course. But I cannot regret something that was beyond my
control.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes,
anorexia is not cancer. But it is a deadly illness, and it can be brutal. The
stigma associated with mental health is something I am fighting to break down.
In my first few years of recovery, I hid my past like a skeleton in the closet.
Even today, almost 6 years later, I find myself self-conscious about my
history, being careful not to mention it in the workplace or in certain social
circles (such as in my graduate program, for example). I want people to take me
seriously at work, and for some reason having a history of a physical and
mental illness might hinder my success.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sick of
brushing who I am, and what I have experienced, under the rug ashamedly. My own
husband doesn’t even know much about this dark time in my life, mostly because
it is understood between us that it’s over, in the past, and is not often
spoken about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not
saying I want to talk about it all the time, or even often at all. In fact, I
quite like being “normal” (whatever that even means) and feeling like I am
finally in a good place with my health and my body. However, I am tired of
feeling like if I slip at work or at school and say something that might hint of
my past, something horrible will happen or people will think lesser of me. When
I hear women I know complain about calories and love handles and expect me to
commiserate with them, part of me is flattered that they think I’m “one of
them”, but moments like these make me uncomfortable—not because I am unhappy
with my body, but because I respect my body and what it has been through, and I
don’t want to participate in negative self-talk with women I respect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I honestly
don’t know what the true purpose of this post is, other than to say that I’m
tired of hiding who I am. I don’t regret my eating disorder. Not for one
second. I know that may seem inconceivable to some, but what I went through 6
years ago made me into the strong, capable, successful woman I am today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Don’t get me wrong, those months
(years, really, with mini-relapses in between) were the most excruciating times
both physically and mentally. I was so skinny and weak I couldn’t sit on a
chair without my tailbone bruising. I denied myself of all nourishment and
forced myself to run 5 miles on the treadmill until I felt like I might faint.
When I finally allowed myself to be admitted into the hospital, my heart rate
was so low that I was told I might not make it through the night. And the sad
thing is, I hated myself so deeply and viscerally in that moment, and I was so
exhausted by life itself, that I didn’t WANT to wake up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
But I did. I woke up that next
morning. And the next, and the next. And I thank God, and my family, for
believing in me and pulling me through, even when I failed to believe in
myself. Without hitting absolute rock bottom both physically and mentally, I
wouldn’t be able to truly appreciate where I am today. I wouldn’t have the
relationship I have with my parents if they hadn’t quite literally saved my
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Now, when my husband tells me I am
beautiful, and looks at me with such sincerity and tenderness, I can BELIEVE him.
I wouldn’t be married today—to such a fantastic human being—if I hadn’t first
been able to love and accept myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Am I perfect now? No, of course
not. I still have days (lots of them, actually) when I find the negative
self-talk creeping in. Days when I feel bloated, or I have a pimple on my chin,
or my legs look a little thicker than I’d like. But even the worst of my days
now is a million times better than my best day was when my life was consumed by
my eating disorder. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I now use exercise as an aid to
health, not a hindrance to it. I run because I love the feel of the air on my
face, the sunshine on my back, and the strength of my muscular legs moving me
forward. I no longer feel the “need” to work out every day, and I don’t need to
go run a mile to negate every slice of cake or pizza I have when I’m out with
friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I still consider myself to be “in
recovery”. I don’t know if I will ever be truly “recovered”, only because I
feel it is important to be aware of my past, and my relapses, and stay on top
of my health and weight just in case. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
But I will say that I am the
heaviest weight I have ever been (in fact, I am a solid 45 pounds heavier than
I was at my darkest hour), but I am also the healthiest and happiest I have
ever been. I have a husband who loves me as I am, through the good days and
bad. I have friends who care about me, both new and old. To the friends who
were there when I was destroying myself—you know who you are—THANK YOU. Thank
you to my college roommates who emailed my mom their concern for me—that truly
was the start on the path to recovery. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Thank you also to the treatment
team who pushed me harder than I thought I could go. Without the professional
treatment I received, both inpatient and outpatient, I wouldn’t have the happy,
full life I have today. And thank you, first and foremost, to my parents. Mom
and Dad – you are the two most treasured people in my life, and I thank God
every single day for the honor it is to be your daughter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
My hope is that someday, the stigma
surrounding mental illness will be completely removed. We won’t judge each
other or think of others as “weak” because they needed professional help.
People won’t be afraid to speak openly about the experiences, both good and
bad, that define them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-37809927987623711462015-01-02T11:01:00.000-05:002015-01-02T11:03:19.195-05:002014 ReviewSooo....<br />
<br />
It's been a LOOONG time since I popped in on the little ol' blog. Like, almost 6 months. Whoops.<br />
<br />
If anyone out there is still reading, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you spent the evening with those you love. The husband and I went to my parents' house, realized we can't party like those crazy cats, and were home in sweatpants on the couch by 11:30. It was a lovely little evening.<br />
<br />
Selfishly, I wanted to pop in here and write a little "2014 year in review" post so I can look back on it in years to come. 2014 was probably the busiest, most stressful, most life-changing, but also the BEST year of my life thus far.<br />
<br />
So, month by month, here's a quick recap:<br />
<br />
January, February, March: It was COLD. And it SNOWED. A LOT. That's basically all I have to say about last winter. 9 degrees? No thanks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvCxm7nEX-FFrW6rMjTChres1DVOLmKbUOZy9cGC5pvq1-MUR-vOAKLbg7DTxD1z8i5Qvjw_lG6rTSK7puFHXjOdhuLKk3LfYUEOtWMrg94UHvFTUw7xiNEWbJbIntkvciSpCaOEdczgC/s1600/IMG_5388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvCxm7nEX-FFrW6rMjTChres1DVOLmKbUOZy9cGC5pvq1-MUR-vOAKLbg7DTxD1z8i5Qvjw_lG6rTSK7puFHXjOdhuLKk3LfYUEOtWMrg94UHvFTUw7xiNEWbJbIntkvciSpCaOEdczgC/s1600/IMG_5388.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7BKg-Kp0NUBPH75TgO-5nMPuQPJqTOokNweDcUoRrKO5P5E4CvaST0pMA70PspEOM23SIq_PzKwwsnVQp6MLy2fVZYjPinTH-CcgGTf8fFZgNm3jFUppEtKKAyRuyMfNEvZz86Gh7X7i/s1600/IMG_5392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7BKg-Kp0NUBPH75TgO-5nMPuQPJqTOokNweDcUoRrKO5P5E4CvaST0pMA70PspEOM23SIq_PzKwwsnVQp6MLy2fVZYjPinTH-CcgGTf8fFZgNm3jFUppEtKKAyRuyMfNEvZz86Gh7X7i/s1600/IMG_5392.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQg6jnpjwSrAL3vtHvxCIxf8dunYhW7NMFZ5OJHrGzLjl6Y0B8cUatnk4SX5oh1VKqkbKjBR2-lv9r4_FHs1J_2KeeNNxgdojVYe93Uuec5O_AWvf8pmIO0yercSnr-xs8_G0moXHXQwyz/s1600/IMG_5396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQg6jnpjwSrAL3vtHvxCIxf8dunYhW7NMFZ5OJHrGzLjl6Y0B8cUatnk4SX5oh1VKqkbKjBR2-lv9r4_FHs1J_2KeeNNxgdojVYe93Uuec5O_AWvf8pmIO0yercSnr-xs8_G0moXHXQwyz/s1600/IMG_5396.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
In late March, my brother left for a 6-month deployment. My family, fiance and I all went to see him before he left:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcB1eBwYRkrP3bKNhXQQPjt_vwZOHCZOjmyNWuPmsV1mv5TN0d4FSqUDRRL3fo3gHm3XTq-BkbtPDEA4ipiFZbxAMTMnEGABfAYpTgV0szdkFeHokLoaoCfxclBfu2-OHEQmzp7q76fHl/s1600/IMG_5492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcB1eBwYRkrP3bKNhXQQPjt_vwZOHCZOjmyNWuPmsV1mv5TN0d4FSqUDRRL3fo3gHm3XTq-BkbtPDEA4ipiFZbxAMTMnEGABfAYpTgV0szdkFeHokLoaoCfxclBfu2-OHEQmzp7q76fHl/s1600/IMG_5492.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ORAG4Ikwlp3FrzCcvBJYi3CmYnz-ZmnLUR-XSTkpRAVls1_m5khf48tN8HId90J5OFKEXiigzwJe_L16AjrpF69E8WG5W297BqHz3EY66UCj5sZ_V8sx8Y2zRdFsBAkABAK2VFejS-cG/s1600/IMG_5493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ORAG4Ikwlp3FrzCcvBJYi3CmYnz-ZmnLUR-XSTkpRAVls1_m5khf48tN8HId90J5OFKEXiigzwJe_L16AjrpF69E8WG5W297BqHz3EY66UCj5sZ_V8sx8Y2zRdFsBAkABAK2VFejS-cG/s1600/IMG_5493.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
April was the start of baseball season! Sean & I and my parents split a Baltimore Orioles season ticket plan, so we had many fun O's games at Camden Yards throughout the spring and summer:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvA56_n3pZBqE0gq6zaSCrBKXRi1Vp01QRPRM9bo5tV3E3NUZiUZDaGqueqC1clbOL4-h52TcABqz97PlmenHoBfQw-fqwuc5E_JXDerNqKsZhA6skXGMiAIaNgjbA8IQt7Rsj8sMQA5T/s1600/IMG_5519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvA56_n3pZBqE0gq6zaSCrBKXRi1Vp01QRPRM9bo5tV3E3NUZiUZDaGqueqC1clbOL4-h52TcABqz97PlmenHoBfQw-fqwuc5E_JXDerNqKsZhA6skXGMiAIaNgjbA8IQt7Rsj8sMQA5T/s1600/IMG_5519.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfZg10a4MPU4eVuER2rUfmCSMMMrN9LElkb49z6_tt4trRv-6-Jg8uISA7kt3o5PGoKiAEISu_7MhamQ5Xmz3rT9aQZ5R-afQbw8SSuyZ-_fGnUQKRXatvFz6kT_fUCczMaNe9yiz6WNJ/s1600/IMG_5522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfZg10a4MPU4eVuER2rUfmCSMMMrN9LElkb49z6_tt4trRv-6-Jg8uISA7kt3o5PGoKiAEISu_7MhamQ5Xmz3rT9aQZ5R-afQbw8SSuyZ-_fGnUQKRXatvFz6kT_fUCczMaNe9yiz6WNJ/s1600/IMG_5522.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In June, 2 awesome events happened:<br />
<br />
1. My birthday! I turned 26, and Sean took me on a nice little weekend getaway at a bed & breakfast in Pennsylvania. We stopped at my almer mater, Susquehanna University, on the way there. How has it been almost 5 years already since I graduated?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_mazks7aqaKIy-mC1ojXaTEElKtw-eXrBQ6znjSBAymF93SVDTZfB9tWQIvv0ACakFO3NIb1QtqYc20E_cJ98WN8Bm7SH07OXLCYoxZrdkEURQGcrakCLeemsF1CR5KyrteYLnEHDAGu/s1600/IMG_6093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_mazks7aqaKIy-mC1ojXaTEElKtw-eXrBQ6znjSBAymF93SVDTZfB9tWQIvv0ACakFO3NIb1QtqYc20E_cJ98WN8Bm7SH07OXLCYoxZrdkEURQGcrakCLeemsF1CR5KyrteYLnEHDAGu/s1600/IMG_6093.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa9W1_uwhRalQSdZqf27k_y88bYyNI-28LYm4c_OBhBEM7RKcEaagga6hS7fhV6HBFzMILEm8oWaISBOq8RRlXM_j__ZmVRIVfnLY0GW50AUFYHY2zWkJeo8Vxrvup0__NtFSIi5FtWtv/s1600/IMG_6119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa9W1_uwhRalQSdZqf27k_y88bYyNI-28LYm4c_OBhBEM7RKcEaagga6hS7fhV6HBFzMILEm8oWaISBOq8RRlXM_j__ZmVRIVfnLY0GW50AUFYHY2zWkJeo8Vxrvup0__NtFSIi5FtWtv/s1600/IMG_6119.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoYrSQMdQ1G3nfzcZvB064wy6GNDl2UsO5Sn9V9bgI-qSCuJrWagLIC88tZVJfY-Ngblv3oR2Lf51-uiCkY7_MRqUpSMmIRVHbC75agpY1ch9aLympDs0t_T9B98vrkY_Ma6wkhRGFVjH/s1600/IMG_6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoYrSQMdQ1G3nfzcZvB064wy6GNDl2UsO5Sn9V9bgI-qSCuJrWagLIC88tZVJfY-Ngblv3oR2Lf51-uiCkY7_MRqUpSMmIRVHbC75agpY1ch9aLympDs0t_T9B98vrkY_Ma6wkhRGFVjH/s1600/IMG_6120.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. June was also my best friend's baby shower!!! It was a lovely celebration of her bundle of joy:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3ZYX29woxOIEk5BiI4Rp4w58aaxwY-uVmvEEvoSsRYQY8R16r7-zwLlVVP10N8EV-xMPnmf1sPO_-vXAnzf_4LMMRwvAsfBggs9myJHHzpfiTXbQgVr3zFUJkTFyBe7gMJJK3JIaIDqe/s1600/IMG_6048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3ZYX29woxOIEk5BiI4Rp4w58aaxwY-uVmvEEvoSsRYQY8R16r7-zwLlVVP10N8EV-xMPnmf1sPO_-vXAnzf_4LMMRwvAsfBggs9myJHHzpfiTXbQgVr3zFUJkTFyBe7gMJJK3JIaIDqe/s1600/IMG_6048.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
July was a nice relaxing month--the calm before the storm! We enjoyed our last month in our apartment by soaking up some local hiking:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8_rR6NcmyqnoC2jye0M3hECt4SHrIJoNp6gRRGPdAy_tPD5g4IP-20WOkKrAecfm2-JuT6dBMI666gcKLk6_yext4JjDgjs9eeIOuQv5cGX4GHY3d7EnKOkqB9GdzchqXQEGBT-mwvxA/s1600/IMG_6165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8_rR6NcmyqnoC2jye0M3hECt4SHrIJoNp6gRRGPdAy_tPD5g4IP-20WOkKrAecfm2-JuT6dBMI666gcKLk6_yext4JjDgjs9eeIOuQv5cGX4GHY3d7EnKOkqB9GdzchqXQEGBT-mwvxA/s1600/IMG_6165.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDok2hrnKQcWOJKOYAFQBfYStJtKe0sJAlQlQsQGtu_QK4sLJ8Qr4agJoz2hdYUdmBxjxtthtqETJT-DGNJdIO2yhkhLFNXifRAIbN9xaho5cz89K1t2Dkuz7m7Jm0hTi5G7uuASAz99tv/s1600/IMG_6169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDok2hrnKQcWOJKOYAFQBfYStJtKe0sJAlQlQsQGtu_QK4sLJ8Qr4agJoz2hdYUdmBxjxtthtqETJT-DGNJdIO2yhkhLFNXifRAIbN9xaho5cz89K1t2Dkuz7m7Jm0hTi5G7uuASAz99tv/s1600/IMG_6169.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
July also brought the birth of my best friend's son, Liam. Part of the joy of 2014 was watching him grow:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkQnpDp-suyAtPGwHjeERH3Fb3y2ge-9UNL80FAti5rMlVAifhlp6C9RvT_MXjuzMOv5ZgE_gCdCguXckqibgqlVTMLC3dRM01ijvXUMDciYyxihNF4h7zdz88k_9bgYP9swnnoqZ1vpb/s1600/liam+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkQnpDp-suyAtPGwHjeERH3Fb3y2ge-9UNL80FAti5rMlVAifhlp6C9RvT_MXjuzMOv5ZgE_gCdCguXckqibgqlVTMLC3dRM01ijvXUMDciYyxihNF4h7zdz88k_9bgYP9swnnoqZ1vpb/s1600/liam+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSOxPTBA2JQ7u67gdXycWjUsNWOnPRAPSf3koXRMYOAlQUoCwTf6_j_FCYp-UQRmJ2uhbU4vEJUoqHLhrHE8TChpQimSYZ-GQxlwCAXaChH4wfQcGsSYoVn20KmTCt31bNdj1e9tuVXok/s1600/liam+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSOxPTBA2JQ7u67gdXycWjUsNWOnPRAPSf3koXRMYOAlQUoCwTf6_j_FCYp-UQRmJ2uhbU4vEJUoqHLhrHE8TChpQimSYZ-GQxlwCAXaChH4wfQcGsSYoVn20KmTCt31bNdj1e9tuVXok/s1600/liam+3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAz9D_-Lg0v57EhswoKJgBrw_WdrrDck_8ugZD6cucuCHTT0HKFpUKoeXSbQzJAa7wDn47SVOT-My4xLsengjN3rOGdOcdr06X9vJcUNC0yoTbTSr6F7rjJaBeUCZAKAIE_EsC0_pQdOZ/s1600/liam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAz9D_-Lg0v57EhswoKJgBrw_WdrrDck_8ugZD6cucuCHTT0HKFpUKoeXSbQzJAa7wDn47SVOT-My4xLsengjN3rOGdOcdr06X9vJcUNC0yoTbTSr6F7rjJaBeUCZAKAIE_EsC0_pQdOZ/s1600/liam.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
August was a crazy month. On August 8, we settled on our new house!!! It was an amazing, but exhausting, day. I'll have to do a house update soon, because we have done a TON of work on the place since then, but for now, here are a few photos from that happy afternoon in our first home together:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBXyLqCQmzCiOoEPryXVnV18DrhWtOemup_FiSzx8G0QWlJ6EvjKYeBVIxC94y8wrpemqE5mRB8dPjMCRET1SQM2VNBeBMJAQNHvxJvyz0TKAoejUCDTILZF-1NowZgNyNcTZvwFNDXTS/s1600/IMG_6373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBXyLqCQmzCiOoEPryXVnV18DrhWtOemup_FiSzx8G0QWlJ6EvjKYeBVIxC94y8wrpemqE5mRB8dPjMCRET1SQM2VNBeBMJAQNHvxJvyz0TKAoejUCDTILZF-1NowZgNyNcTZvwFNDXTS/s1600/IMG_6373.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU8blE5ddJUo_dAJAlEXUEtMbM1r-jIoQ67hmz9fAB2y4lTYogU19NnDpIUHWDzzL5omYxCN_I0LH5-iv3TiYB-bi1WmTnEZGp9SUt3p5J77y0MZkyhCCdLpj66cAXUG5kPYtn0Q2YON5/s1600/IMG_6375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU8blE5ddJUo_dAJAlEXUEtMbM1r-jIoQ67hmz9fAB2y4lTYogU19NnDpIUHWDzzL5omYxCN_I0LH5-iv3TiYB-bi1WmTnEZGp9SUt3p5J77y0MZkyhCCdLpj66cAXUG5kPYtn0Q2YON5/s1600/IMG_6375.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFMaPLwEfW_tWcjT1yEY2y-A24r5Fxg9Rkk8fSO811ZizoUVKPa4SlQphF3-D_Vn4pYD9XtajFVVlSQOtrXOrAUV-1JIPXd5lEte1c9aSOwVtjd60WTDP_gAgTwIQ9eOFizFeZPQ4DpzO/s1600/IMG_6389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFMaPLwEfW_tWcjT1yEY2y-A24r5Fxg9Rkk8fSO811ZizoUVKPa4SlQphF3-D_Vn4pYD9XtajFVVlSQOtrXOrAUV-1JIPXd5lEte1c9aSOwVtjd60WTDP_gAgTwIQ9eOFizFeZPQ4DpzO/s1600/IMG_6389.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8GD-36n0hehZp-IphmcZZKycHa_Pjzig0qDjY3jrswfGN-SP9FZLQ9_LOlLD6G86bEOkdDBaBAbl2HWnXGY63N3xlTaGcHCSn2c0ImqDH1GoBfFaDZ4NymdrwkTGbMmrkazxbIGCkxlg/s1600/IMG_6390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8GD-36n0hehZp-IphmcZZKycHa_Pjzig0qDjY3jrswfGN-SP9FZLQ9_LOlLD6G86bEOkdDBaBAbl2HWnXGY63N3xlTaGcHCSn2c0ImqDH1GoBfFaDZ4NymdrwkTGbMmrkazxbIGCkxlg/s1600/IMG_6390.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizPopPlILnpucXEQmIX2uR_HNCIUj9GCDrMeQspQJWP9ebJm9P-kz6Act2fvtpfZfgT4aWeTsx8pTT4kaKl9RF8HEihs0dEPe10a2xRQmnLt0Ht8OMGkq-HWF_t8IghGLWUTw2JbTnlfO/s1600/IMG_6391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizPopPlILnpucXEQmIX2uR_HNCIUj9GCDrMeQspQJWP9ebJm9P-kz6Act2fvtpfZfgT4aWeTsx8pTT4kaKl9RF8HEihs0dEPe10a2xRQmnLt0Ht8OMGkq-HWF_t8IghGLWUTw2JbTnlfO/s1600/IMG_6391.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQHi9HfCQi_Ms6z9ppwFuSO0t2SE_8vlGjPC5qw7SuITJhZfr-VkhRqjL8MsKBXwj0fo9Eh3ImxpHd-vmNecJIma-mHiwSfsjcaX0fC-NXGsYZVt3OXcCHjiLP70r7kNJB5_OKKA30eTd/s1600/IMG_6454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQHi9HfCQi_Ms6z9ppwFuSO0t2SE_8vlGjPC5qw7SuITJhZfr-VkhRqjL8MsKBXwj0fo9Eh3ImxpHd-vmNecJIma-mHiwSfsjcaX0fC-NXGsYZVt3OXcCHjiLP70r7kNJB5_OKKA30eTd/s1600/IMG_6454.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then, the very next day, August 9, my bridesmaids threw me a surprise bridal shower! It was definitely not the best timing (I was SO SO tired), but it ended up being the perfect day. So many people from Sean's family, my family, and our friends, came to celebrate me. My maid of honor came up with a Coco Chanel French tea party theme, and it was gorgeous:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uaKcDmOqhCQ7kLyreyg870laQvDFCLzRU-bVeRwUWIPbn0QARjXPk8GwzW_sEmfyOdrgOV1Sf1TDpS6TIRyJWcLeVBaT14sXABpZ3_xx6CZtSq8KqPgUY5UpzTC2NH5AYw58HCwX7Z4O/s1600/IMG_6394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uaKcDmOqhCQ7kLyreyg870laQvDFCLzRU-bVeRwUWIPbn0QARjXPk8GwzW_sEmfyOdrgOV1Sf1TDpS6TIRyJWcLeVBaT14sXABpZ3_xx6CZtSq8KqPgUY5UpzTC2NH5AYw58HCwX7Z4O/s1600/IMG_6394.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtWDr68oEBha7duAOPGvZG1cWwmKZhFgX2YqADS7k3V5VP0itGCOQf73O6fH4iLKsxgm5LxkBKG6Y6YDxdP0augsPfTtMgnIQZM8-ikkVQWhEZ95Bu-zwzy8e5P7dZjshU9T04ij0iu-G/s1600/IMG_6398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtWDr68oEBha7duAOPGvZG1cWwmKZhFgX2YqADS7k3V5VP0itGCOQf73O6fH4iLKsxgm5LxkBKG6Y6YDxdP0augsPfTtMgnIQZM8-ikkVQWhEZ95Bu-zwzy8e5P7dZjshU9T04ij0iu-G/s1600/IMG_6398.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99_ukSZ6L9ChIwnw6bZTngIbP0sjQ1oym4Sy4f3duacr1gscd9Fw0-pVVA_CPnrTy2xc19unqW4b_5wHUf9Wv5my2SvKOghHsNI8pfqzdrSQPfUwJh8ZpxBsSi7ZsVrUznp6mHidx2Ku8/s1600/IMG_6400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99_ukSZ6L9ChIwnw6bZTngIbP0sjQ1oym4Sy4f3duacr1gscd9Fw0-pVVA_CPnrTy2xc19unqW4b_5wHUf9Wv5my2SvKOghHsNI8pfqzdrSQPfUwJh8ZpxBsSi7ZsVrUznp6mHidx2Ku8/s1600/IMG_6400.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPSX1YJTc-8E5UpSKaeDbnwWmoOqLXj0DJC_C_n0u0RMwWQVI2JUZTB6IGMfDkJn0VdkuBWUTLHh8QY2ryN8mGypiVsihO2uZlgHVWrRXRdqCHV6CM9lJ4O7hq0J0DQ1mflep2CB5TfhD/s1600/IMG_6418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPSX1YJTc-8E5UpSKaeDbnwWmoOqLXj0DJC_C_n0u0RMwWQVI2JUZTB6IGMfDkJn0VdkuBWUTLHh8QY2ryN8mGypiVsihO2uZlgHVWrRXRdqCHV6CM9lJ4O7hq0J0DQ1mflep2CB5TfhD/s1600/IMG_6418.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmnCLCdjM1f7YGZdoh06QLAVmVfEwehB2w8l3MNwH7AN9r3vBDjRHu8OnE8Vp2ahmydB0CmphA2cyzpkjUt5i4RauJ_SPe6tNa1Ikszcmd2Us8bffzhx8r0bKvUKhaI5wZ6lxB0i3rxDu/s1600/IMG_6420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmnCLCdjM1f7YGZdoh06QLAVmVfEwehB2w8l3MNwH7AN9r3vBDjRHu8OnE8Vp2ahmydB0CmphA2cyzpkjUt5i4RauJ_SPe6tNa1Ikszcmd2Us8bffzhx8r0bKvUKhaI5wZ6lxB0i3rxDu/s1600/IMG_6420.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
September was all about house projects, last-minute wedding craziness, and my Bachelorette party! My bridesmaids and a few other friends took me to a nice hotel in Annapolis, MD. We went to brunch, a beer festival, a nice dinner, then out dancing! It was a really great reminder of how lucky I am to have such wonderful women in my life. It was awesome, and the shenanigans weren't too crazy ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk1_I2j2quXddKcZ7y3FZrFz4jHM2pUwe9SFKxU3LSgQaeLs2jco7v-vggTVs-pHW-tj3SVkC2xCYDdniLvx1D8r6WwD22yRIRuCf54HwhZEKujKcAwg1waVLLSUSa-76oP9-JD7UHeaS/s1600/IMG_6704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk1_I2j2quXddKcZ7y3FZrFz4jHM2pUwe9SFKxU3LSgQaeLs2jco7v-vggTVs-pHW-tj3SVkC2xCYDdniLvx1D8r6WwD22yRIRuCf54HwhZEKujKcAwg1waVLLSUSa-76oP9-JD7UHeaS/s1600/IMG_6704.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE9Zf_Mlj7LM2PlaWNB7aQFdGMmf3L21jKWAsPcHqbcHOyOX3DFiGUZsfduZs06Xb494R5hOjfiWqq8_qJ_21KDUIDw091DK-BqyYeQbmZfn1oU5ANA6KrtwlgFQ_9_5Vsd0tM0G8ek2C/s1600/IMG_6707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE9Zf_Mlj7LM2PlaWNB7aQFdGMmf3L21jKWAsPcHqbcHOyOX3DFiGUZsfduZs06Xb494R5hOjfiWqq8_qJ_21KDUIDw091DK-BqyYeQbmZfn1oU5ANA6KrtwlgFQ_9_5Vsd0tM0G8ek2C/s1600/IMG_6707.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV0Z8He2rDSM9bA5zxtjIhbbNBOtvbncuEGa12b7fleZUeKjRWBtTehtyc3SfVl1tLMUYji14_hZaDE0rQ3b8FEOll0GY4TbT3LfpanKF3_BXyDzBA3sbTnnm4z-K1npiFKB1qF2F-F1n/s1600/IMG_6709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV0Z8He2rDSM9bA5zxtjIhbbNBOtvbncuEGa12b7fleZUeKjRWBtTehtyc3SfVl1tLMUYji14_hZaDE0rQ3b8FEOll0GY4TbT3LfpanKF3_BXyDzBA3sbTnnm4z-K1npiFKB1qF2F-F1n/s1600/IMG_6709.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmX4WPsnWYLClpaeRRVA4coSvRdo5yQ7JzRUZlI4ovPvPV5xHIusqbN-xl8aXT1j3h-iadgSJO1pENxZqCvNfd4RROLs1iEzZLiwVG_1i5k_L0WhBrdfYegl9rBsFcjfVTWwDweuFl1fc/s1600/IMG_6711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmX4WPsnWYLClpaeRRVA4coSvRdo5yQ7JzRUZlI4ovPvPV5xHIusqbN-xl8aXT1j3h-iadgSJO1pENxZqCvNfd4RROLs1iEzZLiwVG_1i5k_L0WhBrdfYegl9rBsFcjfVTWwDweuFl1fc/s1600/IMG_6711.jpg" height="200" width="183" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulU4kX41sE6WeyLGFnBYAH_pZL3OOYi0l6CfP-RoveHvc-iYaGzV3dAJ84fN9WCva0mkCoNGnwkXuu7U_jXqEtm-LrEsq_VQW_uDr87uNBplg8ntswsIhORweuK4L9mIeQqEFVanCHSps/s1600/IMG_6714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulU4kX41sE6WeyLGFnBYAH_pZL3OOYi0l6CfP-RoveHvc-iYaGzV3dAJ84fN9WCva0mkCoNGnwkXuu7U_jXqEtm-LrEsq_VQW_uDr87uNBplg8ntswsIhORweuK4L9mIeQqEFVanCHSps/s1600/IMG_6714.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdJ-0DtRAdCxVw9VQprRNQ-dOaLtwhCDTSoUbBnAsU2mDXhxaXKiNLFwCT9EVNQdC66CRin6ZSvv5R_aJtruGs34ObF-A-iSKJ8USyM8CAvM2ZCAVgL_dtzlNXUEX4W0w23JgMFe9tebJ/s1600/IMG_6724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdJ-0DtRAdCxVw9VQprRNQ-dOaLtwhCDTSoUbBnAsU2mDXhxaXKiNLFwCT9EVNQdC66CRin6ZSvv5R_aJtruGs34ObF-A-iSKJ8USyM8CAvM2ZCAVgL_dtzlNXUEX4W0w23JgMFe9tebJ/s1600/IMG_6724.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjTpkHSwgZVriI0FU3Nxm_wQekdKaOf322Qse5y9z48O085uX4aqHlGjwggze6RymMcMD2rnGKtqPLHZqei6DvSCabs1RGckZVuY1TJbDoww5FdIpc7NfDGfK6BrgokI13hJkcFTQuiXZ/s1600/IMG_6737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjTpkHSwgZVriI0FU3Nxm_wQekdKaOf322Qse5y9z48O085uX4aqHlGjwggze6RymMcMD2rnGKtqPLHZqei6DvSCabs1RGckZVuY1TJbDoww5FdIpc7NfDGfK6BrgokI13hJkcFTQuiXZ/s1600/IMG_6737.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL75ajq_2nNuRqkCST-vZ0C67-V5Y0Yz11Sp3TkTTIJhenx_fR4RwisNshVCWF5HMX15pgF8AXCSTozBYg6jRIl8lbVDuwmCrDvLUxD2ioVz-OE7CY2xUCja6iultwKR9fm9cgBSLT4XFh/s1600/midshipmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL75ajq_2nNuRqkCST-vZ0C67-V5Y0Yz11Sp3TkTTIJhenx_fR4RwisNshVCWF5HMX15pgF8AXCSTozBYg6jRIl8lbVDuwmCrDvLUxD2ioVz-OE7CY2xUCja6iultwKR9fm9cgBSLT4XFh/s1600/midshipmen.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then, October arrived. After being engaged almost a year and a half, I still can't believe how quickly the engagement flew by. Soon enough, it was time for our rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and then the wedding day! I will do a separate post (or series of posts) for a full wedding recap, but for now, here are a few (ok, maybe more than a few...) of my favorite photos from October 4, 2014, the best day of my life:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikMNbpPwYp5H1nEZ5xEj4lrY9JPB12kMG7ph8LoG-u4HJYi2C0kkSnMeYs1M6EX7d8QL7Hpd5ZR_E-nAfBtCwcQRbypfyzFYiaSXL5RFKF74-8R9V2Qn2FpjRTMHhA6SJ_5SGDNlhro7l/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikMNbpPwYp5H1nEZ5xEj4lrY9JPB12kMG7ph8LoG-u4HJYi2C0kkSnMeYs1M6EX7d8QL7Hpd5ZR_E-nAfBtCwcQRbypfyzFYiaSXL5RFKF74-8R9V2Qn2FpjRTMHhA6SJ_5SGDNlhro7l/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3276.jpg" height="320" width="209" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbwec_6UBnl4gs2w9Kr1I6I4F5UFM6RcN_2Nu0iuERwJ4ww7t4vek2XeowZ6HaTzZRH3i5EBtvZfGPMxFOQK7_6d0Dnx4EqeiDQWDtMMXsZjjkqDSn0wNzWWeUVMuqpqeT_f3KAmOGS7s/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbwec_6UBnl4gs2w9Kr1I6I4F5UFM6RcN_2Nu0iuERwJ4ww7t4vek2XeowZ6HaTzZRH3i5EBtvZfGPMxFOQK7_6d0Dnx4EqeiDQWDtMMXsZjjkqDSn0wNzWWeUVMuqpqeT_f3KAmOGS7s/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3434.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-exkpv_UMrJTBWMhj8RtzL5WWtXxQdfGp4QzPVWvYHA4skvboQ7gklHfJARsYbS5fariwQlcBpnTc6l5Ot9QZAt-rU96eY2idfTyEp8gc7-3Zl18rchuN7zEX4Tylhejyq3fXw2ztiJ3/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-exkpv_UMrJTBWMhj8RtzL5WWtXxQdfGp4QzPVWvYHA4skvboQ7gklHfJARsYbS5fariwQlcBpnTc6l5Ot9QZAt-rU96eY2idfTyEp8gc7-3Zl18rchuN7zEX4Tylhejyq3fXw2ztiJ3/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3539.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUczygA72O3aKbJi35sHyrNqw0ByL84grFMsymj-up2w_Ob9gKuhe1y5l3TBJ7U24u2HwokutJ-y8_wneLDH9kvqkw_wEfw_XCRGZW4usoro2Ck99AS6kD9TKsGL2SVJwzfrpstjCYjTR/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUczygA72O3aKbJi35sHyrNqw0ByL84grFMsymj-up2w_Ob9gKuhe1y5l3TBJ7U24u2HwokutJ-y8_wneLDH9kvqkw_wEfw_XCRGZW4usoro2Ck99AS6kD9TKsGL2SVJwzfrpstjCYjTR/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3599.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yaP7rjiDxC_Tfc4fgDcc8nygFk-RhRmzXpF1hLYP3SttYMWcrOoc3zK0JijA0TTX8-LakC6kjcOdQW8KvE3A9zNcpdeAwafqtwxu_HJUlLvnxoGdMJD8lX0mCiVLRiVhTSntX5pRAnSB/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yaP7rjiDxC_Tfc4fgDcc8nygFk-RhRmzXpF1hLYP3SttYMWcrOoc3zK0JijA0TTX8-LakC6kjcOdQW8KvE3A9zNcpdeAwafqtwxu_HJUlLvnxoGdMJD8lX0mCiVLRiVhTSntX5pRAnSB/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3629.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KqFU2xqDPanA3uHEv8lWkmr4oS3HLxkW4XMcJTZDhQCfu8lRp2LTh7-71gzlv_fDZgfsLJ7k-trBGzULftUN2TRJyYy0K9VHvGH6u5YH5We3M2cavthHJdVMGnloWQNmSwZlw7yYmoL8/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KqFU2xqDPanA3uHEv8lWkmr4oS3HLxkW4XMcJTZDhQCfu8lRp2LTh7-71gzlv_fDZgfsLJ7k-trBGzULftUN2TRJyYy0K9VHvGH6u5YH5We3M2cavthHJdVMGnloWQNmSwZlw7yYmoL8/s1600/cornwall_share_me_3694.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LIgMHsc9xlq6ASwZOnDu9vzMLypCoUBjhZ0qfMH9bRo-lQHV1PZZZDfxBzuuCHVh3DiUvkDcYwM3_lYHWDaRARmRt2L4gO25ViKqKprc2xtq5fcAS7i_B-mvXBjZ86Ni4Gy1AsM1_M4X/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LIgMHsc9xlq6ASwZOnDu9vzMLypCoUBjhZ0qfMH9bRo-lQHV1PZZZDfxBzuuCHVh3DiUvkDcYwM3_lYHWDaRARmRt2L4gO25ViKqKprc2xtq5fcAS7i_B-mvXBjZ86Ni4Gy1AsM1_M4X/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4016.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dcV7gKLu8ALw9DmPYBYk9eg-49OLVTvTQRgYXySNg3dYO8dGav4ZHWHNbcRbb8BDxlTMSo8ZxRnzZRknOBUDhyfnVNmHeKfsminN4MXYG-n_Qf5kwJ2B-gxBnSlOWCbtpAxGLzgXQTG8/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dcV7gKLu8ALw9DmPYBYk9eg-49OLVTvTQRgYXySNg3dYO8dGav4ZHWHNbcRbb8BDxlTMSo8ZxRnzZRknOBUDhyfnVNmHeKfsminN4MXYG-n_Qf5kwJ2B-gxBnSlOWCbtpAxGLzgXQTG8/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4066.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQnsZg618gjANDdjl6UhSTukIIiU219C5ETOdldh5GPG5NOuYUIiD6mjDkszB5JhwpGDaxYHzEkfFit7YpYYurVT3x3UCD8Thb2h6r-VR4EPxj5NWqvmOeZCuukVIdcEmF9rXxgniqD_m/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQnsZg618gjANDdjl6UhSTukIIiU219C5ETOdldh5GPG5NOuYUIiD6mjDkszB5JhwpGDaxYHzEkfFit7YpYYurVT3x3UCD8Thb2h6r-VR4EPxj5NWqvmOeZCuukVIdcEmF9rXxgniqD_m/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4083.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_mFIgPpJiABA0G8eQPXf62-SWBrcnpPUF5tdbmC-l5UpeQ1VIoGRIWyf6Xu6gitaRDcsyvzGoRX30if56hOgNG0UDfQOke3OUIn8kPUMXwOL4g4DEmhwCTtt-OrIDD0YG3WggzqOpXON/s1600/cornwall_share_me_6101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_mFIgPpJiABA0G8eQPXf62-SWBrcnpPUF5tdbmC-l5UpeQ1VIoGRIWyf6Xu6gitaRDcsyvzGoRX30if56hOgNG0UDfQOke3OUIn8kPUMXwOL4g4DEmhwCTtt-OrIDD0YG3WggzqOpXON/s1600/cornwall_share_me_6101.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDBJ9KbE9J913bdYWZnVmHXQ_nUQfaBXuhuEFrEIin8SjTXf9B16pOw7xCGuR0He8iaYToY_vRCU4g_DQHSplijxblnFTjqBob3HPetm8RQf_wEdv0sliF_XR_z-P1Q-PvR5aCPe8oydo/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDBJ9KbE9J913bdYWZnVmHXQ_nUQfaBXuhuEFrEIin8SjTXf9B16pOw7xCGuR0He8iaYToY_vRCU4g_DQHSplijxblnFTjqBob3HPetm8RQf_wEdv0sliF_XR_z-P1Q-PvR5aCPe8oydo/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4228.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpiOvjXcF4uzf-aJW8Dw9TVIUt6v_vuIdj1zvVnEYpQjCZ_qWNs4lJXNM003rcOT1_0yJGpqeCnB3XEjSQsAb8rIUWcDJl998gt4cdm1I-KgKqQ_3dO_HRUsJPAry1M5vSdsLQkJehZSL/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpiOvjXcF4uzf-aJW8Dw9TVIUt6v_vuIdj1zvVnEYpQjCZ_qWNs4lJXNM003rcOT1_0yJGpqeCnB3XEjSQsAb8rIUWcDJl998gt4cdm1I-KgKqQ_3dO_HRUsJPAry1M5vSdsLQkJehZSL/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4249.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEBnrANBZgq5Lqx8pZsPbBmxifXSQw0490zGFtGRNdJZH5SPtxTpDgtvV0G4gfLeIYTlmWV1C-aCh4hV-3A8LcREqX97kNO6b475XppD_f7TXEsjdg8TeA2aYxHQMIW25ljYCxlNcDaSj/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEBnrANBZgq5Lqx8pZsPbBmxifXSQw0490zGFtGRNdJZH5SPtxTpDgtvV0G4gfLeIYTlmWV1C-aCh4hV-3A8LcREqX97kNO6b475XppD_f7TXEsjdg8TeA2aYxHQMIW25ljYCxlNcDaSj/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4263.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AZ8MqofFo_EczTLnQiqOxUbhQ6xsUlgsAbU0Bkog6flSH3HjkzCBh1GfwBmEqe1qxgL-i7e_s2xrrLoNvnt_9nAQEU_83MLSTLRhX_CYSnGIkQYjUVQJVIY0hODgkh6RgN6bzv4pKiwA/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AZ8MqofFo_EczTLnQiqOxUbhQ6xsUlgsAbU0Bkog6flSH3HjkzCBh1GfwBmEqe1qxgL-i7e_s2xrrLoNvnt_9nAQEU_83MLSTLRhX_CYSnGIkQYjUVQJVIY0hODgkh6RgN6bzv4pKiwA/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4602.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28vTcdpphSu-akxvOyEeR5qQuQpjdnOcs_z3yuuXMnSxfNisjopiugnzL79yyBfIhHMjtdxZ6P1-iw36vSPj8WTMyUPCVSmIbI1Lj4cf0-LcArMTDxZ4egz0NzQoD_dN3il21u1S1S5Vn/s1600/cornwall_share_me_6198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28vTcdpphSu-akxvOyEeR5qQuQpjdnOcs_z3yuuXMnSxfNisjopiugnzL79yyBfIhHMjtdxZ6P1-iw36vSPj8WTMyUPCVSmIbI1Lj4cf0-LcArMTDxZ4egz0NzQoD_dN3il21u1S1S5Vn/s1600/cornwall_share_me_6198.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbVBuTqH01TEXW_LLqVeLCxZ1eTGjjKUdwD0v__APRveCgP0QUH-vO51mRb54AwHWR24dMmXgCVHuvNSdSFptmJDUVwpe3B7JhDo4zNQraoj4kLhh-gF_DSPgNYxDJDQto4kP0Sbc2If3/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbVBuTqH01TEXW_LLqVeLCxZ1eTGjjKUdwD0v__APRveCgP0QUH-vO51mRb54AwHWR24dMmXgCVHuvNSdSFptmJDUVwpe3B7JhDo4zNQraoj4kLhh-gF_DSPgNYxDJDQto4kP0Sbc2If3/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4770.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAkFMTrVbYtGH8e_MF8AEN2Nu_Fah5mqNRORvDB5Hl9O1reEyLCXYj29tGZzBxTn5kNd8rTm2RhQm7g3HutiFGBMMUyAeY9ua4powX-wBITv2TsbKi068e4cxgX1x7DMmVHx5rv7cHQOI/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAkFMTrVbYtGH8e_MF8AEN2Nu_Fah5mqNRORvDB5Hl9O1reEyLCXYj29tGZzBxTn5kNd8rTm2RhQm7g3HutiFGBMMUyAeY9ua4powX-wBITv2TsbKi068e4cxgX1x7DMmVHx5rv7cHQOI/s1600/cornwall_share_me_4965.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQrvyaT809naC6PIl8J3kToUwCHU13_Wdyw1KUkL_WqbHECOfM8ocH2khibs-vDmLh1Wl5r2KlPCr5etdVQRAdy2d1R2287WlFd_0iHUkrARq4jDZwtpcYScWcCcsy8kGm4UcA90lt_PZ/s1600/cornwall_share_me_5210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQrvyaT809naC6PIl8J3kToUwCHU13_Wdyw1KUkL_WqbHECOfM8ocH2khibs-vDmLh1Wl5r2KlPCr5etdVQRAdy2d1R2287WlFd_0iHUkrARq4jDZwtpcYScWcCcsy8kGm4UcA90lt_PZ/s1600/cornwall_share_me_5210.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h0vmF7zuE3BeMWjGsLeFKlpW5l7LvLo1Uf2OBPnOItcI66oy6ns04A4gp3T61arSI92OA5hL2YnxvTZANr6CQXJGeh01KxdIHYUlPxD8dR_8Sa9uyjtd_I0cqD_RboFbZq16h1ZFYt7W/s1600/cornwall_share_me_5266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h0vmF7zuE3BeMWjGsLeFKlpW5l7LvLo1Uf2OBPnOItcI66oy6ns04A4gp3T61arSI92OA5hL2YnxvTZANr6CQXJGeh01KxdIHYUlPxD8dR_8Sa9uyjtd_I0cqD_RboFbZq16h1ZFYt7W/s1600/cornwall_share_me_5266.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhrCOJayoU_3UJPSWzUaUkVZXwjuNScrVXnsHNwWW7vcJXLVqOoWudRGfOsIKTtK3cOz6K1Kz8q0m2gqGU9nUumBgHRVTgLFPV1UsNoJ5JFihe9Lk9pPVpMccm5FyUHKLF_2ynoTWc8gG/s1600/cornwall_share_me_5507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhrCOJayoU_3UJPSWzUaUkVZXwjuNScrVXnsHNwWW7vcJXLVqOoWudRGfOsIKTtK3cOz6K1Kz8q0m2gqGU9nUumBgHRVTgLFPV1UsNoJ5JFihe9Lk9pPVpMccm5FyUHKLF_2ynoTWc8gG/s1600/cornwall_share_me_5507.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVx06lplKcMkO0s2ix8Hdz4gkDteIFxOsT0nlKE1ByW6Pz1qhY5xjX7MmeE4dJzFkQuXUWCDgLxBwRrgP_wqr3coQeeAmxc3l6w6JL3oNFOzBrcGOQq1eoFzLb_gDVI5tuAPJjeaOjmO-/s1600/cornwall_share_me_5614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVx06lplKcMkO0s2ix8Hdz4gkDteIFxOsT0nlKE1ByW6Pz1qhY5xjX7MmeE4dJzFkQuXUWCDgLxBwRrgP_wqr3coQeeAmxc3l6w6JL3oNFOzBrcGOQq1eoFzLb_gDVI5tuAPJjeaOjmO-/s1600/cornwall_share_me_5614.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRkQ9Bx4E5u5pky2fwkXmjJB1RRy4syJXm6_44P6cKxsb_t9GKjmTTbUIIPh8_yJsTYm8iLTVxuB9pZVKDoRYYyim3AMLTCWKmKRnbcnBq5_kGMnO2KpjE5xYg12bEVObLDsbe0-0T7o1/s1600/cornwall_share_me_5656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRkQ9Bx4E5u5pky2fwkXmjJB1RRy4syJXm6_44P6cKxsb_t9GKjmTTbUIIPh8_yJsTYm8iLTVxuB9pZVKDoRYYyim3AMLTCWKmKRnbcnBq5_kGMnO2KpjE5xYg12bEVObLDsbe0-0T7o1/s1600/cornwall_share_me_5656.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZhyphenhyphenUXRGUvTKVtC4rcJPQNvzKaAz-JQWQEIuY8VllkDU-RSVR7hNObIf0ymZs0TeOyvtKCTeKorDXVzQJNn4HN1S9kLnAzqBlfHxyBi6MUcZwZdzincmjDhO26TAaJjAE8jDGUmtYe3gH/s1600/cornwall_share_me_6000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZhyphenhyphenUXRGUvTKVtC4rcJPQNvzKaAz-JQWQEIuY8VllkDU-RSVR7hNObIf0ymZs0TeOyvtKCTeKorDXVzQJNn4HN1S9kLnAzqBlfHxyBi6MUcZwZdzincmjDhO26TAaJjAE8jDGUmtYe3gH/s1600/cornwall_share_me_6000.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImArAUg3kwvGySFzKH14En3wQubbdtgxrtTnH1epbtCNGGqJCiVcXJDXtRFtApCbQlogmW4HOW4CGwp1PYh2B1xGAe84ppHIXU7z-7LMORthP_bdivkhy-VPFQ6eZ6BpEcia4QzYNxqc4/s1600/cornwall_share_me_6015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImArAUg3kwvGySFzKH14En3wQubbdtgxrtTnH1epbtCNGGqJCiVcXJDXtRFtApCbQlogmW4HOW4CGwp1PYh2B1xGAe84ppHIXU7z-7LMORthP_bdivkhy-VPFQ6eZ6BpEcia4QzYNxqc4/s1600/cornwall_share_me_6015.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a joyful evening filled with love and laughter. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few days later, my husband and I took our first trip as newlyweds -- our honeymoon! We went for 9 days to Maui, Hawaii, with a stop in Seattle en route. It was the most amazing trip I have ever taken. We actually spent most of the time exploring. We were up before sunrise and in bed by 9 every day, and we hiked our booties off! It was way more active than I thought I would be, but it felt amazing to just explore the island. We of course took some time to relax at the resort, go out to nice meals, etc. Even 3 months later, I find myself dreaming of Maui...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXANxBKOJKDY0NfB9aospMiFl9tChwHGHOTJoJYEsS-Fk3l135l_dyY4XW98jCo3CqsCIBGgHSOso8dhTFZrkPjgqMyRbZQWVlNa5lZOWEhsxkv75t_gUmLIbbzfVG-EdRdJtxH9XgUZQ/s1600/IMG_1309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXANxBKOJKDY0NfB9aospMiFl9tChwHGHOTJoJYEsS-Fk3l135l_dyY4XW98jCo3CqsCIBGgHSOso8dhTFZrkPjgqMyRbZQWVlNa5lZOWEhsxkv75t_gUmLIbbzfVG-EdRdJtxH9XgUZQ/s1600/IMG_1309.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fxQXHApLujn-AIO0H4R40HE79tWYwxS8KlGdG1OPbLXI0nXWsAUbKhDNMxYDxSHA6MhERAv5HLHAye-7t7xd68ieIwp-dYMppSGHrF0mBIwxaup3XyGDs5L-dp-2ywfQSFDuE6ZUelSH/s1600/IMG_6922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fxQXHApLujn-AIO0H4R40HE79tWYwxS8KlGdG1OPbLXI0nXWsAUbKhDNMxYDxSHA6MhERAv5HLHAye-7t7xd68ieIwp-dYMppSGHrF0mBIwxaup3XyGDs5L-dp-2ywfQSFDuE6ZUelSH/s1600/IMG_6922.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeOhjTAzxamT3nKxwn-eEpIG4iakyqo2P-J4PAkZNcXKFlq1NdYHRQDoqZlSnFyTJHXnmEL0hMcYixoZp2PGXB1M-77JN9KyzjJF5Y-BQ4UeXMHY4kpkrlXwAfFgZxunxDnb89GxBFCem/s1600/IMG_7065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeOhjTAzxamT3nKxwn-eEpIG4iakyqo2P-J4PAkZNcXKFlq1NdYHRQDoqZlSnFyTJHXnmEL0hMcYixoZp2PGXB1M-77JN9KyzjJF5Y-BQ4UeXMHY4kpkrlXwAfFgZxunxDnb89GxBFCem/s1600/IMG_7065.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDayRvPsU-yDjaL3q9K2W62FYQwExDtx9fi-KvprPLXkiau9EUp23YTBCcT8sDbvpI3_rTnzls4Hy81i_FNYwpgDmRVr9FLoAPbkhsT7Hdg3T9m_uqTipgztWMmo1cWFyCsN4UM1Zyxel6/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDayRvPsU-yDjaL3q9K2W62FYQwExDtx9fi-KvprPLXkiau9EUp23YTBCcT8sDbvpI3_rTnzls4Hy81i_FNYwpgDmRVr9FLoAPbkhsT7Hdg3T9m_uqTipgztWMmo1cWFyCsN4UM1Zyxel6/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDsdtjRopET18ZICS6VsJMXWacjB59b-ViZv4yTV6OOHbmjYYK_6Sc5GKWCZJoymNQG7CHP1MLNQ_yVzNyzACa-SBeGzOAWKE3L_2xmO4B1kXC8JiPnRxiMXClSlA7N8CQAkMoWzm-LM_/s1600/IMG_7140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDsdtjRopET18ZICS6VsJMXWacjB59b-ViZv4yTV6OOHbmjYYK_6Sc5GKWCZJoymNQG7CHP1MLNQ_yVzNyzACa-SBeGzOAWKE3L_2xmO4B1kXC8JiPnRxiMXClSlA7N8CQAkMoWzm-LM_/s1600/IMG_7140.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqQrkGe6g_XK0BYE00I3H6yohwcRwLtsHBBRYQqeNV-seVe57hF7u6PeHctncTK60YSs41H9CAbg24WNcGpS2j8BH-yankCoiHXCjoi13VfgJEg6WSxpJS7miotvagCzHSnwhCmg6l7xq/s1600/IMG_1751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqQrkGe6g_XK0BYE00I3H6yohwcRwLtsHBBRYQqeNV-seVe57hF7u6PeHctncTK60YSs41H9CAbg24WNcGpS2j8BH-yankCoiHXCjoi13VfgJEg6WSxpJS7miotvagCzHSnwhCmg6l7xq/s1600/IMG_1751.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkJqTu24i24_9e5YgtMjYq3-IWHPriw68W3-gcURFJdyaiHjnptjFFKC_-XA7zsTYuK87Pg89OPNXDEiRrKWekHTOkPeShhj52Of-L2nNld5MqtzTSb74n5CqtSynsaXahY-IS2udfWqg/s1600/IMG_7106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkJqTu24i24_9e5YgtMjYq3-IWHPriw68W3-gcURFJdyaiHjnptjFFKC_-XA7zsTYuK87Pg89OPNXDEiRrKWekHTOkPeShhj52Of-L2nNld5MqtzTSb74n5CqtSynsaXahY-IS2udfWqg/s1600/IMG_7106.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HY5qXifcAKQfdm7e3LSFWXpaTcmeAD5MiXIIONChaVOkd5sY1QIOm2oAt87LftUQ0MgQmEJokxOEjVtR_5pAgKZsYPLI_vl84iILyJjJBhab_1_L5puXg4TI-ZwOFZokdVJ1fP9Ot9N9/s1600/IMG_7034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HY5qXifcAKQfdm7e3LSFWXpaTcmeAD5MiXIIONChaVOkd5sY1QIOm2oAt87LftUQ0MgQmEJokxOEjVtR_5pAgKZsYPLI_vl84iILyJjJBhab_1_L5puXg4TI-ZwOFZokdVJ1fP9Ot9N9/s1600/IMG_7034.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U79mhql5JhatxcHF7S2h0VMMT6iF_r6wLh9SdK9PlWyioe9x36SU-CGI6q35AKorHwqst14le8BuML5Mp4hWQmcnCGaksOE4Ta6sMKCDChq63S-w-9OmslJpC1F6LYCweCqpAtpwkykt/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U79mhql5JhatxcHF7S2h0VMMT6iF_r6wLh9SdK9PlWyioe9x36SU-CGI6q35AKorHwqst14le8BuML5Mp4hWQmcnCGaksOE4Ta6sMKCDChq63S-w-9OmslJpC1F6LYCweCqpAtpwkykt/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYedP2hXdwiN3JevMeP6vWOW-hzKevRHnH8nNl4kTq9Dc0z-zeqIR1FZ2_jdtENECjRLLyxiqP50dE9ZNsTOVndY1-Ad9fAlyPRHyV_aU4cvDP_2qiPsWgfD8gs5z1PKA9dt6LeLYToHy/s1600/IMG_1615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYedP2hXdwiN3JevMeP6vWOW-hzKevRHnH8nNl4kTq9Dc0z-zeqIR1FZ2_jdtENECjRLLyxiqP50dE9ZNsTOVndY1-Ad9fAlyPRHyV_aU4cvDP_2qiPsWgfD8gs5z1PKA9dt6LeLYToHy/s1600/IMG_1615.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUUZ38FlO1ZSqQe2El1ya1aE-qLAUzqMYntDspBzYVafLv_mRxGCMagNRrVHGJpG-IdgEAfsmPm6L9rmCWoUvETuTrHnQDEh3f-gKk1TlSeL2Vk-9szn_czkLVM89lKP6pFZh26w5nuUJ/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUUZ38FlO1ZSqQe2El1ya1aE-qLAUzqMYntDspBzYVafLv_mRxGCMagNRrVHGJpG-IdgEAfsmPm6L9rmCWoUvETuTrHnQDEh3f-gKk1TlSeL2Vk-9szn_czkLVM89lKP6pFZh26w5nuUJ/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3RQkyYgveGeCdvkld2xUQa3acHXYVVsNg42CmroALoNjapsKkVGdLH-cNrieXHD3_g6YJfMpfgIVJz64VW-jkSvPHEWveGZD6da21C061VMB47njkZXINcRv09MxrT8YVd_imSHowuFI/s1600/IMG_7157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3RQkyYgveGeCdvkld2xUQa3acHXYVVsNg42CmroALoNjapsKkVGdLH-cNrieXHD3_g6YJfMpfgIVJz64VW-jkSvPHEWveGZD6da21C061VMB47njkZXINcRv09MxrT8YVd_imSHowuFI/s1600/IMG_7157.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2muKeI3VC0XUEXIoADcPW51rMaVLbq00nl0YmfWZGJhhXx-5uUn9wShwdHuo4VaYOjO-t2f5U6-Mzn8TsChYYVPxjgCF4s05LY4bzjmqSooO3V8lDA8oKcLreBiru2BQ7N8uubREXCVQ5/s1600/IMG_7198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2muKeI3VC0XUEXIoADcPW51rMaVLbq00nl0YmfWZGJhhXx-5uUn9wShwdHuo4VaYOjO-t2f5U6-Mzn8TsChYYVPxjgCF4s05LY4bzjmqSooO3V8lDA8oKcLreBiru2BQ7N8uubREXCVQ5/s1600/IMG_7198.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ25A4gb_Y8mg_LISh8EE6R9vAFe6q5lhXzsER2YFmHA4SWGUDxLMuoDiduyeuHEYT-LKwmKeY02Z4KSLljjCApYEhDKttUmA44RHPvhlFjIxxI7rabS8VWJqy0trLy9CMIS98amR2c3A/s1600/IMG_1676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ25A4gb_Y8mg_LISh8EE6R9vAFe6q5lhXzsER2YFmHA4SWGUDxLMuoDiduyeuHEYT-LKwmKeY02Z4KSLljjCApYEhDKttUmA44RHPvhlFjIxxI7rabS8VWJqy0trLy9CMIS98amR2c3A/s1600/IMG_1676.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaTSlfiQvw6uChuelRlQ7YVzDomYFU0vSjQbo7k7sbPlbBsdjqa4wOvKfR6y4Chipu-5XSbOROSYHfrVsHoCbYatGX6gwUtbU4AqiX9Jl1af50T-8l7N1p_eVVNkCF1NiBSeatReBeRbu/s1600/IMG_1678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaTSlfiQvw6uChuelRlQ7YVzDomYFU0vSjQbo7k7sbPlbBsdjqa4wOvKfR6y4Chipu-5XSbOROSYHfrVsHoCbYatGX6gwUtbU4AqiX9Jl1af50T-8l7N1p_eVVNkCF1NiBSeatReBeRbu/s1600/IMG_1678.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_E34tTuk7zMgISt65r_AL2iRptLu2BylhpDYpk0q3xjSA-VV-Al_-I1IDstSbPwc1oTaLQ1S2HliTm2y2crNHtV_NDEHjJTbE4T423v9fMwLIQB2MR-scIqihEVb5iiVUXfcbPb4QyVs/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_E34tTuk7zMgISt65r_AL2iRptLu2BylhpDYpk0q3xjSA-VV-Al_-I1IDstSbPwc1oTaLQ1S2HliTm2y2crNHtV_NDEHjJTbE4T423v9fMwLIQB2MR-scIqihEVb5iiVUXfcbPb4QyVs/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulfksphBL0YJLkScljvq_P_oRgRkwYcAaJmtiNOggoFegGiIe9M4qezD1EXdMlsQ3CCrelGT_UjR5Uj_hO0KINv94u-Dzc4a5UFIlCf2a14jz8nx3f4j8GimelttBjUXeeNyK9OhJvHiY/s1600/IMG_7343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulfksphBL0YJLkScljvq_P_oRgRkwYcAaJmtiNOggoFegGiIe9M4qezD1EXdMlsQ3CCrelGT_UjR5Uj_hO0KINv94u-Dzc4a5UFIlCf2a14jz8nx3f4j8GimelttBjUXeeNyK9OhJvHiY/s1600/IMG_7343.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK8bZe5VhMWK5D3j2fghycZWByxNlRHVtg7BGD1fJrQEhytjGVjVsONzoBz-a8vBikemxkoNSMbi1qWPANs6VIYrz2uzTxxVZw8yHtaYqsX_HG40PxUUaMKXLDCALrc0pM6c_sfKwfn2e/s1600/IMG_7377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK8bZe5VhMWK5D3j2fghycZWByxNlRHVtg7BGD1fJrQEhytjGVjVsONzoBz-a8vBikemxkoNSMbi1qWPANs6VIYrz2uzTxxVZw8yHtaYqsX_HG40PxUUaMKXLDCALrc0pM6c_sfKwfn2e/s1600/IMG_7377.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7m55GmIeTxy1KwLRTkgQTeeYRDOob0Rc1IdeWC-N5lhFK1EsRUxBu4z6XU41GezAzbCH5XGzDpfGRXqvIuEstDsTa70p4ksmMAsHdwkIfJWDG87Uv8J286PUFi6u7SxZoBA8XGX-ZzhwP/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7m55GmIeTxy1KwLRTkgQTeeYRDOob0Rc1IdeWC-N5lhFK1EsRUxBu4z6XU41GezAzbCH5XGzDpfGRXqvIuEstDsTa70p4ksmMAsHdwkIfJWDG87Uv8J286PUFi6u7SxZoBA8XGX-ZzhwP/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
November rolled around, and it was back to reality--busy at work, getting ready for the holidays, and recovering after a storm of a Fall season. Main events in November were a relaxing Thanksgiving with family, putting up the tree, and hanging out with the cutest little bear around:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9FofH0KPB0hIo-jbICa_dCZnlPC3ojeBpR1e5vGM6AYsVX4UuF00YXGnqecpDFQhBXNUvTmo3GZRtPZocAZuflEekSQ-IAp9d6iOtRo_5SyJCQqVcPtsSxJ6RY8zCcUIETRCX_3Zyhp0/s1600/littlebear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9FofH0KPB0hIo-jbICa_dCZnlPC3ojeBpR1e5vGM6AYsVX4UuF00YXGnqecpDFQhBXNUvTmo3GZRtPZocAZuflEekSQ-IAp9d6iOtRo_5SyJCQqVcPtsSxJ6RY8zCcUIETRCX_3Zyhp0/s1600/littlebear.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGtdaC8B-lhmz4-o4inKvs63BLdTYehxFoUhn1IycPM-Zs4hdoYfEMcinnqx7bd5KFiBcKfyC2C7u7xyabcEvDr9AVcwM6xxClcwPbrLFfz8TtQAbeVRoTlRuZW_0ERQM3QvnLkEw0zvc/s1600/tree2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGtdaC8B-lhmz4-o4inKvs63BLdTYehxFoUhn1IycPM-Zs4hdoYfEMcinnqx7bd5KFiBcKfyC2C7u7xyabcEvDr9AVcwM6xxClcwPbrLFfz8TtQAbeVRoTlRuZW_0ERQM3QvnLkEw0zvc/s1600/tree2014.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
December started out with Sean's 29th birthday. We went to a new restaurant we've been wanting to try, and it did not disappoint. Then, on Sunday, we had friends and family over for football, chili, and cake. It was a nice, low-key birthday weekend. Christmas came quickly this year! I couldn't believe how fast it came and went. We didn't travel at all this year, which was so, so nice. We spent Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas Day with Sean's. New Year's Eve was spent with friends & family, before coming back to bring in 2015 in our sweatpants on the couch, before passing out at 1am. I know, I know--we are WILD.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnTaVcexAACSB7ledH3QB7VYp2dUAIgfMC1rg8JeWhIagwIWMjyagO0miXXm7GfKEi4gxlxHY3ouFopwf9grdrEmCXwVLiRHwh75ycq9m8753tLOwUDpffsph4uonGL6hjHDpBWGXvXlU/s1600/seanbday2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnTaVcexAACSB7ledH3QB7VYp2dUAIgfMC1rg8JeWhIagwIWMjyagO0miXXm7GfKEi4gxlxHY3ouFopwf9grdrEmCXwVLiRHwh75ycq9m8753tLOwUDpffsph4uonGL6hjHDpBWGXvXlU/s1600/seanbday2014.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQG5Dl3x3UtNe7A2X3UCL0rHitiW3pfI3pPK2iLfi1y4x1XEAPocu4e4yB8BsyJN8X9ksvT5oyzicDbNivaZb9djYvSK40A1aQsUOyjepqiwUPy4S-J43xjyw2tfNcUu8GPihBO4nRJJq/s1600/christmaseve2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQG5Dl3x3UtNe7A2X3UCL0rHitiW3pfI3pPK2iLfi1y4x1XEAPocu4e4yB8BsyJN8X9ksvT5oyzicDbNivaZb9djYvSK40A1aQsUOyjepqiwUPy4S-J43xjyw2tfNcUu8GPihBO4nRJJq/s1600/christmaseve2014.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxTRBXC5d-WDdx1sFQV2iMAjI3610pTQYjkhhSYJCZsVUimI60kPp_oyEqkVDxwdx2Kv2MGmes43jXmxKPRa8c76E9JnVoksA6S7w3nlpVigWd3uI7MIfK8Yu2RWNJvLT0l0_n2t_jVjV/s1600/nye2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxTRBXC5d-WDdx1sFQV2iMAjI3610pTQYjkhhSYJCZsVUimI60kPp_oyEqkVDxwdx2Kv2MGmes43jXmxKPRa8c76E9JnVoksA6S7w3nlpVigWd3uI7MIfK8Yu2RWNJvLT0l0_n2t_jVjV/s1600/nye2014.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ekZqrGyt-Re8JN4ZaFU4S0cpcsMxR0zR6-BDm0dKdvefvupIvucyLWO5QDyQwnnyFmjomfYcfzIz-zX5WQB2MYFeGrQWdZByRupnSke28bZ_jFX6rr_XVRVt-rWn4A7ekT4TB7skD8tz/s1600/cheers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ekZqrGyt-Re8JN4ZaFU4S0cpcsMxR0zR6-BDm0dKdvefvupIvucyLWO5QDyQwnnyFmjomfYcfzIz-zX5WQB2MYFeGrQWdZByRupnSke28bZ_jFX6rr_XVRVt-rWn4A7ekT4TB7skD8tz/s1600/cheers.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cheers to a great 2014, and here's to hoping 2015 is even better!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b>Happy New Year!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-8955033129079288752014-07-11T16:03:00.000-04:002014-07-11T16:03:21.302-04:00Movin' On UpTo....<br />
<br />
<b>A new home!!! </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2cH6AYT51QHFl88KdxvoN67SpY-z2YCGXZE4YMD0VsGElUHPDUxdIfpns8v29XVmB3EOwFqE_yMQg2HrUDTFPMIwVs6wHMf4G3TzdOF1xVmJNhJBr4lWmnL4eLejPjb-A3SrqKP6QYd1/s1600/IMG_6001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2cH6AYT51QHFl88KdxvoN67SpY-z2YCGXZE4YMD0VsGElUHPDUxdIfpns8v29XVmB3EOwFqE_yMQg2HrUDTFPMIwVs6wHMf4G3TzdOF1xVmJNhJBr4lWmnL4eLejPjb-A3SrqKP6QYd1/s1600/IMG_6001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">That's right--we bought a house!!!</span></b></div>
<br />
We settle and move in less than a month from now! I feel like it all happened so fast, but also so slow. We've been browsing the internet for 6+ months, then found a real estate agent and looked at several homes over the course of a month or two. Then there are contracts, counter-offers, inspections, loan applications, home insurance quotes, and the list goes on. I knew buying a house was complicated, but I didn't realize just how complicated--and stressful--it would be.<br />
<br />
Either way, it is all worth it. We are moving back to the town where I grew up. We will be about 15 minutes from my parents (about an hour from Sean's mom, which will be an adjustment since we used to be close to her house) and 5 minutes from my best friend's house! I am very very excited to start our life together in our very first home! (Well, Sean owns a rental house in Baltimore City, but this is my first home purchase and our first major joint purchase, so it's exciting nonetheless).<br />
<br />
The house is a bit outdated in terms of fixtures and appliances, but it's in great shape, is spacious, and has an awesome covered deck and yard out back. We love the neighborhood and can picture living there for years to come with our children (if we are blessed with children, that is). And maybe a puppy first...just to see how it goes.<br />
<br />
In other news, my best friend since birth is HAVING A BABY today. Talk about things coming full circle. I'll be sure to post an update once the baby is born (and of course, not without her permission!).<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><i>Have a fantastic weekend, friends!</i></b></span></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-45952896344774466852014-04-17T09:00:00.000-04:002014-04-17T09:00:12.699-04:00Disappearing ActHello?....<br />
<br />
....Is anybody out there?....<br />
<br />
So, I have to apologize for disappearing for, oh, FOUR MONTHS.<br />
<br />
<b>Yikes.</b><br />
<br />
Although I doubt anyone still reads this blog, as there isn't much to read lately, I wanted to come back and give an update on my life.<br />
<br />
It's been BUSY. Really, super, incredibly busy.<br />
<br />
This winter in Baltimore has been horrible. It snowed on April 15th. Can we just take a moment of silence???<br />
<br />
I got a new job at work (somewhat of a promotion) that has me simultaneously thanking my lucky stars and pulling my hair out with stress all at the same time!<br />
<br />
Wedding planning quite honestly came to a halt the past month or two--Sean & I have been hit with some HUGE unexpected costs (let's just say CAR, medical bills, wedding expenses, things at our house breaking, etc) and we have been a little "down" lately. We really wanted to be able to move into a new house before our wedding--which is less than 6 months away, HOW DID THAT HAPPEN OMG--but it is looking more and more like that isn't going to be feasible.<br />
<br />
Also, my brother is currently deployed...again. He may not be back in time for the wedding, which has me even more upset, on top of the fact that I worry about his safety over there every day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfyc9S1ypwfcEpL0s1c7dyBfB-0BPpvz-Li7WT8FKTs3XfB1QpMiPjUNeEeYGTupVpD3oBt_E_sGIH9Ds-0wJTvcmrfJTuDHmfnpuBwdeQjLjHyWX7UfmWQsomZWYvHd0WBDnu9q9c196/s1600/handshake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfyc9S1ypwfcEpL0s1c7dyBfB-0BPpvz-Li7WT8FKTs3XfB1QpMiPjUNeEeYGTupVpD3oBt_E_sGIH9Ds-0wJTvcmrfJTuDHmfnpuBwdeQjLjHyWX7UfmWQsomZWYvHd0WBDnu9q9c196/s1600/handshake.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Our secret handshake, the night before he left </i></div>
<br />
But, along with the bad comes the good. I wake up every day next to my best friend who also happens to be a huge hunk, so I can't complain. I have a loving and caring family, and wonderful friends. In fact, my best friend/maid of honor is <b>PREGNANT</b>!! She is having a little one in July (sex is a surprise!) and I couldn't be more excited for her and her husband.<br />
<br />
We have some exciting events coming up: weddings, baby showers, weekend festivals, and Orioles games! We got season tickets this year with my parents, and it has been awesome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuL-2tcwVlCUPTeqHKL_RhbYrXFvZB_3QfvOm6vVrv1b1ac5SsoCa4zxkyDgmJ1G54h_eOlAZew501gDKi0FSaVBKXydrZGrnyZA4Vo1YzVh6_qKINu1b9kRDAcGpppwmdXg8B3Pkmjrk/s1600/opening+week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuL-2tcwVlCUPTeqHKL_RhbYrXFvZB_3QfvOm6vVrv1b1ac5SsoCa4zxkyDgmJ1G54h_eOlAZew501gDKi0FSaVBKXydrZGrnyZA4Vo1YzVh6_qKINu1b9kRDAcGpppwmdXg8B3Pkmjrk/s1600/opening+week.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, we booked our honeymoon!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPkWYN5_rNWGMXHjRK7Vn_Mahri9KktnAsLMqIdhaxV_Q3y6mbqQeY7m9oM5wZj8jwaOc_jy_HxY_ajOkGPV_piH06kGEg98lG1O9rtqArqXrXK33N5e7BNYMWYzrscr0aFGChJ7vKWAG/s1600/sunset_at_maui_hawaii_wallpaper-normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPkWYN5_rNWGMXHjRK7Vn_Mahri9KktnAsLMqIdhaxV_Q3y6mbqQeY7m9oM5wZj8jwaOc_jy_HxY_ajOkGPV_piH06kGEg98lG1O9rtqArqXrXK33N5e7BNYMWYzrscr0aFGChJ7vKWAG/s1600/sunset_at_maui_hawaii_wallpaper-normal.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>We are heading to MAUI, HAWAII!!! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also have a one-night layover in Seattle, so if anyone has recommendations for either location, let us know :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now, I'll leave you with some engagement photos my friend from high school took for us for free, which was so sweet of her:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvrpemx5XtAsVpaYOH7_kUvscR14Ud2Mo8Z0sAGMEQfWvPKEPyEY_9GLf1MCu7Wrgz0wD0b30WLBWoJWjBG_bOBRbrnVoxVBao25J2FnXX9R6agTWCNInOPO-6bPlDspHXSuLL9-mRGc5/s1600/IMG_6416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvrpemx5XtAsVpaYOH7_kUvscR14Ud2Mo8Z0sAGMEQfWvPKEPyEY_9GLf1MCu7Wrgz0wD0b30WLBWoJWjBG_bOBRbrnVoxVBao25J2FnXX9R6agTWCNInOPO-6bPlDspHXSuLL9-mRGc5/s1600/IMG_6416.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIt2UFMlh2my8zlSGo3Q9GhNgfxf8b4b7cUXL__p-rC1W8oJJWe3LhlTWNP2iga6zUb_j1TNIRJdxp9V6q0fk5o6Nqs7HuZSrLbvrsjZ0AWeR-HOR1VgT1G9jErovviAb8j0l4oM_LGKK/s1600/IMG_6434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIt2UFMlh2my8zlSGo3Q9GhNgfxf8b4b7cUXL__p-rC1W8oJJWe3LhlTWNP2iga6zUb_j1TNIRJdxp9V6q0fk5o6Nqs7HuZSrLbvrsjZ0AWeR-HOR1VgT1G9jErovviAb8j0l4oM_LGKK/s1600/IMG_6434.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t7UyC9vTPqP5M_wPajorzhdacwlUXEYmTp46s1kc_0cf63fiOzzA2ZIAX0t7XFU9vnYcBivnM56sUM263IZsbAi9NwXLcDvD4LUllTHxDZjljYxxT2A-SuG8oZoFTDgsZWygR0ZE4Z3J/s1600/IMG_6457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t7UyC9vTPqP5M_wPajorzhdacwlUXEYmTp46s1kc_0cf63fiOzzA2ZIAX0t7XFU9vnYcBivnM56sUM263IZsbAi9NwXLcDvD4LUllTHxDZjljYxxT2A-SuG8oZoFTDgsZWygR0ZE4Z3J/s1600/IMG_6457.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_P7GF4xQy2x9v3DtOQGGBYzdn6b_dBN80X9NjcA2bsBXdt8jsWmmNZ6GpzcRAr0Xs3Ur8DliR9-wKU3uyaIhr7CCohOW64Cn9_pu30gPX3F8Uv3bhWci0v8p95vzebc1Iz6THaUs6GUg/s1600/IMG_6486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_P7GF4xQy2x9v3DtOQGGBYzdn6b_dBN80X9NjcA2bsBXdt8jsWmmNZ6GpzcRAr0Xs3Ur8DliR9-wKU3uyaIhr7CCohOW64Cn9_pu30gPX3F8Uv3bhWci0v8p95vzebc1Iz6THaUs6GUg/s1600/IMG_6486.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_Nq3ouxw7jd6_Rxw9UPXe8V0mEaQ4TLC47GVrvO8s9ELbQXbsVN-og66tmD5mL5n7RgyLzKQ0gBWlcZyosc25ON9zHPDq7Rcl8alNohXAOaMEKESR_CfUGrG-idYoUzTGKWGn8AR0a44/s1600/IMG_6490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_Nq3ouxw7jd6_Rxw9UPXe8V0mEaQ4TLC47GVrvO8s9ELbQXbsVN-og66tmD5mL5n7RgyLzKQ0gBWlcZyosc25ON9zHPDq7Rcl8alNohXAOaMEKESR_CfUGrG-idYoUzTGKWGn8AR0a44/s1600/IMG_6490.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think she did a great job. Don't you?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b><i>In my next post: A sangria review, just in time for Spring!</i></b></span></div>
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-62441981320159855332013-12-18T19:59:00.000-05:002013-12-18T19:59:09.363-05:00Slow Down!<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It’s been an insanely long time since I dropped in.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is funny like that. I’m so busy living my life that I
don’t have time to share my life on this blog. I know no one reads it. But I do
enjoy going back and reading my old posts. So, I am going to *try* to post more
often. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although, I doubt I’ll be too successful with my job, Master’s Degree, wedding planning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(less than 10 months to
go and SO MUCH TO DO – eeeek!), and social events always going on. But, I am
going to at least try.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was thinking recently about time. The older I get, the
faster time seems to rush by, and the more I want to press the "pause" button. Sean turned 28
a couple weeks ago, and I was reminiscing on the fact that when we met, I was
22 – about to be 23 – and he was 25, which is the age I am now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a few short years, I have grown so very much. And it’s
not just about the big “life step” of getting engaged this year. It’s about way more than
that. In the last 3 or so years, I have graduated undergrad, am on my 3<sup>rd</sup>
“real world” job, started paying ALL of my bills, bought my first new car (that
happened about a month ago and is a story for another day…), moved 3 times, started grad school, and have seen 2 beautiful nieces come into this world…and
now one of them is talking and walking and running and playing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is so very, very fast. I know that lately, I have been
stressed. Worried about things at work, wedding to-dos, what to buy everyone
for Christmas, how I’m going to afford my car payments, looking for houses with
Sean and realizing we aren't even close to having enough saved up….I need to just stop. Pause. Reflect. Live. Enjoy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m so busy living life that I’m not even present in it. Has
anyone else ever felt this way? I picture my wedding day, and then I picture it
being over in the blink of an eye, and I don’t want that to happen. I want to
wake up that morning, and just…take a few moments. Alone. I want to walk SLOWLY
down that aisle, staring into the face of the man I love, and just pause, and take in his smile, and the way his eyes get green when he is teary-eyed, and etch that moment into my brain for the rest of my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Christmas, I want to sit on the couch and stare at the Christmas tree, snow falling softly outside, and just enjoy those little moments. Christmas
is a week from today, and I feel like I’ve been so busy going to holiday parties and
shopping for gifts and working 45 hours a week that I haven’t actually enjoyed
Christmas itself. It's not about the gifts, yet every year I catch myself obsessing over giving every single person on my list (and it's a looong list) the "perfect" gift. But in reality, the greatest gift of all is life, and love, and family. Without that, we are nothing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm not really sure what the purpose of this post is, other than I realize I need to slow down a little. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a work party today, a birthday party
tomorrow, a gift exchange Friday, and another birthday party Saturday…my plan
for this Sunday is to relax. To do nothing but enjoy life. No plans.
Maybe lounge on the couch with a book. Play a board game with Sean. Just be
present and have fun. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Christmas wrapping can wait. The grocery shopping can
wait. The laundry can wait. The wedding to-dos can wait. It can all wait for
one more day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll check in on Monday and let you know how it goes!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>437</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2494</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Susquehanna University</o:Company>
<o:Lines>20</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2926</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Happy Holidays, to anyone who actually reads this, and enjoy this photo of last week's snow in Baltimore <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHElYN6t8BRjS92DarABPjXys3pAv4SwkdiFcbUrorlGcTZ5OqzCVI-4-L37bFYaXcEpajN0yHxl8O6vUayZp_anNypOe56QTpcPajo8h8ehDKXJMr7jegCb2TD2IQFdmJqEJ2YTNFVzj/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHElYN6t8BRjS92DarABPjXys3pAv4SwkdiFcbUrorlGcTZ5OqzCVI-4-L37bFYaXcEpajN0yHxl8O6vUayZp_anNypOe56QTpcPajo8h8ehDKXJMr7jegCb2TD2IQFdmJqEJ2YTNFVzj/s1600/snow.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></span></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-20044961739681444222013-10-05T10:08:00.000-04:002013-10-05T10:08:05.972-04:00-1 AnniversaryYesterday, October 4, marked ONE YEAR UNTIL WE ARE HITCHED!!!<br />
<br />
To say I am excited would be an understatement.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyZlzhQkUr_MhS7MRhCoeY3hnGEm17EaiUP3O5GLv4FuN8H90p_8L2gk4-37zE0XogduwNiRH40XibaIqiSgKzRQQAQFst2VXXotzDFEuUbg57io-Qd19i3wFYmIqPd9TvY16vXfj-0hO/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyZlzhQkUr_MhS7MRhCoeY3hnGEm17EaiUP3O5GLv4FuN8H90p_8L2gk4-37zE0XogduwNiRH40XibaIqiSgKzRQQAQFst2VXXotzDFEuUbg57io-Qd19i3wFYmIqPd9TvY16vXfj-0hO/s320/collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(My MOM did our engagement photos all around Baltimore in May--she is sooo talented. Such a rock star--love you Mom!)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In any case, this "almost" anniversary led me to feel really mixed feelings, actually. EXCITEMENT, of course. But it also made me realize how FAST life is passing me by. I am trying very hard to stop texting/emailing/facebooking/tweeting all the time and just LIVE MY LIFE WHILE IT IS HAPPENING. I am admittedly obsessed with social media, love staying connected to friends near and far, and I love reading blogs and connecting to new "blends" I've never even met. But, I need to realize what is right in front of me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last night, Sean and I celebrated our "pre-anniversary"....by lounging in our pajamas and catching up on Boardwalk Empire. At one point, he came over, gave me a huge hug and a passionate kiss, and said "I love you so much."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And it was at that moment that I realized that even though life is fast, and I am in awe and a bit sad at how my "childhood" and even "early adulthood" are gone, I am incredibly lucky. I have the most amazing man who loves me and supports me and doesn't just TELL me how much he cares about me--he SHOWS me. Each and every single day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He supports my decisions. He is proud of me for my independence, for getting a higher degree than he even has, for working my butt off to get my new job (which I am loooving, by the way!). He values my opinion. He even asks for my advice, which we all know is hard for a man to do ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll stop the mushy stuff. All I can say is, I am so blessed to have this person to walk hand-in-hand through the craziness of life with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpSDbJKxMcLmaTT94FY9c8VFs7ZKE2KdkQn8In5Kskm9oBOvn_ThpGFSpV55nZn96Cs_v4f35vVDoHi5qcu-dBBMt_LwWIyAEyDAsNg3FyI2zPuc0XknfOUbFtHp7IM2acjsTPRmzQxPT/s1600/Colleen's+Engagement+Photo+Shoot+May+2013+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpSDbJKxMcLmaTT94FY9c8VFs7ZKE2KdkQn8In5Kskm9oBOvn_ThpGFSpV55nZn96Cs_v4f35vVDoHi5qcu-dBBMt_LwWIyAEyDAsNg3FyI2zPuc0XknfOUbFtHp7IM2acjsTPRmzQxPT/s320/Colleen's+Engagement+Photo+Shoot+May+2013+117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AT1jb1IB2LAy_fpGlTPumcY3cSvWSSwLc8vziPQyrHntLBsQi6upFoIkHnIGWlFSPX86JocekgJBzq9-n-qjXd_uuSOVLh_zzK5pkpoA_4RYf7aXnV1xiE-EXyZfbJ5-wsNrgEZhQy3i/s1600/Colleen's+Engagement+Photo+Shoot+May+2013+172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AT1jb1IB2LAy_fpGlTPumcY3cSvWSSwLc8vziPQyrHntLBsQi6upFoIkHnIGWlFSPX86JocekgJBzq9-n-qjXd_uuSOVLh_zzK5pkpoA_4RYf7aXnV1xiE-EXyZfbJ5-wsNrgEZhQy3i/s320/Colleen's+Engagement+Photo+Shoot+May+2013+172.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">I cannot wait to be Mrs. Cornwell next October 4!!!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-90670342630834327262013-09-04T19:36:00.000-04:002013-09-04T19:36:47.001-04:00I Said "Yes!" to the Dress...and a New Job!So, I'm sure hardly anyone reads this blog these days, but I still like to update my thoughts from time to time for my own sake. It will be nice to go back and read about these moments in the future.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">First, I said yes to the dress!!!</span></b><br />
<br />
About 3 weeks ago, my mom, Sean's mom, and 2 of my bridesmaids went to some bridal shops. Now, I had already seen "the" dress at a previous shopping trip with my mom, and AGAIN when I went to "visit" it with Sean's mom. But, I am a very indecisive person, and if I can barely decide what to order for dinner, how am I going to decide on a wedding dress?<br />
<br />
I decided to take my two bridesmaids to a few more bridal shops (I went to a total of 5 I think?!) to try more dresses. Some were definite "No's", some were "Maybes", and some were even on the "A" list. But none compared to "the" dress.<br />
<br />
So, on that Saturday afternoon, I called the bridal shop (and my salesgirl, who now knows me personally haha) and asked if I could come "visit" my dress. As soon as I put it on, my friends were speechless. Most importantly, I was speechless. All I could do was stare in the mirror at myself and hold back tears. I pictured myself walking down the dock (since we are getting married outside on a dock overlooking Baltimore -- sigh) towards Sean, and I couldn't see myself wearing anything else. That was it. I was sold. It was such a special moment, and I'm so glad I could share it with my friends and my two "moms". I can't wait until it comes in about 4-6 months from now!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWiZh4G38gKVN7sSOyBv0ISiiaTs-GUPBxxFMe1T69tdjneuyL0f-evPJaZIAHRzKn2L5aO1Q8ELdkVqK7p2JOdElh0rUut73_sLzwarEjSbJqAwR0gBrbc8_lC9SbqxDgygbYJBkF22T/s1600/IMG_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWiZh4G38gKVN7sSOyBv0ISiiaTs-GUPBxxFMe1T69tdjneuyL0f-evPJaZIAHRzKn2L5aO1Q8ELdkVqK7p2JOdElh0rUut73_sLzwarEjSbJqAwR0gBrbc8_lC9SbqxDgygbYJBkF22T/s320/IMG_4225.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Maid of honor, Me, Bridesmaid</b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><i>So now, onto the new job!</i></span><br />
<br />
Over the summer, I was barely nannying because the family I work for didn't need me very often. I wasn't making any money, and I knew the whole "hanging with the kids" thing wouldn't last forever. So, I casually started looking at HR jobs online (Human Resources Management is what my Master's program is). After applying to several jobs online and not hearing back, I decided to contact some friends from previous Grad School classes who already have good HR jobs. One girl immediately sent my resume to another girl who had a position open...and it turns out, I had a class with that girl as well! Double win!<br />
<br />
I interviewed on the phone, in person the next day, and got a job offer the following day. 2 weeks later, I said my farewells to the children (which was--and still is--tough, believe me) and began my journey as Human Resources Coordinator at Bon Secours Health Systems, Inc. So far, in these first 2 weeks, the job has been an absolute whirlwind, but also a blast. The organization itself is incredible. They are Catholic-based, and were founded by Sisters. They are all about service, helping others, and wellness and good health. One of my main projects I am working on is the Wellness Committee--I am in charge of health and wellness initiatives, events, and seminars. I am also in charge of new employee orientation and a slew of other projects. It's a lot on my plate, but everyone is so friendly and helpful, and I hope I will be a part of this organization for a long time.<br />
<br />
The only con? The commute! I was always spoiled by very short commutes, so now, driving in Baltimore traffic is killing me. It's only 25 miles away, but takes anywhere from 35 minutes to over an hour, depending on the day. I'm sure I will adjust, but boy am I pooped at the end of the day!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><i><b>Q: How long is your daily commute? Any tips on how to cope?</b></i></span></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-37447177253962477472013-07-06T18:43:00.000-04:002013-07-06T18:43:29.234-04:00Our Engagement Story (Over 2 Months Late...)So, here is how my engagement story goes.<br />
<br />
Sean and I met in Brewer's Hill in April of 2011, where we both were living at the time. Soon enough, we moved in together, and from our bedroom window each night, we could see Mr. Boh winking at us from the Natty Boh tower.<br />Our relationship continued to grow and blossom around all things Baltimore--Orioles games, local farmer's markets, trying new corner bars for Ravens games, and of course, drinking Natty Boh.<br />Fast forward two years. We are now living in the county but still go into the city often. On April 27, a beautiful sunny, 70-degree Saturday evening, Sean took me to Tark's Grill, a nearby restaurant we had never been to before. He told me to "dress nice" but to wear "comfortable shoes" because we were going to walk around the harbor downtown afterwards since the weather was so warm for April.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-IhLwugDoKdG2i35EAdY72q9xft2NkDoWJXe9zpSvXzDjLMkZMv-pd2Rrp5YBWAvaOKo9POwv_6NkrsWSctN9L4CI6YUMlCvCElQRM-SosxdIFZyaDa66QB0rZI1HJI0T-JtZ2jAyZv8/s1600/mebeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-IhLwugDoKdG2i35EAdY72q9xft2NkDoWJXe9zpSvXzDjLMkZMv-pd2Rrp5YBWAvaOKo9POwv_6NkrsWSctN9L4CI6YUMlCvCElQRM-SosxdIFZyaDa66QB0rZI1HJI0T-JtZ2jAyZv8/s320/mebeer.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me at dinner, unsuspecting!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRJSknonvB31Mhbxwdo6geJ4UMgJH9oyxVifdJmJJ8wpVz6QFqfRHRF7fh9hL333vx-a3ShPwQVy_QqzKJD485bNNv0wST6yezqBHbymdwuMgsBP0Ky7Q_Y33USXGwTGhBBObWd3IFSOB/s1600/salmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRJSknonvB31Mhbxwdo6geJ4UMgJH9oyxVifdJmJJ8wpVz6QFqfRHRF7fh9hL333vx-a3ShPwQVy_QqzKJD485bNNv0wST6yezqBHbymdwuMgsBP0Ky7Q_Y33USXGwTGhBBObWd3IFSOB/s320/salmon.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The salmon I ordered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I noticed during dinner that Sean kept glancing at his phone (which he never does), and that he left to go to the bathroom multiple times. He also rushed us out of the restaurant just as I was about to order another drink after dinner. I still didn't think much of it, because he said he wanted to get to the inner harbor to watch the sunset.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We decided to "have a few drinks" at a bar we like on the water. Well, instead of driving to Bo Brooks, Sean pulls into the parking lot of the National Bohemian tower. "I have a surprise for you", he says. "I arranged a private tour". When I asked him how that was even possible (I'm such a peach), he fed me some lie about a guy who went to his high school, blah blah blah. (For those of you not from Baltimore or unfamiliar with this landmark, click <a href="http://www.brewershill.net/" target="_blank">here</a> for more info about it--it has a great view of the city, and the "winking" Boh face is a Baltimore legend.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGwaqAzWTV-S6LzqkV2ZqZo7UKGqpQaVkcpaoAJFpkYjwfTXmtMXbjMxhGrZmskYmMynw1jZdFB_I1w3vP2t4c97FW48MyiPErpHq5Sk4A4hnWdG3v1DxYuxmjvo84Zxvr6XT2t3ARbdD/s1600/DSCN2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGwaqAzWTV-S6LzqkV2ZqZo7UKGqpQaVkcpaoAJFpkYjwfTXmtMXbjMxhGrZmskYmMynw1jZdFB_I1w3vP2t4c97FW48MyiPErpHq5Sk4A4hnWdG3v1DxYuxmjvo84Zxvr6XT2t3ARbdD/s320/DSCN2127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Still not sure what to think, but very excited, I went with him inside, where we were greeted by the building manager. Little did I know, Sean had arranged it all in advance with him. We had the entire building to ourselves since it was 7:30ish on a Saturday and offices were closed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dave, the building manager, took us up to the top floor in the elevator, where we saw the view from the offices there. Then he opened a door to the outside and pointed to a ladder on the side of the building. Sean told me to climb it and that it would be worth it to see the view of the city from the top.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe_cPQmYbPzWsxyh1L6f_bYJxDXto9GYyh1D79J3-N-s2tqcPxjTSoR2RR_oxzltvmGoymdySVvTLQ63O0vGF39hODlZZGEturZAdixslFWwXHiCfu27qF8HOQmGpYCbISsQX3FGJrjuE/s1600/DSCN2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe_cPQmYbPzWsxyh1L6f_bYJxDXto9GYyh1D79J3-N-s2tqcPxjTSoR2RR_oxzltvmGoymdySVvTLQ63O0vGF39hODlZZGEturZAdixslFWwXHiCfu27qF8HOQmGpYCbISsQX3FGJrjuE/s320/DSCN2128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I climbed to the top of the ladder, which is literally right next to Natty Boh's winking face, there was a blanket with champagne and glasses, plus 2 Natty Bohs and 2 Natty Boh hats (courtesy of our "friend" Dave). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaOAWlMFnPZKroo0FBYM8f0tOFHt4dzx3W4Hk9XJ4qVL94dj7qm84NrA8UJEKP2jPMtIP3HBm2S7IBfn8QLPSGhzavDZO6hn3ZIvUu0fqGcpjaj78C4VfqrWqwjUQSBlXlgcF3K9BYTMJ/s1600/DSCN2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaOAWlMFnPZKroo0FBYM8f0tOFHt4dzx3W4Hk9XJ4qVL94dj7qm84NrA8UJEKP2jPMtIP3HBm2S7IBfn8QLPSGhzavDZO6hn3ZIvUu0fqGcpjaj78C4VfqrWqwjUQSBlXlgcF3K9BYTMJ/s320/DSCN2131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was floored. It was then that I understood just what was happening. Sean got down on one knee and proposed, and then Dave (who left us alone when we climbed the ladder) let us have as much time as we needed on the roof. We sipped our drinks, took photos of the city and of us in front of Mr. Boh's face, and just enjoyed our first moments of being engaged while overlooking the neighborhood where we first met. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwpAf1gAMUyYrVXPHKlgyokp0qfVBUtbvvUym0ZL-k0PgWYW7reu7zDMNHOYU5_AEQ3TDTOzE3yb0zslsuwsUDt56Da8nlxtTHvSQy1vEfMEo9stWCmKRlsy6zQFnhUw7PGkbULM6Ln5A/s1600/DSCN2136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwpAf1gAMUyYrVXPHKlgyokp0qfVBUtbvvUym0ZL-k0PgWYW7reu7zDMNHOYU5_AEQ3TDTOzE3yb0zslsuwsUDt56Da8nlxtTHvSQy1vEfMEo9stWCmKRlsy6zQFnhUw7PGkbULM6Ln5A/s320/DSCN2136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaYz6X-TWzoHfFp5dZHdZSJ0JPN4HlseL4ohLiJ3FV7DQPSCBOxrg4lZjEr7SfIPSE_4sP3g5z7WPTQUzwlK_tONHqMYRBqCygJMnYuJA8JhRhuG6vMFi4ZKWA88er9rSmSblntOC5rvp/s1600/fingerboh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaYz6X-TWzoHfFp5dZHdZSJ0JPN4HlseL4ohLiJ3FV7DQPSCBOxrg4lZjEr7SfIPSE_4sP3g5z7WPTQUzwlK_tONHqMYRBqCygJMnYuJA8JhRhuG6vMFi4ZKWA88er9rSmSblntOC5rvp/s320/fingerboh.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhmFn2xhmRhQY7z9XEaEg2jY6BrZC2Pep-HeiyDYH5cQivJ8lbxcUuOPKRsXhbEN-jcHgm96FLtPvZKfJgwCnby1vQEKY1BWdcC5PBtD8tnn9QJnlWYxeaVZQVtwQZmdbxIsdte3fEMQt/s1600/DSCN2130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhmFn2xhmRhQY7z9XEaEg2jY6BrZC2Pep-HeiyDYH5cQivJ8lbxcUuOPKRsXhbEN-jcHgm96FLtPvZKfJgwCnby1vQEKY1BWdcC5PBtD8tnn9QJnlWYxeaVZQVtwQZmdbxIsdte3fEMQt/s320/DSCN2130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A908YsVdsMYfwllQXJe7od1l3NPFtoF9W0_psiij7GNeAYekLIr6Zx18G6BoDGYH9Mj8pbuFWlW7RprMTLW2HE0vfBkJ6U1CVw76OA7aA6ouZk3abow8PrR-0QPkjGKnAdtZUNUW_tZn/s1600/DSCN2132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A908YsVdsMYfwllQXJe7od1l3NPFtoF9W0_psiij7GNeAYekLIr6Zx18G6BoDGYH9Mj8pbuFWlW7RprMTLW2HE0vfBkJ6U1CVw76OA7aA6ouZk3abow8PrR-0QPkjGKnAdtZUNUW_tZn/s320/DSCN2132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6hIDUOpaqyCIXOelGUDZqyLedSKguKNd9gJ_pcz86uuchj7KuSrQtHYmINcTGGpmyLh6CTkghiJEo36viGj64cFJAZZ-LuCZcv5oaEfBcbc837piVElUvtgvRfMg-I7OOzvZPOhfZa8r/s1600/DSCN2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6hIDUOpaqyCIXOelGUDZqyLedSKguKNd9gJ_pcz86uuchj7KuSrQtHYmINcTGGpmyLh6CTkghiJEo36viGj64cFJAZZ-LuCZcv5oaEfBcbc837piVElUvtgvRfMg-I7OOzvZPOhfZa8r/s320/DSCN2138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTZt3QcpHyZ-3V0D9_ryH5-2eUVig5OcBoVVE5qZwEx8186TqUcZnNjaSU0PwRAbcGbFNA-Dmb6Q0HITUqb-PWox6bq0yIQLIHRXTqNH76Kx0U06w2xUyrJfQc4mqWftYegr-Nsizu3FX/s1600/DSCN2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTZt3QcpHyZ-3V0D9_ryH5-2eUVig5OcBoVVE5qZwEx8186TqUcZnNjaSU0PwRAbcGbFNA-Dmb6Q0HITUqb-PWox6bq0yIQLIHRXTqNH76Kx0U06w2xUyrJfQc4mqWftYegr-Nsizu3FX/s320/DSCN2139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0lG0HzTDan4NSYknhGTzG6U1YyUPClhk5kSMpV3sAeipuLLZAE45qR4yWNkCYYJm-kJhXoJ6KRWEE1wEdIaYqNHsy1MEG9_WIwEvLTPRYeJa_gAw697FIIqXF9MHPcuyXD3wmsfNKKNX/s1600/DSCN2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0lG0HzTDan4NSYknhGTzG6U1YyUPClhk5kSMpV3sAeipuLLZAE45qR4yWNkCYYJm-kJhXoJ6KRWEE1wEdIaYqNHsy1MEG9_WIwEvLTPRYeJa_gAw697FIIqXF9MHPcuyXD3wmsfNKKNX/s320/DSCN2141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dave then returned and took photos for us, which was great. (Side note: Dave had actually gone across the street to a restaurant and waited for Sean's text that it was ok to come back. Sean and I played a cruel joke on him by having Sean call to tell him "She said no, I need to get out of here", and when he rushed over we were laughing and joking and he though it was hilarious. Sooo mature almost-married adults, right here.) We were there for sunset and into the evening, which was incredible. Dave let us stay as long as we wanted, which was really generous because he took time out of his Saturday evening to help Sean set up this surprise.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUjyEbF74K8nlRbRl8rk290Tw7LiH73G_SSmzG1Mw7enJEErEafzOe4FQ1FZfDd_tB1JUQc3qjtMoLM0f_1gdCAoSuwctFcpF5D9BYUbzNgdRAZ48KQhNnTFfEgMs8M-FDXnDqN8AzO7R/s1600/DSCN2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUjyEbF74K8nlRbRl8rk290Tw7LiH73G_SSmzG1Mw7enJEErEafzOe4FQ1FZfDd_tB1JUQc3qjtMoLM0f_1gdCAoSuwctFcpF5D9BYUbzNgdRAZ48KQhNnTFfEgMs8M-FDXnDqN8AzO7R/s320/DSCN2152.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1HZnnhhKI-pywfqEaAlI1zGsW3JBi9sSJk3RnscVvNQF-ZxClhG028haMfjmiBD1F3cMbmn3gnj-JFnK73o0i48smKwXVEDhXt0UQ87GELG9B0MZTYjKZKgC-nlgZ_1coJokwKACqsj6/s1600/DSCN2154+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1HZnnhhKI-pywfqEaAlI1zGsW3JBi9sSJk3RnscVvNQF-ZxClhG028haMfjmiBD1F3cMbmn3gnj-JFnK73o0i48smKwXVEDhXt0UQ87GELG9B0MZTYjKZKgC-nlgZ_1coJokwKACqsj6/s320/DSCN2154+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9G5zeqeTEFvPBNtYmlvRxXCbxZi8_lHL6S-I8RdeOS7ogvLhIbDBmO4jWiRI1el2z4OOTRiG7gPoTIIk9K0CeruamikqIX7SbrLRF6d63qDEkO-ggjesdNZTolW0Y0BohCxanFI01FM3f/s1600/DSCN2159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9G5zeqeTEFvPBNtYmlvRxXCbxZi8_lHL6S-I8RdeOS7ogvLhIbDBmO4jWiRI1el2z4OOTRiG7gPoTIIk9K0CeruamikqIX7SbrLRF6d63qDEkO-ggjesdNZTolW0Y0BohCxanFI01FM3f/s320/DSCN2159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K1EB_jadV75dZUt-4W7k05JYD7zJI8X4zo7sJPTjA4TdiHNLwfD-4Os_hKFmz7VVgPrTVYAjpQgvKPMyRfavlKIwhP5AVTXIPjcaMWtW6g6mSsbpdOfgwbsakaKjrAygLtvtshn_ZGo5/s1600/DSCN2163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K1EB_jadV75dZUt-4W7k05JYD7zJI8X4zo7sJPTjA4TdiHNLwfD-4Os_hKFmz7VVgPrTVYAjpQgvKPMyRfavlKIwhP5AVTXIPjcaMWtW6g6mSsbpdOfgwbsakaKjrAygLtvtshn_ZGo5/s320/DSCN2163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdW2DAC8vsoR7HEXUFFTpKqs_Mp2q-rfQoFeWfsHJcpdXwOus_PKaO7c5MKUmLUi9uWXjJJAeYLwDzBUQiDfpBKqhEVF52ReLGKG7E4zepSfRCVAHdhZZtT2GoCpVZzaRgMJXCZoPTCwQ/s1600/DSCN2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdW2DAC8vsoR7HEXUFFTpKqs_Mp2q-rfQoFeWfsHJcpdXwOus_PKaO7c5MKUmLUi9uWXjJJAeYLwDzBUQiDfpBKqhEVF52ReLGKG7E4zepSfRCVAHdhZZtT2GoCpVZzaRgMJXCZoPTCwQ/s320/DSCN2167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only "flaw" to the evening was that Sean had put a video camera (that he secretly borrows from my Dad weeks in advance!) in hiding to capture the engagement, and it ended up dying JUST as he was getting down on one knee! We looked at the footage later, and even though it would have been great to capture the proposal, there is still some great footage of us coming up the ladder and his arm around me as we gaze out over the city. Plus, we will forever have that moment just between the two of us.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />As if this wasn't enough, there was more to the evening (!!!). Sean and I got in the car and decided to go to Fells Point to celebrate with drinks. We usually take forever to pick a place, but Sean said "Hey, Kooper's isn't crowded right now, let's go there". I was a little confused because we generally like to hop around, but I agreed, and when we walked into the upstairs of Kooper's, a really cool low-key bar, 25 of our family and friends were there waiting for us! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF5hcd6RzW0fDPMT4ccOjA_fVAjkLZReNCFK89F7NOGgSZSYuPoPccy42r-jgAz5xq1L-ZES6Hg7S9wm53nuh7j0koXaRUztlD2bix5eb7XgnixER5tWPpo0YYni-mqX7ZUV0LjnWeBDa/s1600/surprise!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF5hcd6RzW0fDPMT4ccOjA_fVAjkLZReNCFK89F7NOGgSZSYuPoPccy42r-jgAz5xq1L-ZES6Hg7S9wm53nuh7j0koXaRUztlD2bix5eb7XgnixER5tWPpo0YYni-mqX7ZUV0LjnWeBDa/s320/surprise!.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC-fHzIajXojXtdRxWyDqNLsUT_83ZBVvXf-WZxEBQ3tDzVBSVk7_hyQFs6I9bnh0OTlORzgTsQIH0V4U4YJDsEBZ-a7S-AZoTbIbkTcOcm5_klHpOPj_QnzMIVEWFFD96BO6jX4CWbV_/s1600/surprise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC-fHzIajXojXtdRxWyDqNLsUT_83ZBVvXf-WZxEBQ3tDzVBSVk7_hyQFs6I9bnh0OTlORzgTsQIH0V4U4YJDsEBZ-a7S-AZoTbIbkTcOcm5_klHpOPj_QnzMIVEWFFD96BO6jX4CWbV_/s320/surprise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sean had planned a private, open-bar, catered event weeks in advance, and the people we care most about were there: my mom & dad, my best friend and her husband, my uncle and cousins, Sean's mom and brother, and so many of our close friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrAuxZMT99BEWlxHwVHyyge0xIIwREDN0CNKhGW71-x0mreMCNlwU36QNbfa4DMi7ro985YgTnVAVPKnVauWgaQe85YBNvFsfNJX8FpNYRdP5zw0muoolgjPcfzZWJA-Hg4mFic8YDhwQ/s1600/menicki.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrAuxZMT99BEWlxHwVHyyge0xIIwREDN0CNKhGW71-x0mreMCNlwU36QNbfa4DMi7ro985YgTnVAVPKnVauWgaQe85YBNvFsfNJX8FpNYRdP5zw0muoolgjPcfzZWJA-Hg4mFic8YDhwQ/s320/menicki.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFw4r-q9GBRRLoVD9SguCRZNOv9ODGkRiUQs7H2N8-8dS4O9igYUa4DuNFmHNvP05MHa-5yf2UEyzf_FslBNsZVFHdfR4QKRGKKK3SKL_u8447ikoAlF9rRr1_D1cI0WRVvPVXsexXuQB/s1600/blinggg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFw4r-q9GBRRLoVD9SguCRZNOv9ODGkRiUQs7H2N8-8dS4O9igYUa4DuNFmHNvP05MHa-5yf2UEyzf_FslBNsZVFHdfR4QKRGKKK3SKL_u8447ikoAlF9rRr1_D1cI0WRVvPVXsexXuQB/s320/blinggg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF0B0t1Um4CCPre2SH03zJDcYH3g-g31m0GBDb8xOjHWTvU63l8rMrZbWKFeE8HCEJlMm1P679ZtW0OplfII11z3UJeGjIf44qKtbWHGi4W12_QaqoGfHRj6rg6NGlKI-29WfdraSB71b/s1600/cute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF0B0t1Um4CCPre2SH03zJDcYH3g-g31m0GBDb8xOjHWTvU63l8rMrZbWKFeE8HCEJlMm1P679ZtW0OplfII11z3UJeGjIf44qKtbWHGi4W12_QaqoGfHRj6rg6NGlKI-29WfdraSB71b/s320/cute.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvYU7JtzgXQTcDI66rvpaMiZ8hu-YN412GDu7zq3X0vVeQMcznWlq543jAf-EalQBWp0s0QzONX25XQZqxq2tqURsh-FpIpQ7hbOBQVTXAoJZRZhh3NMztMNQj__OSedNMWgN2Gt0f-GY/s1600/inlaws.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvYU7JtzgXQTcDI66rvpaMiZ8hu-YN412GDu7zq3X0vVeQMcznWlq543jAf-EalQBWp0s0QzONX25XQZqxq2tqURsh-FpIpQ7hbOBQVTXAoJZRZhh3NMztMNQj__OSedNMWgN2Gt0f-GY/s320/inlaws.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCj_X4Wa9Qj6xPQj9C3dCItQRl0Hgm9GUrZdFpR_6yNyyCvfuMFLp7TnIzYWQvBx7g8Mlrxqw2BD7pXDdGgm-YLOtkdcgEdvS0A6vy_izaRnvQgmZWFtT3OsRw_uV-z8COumQpE5A6aKi6/s1600/seanjayme.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCj_X4Wa9Qj6xPQj9C3dCItQRl0Hgm9GUrZdFpR_6yNyyCvfuMFLp7TnIzYWQvBx7g8Mlrxqw2BD7pXDdGgm-YLOtkdcgEdvS0A6vy_izaRnvQgmZWFtT3OsRw_uV-z8COumQpE5A6aKi6/s320/seanjayme.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzYWkqV80C7Dh3uJEUX11-q_uC93sRRCAeTrXeohvIP3c-R2trBbMf6tvFZ8bCdmSEC9krpS3j4sjSywi9X2gIevDK98zRE3RwrvRIJYanvpW0oVwvMX_5X60uaXACKoJp_3Xa0A63g8j/s1600/medad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzYWkqV80C7Dh3uJEUX11-q_uC93sRRCAeTrXeohvIP3c-R2trBbMf6tvFZ8bCdmSEC9krpS3j4sjSywi9X2gIevDK98zRE3RwrvRIJYanvpW0oVwvMX_5X60uaXACKoJp_3Xa0A63g8j/s320/medad.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPsnNsEofD42-oNuRylEXuXX2ZzIzxOZrSygWWlW8HLHYnzZII1_YNPC4WSBCpO494fQfybJ6k90L54-gQvFXnXIFXXkmhkHO6AT7RvsLUSw3iXNwgJRBBcxgtwdRhdLdeHXPeMM2m_g1/s1600/engagementphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPsnNsEofD42-oNuRylEXuXX2ZzIzxOZrSygWWlW8HLHYnzZII1_YNPC4WSBCpO494fQfybJ6k90L54-gQvFXnXIFXXkmhkHO6AT7RvsLUSw3iXNwgJRBBcxgtwdRhdLdeHXPeMM2m_g1/s320/engagementphoto.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_aahgstopfSFXWlZTOcQ7K7YUagFs1eSfFnsMYRIW8eyh50ZoJGYB5it9eRza7I5Oo3fK8cBlwSrZt6KcmR_ptTHex4Ke1Bu6M6Q450mzPpEC_nqOljgTnErTAl6lUAZA5uAhRUE6YvB/s1600/brookeme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_aahgstopfSFXWlZTOcQ7K7YUagFs1eSfFnsMYRIW8eyh50ZoJGYB5it9eRza7I5Oo3fK8cBlwSrZt6KcmR_ptTHex4Ke1Bu6M6Q450mzPpEC_nqOljgTnErTAl6lUAZA5uAhRUE6YvB/s320/brookeme.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To say I was blown away by the evening would be an understatement. Although I knew a proposal was coming (we have lived together almost 2 years, we had looked at rings together about 3 months prior, and talked about the future all the time), I truly didn't know when it would happen. Although there were some signs that I definitely picked up on (like me getting a 101.5 fever a few days before the "big day" and wondering why Sean was making such a big deal out of the importance of me getting better "immediately" haha), the thought that he put into it (and the money and time!) was just phenomenal and unimaginable. It was so "us", and so beautiful of him to include family and friends. It couldn't have been a better day, and a fantastic way to start the rest of our life together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGTlnd_qVjNI15tmbn2jj3B2NpYe4fe1n8-el8kRXabteEHY5MrYyMDlXADm72r5XgNw49EhNNrxyptFqF3d-jqrUkbXN999iaJ-41c4SNPp1kfKlSdbbHiOBSev7Iaqq7Jrvq7GxV0ru/s1600/engagementphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGTlnd_qVjNI15tmbn2jj3B2NpYe4fe1n8-el8kRXabteEHY5MrYyMDlXADm72r5XgNw49EhNNrxyptFqF3d-jqrUkbXN999iaJ-41c4SNPp1kfKlSdbbHiOBSev7Iaqq7Jrvq7GxV0ru/s320/engagementphoto.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFLqSUuzkZaEM8MS6qYTjc254ZWl0tpSRpsVw7U62euCyd5wEJUtFlxprjX29-cJDKpgQziDn75gPJjq8p1K5UWkit8A3gdTvBut8Gsi7QG0k06FfoV641ZuyHzqKVPc5l9TKfsxHy0Ll/s1600/engagementboh%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFLqSUuzkZaEM8MS6qYTjc254ZWl0tpSRpsVw7U62euCyd5wEJUtFlxprjX29-cJDKpgQziDn75gPJjq8p1K5UWkit8A3gdTvBut8Gsi7QG0k06FfoV641ZuyHzqKVPc5l9TKfsxHy0Ll/s320/engagementboh%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
P.S. Sean also had my dad videotape the surprise entrance and some footage from the party afterwards, so at least we have that :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-49631625594584230582013-06-20T21:26:00.003-04:002013-06-20T21:30:47.545-04:0025 Things I've Learned in 25 Years {Birthday Post}<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #783f04;">So. Tomorrow I turn 25. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KK-LdGyGK77ng3ACH8wFCAqc_iaVRsiybuEL6aLhBdXChvFSTvrMaoALyqRtLR8mQC7S6ipYYbgH6jincc0rrN5LoAoJiaZyWQxdZzMvcEUlFRd7JsthM-iClme2o-n60SlpzdlrZrGb/s1600/cupcake_with_candle-680x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KK-LdGyGK77ng3ACH8wFCAqc_iaVRsiybuEL6aLhBdXChvFSTvrMaoALyqRtLR8mQC7S6ipYYbgH6jincc0rrN5LoAoJiaZyWQxdZzMvcEUlFRd7JsthM-iClme2o-n60SlpzdlrZrGb/s320/cupcake_with_candle-680x1024.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One quarter century of life. It boggles my mind how much I have grown, and how much I still have yet to grow. I can't believe I was just shy of 21 when I started this blog. Time passes so quickly. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know this is totally cliché, and is pretty much a carbon copy of every
<a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/" target="_blank">Thought Catalog </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">article
that exists. But, I mostly did this for myself. To reflect on what is important
to me at age 25, and what I have learned in these 25 years, and what I have yet
to learn. I'm not trying to say that I'm expert on these 25 things. Most of these are simply things I have realized are important to me that I am
constantly trying to work on. I’m sure 5 or 10 years from now, my older, wiser
self might read this blog post and cringe. But, that’s the beauty of life—we are forever
evolving, learning, and growing. So, without further ado, here are 25 things I
have learned in 25 years:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #783f04;">25 Things
I've Learned in 25 Years of Life:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.
Give hugs freely. They are an instant mood booster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.
Sleep. It is not only essential, it feels like heaven to hit the sheets after a
long day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3.
That problem you have that seems like a huge deal? It won't matter in 5 years
(or even in 5 days!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.
Be assertive. Tell people how you feel. Stand up for yourself when necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.
Do NOT be afraid to say no. You cannot please everyone, and you shouldn't waste
your time trying to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6.
Work hard. Suck it up. Take a job that you think is "below" you.
These are tough economic times. Tough it up and work hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7.
That being said, if you are absolutely miserable in your job (or relationship,
or any part of your life), DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Go to grad school. Dump the
jerk. Go into a place of business and hand someone your resume in person. And
call to follow up. Over and over again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8.
Take a time out from social media every now and again. Yes, Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter are awesome. They allow us to meet new people and learn
new things. Just don't forget to spend time with the people you love--without a
screen in front of your face. Play a board game. Go for a walk outside. Be one
with nature. Remember there is a whole world out there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9.
Stop comparing your life milestones to someone else's. At 25, some of my friends
are married with 4 kids. Some are lawyers making six figures. Some are still
living in Mom & Dad's basement playing guitar hero and working part-time at
Costco. You know what? Who cares?! Do what makes you happy, and don't feel
pressured to get married/move in with your boyfriend/have a kid/go to law
school if you aren't ready, or if you just plain don’t want to, ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10.
Avoid drama. You’d think it would go away with puberty, but it doesn’t. In some
cases, it gets even worse. But you know what? It's not worth it. Leave it
alone. Women need to stop hating on other women. We face enough adversity as a
gender to begin with—why add to the problem by tearing each other down?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11.
Quit comparing yourselves to other women. There will ALWAYS be someone
skinnier/prettier/smarter/more fun/more successful than you. Find what you love
about yourself and embrace it. Learn to deal with those things you can't change
(I used to hate my freckles. Now? They're bad ass).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12.
Take good care of your body. I learned this the hard way, through many years of
starving myself, running myself ragged, and being hospitalized with a
conglomeration of health problems. I WAS the skinniest girl in the room back then,
and you know what? It f***ing sucked. I was miserable. Remember, the next time
you find yourself "jealous" of another woman's “success”, that you
have no idea what is going on under the surface.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13.
More important than your body, take care of your soul. Find your passion. Read,
sing, dance, explore, create. LIVE.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14.
Stop trying to change people. It's not going to work. The older I get, the
clearer it becomes that some people just plain suck, and they always will.
Don't dwell on it. Find good, decent human beings who make you happy, and
surround yourself with them instead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15.
Learn about the world. Learn about world issues. Look at both sides of the
story. Learn the facts before you assume anything. Start becoming a citizen of
the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">16.
Be careful what you post online. Those pictures of you and your bestie taking
body shots off of a hairy man's chest might seem awesome at 21, but at 25 you
will be cringing with embarrassment--as will future employers, future husbands,
and your future children. Even a picture that is "untagged" or “deleted”
is likely still floating in cyberspace somewhere, so please--use discretion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17.
However, it's ok to let loose sometimes. Tequila shots on a Wednesday when you
had a bad day at work? Sure, go for it--as long as it isn't a daily habit.
Sometimes, you just need that second (or third) glass of wine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18.
Read the fine print. Whether it's a lease for a home or car, some other major
purchase, or even just some random toaster you found on Amazon, do your
research. Read reviews. Ask around. You'll be glad you did later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19.
Step outside your comfort zone. It could be as small as trying a new cuisine,
or as extreme as flying solo to a new country. Stretch yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">20.
Work on the relationships that matter--and know when to let go of the ones that
don't. My mom and I have had quite a rocky past. But, you know what? She's my
mom, I love her, she birthed me and has provided for me, and I want her to have
a relationship with her future grandkids. So, we worked it out. (Are things
perfect? Of course not. But we are better than we have ever been before). It
took years of therapy, arguments, and awkward conversations for us to get to
such a happy point. That being said, know when to cut ties. If someone is
harming your wellbeing to a damaging point and nothing seems to work to change
that, it might be time to let go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">21.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is from a trained therapist or from
a friend or family member, swallow your pride and ask for help when necessary.
Part of being an adult is realizing when you just can't do it all by yourself.
That's ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">22.
Treat yourself. Life is too short to never splurge on that fancy dinner out,
that designer handbag, that spa treatment, or that saucy pair of shoes. Just
make sure it is within reason, and only once in awhile. The novelty wears off
if you keep doing it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">23.
Stop worrying (so much) about what other people think. Of course, you want your
boss to respect you, and you want your significant other's parents to like you.
But guess what? Not everyone is going to like you. And that's ok. After all, do
you like every single person you meet? Of course not. As long as you impress
the people that matter, you're golden. (And if not, to hell with them.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">24.
Say you're sorry. Life is too short to be a stubborn asshole. Admit when you're
wrong. Stand up for yourself when you're right, but please...choose your
battles wisely. Sometimes, it's just not worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">25.
Love is the most important thing. Always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">I'll be back with a recap of my birthday weekend! :)</span></b></i></span></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1018</o:Words>
<o:Characters>5809</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Susquehanna University</o:Company>
<o:Lines>48</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>13</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>6814</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F1F1F1; mso-line-height-alt: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2/images/cleardot.gif"
style='width:1pt;height:1pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/cocosid/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image001.gif"
o:title="//mail.google.com/mail/u/2/images/cleardot.gif"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img alt="Description: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2/images/cleardot.gif" height="3" src="file://localhost/Users/cocosid/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image002.png" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1" width="3" /><!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-5892544294923069582013-04-30T10:34:00.000-04:002013-04-30T10:34:28.467-04:00We're Engaged!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-kL_EvCE3m6e30AefC8L2PX7Ox51zO3-3kzzS5jSINhctR6v0Wt5xtEojvXr3RGFu_MLc37OCpFG7dEVzg98zq7AZSPFHK2t5nCorjx9kQqaLUug-QAf9nlQaZIQH2fbbrihu58f11H9/s1600/DSCN2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-kL_EvCE3m6e30AefC8L2PX7Ox51zO3-3kzzS5jSINhctR6v0Wt5xtEojvXr3RGFu_MLc37OCpFG7dEVzg98zq7AZSPFHK2t5nCorjx9kQqaLUug-QAf9nlQaZIQH2fbbrihu58f11H9/s320/DSCN2127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQohfgfFclKAzXL11JTylFZwNHpSkiz12v4Pr4Cv_IeEP7e7AKxQjm7Mfe5-TaWYjc67RlbpNNxvkyT5mSMXa8yMjTr4i3l6PVfDb3wfnHnYZqFYODsLxkZWo9txTtFkSrvh8vM8l8Xz64/s1600/DSCN2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQohfgfFclKAzXL11JTylFZwNHpSkiz12v4Pr4Cv_IeEP7e7AKxQjm7Mfe5-TaWYjc67RlbpNNxvkyT5mSMXa8yMjTr4i3l6PVfDb3wfnHnYZqFYODsLxkZWo9txTtFkSrvh8vM8l8Xz64/s320/DSCN2128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk7R6x1vn3LlKwfZJs4ne5l12POKEHWxqInsaX_C0mTAB3pUGCt0j4IUY4g-8MJUBNQ6Ok40fzAUuuK3NKYrjWsStcCj6xpSecbEmBRciO1zRb3WbaAmUQ_H0Ksjk_5gtfJlCU05lvOSe/s1600/DSCN2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk7R6x1vn3LlKwfZJs4ne5l12POKEHWxqInsaX_C0mTAB3pUGCt0j4IUY4g-8MJUBNQ6Ok40fzAUuuK3NKYrjWsStcCj6xpSecbEmBRciO1zRb3WbaAmUQ_H0Ksjk_5gtfJlCU05lvOSe/s320/DSCN2131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJrJyYgqDG8sGTSppKXeuJNBzS46yi4fIkgGpx2-Ug-S2RR04wO2ITG29fa9jZA_JYqdviyVdAzYvziJWlGN3JsKs0YR_Mruebou8PLV12vSva09McR3fz4AIMmPlTjFK2GIdhY7SBiyw/s1600/DSCN2132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJrJyYgqDG8sGTSppKXeuJNBzS46yi4fIkgGpx2-Ug-S2RR04wO2ITG29fa9jZA_JYqdviyVdAzYvziJWlGN3JsKs0YR_Mruebou8PLV12vSva09McR3fz4AIMmPlTjFK2GIdhY7SBiyw/s320/DSCN2132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GCwoqC0T5ZeSXxtomd2N5EY2zOR_iHCC7jnIRbd8BqreiLQJSaP9vBsgsc4cie7TSg3FylerR5Dr16a7FN5DOZtpaWVXjZ4grYt6RAgSPZOSJHZsBH9D5K5sbIdpsDgjupRmTIvwJF_t/s1600/fingerboh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GCwoqC0T5ZeSXxtomd2N5EY2zOR_iHCC7jnIRbd8BqreiLQJSaP9vBsgsc4cie7TSg3FylerR5Dr16a7FN5DOZtpaWVXjZ4grYt6RAgSPZOSJHZsBH9D5K5sbIdpsDgjupRmTIvwJF_t/s320/fingerboh.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsrgOEAlBvXhfOOhQ1PnOt4PXHuDdsgXNk2qB4XJKCZAzXbhKnFaVtyLf8UmJzwvtrzq1nki1lO7Mk_TN34a0qgCRCmzacT7zby-iiUCs19d3SgsYPZRJm3L6tOxqBg8iXtT7qgdYs6RT/s1600/champagneboh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsrgOEAlBvXhfOOhQ1PnOt4PXHuDdsgXNk2qB4XJKCZAzXbhKnFaVtyLf8UmJzwvtrzq1nki1lO7Mk_TN34a0qgCRCmzacT7zby-iiUCs19d3SgsYPZRJm3L6tOxqBg8iXtT7qgdYs6RT/s320/champagneboh.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZCPp9f2UP0IppS-BtCJU1hc3gv0sw_WeTYabecNkbzWnL-R65zF0-7JZ2aO4jflyR9jIKHYtOdjLbZiP0cZmYNxL0SidNRARSolA_p3xEulBaIrqljamhqRQ3FvsdP73ZXyWjPn-M0in/s1600/DSCN2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZCPp9f2UP0IppS-BtCJU1hc3gv0sw_WeTYabecNkbzWnL-R65zF0-7JZ2aO4jflyR9jIKHYtOdjLbZiP0cZmYNxL0SidNRARSolA_p3xEulBaIrqljamhqRQ3FvsdP73ZXyWjPn-M0in/s320/DSCN2154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hVKjBYeyV5NXktuEakqK_DsVMHqELsLhgbpbLKFi2vYG9zjQW6T6hicO4uvsd7jngzHVi-08j6wtuVVmPRVp9ac9y4Py11AlgvcK4hKD-c1PTdr82NznngnhHCASjFpEYsw3CQccqmBY/s1600/DSCN2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hVKjBYeyV5NXktuEakqK_DsVMHqELsLhgbpbLKFi2vYG9zjQW6T6hicO4uvsd7jngzHVi-08j6wtuVVmPRVp9ac9y4Py11AlgvcK4hKD-c1PTdr82NznngnhHCASjFpEYsw3CQccqmBY/s320/DSCN2167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0LZV0OWTF3UybCDfw5FECbc1BkuuVJAPhCvOW2S63KtIzxn4yM5WKHQu8dsiaNW8JAtpI2zV91fMDU5DXCQy85Yj53tDI1M3VDeg7bJIGq4XmZqR8wPy_yKh3FLuCpupRpDI1CVC2Aa2/s1600/surprise!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0LZV0OWTF3UybCDfw5FECbc1BkuuVJAPhCvOW2S63KtIzxn4yM5WKHQu8dsiaNW8JAtpI2zV91fMDU5DXCQy85Yj53tDI1M3VDeg7bJIGq4XmZqR8wPy_yKh3FLuCpupRpDI1CVC2Aa2/s320/surprise!.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cm_Npktq1zWYCBtACdvjbxkSVkzfKEbRYvslErQGy_Pb3_PP_TQ_Nj0Gpw77N9_y_seyBEKF4KCuaZcPf8kHEN2VMEuZCrki4-48lZ5sOc0lqnR8XF8aExMLlJRBB8dLxbE4K47bd6WX/s1600/hugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cm_Npktq1zWYCBtACdvjbxkSVkzfKEbRYvslErQGy_Pb3_PP_TQ_Nj0Gpw77N9_y_seyBEKF4KCuaZcPf8kHEN2VMEuZCrki4-48lZ5sOc0lqnR8XF8aExMLlJRBB8dLxbE4K47bd6WX/s320/hugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Nq6uXfKk_k4j0tDNyKW3ecV9Jp9XtjzdgkMCEG1DaUHqQdgy7qzFGyt7nrsMX-9azZMOWnLWIBqf-fZD7rsvIZleaevAfweFO2onUJrH_s0qTxZrR-D5jsUt9pTmxv6tKiHmGwJ9sCjO/s1600/480344_4891068834222_1484582524_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Nq6uXfKk_k4j0tDNyKW3ecV9Jp9XtjzdgkMCEG1DaUHqQdgy7qzFGyt7nrsMX-9azZMOWnLWIBqf-fZD7rsvIZleaevAfweFO2onUJrH_s0qTxZrR-D5jsUt9pTmxv6tKiHmGwJ9sCjO/s320/480344_4891068834222_1484582524_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUucCmBYQv00FJrQatldY2Q4V7E0kvj-Nt-ROs7IpEp8zo8P9ULPIB66sFgGvHkXk0Led4-MiXPI8LLK0zNe8UlOETwHgfvfx81NhRwnysNzW5EvjZonwpO-Jkz5Gi3gLfGbQXJY3BcfnO/s1600/gorgeousring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUucCmBYQv00FJrQatldY2Q4V7E0kvj-Nt-ROs7IpEp8zo8P9ULPIB66sFgGvHkXk0Led4-MiXPI8LLK0zNe8UlOETwHgfvfx81NhRwnysNzW5EvjZonwpO-Jkz5Gi3gLfGbQXJY3BcfnO/s320/gorgeousring.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIe9rjp5pobc474uJMhMk6dT3vMcMhZOKrJGySt1sYZSMGJVQ-oXrgDH3Xg-mLJrG_4OoyhHdxIW1zzmAUU8gGyh3PNkAZj4EI8H7vqM-YBeFoTzKGeQKRGfRTgd0L8IX82hfPSUfhRUxw/s1600/engagementphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIe9rjp5pobc474uJMhMk6dT3vMcMhZOKrJGySt1sYZSMGJVQ-oXrgDH3Xg-mLJrG_4OoyhHdxIW1zzmAUU8gGyh3PNkAZj4EI8H7vqM-YBeFoTzKGeQKRGfRTgd0L8IX82hfPSUfhRUxw/s320/engagementphoto.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Details to follow in my next post!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's just say Sean really pulled out all the stops. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It. Was. Perfect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So happy.</div>
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-82516430131509275982013-04-12T14:47:00.000-04:002013-04-12T14:47:04.849-04:00Two MonthsIt's been TWO MONTHS since I last posted.<br />
<br />
Yikes.<br />
<br />
So, what have I been up to?<br />
<br />
A lot. I've been busy.<br />
<br />
<i>Really</i> busy.<br />
<br />
Some good stuff, some bad.<br />
<br />
First of all, I've been working (still a nanny to these two gorgeous kiddos!) 45+ hours per week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwD1TB6y81uW8Ng1whUYVKOaWjixs8aP9WVOSy_A9_H6t-ndiPwfCYf3TUa2DAahKQNfd9eYP6JiYDY5Ypklz2tvU4msrWTqDy7kLcRboEiup8ghqY1gbwMkhoVBeOSi3Qw2MnNGISkcXY/s1600/william.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwD1TB6y81uW8Ng1whUYVKOaWjixs8aP9WVOSy_A9_H6t-ndiPwfCYf3TUa2DAahKQNfd9eYP6JiYDY5Ypklz2tvU4msrWTqDy7kLcRboEiup8ghqY1gbwMkhoVBeOSi3Qw2MnNGISkcXY/s320/william.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5wSPBl6aDwpEf-iqOXUodPRBnl1Njj4vIirsLqRa8Ld2PmhwjiZFmJHfyp42LYKQTdGRx5ArtrbKGcbCxH8HrKa_xUBCvlC-TmowbJsVNN7GBbHzEE-cVEobt9TUaumyG3Bzx2etza4_/s1600/katelyn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5wSPBl6aDwpEf-iqOXUodPRBnl1Njj4vIirsLqRa8Ld2PmhwjiZFmJHfyp42LYKQTdGRx5ArtrbKGcbCxH8HrKa_xUBCvlC-TmowbJsVNN7GBbHzEE-cVEobt9TUaumyG3Bzx2etza4_/s320/katelyn.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been attending Grad School twice a week in the evenings...and I've been dominating! Can you say 98% on my first paper AND my first exam?!<br />
<br />
I've been doing lots of fun social stuff. Hanging with friends, going to new bars and restaurants, going to <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2012/06/scenes-from-weekend.html" target="_blank">Orioles baseball games</a> (remember how I love my <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/search/label/sports" target="_blank">Baltimore Orioles</a>?) We weren't able to make Opening Day at Camden Yards this year (work work work), but we went the next day...close enough.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher3QBt6vNM5bX84mUFjVMhU3OIqhKTXr1qvGwuxpTtHeLA3YZQH_WdGYdPLPhrRLypuDj1YgrsU0ZlFcVWpZU0i-oig1NGGNVDEX25pre533o2VQXCwyAggl_BRctmd2c4JqQ7AeMupsx/s1600/seanmecalripken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher3QBt6vNM5bX84mUFjVMhU3OIqhKTXr1qvGwuxpTtHeLA3YZQH_WdGYdPLPhrRLypuDj1YgrsU0ZlFcVWpZU0i-oig1NGGNVDEX25pre533o2VQXCwyAggl_BRctmd2c4JqQ7AeMupsx/s320/seanmecalripken.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhQTpPRaeeaspvDTnW9GTHyFKAZc6eoaBRzP9pvdyqn1nWB0OF6zzz6chHVRlVByELWYkpEbdn4hkzJR4ZQTG2dhWRVEIBGcpYsuJ_ooeedDNlGu6p6U50e8usVbJOLy-QeWP5UEbzovG/s1600/seanmeorioles2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhQTpPRaeeaspvDTnW9GTHyFKAZc6eoaBRzP9pvdyqn1nWB0OF6zzz6chHVRlVByELWYkpEbdn4hkzJR4ZQTG2dhWRVEIBGcpYsuJ_ooeedDNlGu6p6U50e8usVbJOLy-QeWP5UEbzovG/s320/seanmeorioles2013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OC5x7n4ZVAQEfzIF2VQxoNDVN0GspTQVtMUGK7Age6vJKGno9T-FqMJbta_yZis7p1nBZGUR_iqH22AcOezR7SZtaIWLcCm3miAc4CKCu06CdtLI-RsiFx-x9qXjCiJbBKVb3V4aGa_-/s1600/openingweekend2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OC5x7n4ZVAQEfzIF2VQxoNDVN0GspTQVtMUGK7Age6vJKGno9T-FqMJbta_yZis7p1nBZGUR_iqH22AcOezR7SZtaIWLcCm3miAc4CKCu06CdtLI-RsiFx-x9qXjCiJbBKVb3V4aGa_-/s320/openingweekend2013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Things with the man are going wonderfully. His mom met my parents for the first time last weekend, and they all got along great! Huge sigh of relief...I may or may not have taken a shot of vodka before that dinner...haha.<br />
<br />
A few not-so-pleasant things have been going on as well. A girl I knew since middle school died in a plane crash in Afghanistan on March 11 while on deployment. She was an Army Helicopter Pilot, and she just got married in November. The viewing/wake was pretty rough. She was 27 and was excited to start her family. I was pretty torn up about it for awhile, and it still makes me cry when I think about it. Especially because I have a brother the same age who is also a military pilot...I just can't imagine losing him, and I can't imagine the pain her husband must be going through.<br />
<br />
A few other personal things have been going on that have been difficult emotionally, but I don't want to bring negativity onto my blog by discussing it here (and I'd rather protect my own privacy and the privacy of all those involved).<br />
<br />
However, I will say that things with my boyfriend are INCREDIBLE, so it's not that. And everyone in my immediate family is happy and healthy. In fact, my sister-in-law is expecting a second little girl--now I will have <span style="color: #c27ba0;">TWO NIECES </span>to spoil!<br />
<br />
Gah...I am so excited. I already have visions of two little flower girls at my future wedding!<br />
<br />
Ok, time to go...I'm nannying and the baby is about to wake up...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">How has your April been?</span></i></div>
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-32543759153235219682013-02-14T14:54:00.001-05:002013-02-14T14:54:15.275-05:00To My Blog Valentines<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Happy</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Valentine's </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Day!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Honestly, I've never been a huge Valentine's Day fan, whether I was single or in a relationship. Even when I had a serious boyfriend all through college, we never really did anything too crazy for Valentine's Day...it always just seemed like an excuse for stores to rake in more money. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
However, I'm certainly no Valentine's Day Scrooge, either. I always wear <span style="color: #cc0000;">red</span> or <span style="color: #c27ba0;">pink</span>, love giving out (and receiving) candy hearts and heart-shaped chocolates, and love to send cards and e-cards to my family and friends each year.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, imagine my surprise when I woke up to<b><i> quite a festive sight</i></b> this morning:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmXApAA-ebOzV5P15NUShrh7pisIterGjg_faIgkiWZwiNO4XKnqsvBIdI3Tw1EsWcYxPixV2JqDD43-HsPBblmCF1mjznhQEqfK_oCpm76ntTViJTIrh39DtQqZ2BQm32KUHhyHRQkgG/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmXApAA-ebOzV5P15NUShrh7pisIterGjg_faIgkiWZwiNO4XKnqsvBIdI3Tw1EsWcYxPixV2JqDD43-HsPBblmCF1mjznhQEqfK_oCpm76ntTViJTIrh39DtQqZ2BQm32KUHhyHRQkgG/s320/photo+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Inside the card was a simple, heartfelt note, and a <a href="http://livingsocial.com/" target="_blank">Livingsocial</a> deal for a Pub Crawl! Yesss. What made this whole setup extra special was that Sean and I go to bed at the same time, and I wake up before him...which means he snuck out in the middle of the night to set this up.<b> I love that man.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, the rest of my day has been spent with my mini-Valentine:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaNPnd3h9_vJOG5IQswKOC-4WyWy1es-h9g6OZgGYYxiXx_ZNrobIL4rDUUFPeG8MV8-RosWdW7B61ngl8Q9Re1NjcwcAY7J7KuTx1Ot2o93Egi4bZ1O4qq79Hbe54wKEhar_8JRpQwW5/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaNPnd3h9_vJOG5IQswKOC-4WyWy1es-h9g6OZgGYYxiXx_ZNrobIL4rDUUFPeG8MV8-RosWdW7B61ngl8Q9Re1NjcwcAY7J7KuTx1Ot2o93Egi4bZ1O4qq79Hbe54wKEhar_8JRpQwW5/s320/photo+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Being a <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2012/12/where-hello-have-i-been.html" target="_blank">nanny </a>is still going really well. Other things going on lately?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIwjk764S3Ef5l15_aaSWahiSfyRk_YWs0HFYyH_4hrIpN3xePw_VG0a6dvH3ZldGWtxZGHaCaju6MpJbPGEMA1IG9RZXk26kNSP_jHynEm-wcdtPKR-bqZiETLmVZ2XKxti882qKmgCI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIwjk764S3Ef5l15_aaSWahiSfyRk_YWs0HFYyH_4hrIpN3xePw_VG0a6dvH3ZldGWtxZGHaCaju6MpJbPGEMA1IG9RZXk26kNSP_jHynEm-wcdtPKR-bqZiETLmVZ2XKxti882qKmgCI/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="282" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2012/12/where-hello-have-i-been.html" target="_blank">Grad school. </a></b>I am loving it so far, but it is (of course) very hard work. I am still trying to get into the groove and find my rhythm with paper-writing, textbook-reading, and studying--all while working 40+ hours per week (I work a lot of weekend hours, too). So...sorry for the lack of blogging.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Other things I've enjoyed include crock pot meals:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmx7zTp_3-m2J7xwoyipya6VvVcBMXfCaE8FiXdCNv1r_NOhQdb7lOzgzMWFXSa0xLrThIsn2nLT4xXaQ8u8DaIemeAheUhLFwkp3HgXk27ETeerTWXA5_DwOPhhPcz8JFXywfrXMu1Bm/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmx7zTp_3-m2J7xwoyipya6VvVcBMXfCaE8FiXdCNv1r_NOhQdb7lOzgzMWFXSa0xLrThIsn2nLT4xXaQ8u8DaIemeAheUhLFwkp3HgXk27ETeerTWXA5_DwOPhhPcz8JFXywfrXMu1Bm/s320/photo+2+(1).JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(with a side of wine, of course)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Football games:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaUSGQbZNMDPK0JAkroI0rTIc5xemc-6pkW9WuDuQ4fhpKPAJG2oT6aeHiMSA1z0cYG0nPBn8vU-jpYgUmdu9l1NCZaj33IY_b5xgnJIU80KWEt3RWhHLV7OrJ9M5PLZkhaSD_az39Ok2/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaUSGQbZNMDPK0JAkroI0rTIc5xemc-6pkW9WuDuQ4fhpKPAJG2oT6aeHiMSA1z0cYG0nPBn8vU-jpYgUmdu9l1NCZaj33IY_b5xgnJIU80KWEt3RWhHLV7OrJ9M5PLZkhaSD_az39Ok2/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(This was taken before the Super Bowl, when my <a href="http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/47" target="_blank">RAVENS won</a>!!! That hasn't happened since I was a kid, so needless to say I was PUMPED)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And random trips to visit friends in interesting, fairly-nearby places:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YUgE8zr0nRBjep5DfwAxdmv4XZXELnNNSi5fy6Imu4ddszfN3u3KTHsQoezegc4AEYNnzVSoe4HgTfe8Wu1n1ZAkB7vOzviDvP_L1bL-94gmRwXoJpgVfWjaFOIFAhQ7vd7zslRf_6wd/s1600/meseanbell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YUgE8zr0nRBjep5DfwAxdmv4XZXELnNNSi5fy6Imu4ddszfN3u3KTHsQoezegc4AEYNnzVSoe4HgTfe8Wu1n1ZAkB7vOzviDvP_L1bL-94gmRwXoJpgVfWjaFOIFAhQ7vd7zslRf_6wd/s320/meseanbell.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gQ4R13nWKMUvudNI2xoy5nlv8ABBM-jwZCn3CxMLX_j_MKz_s02cwN9Ww9ggNN-kN4holJZXOvgevGgrazNypWkSsKX4ST7FGrUn71jfDw3M5yCQUfmoVucgTr523qivV4qC4zwuPBlz/s1600/meseancityhall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gQ4R13nWKMUvudNI2xoy5nlv8ABBM-jwZCn3CxMLX_j_MKz_s02cwN9Ww9ggNN-kN4holJZXOvgevGgrazNypWkSsKX4ST7FGrUn71jfDw3M5yCQUfmoVucgTr523qivV4qC4zwuPBlz/s320/meseancityhall.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(Philadelphia, PA)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just wanted to post a quick little update to let you know what I've been up to lately. Off to do some reading for school and have some chocolates! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Have a day filled with love and sweetness!</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-17479291455299218532013-01-15T15:05:00.001-05:002013-01-15T15:05:17.608-05:00Life Lately and Goal ProgressA random photo montage of life as of late:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some baby-wranglin':</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0Gi-n51Gs6rvfn4zrioLZVr_ig-b6cmRFvTwcKIV2YwJltzFTbx1d_0FNgY12VELjVGJjz0zCHDmvvWsT3wtdDmsWwvLoSwuz7VShKe3_w2BVBlsln4QHP-ujXD2-O6VN8oLhmztAKhr/s1600/babycat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0Gi-n51Gs6rvfn4zrioLZVr_ig-b6cmRFvTwcKIV2YwJltzFTbx1d_0FNgY12VELjVGJjz0zCHDmvvWsT3wtdDmsWwvLoSwuz7VShKe3_w2BVBlsln4QHP-ujXD2-O6VN8oLhmztAKhr/s320/babycat.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6X3AwINFq1kCzPGB0Dh9JMe-OeCu2CyhclWL8sDrU3C6iExazXhtGTHcytxQ72sIZpLGSCFHToxN1tvr-uINsB4cXZTfoOivTA11B8KDYt61PbSbuawH4jm-kGiXIZfwHDAblQ6hBchh/s1600/kidbook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6X3AwINFq1kCzPGB0Dh9JMe-OeCu2CyhclWL8sDrU3C6iExazXhtGTHcytxQ72sIZpLGSCFHToxN1tvr-uINsB4cXZTfoOivTA11B8KDYt61PbSbuawH4jm-kGiXIZfwHDAblQ6hBchh/s320/kidbook.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...Some family (and friend!) time:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f3_FX5-H1Ecz_TkiXFMuJ-Nkx9x2qx8DrYD0HjYJ8Vrdx8u9JsVBimrcqCmrOue5QSu_IA_JLOiUJX1rjkJex2US242tgGKuTksjSg4Kloxhu5JzRG7-D_YH5xj7vDlvOXunQmDFxOWg/s1600/mechuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f3_FX5-H1Ecz_TkiXFMuJ-Nkx9x2qx8DrYD0HjYJ8Vrdx8u9JsVBimrcqCmrOue5QSu_IA_JLOiUJX1rjkJex2US242tgGKuTksjSg4Kloxhu5JzRG7-D_YH5xj7vDlvOXunQmDFxOWg/s320/mechuck.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(that's me and my Uncle)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...Some <a href="http://www.wineenthusiast.com/large-wine-cork-board-kit.asp?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=ppc&AFID=ZFRG&SRCCODE=PGGL10&gclid=COaPw4GT67QCFUbf4AodHgkAMg" target="_blank">(kind of)</a> DIY projects:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgwyc1VXCmpplTZlEuiAgOMtWtHzTLdt2wIkW1qwuikT76E8sl9GuEc837TFHHpdHOQoJA7ZAy27zh1-idYI3rLyTLKO1v-mVgvbEDdgdH5Mxb54L24mLhyGySn9RKBbYwsUNWqxeQoJ1/s1600/winecorkboard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgwyc1VXCmpplTZlEuiAgOMtWtHzTLdt2wIkW1qwuikT76E8sl9GuEc837TFHHpdHOQoJA7ZAy27zh1-idYI3rLyTLKO1v-mVgvbEDdgdH5Mxb54L24mLhyGySn9RKBbYwsUNWqxeQoJ1/s320/winecorkboard.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgFSrpmrm4jpdc-07mdE7z4p7z8QE_oqZ1aS9OxcZD7BMo2hyphenhyphenbVt2zoN14djMukqjPUljcve9yLVtgznrLuxz6z9IBkXAKERUMolI3dkfw-AifMwC7c3DZnY-yafkN43A8HsNk95l-ybg/s1600/mywreath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgFSrpmrm4jpdc-07mdE7z4p7z8QE_oqZ1aS9OxcZD7BMo2hyphenhyphenbVt2zoN14djMukqjPUljcve9yLVtgznrLuxz6z9IBkXAKERUMolI3dkfw-AifMwC7c3DZnY-yafkN43A8HsNk95l-ybg/s320/mywreath.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/63496/ravens-get-patriots-in-afc-championship" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/63496/ravens-get-patriots-in-afc-championship" target="_blank">.</a>..Some watching the Ravens <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/63496/ravens-get-patriots-in-afc-championship" target="_blank">dominate the AFC</a>!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3-r0lTVv6vl-tfErfE0EO1EG9Jgw4Xl-l6ZEbiyFkqQolWwjYqt4GzKXkiOOsEJFGDoZXYY0sMRmRlerBZ39dhtqPuuxlBCfr7ko8b1DQCCL3kMt7hkpcI1SkYq1D_Q3xqFH36p-jxRK/s1600/usray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3-r0lTVv6vl-tfErfE0EO1EG9Jgw4Xl-l6ZEbiyFkqQolWwjYqt4GzKXkiOOsEJFGDoZXYY0sMRmRlerBZ39dhtqPuuxlBCfr7ko8b1DQCCL3kMt7hkpcI1SkYq1D_Q3xqFH36p-jxRK/s320/usray.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...Some being spoiled by my boyfriend:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6AGhUyKbInavI_44KtjaFEwD6-uQAL9fN2GzIjRge7AXiiiblWc0VEncx24d3UtkLgDTzDGGaU-djDDUcziBFO6SruRz_PQ9PBihu6WJxIADg0xrn8c7ymMq_u9XBVkMDSxa09LSIOnO/s1600/seanmeal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6AGhUyKbInavI_44KtjaFEwD6-uQAL9fN2GzIjRge7AXiiiblWc0VEncx24d3UtkLgDTzDGGaU-djDDUcziBFO6SruRz_PQ9PBihu6WJxIADg0xrn8c7ymMq_u9XBVkMDSxa09LSIOnO/s320/seanmeal.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Came home to chicken with onions, peppers, and peanut sauce one random evening...smelled ((and tasted)) like <i>heaven</i>! )</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...And some new socks, just for <i>kicks</i>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nleP84A9rXg3Su9t9yE8YD9zjfcHciZMz-ucb_L5yXY4S_YQWYjDS99du-j9DpH7A_eX0yKtiVNnzflg-mtUzWmELiyhAbcHHszC76IFU317zjAzMITcA88OuEY8RuOUCXSy1LZ2EvqJ/s1600/stripeysox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nleP84A9rXg3Su9t9yE8YD9zjfcHciZMz-ucb_L5yXY4S_YQWYjDS99du-j9DpH7A_eX0yKtiVNnzflg-mtUzWmELiyhAbcHHszC76IFU317zjAzMITcA88OuEY8RuOUCXSy1LZ2EvqJ/s320/stripeysox.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*******************</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>As for my <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-goals.html" target="_blank">Goal Progress</a>, I've made a few small improvements:</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>1. Add more fresh fruits & veggies into my diet </i>-- I have managed to squeeze in some more fresh produce throughout the day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>2. Work out more regularly </i>-- If walking 2 miles uphill while pushing a chunky 9-month-old in a stroller counts, then YES!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>3. Spend more quality time with Sean </i>-- Still many Scrabble nights, and the other night we stayed up in bed talking for hours and it was incredible.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>4. Spend more time with my friends </i>-- Just this past weekend, we went to a friend's birthday party, and this coming Saturday we are going bowling with some more friends :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>5. Go out to eat less often so that we have more money to save or spend on other things </i>-- Doing very well with this one, and meals like the stellar one above make me (almost) not even miss going out so much!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>6. Have enough money to take a small trip -</i>- Sean's aunt and uncle live on a lake in Wisconsin, so we are 95% sure our "vacation" this year will include a road trip to visit them, with stops in Pittsburgh (I have family there) and Chicago (just because!). I am super pumped.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
**********************</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">How is <i>your</i> 2013 going so far?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-68288240481429273172013-01-03T11:45:00.005-05:002013-01-03T11:45:46.240-05:002013 Goals So, when I first sat down to write this post, it was going to be similar to last year's post on my <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-do-i-write-new-years-post-that-isnt.html" target="_blank">2011 goals and 2012 changes</a>, where I vowed to "give up" goals in 2012. But then, I thought about my life, and realized that I have a lot of things I'd like to accomplish, especially because halfway through 2013 I will celebrate my 25th birthday, something that always used to feel so far off. I looked back on my <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-goald-mine.html" target="_blank">2010 goals</a> for fun, and then came up with a list for this year.<br />
<br />
Without further ado:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>2013 Goals</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Health & Fitness:</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Schedule yearly check-ups for Dentist, Primary Doctor, & Gynecologist (I have been putting this off, and it is not good!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Add more fresh fruits & veggies into my diet (I tend to go for frozen/canned because they are easier and often cheaper, but there are so many fruits & veggies I enjoy, and so many new ones I’d like to try!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sign up for (and run!) a 5k (I have been wanting to do some sort of race for years, and my 25th birthday this June is the perfect motivation to just DO IT)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Work out more regularly, incorporating yoga, strength training, & cardio (I do some yoga & strength training, but I have fallen off the cardio bandwagon big time…and it shows in how my clothes are getting wayyy tighter)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Get more sleep! (I struggle with this one. I tend to stay up too late, and I need to remedy this stat!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Drink less alcohol and more water (This has been particularly hard because of all of the holiday shenanigans. Between Thanksgiving, birthdays, Christmas, and New Year’s, my liver is NOT happy with me. It is sooo easy to have a glass of wine—or three—after a long day. But it is a habit that I need to break, at least during the work week.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Educational & Professional:</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make it through my first year of <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2012/12/where-hello-have-i-been.html" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Grad School</a> alive! (That’s about it…not that I want to set the bar low, but I truly just want to give myself a chance to re-acclimate to the whole “school” thing again after 2+ years off.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Start looking into Human Resources internships while maintaining my full-time nanny position</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Set more solid goals about what specific aspect of Human Resources I am interested in (which will likely become easier once I start exploring courses in the program)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Personal:</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Spend more quality time with Sean and be the best partner I can be (A lot of times we’ll be on our various electronic devices, and we need more face time. The Scrabble board game he got me for Christmas has helped some, as we have been playing several times a week and just chatting. We also tend to eat dinner on the couch, usually at different times. I’d love to do at least 2 sit-down meals together per week.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be more patient, kind, and understanding of others (I tend to get frustrated with little things like getting cut off on the highway, or someone taking too long in line at the grocery store…I need to slooow down a bit.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Spend more time with my friends (Life tends to get in the way, and I want to make it more of a regular thing than once every couple months like it has been lately.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Financial:</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pay for school without taking out a loan (I already paid for the first semester out of pocket—go me!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Manage to save at least $100 each month (This seems feasible to me, though it may be more or less depending on what’s going on each month.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Go out to eat less often so that we have more money to save or spend on other things (We get lazy and eat out or order carry-out, so even substituting one meal out with a meal in will remedy this one.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have enough money to take a small trip (we are thinking a 4-day weekend somewhere fairly close, unlike the week and $1000+ we spent last summer at <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2012/07/chillin-at-cape.html" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Cape Charles</a>, even though it was awesome) this summer </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, there you have it, We'll see how these all go. If I can improve in half of these areas, I'll be happy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>How do you feel about "New Year's Resolutions?" Do you set goals each year? If so, what are some of your goals for 2013?</i></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-77545800575079928402013-01-02T14:50:00.002-05:002013-01-02T14:50:31.230-05:00The New Year's Eve That Almost Wasn'tDid everyone have a nice New Year's celebration? I am welcoming 2013 with open arms and positive thoughts!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sean and I had been planning a New Year's Eve double-date with my best friend and her husband...until I got this text from her at 9:30 am on New Year's Eve:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7HPw_HnJbkA2bxstMuaMsSYz2cJcTq6kRg5mhKHPhM1ygQwAXy2xOutGXg4za5z1ooPv-vlqhy5IPqA64jQHK2o9THtc1h30oy7oqDrdx59hlkFfX3Vygd3Q0ay0S6-s4nv_0u9lUgWP/s1600/brooketext.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7HPw_HnJbkA2bxstMuaMsSYz2cJcTq6kRg5mhKHPhM1ygQwAXy2xOutGXg4za5z1ooPv-vlqhy5IPqA64jQHK2o9THtc1h30oy7oqDrdx59hlkFfX3Vygd3Q0ay0S6-s4nv_0u9lUgWP/s320/brooketext.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
D'oh. Of course, I felt SO bad that she and her husband were BOTH sick, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. We were going to go out in their town and crash in their guest bedroom. I had already bought sangria. I was going to bring <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apples_to_Apples" target="_blank">Apples to Apples</a> (wiki is the best). What were we going to do now?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, I should preface this all by saying that luckily, Sean and I agree that New Year's Eve is often overly hyped up. I mean, sure, it's fun to ring in a new year, but it is also <b>just another night </b>and I hate that people try <i>wayyy</i> too hard to have the <b>GREATEST NIGHT EVER</b> and inevitably are let down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, I still wanted to have the <b>GREATEST NIGHT EVER</b>. Ahem.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, after texting around a bit, Sean and I made loose plans with another couple to come over to our place for some drinks, and we would decide what to do from there. We ended up having a great time chatting, then hit the bars a bit before midnight to ring in 2013 with <b>free </b>champagne. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnK_yQUees-VM3bL4zvmDft1829CFzf1clNMwAv0jrrHQPjBzkZtx2TyLLSHEce0E1XBTAef34_QxxpBCY4BzItxw-_WLLn3Z-pPmfmLDgPTTHvZOOAyZRO8mNpXgnMe9QJn7CzBWpSSHK/s1600/seanNYE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnK_yQUees-VM3bL4zvmDft1829CFzf1clNMwAv0jrrHQPjBzkZtx2TyLLSHEce0E1XBTAef34_QxxpBCY4BzItxw-_WLLn3Z-pPmfmLDgPTTHvZOOAyZRO8mNpXgnMe9QJn7CzBWpSSHK/s320/seanNYE.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't stay up <i>tooo</i> late...we were in bed by 2am, which is considerably earlier than some of my wilder past New Year's Eves...I guess I am getting older. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chill nights with friends are where it's at, these days :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And of course, any night with this guy is sure to be incredible. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlUW5zGkfpKmgBNFUHTlUTYzUn3qw2b3BMh_4r5nLE2Fx1M_jVZIbb6NYv9PK6M1Zu99hGngTOs3Y_Lal3BulXxiGJbLhEOCJDdQCSxQd7AmpOEZGwJQxXOvhYFq0bJdc5QHKtAhnVo7e/s1600/usNYE2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlUW5zGkfpKmgBNFUHTlUTYzUn3qw2b3BMh_4r5nLE2Fx1M_jVZIbb6NYv9PK6M1Zu99hGngTOs3Y_Lal3BulXxiGJbLhEOCJDdQCSxQd7AmpOEZGwJQxXOvhYFq0bJdc5QHKtAhnVo7e/s320/usNYE2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b>Happy 2013, friends. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll be back a bit later with a post about goals (or my lack thereof).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-83548560338328717932012-12-28T13:12:00.000-05:002012-12-28T13:12:14.927-05:00Christmas RecapMerry (3 days after) Christmas, everyone!<br />
<br />
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday filled with love, peace, and joy. And if you don't celebrate Christmas, I hope you still are filled with love, peace, and joy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4ESZF9GkOni82pBYx_QiDfdj1BIYJ0cQpN7-jBaHucdCAg8JitU3is1nBm45Tt_QFHEfFaPrt6-CMN6totnvnehmJuL9kBdyVltbYjksszJf_-WHYkjBlUYXTLo88rQOYZbJ0ZA9E9RY/s1600/DSCN2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4ESZF9GkOni82pBYx_QiDfdj1BIYJ0cQpN7-jBaHucdCAg8JitU3is1nBm45Tt_QFHEfFaPrt6-CMN6totnvnehmJuL9kBdyVltbYjksszJf_-WHYkjBlUYXTLo88rQOYZbJ0ZA9E9RY/s320/DSCN2064.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At first, I wasn't even going to do a holiday recap. That's all I find in my blog feed the week following Christmas each year, and I typically roll my eyes, scroll through other bloggers' photos quickly, or just skip the posts altogether. It has always seemed sort of self-indulgent to me. But then I thought, you know what? This is MY blog. This is a way for me to document MY life. And even if no one else in blogland cares what I did on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I want to be able to look back on this year, <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2011/12/epic-blogger-fail.html" target="_blank">last year</a>, and <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-is-upon-us.html" target="_blank">the year before that</a>, and reminisce.<br />
<br />
So, skip this post if you don't care ;-)<br />
<br />
Without further adieu....<br />
<br />
Christmas this year was broken into a few different days. Since Sean and I started dating, it's been a struggle trying to figure out how to see all of our family and friends during Christmas and New Year's. I am learning that it just isn't possible to make everyone happy, but we can try our darndest.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, December 22nd, Sean and I spontaneously invited my parents over for dinner, drinks, and gifts. We realized that we wouldn't have time to exchange gifts with them Christmas Eve like we did last year, so we changed it up a bit. I didn't mind getting my presents a few days early ;) I quickly threw together a beef stew in the crock pot, and we had a lovely evening.<br />
<br />
I won't bore you by bragging about all the gifts I received from my parents, but let me just say I was blown away. Along with the traditional gifts like a calendar and some clothes, I got a few surprises as well. The gem of the evening:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdv6k632vpnV3NAQlPlRqQOeBImIwiHhbQTRBJKXcHjmmVmo-JcB5ORkGTJHsPzXpiOvITFaggXWpqo7b15UC2v5nOhIOTGiN-NYEkunctl26w_VcHegeFfqtAmSOiAREeKh_kCdoZ10I/s1600/suggsball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdv6k632vpnV3NAQlPlRqQOeBImIwiHhbQTRBJKXcHjmmVmo-JcB5ORkGTJHsPzXpiOvITFaggXWpqo7b15UC2v5nOhIOTGiN-NYEkunctl26w_VcHegeFfqtAmSOiAREeKh_kCdoZ10I/s320/suggsball.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That, my friends, is a Terrell Suggs signed football....my parents were at a Charity Auction, know I love T. Sizzle (I am seen sporting his jersey <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-first-pro-football-game.html" target="_blank">here</a>), and my mom ended up in an intense bidding war with a woman--and boy, am I glad she won! I was blown away and it is already proudly displayed in my home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My parents, Sean, and I had a great evening, and it was a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas weekend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil33jL-q0nvVvinw2X6FiF67KdPqUdgFecV8Qf03-g5YkYF7Mwiq-vxaqVr7P2A-foXes6nBJ6VgjI9YX7MZIt-kYlZAgs6oH2YVl6E3HhqC-zVS-V1n5xECDZJBWJoCkGEnLc7MIGYaJA/s1600/DSCN2102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil33jL-q0nvVvinw2X6FiF67KdPqUdgFecV8Qf03-g5YkYF7Mwiq-vxaqVr7P2A-foXes6nBJ6VgjI9YX7MZIt-kYlZAgs6oH2YVl6E3HhqC-zVS-V1n5xECDZJBWJoCkGEnLc7MIGYaJA/s320/DSCN2102.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next day, Sean and I realized we had a LivingSocial deal that needed to be used before it expired! So, into Baltimore City we went to L<a href="http://www.leiniebeergarden.com/" target="_blank">einenkugel's Beer Garden</a>, a really cool bar with great appetizers, and of course, an overwhelming array of beers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sean and I shared a beer flight and a dip trio, which was just lovely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc5ZWzOWpURnkzycIAD958-FDfCIrgeYkvfiKIHPlEToaS61g5B7AJU8h01IjUT7GTfDH_hbSjtUKOzR7i3LMZK19dMZ6U2icHYK7mp92DoaB35_CGUSLv4uP9AMtBtHH7Kjv24V6QPyF/s1600/leinie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc5ZWzOWpURnkzycIAD958-FDfCIrgeYkvfiKIHPlEToaS61g5B7AJU8h01IjUT7GTfDH_hbSjtUKOzR7i3LMZK19dMZ6U2icHYK7mp92DoaB35_CGUSLv4uP9AMtBtHH7Kjv24V6QPyF/s320/leinie.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After Leinenkugel, Sean and I headed to a party at his aunt's house. It was my first time meeting his Dad's side of the family, so I was too busy meeting people to snap any pictures. We had a great time, though, drinking and eating and watching the Ravens beat the Giants :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next day was Christmas Eve, which is absolutely my favorite day of the year--all the anticipation and excitement. Both of us had (separate) last-minute stocking stuffers and gifts to buy before heading to my mom and dad's, so we both got those done in the morning. And it was good that we did, because by about 4:00 pm, the scene out the window looked like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeU4pZKDOPhPiCKqjLC6ipG6tycCY_4L0HMFst92vRR9mufxXqnr244nEymEMFgEba6KtppmxbcGcZPyBNjKqcglo0KhFzPf0M5YT2agwmd7RCSMiTM4EsCuEe2_k3bj9cIbbulhPpuej/s1600/snow2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeU4pZKDOPhPiCKqjLC6ipG6tycCY_4L0HMFst92vRR9mufxXqnr244nEymEMFgEba6KtppmxbcGcZPyBNjKqcglo0KhFzPf0M5YT2agwmd7RCSMiTM4EsCuEe2_k3bj9cIbbulhPpuej/s320/snow2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sean and I trekked to my parents' house, a trip the usually takes 45 minutes...and it took us an hour and a half. It was pretty scary, but totally worth it for some family time:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeixfSG5P5WfwKhnfKbYsHJe6crRp1extQJP16Euqh0GJssnuzTGd4x1CNXMSygNEp23TXzqGqRsAhKorYBhKu1LUFzBegYHSclef_T7I2QlyfJYAhjHg9ZDfkSgUkIemZ0jKxtluacH_/s1600/cuzzies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeixfSG5P5WfwKhnfKbYsHJe6crRp1extQJP16Euqh0GJssnuzTGd4x1CNXMSygNEp23TXzqGqRsAhKorYBhKu1LUFzBegYHSclef_T7I2QlyfJYAhjHg9ZDfkSgUkIemZ0jKxtluacH_/s320/cuzzies.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
cousins</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m1i4F7d68jn-t64l_TfyTLuDH8nBEauAhc_uu68S-ejeGeQxkQ0nmQrL_6Q7Exu-onpPRqW0ZdLKRmWaw14esF3cf7De2mbsxqV28V0G6GGlF2I2EWi4gFNEEm8LyTY_t4dfXQQnO-Cl/s1600/momphotobomb2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m1i4F7d68jn-t64l_TfyTLuDH8nBEauAhc_uu68S-ejeGeQxkQ0nmQrL_6Q7Exu-onpPRqW0ZdLKRmWaw14esF3cf7De2mbsxqV28V0G6GGlF2I2EWi4gFNEEm8LyTY_t4dfXQQnO-Cl/s320/momphotobomb2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my mom loves to photobomb</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpA_joKzLdRPSTBWCqc4c1hZXEnPatuTAzz4mICQ_gLllSpu7kbly9hp012yuTATZOUEoxK5psVAZ2gUedJcql_3uREv8dQtvynIsGp6e1a9GEjz4TLLORCpp9ymBvpRoitm5Snl-T-NS/s1600/meseanxmaseve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpA_joKzLdRPSTBWCqc4c1hZXEnPatuTAzz4mICQ_gLllSpu7kbly9hp012yuTATZOUEoxK5psVAZ2gUedJcql_3uREv8dQtvynIsGp6e1a9GEjz4TLLORCpp9ymBvpRoitm5Snl-T-NS/s320/meseanxmaseve.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my man and I</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNtfgve0zfNRZVcHCsulbmV273aV_i0Pd4HUwf5xkrTBjn6Bu-uwHCUtoyX5cLxYGw5INEsN5xuWmIjqI6JgerxA29Eqorjc9vN3wGkIpRNzHfqXaK2NPP5b5sqC6sVEPFAC3vAhyg7kt/s1600/patronshots2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNtfgve0zfNRZVcHCsulbmV273aV_i0Pd4HUwf5xkrTBjn6Bu-uwHCUtoyX5cLxYGw5INEsN5xuWmIjqI6JgerxA29Eqorjc9vN3wGkIpRNzHfqXaK2NPP5b5sqC6sVEPFAC3vAhyg7kt/s320/patronshots2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Patron shots! We know how to party!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Christmas Eve party also included a Yankee Gift Swap (White Elephant Gift Exchange), and I ended up with a pretty awesome gift:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODI2fgZ7JGqpObKsgaCDfK2WhfLvB1peuWN1kjGHgjxCWLgeZqwo1bm5pWBlSDITtb-J2RJnkvdePo_QiQMWttqKb_SU5tuXgOo22FqaYacRzzEFklaG8I-DS3aEBxVwE3xRncNXTqztR/s1600/disaronno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODI2fgZ7JGqpObKsgaCDfK2WhfLvB1peuWN1kjGHgjxCWLgeZqwo1bm5pWBlSDITtb-J2RJnkvdePo_QiQMWttqKb_SU5tuXgOo22FqaYacRzzEFklaG8I-DS3aEBxVwE3xRncNXTqztR/s320/disaronno.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yep. That's a Justin Bieber singing toothbrush AND a Lady Gaga singing toothbrush, along with a Disaronno gift set! Saweeet. I am already loving Biebs singing to me every day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once Sean and I got home, it was almost 1:00 am, so we crashed quickly...except that I could NOT sleep and was like a little kid, eager for morning so I could race out to the living room and open my presents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We finally got out of bed at 8:30am and exchanged gifts, just the two of us, which was lovely. We spoiled each other rotten this year...it's tough to say what my favorite gift was, but these are up there on the list:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBxyWn_ZrJN_o4fMKI1hNTbir8Zjoi071EqBdD3-Ntqa8UB_GX-1mCOdZm_a-RG0ehs66LK8AqL12fnuxpoh8V5cklH-LFp4LftzJkaUurBH_L_0pSVwKgH6gc19eina1Udu939H3_GLy/s1600/spacertificates.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBxyWn_ZrJN_o4fMKI1hNTbir8Zjoi071EqBdD3-Ntqa8UB_GX-1mCOdZm_a-RG0ehs66LK8AqL12fnuxpoh8V5cklH-LFp4LftzJkaUurBH_L_0pSVwKgH6gc19eina1Udu939H3_GLy/s320/spacertificates.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A gift certificate to my favorite hair salon, and a Spa Day complete with massage and facial!!!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here is a shot of some of my gifts....yes, that is a bottle of Patron and 5 mini liquor bottles. My man knows the way to my heart ;-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTFagWZBiJncXxLyQFBydDrxVY24CQmNW0mhyWF4I1IDu-ZDmqiN-Q1dIv30sGtDK6IylsaimmT2xMz33eCNHF6Y5KZO_aVGJrEeMtABFa-tdUu9F0DRcCGToE_rzwom0F7ZEHqV9dQEd/s1600/allmygifts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTFagWZBiJncXxLyQFBydDrxVY24CQmNW0mhyWF4I1IDu-ZDmqiN-Q1dIv30sGtDK6IylsaimmT2xMz33eCNHF6Y5KZO_aVGJrEeMtABFa-tdUu9F0DRcCGToE_rzwom0F7ZEHqV9dQEd/s320/allmygifts.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Sean enjoyed his gifts, too, of course. I gave him a vintage map of Maryland in a unique frame, some clothes, a Home Depot gift card, and some other odds and ends. All in all, it was a fantastic holiday for both of us.<br />
<br />
Then, in the afternoon, we went to spend time with Sean's mom, brother, and brother's girlfriend. We exchanged more gifts, and then hung out before going home to snuggle under our new Ravens blanket (courtesy of Sean's mom) and play Scrabble.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdn1cs-ppYvcEYs7TTxQnc1k3LCbrguzH29F1tQwrb7896Xs5y8xZKBOF4kI1Xb0xKINeNyK2MtccZPtxlyuZiLAVvioHG2sW5JQg988A6NuRxgV1KpotPYVPzTwgyNr35WoUhC-AUjp9w/s1600/usjaymemeg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdn1cs-ppYvcEYs7TTxQnc1k3LCbrguzH29F1tQwrb7896Xs5y8xZKBOF4kI1Xb0xKINeNyK2MtccZPtxlyuZiLAVvioHG2sW5JQg988A6NuRxgV1KpotPYVPzTwgyNr35WoUhC-AUjp9w/s320/usjaymemeg.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
Christmas this year was fantastic, and I am so thankful for everyone in my life who made it possible.<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>How was your Christmas?</b></i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-41391670378279844382012-12-20T10:40:00.000-05:002012-12-20T10:40:07.842-05:00Holiday Cheer<div style="text-align: center;">
The stockings are hung...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZINufulMa4xW_JLM3nc-n8KaarraD6CfOxatTw1lcUViVQOQEhwGu8sZtiR889O0yTXiUI38C_wU6a6WPSD5kw_Q_mbB4-1VFUeXxOYaqsoTrgpSKLI7pRPkmK5VZbXEOUXhy2TRrOau/s1600/stockings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZINufulMa4xW_JLM3nc-n8KaarraD6CfOxatTw1lcUViVQOQEhwGu8sZtiR889O0yTXiUI38C_wU6a6WPSD5kw_Q_mbB4-1VFUeXxOYaqsoTrgpSKLI7pRPkmK5VZbXEOUXhy2TRrOau/s320/stockings.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The tree is decorated...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaGFC6dnRQq28Aucg2CZFLjWwJsD-drUMUy0g6_VXL5G0x7NS-pvAkdONQ6rGdWaVZ_zsWIyPakW-wEX2vpEkC5vHeu4SuZxLDnbmNw2Z4YzKiVQums2CwpuJDTBndbvUg9BvtiGAIHwg/s1600/tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaGFC6dnRQq28Aucg2CZFLjWwJsD-drUMUy0g6_VXL5G0x7NS-pvAkdONQ6rGdWaVZ_zsWIyPakW-wEX2vpEkC5vHeu4SuZxLDnbmNw2Z4YzKiVQums2CwpuJDTBndbvUg9BvtiGAIHwg/s320/tree.JPG" width="189" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The nativity is set up...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9oxLRYH-qs445QALzhZTw9Pw7gm48N6oDwv1qST2a8rk8jW_mlmnZ4vmypuKomG4CpcPc6eI4F0OBiUBt3ccJWqQriZCLguFQN3fXNyWHmcNNbSuRchNaln52YUqBu0Wql5vHQW36X8_/s1600/nativity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9oxLRYH-qs445QALzhZTw9Pw7gm48N6oDwv1qST2a8rk8jW_mlmnZ4vmypuKomG4CpcPc6eI4F0OBiUBt3ccJWqQriZCLguFQN3fXNyWHmcNNbSuRchNaln52YUqBu0Wql5vHQW36X8_/s320/nativity.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And there are random splashes of Christmas cheer throughout...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPJw4ACu2w6c9Q3siNlP7S8S_YSMqI-KD8d70XwLv7xPSNuUFK61D2LpE9ciWKZClumN5egKNF3v5F_mR3VLXKVVD4tYDE_c5rU5AFij6ORRxF56VetoHeKTulDfn1x2BKVaYwmG98MR9/s1600/xmastable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPJw4ACu2w6c9Q3siNlP7S8S_YSMqI-KD8d70XwLv7xPSNuUFK61D2LpE9ciWKZClumN5egKNF3v5F_mR3VLXKVVD4tYDE_c5rU5AFij6ORRxF56VetoHeKTulDfn1x2BKVaYwmG98MR9/s320/xmastable.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One more work day stands between me and a full week+ off work!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am ready to enjoy the Christmas and New Year's holidays with those I love.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">See you in 2012 </span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-44679277327093983432012-12-17T10:42:00.001-05:002012-12-17T10:43:21.851-05:00Blogging Day of Silence and RemembranceBy now, we have all heard about the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/16/connecticut-school-shooting-victims/1772955/" target="_blank">tragedy</a> that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT on Friday.<br />
<br />
There are truly no words. This image has been passed around, and I am sharing it in the hopes that we can all come together to pray, heal, and move forward one painful step at a time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHd02lPn-bu4oKO0pTXSvCC8s7AmTOoCE-wpJajVp4egvYULjbbTn7HWjeCwx-bmDELVrpLtpeuIZ01KS9kYx1ZcZdKXOWRWWGHWa1gLnQhUpESkLHLwFgL92sN8haABwnam4V6af7PM0/s1600/National-Blogging-Day-of-Remembrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHd02lPn-bu4oKO0pTXSvCC8s7AmTOoCE-wpJajVp4egvYULjbbTn7HWjeCwx-bmDELVrpLtpeuIZ01KS9kYx1ZcZdKXOWRWWGHWa1gLnQhUpESkLHLwFgL92sN8haABwnam4V6af7PM0/s640/National-Blogging-Day-of-Remembrance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a multi-faceted issue: gun control, <a href="http://anarchistsoccermom.blogspot.com/2012/12/thinking-unthinkable.html" target="_blank">mental health</a> (I beg you to read this article), safety/security, etc. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But for now, let's take some time to process (if that is even possible) what has happened, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/15/us/iyw-help-for-victims-of-sandy-hook-shooting/index.html" target="_blank">reach out</a> and help, and hold our loved ones close. </div>
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-18092736866080158022012-12-10T14:55:00.001-05:002012-12-10T14:55:23.132-05:00A Super Special Birthday<div style="text-align: center;">
This Saturday was the birthday of a very important person in my life....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">the boyfriend!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yay! He turned *cough* <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">(27)</span></b> *cough*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a great weekend that involved some <b>gifts...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrtJ20nrQ4ayGABu9r5Tv8Cqcc8Yv7uf3Pr1n0TudSRzV76e5KzADMU8JdpgepOCdtblTIBc2Tbgl6Nt1Ws7-wLCcgyt0Gl1dD5jIcknXLDIhOjCAeP8qb4R1OFAvFxykxtIDC_dHFVH2/s1600/seanmap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrtJ20nrQ4ayGABu9r5Tv8Cqcc8Yv7uf3Pr1n0TudSRzV76e5KzADMU8JdpgepOCdtblTIBc2Tbgl6Nt1Ws7-wLCcgyt0Gl1dD5jIcknXLDIhOjCAeP8qb4R1OFAvFxykxtIDC_dHFVH2/s320/seanmap.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsFXxCBve5okWDMo7WFB5l4jYg_S6NATDm-ON_zHSdaMTOtvK9MX4cWNG-aAQJ8ixSBoUzQbts_AWdYNBn8mkQd0d3mzig-x_h80NqZxD_h8k-uQ41RkNRsJu6ekR6H9n1-mWOTCCDQ3N/s1600/seannewsweater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsFXxCBve5okWDMo7WFB5l4jYg_S6NATDm-ON_zHSdaMTOtvK9MX4cWNG-aAQJ8ixSBoUzQbts_AWdYNBn8mkQd0d3mzig-x_h80NqZxD_h8k-uQ41RkNRsJu6ekR6H9n1-mWOTCCDQ3N/s320/seannewsweater.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...then some <b>hanging </b>of the gifts...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KU7JUqeCt2HhyphenhyphenAHnVLSttbu3tPrlAM8Yv-lA65TalN_rMYqjjTQjvHsfKiarMOBP-egwu1SsrMqMfvuGJ1Aj6DEIwM9o8zGzaAZA5PBUNZFxtXWyDoMJ1OR4hx11bIxtgedfy8UZxZjQ/s1600/maphung.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KU7JUqeCt2HhyphenhyphenAHnVLSttbu3tPrlAM8Yv-lA65TalN_rMYqjjTQjvHsfKiarMOBP-egwu1SsrMqMfvuGJ1Aj6DEIwM9o8zGzaAZA5PBUNZFxtXWyDoMJ1OR4hx11bIxtgedfy8UZxZjQ/s320/maphung.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgylv86TgzMuc2FJrNtFomYimaUWkccZZzrOPJ-_41AGKA0HczuRSY6Boe3SQ3JcE19NqkbYGRG4rsN10751Y8CW_elyMsuyoOaUj1QMorFe7ITa03-8Ar_eFz8t_Fdh43LglQ6efKhrlg/s1600/bedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgylv86TgzMuc2FJrNtFomYimaUWkccZZzrOPJ-_41AGKA0HczuRSY6Boe3SQ3JcE19NqkbYGRG4rsN10751Y8CW_elyMsuyoOaUj1QMorFe7ITa03-8Ar_eFz8t_Fdh43LglQ6efKhrlg/s320/bedroom.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Isn't our <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/search/label/apartment" target="_blank">new apartment</a> finally coming together?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then we had some celebratory<b> drinks...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaVDiLz2KF91cBY5usi7j1NWutoKHkR3Vevi_2utIPOk8bbMDjhgAaS8Qvwp5olexBKbAGv3frJihklTIBgH9vb-ADJnMZJ7EmTMUeYJ2-WtdDthjvdwXKfCAbcIeSCDioHVJJRqfM3WQ/s1600/beers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaVDiLz2KF91cBY5usi7j1NWutoKHkR3Vevi_2utIPOk8bbMDjhgAaS8Qvwp5olexBKbAGv3frJihklTIBgH9vb-ADJnMZJ7EmTMUeYJ2-WtdDthjvdwXKfCAbcIeSCDioHVJJRqfM3WQ/s320/beers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...and got all dolled up for a<b> night on the town!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ECUSSEqxJifM9ME69cPAqachCIKXzmzImK-CzGU3TIgPVeVKysTfYX5wrM6fFZuB7BCQqQMAFyULc4TB-q8b4pJxuVDUQIHQdSIfSK67llENRQ_fvs64MK3EohYkLUUCi665g5XupIJN/s1600/DSCN2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ECUSSEqxJifM9ME69cPAqachCIKXzmzImK-CzGU3TIgPVeVKysTfYX5wrM6fFZuB7BCQqQMAFyULc4TB-q8b4pJxuVDUQIHQdSIfSK67llENRQ_fvs64MK3EohYkLUUCi665g5XupIJN/s320/DSCN2063.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was such a fun weekend, and I think the birthday boy had a blast too ;-)</div>
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Any December babies out there? Sean said he feels like he gets "jipped" on gifts since his birthday is so close to Christmas. Thoughts?</span></b></i></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-29743481711161029672012-12-07T13:33:00.000-05:002012-12-07T13:33:33.253-05:00Pumpkin Chocolate Chip “Cake” MuffinsAs you all know, I am a big fan of using <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2011/12/easy-cake-mix-cookies.html" target="_blank">cake mix</a> in baked goods, mostly because it saves time, money, and energy (I'll be the first to admit I'm a lazy baker).<br />
<br />
So, when Thanksgiving rolled around and S and I had <i>two </i>family dinners to attend, I knew I wanted to contribute something festive, but that wouldn't take a lot of effort.<br />
<br />
Yellow cake mix and canned pumpkin to the rescue!<br />
<br />
Here's what I came up with...<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>72</o:Words>
<o:Characters>414</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Susquehanna University</o:Company>
<o:Lines>3</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>485</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Pumpkin Chocolate Chip “Cake” Muffins</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
1 box yellow cake mix (I used Pillsbury)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
1 15 ounce canned pumpkin (I used Libby’s)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
½ cup water<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
¼ cup vegetable oil<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
1 whole egg<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
2 12-cupcake pans<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Stir until batter is mixed
completely with no lumps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Line cupcake pan with liners or spray generously with
cooking spray. Fill each about halfway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Bake at 350* for ~20 minutes or until tops are golden.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyutCKcO34Kr6sct2wkHFaId-V3zDpJdOZUbY6UxwcbtI1HGPv03W_1OYzRw1GDanxAhnMtiKvkxHWDFF9HNZqfdqRvKTY_xeRlbteFm2qoxxbKzRVaW2A8Rv9xWXdAP-ZPZqXis4fMgNR/s1600/chocchippump.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyutCKcO34Kr6sct2wkHFaId-V3zDpJdOZUbY6UxwcbtI1HGPv03W_1OYzRw1GDanxAhnMtiKvkxHWDFF9HNZqfdqRvKTY_xeRlbteFm2qoxxbKzRVaW2A8Rv9xWXdAP-ZPZqXis4fMgNR/s320/chocchippump.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Yields approx. 20 tasty cupcakes!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONQh0FQmpi_9m20gi39_v6sSgcKC9rCq07QNsDgPAfWm_U-ZSjtpa9Z65VdHy_WTw9kMXgI5o_i8ZOUk3hdSVT5SR-ZIBjXikqENY2rfHrr8GNG2LblIicXvtl1tnapT1XbC7teYlhluL/s1600/chocchippump2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONQh0FQmpi_9m20gi39_v6sSgcKC9rCq07QNsDgPAfWm_U-ZSjtpa9Z65VdHy_WTw9kMXgI5o_i8ZOUk3hdSVT5SR-ZIBjXikqENY2rfHrr8GNG2LblIicXvtl1tnapT1XbC7teYlhluL/s320/chocchippump2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These would also be yummy with cream cheese icing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><b><i>Enjoy! And I promise that's the last of the pumpkin recipes you will see on this blog...until my next craving hits! ;-)</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-32420300397316772312012-12-03T13:54:00.000-05:002012-12-03T13:54:10.505-05:00Where the hello have I been?!Ok, ok, so I doubt very many people keep up with my blog anymore since it has been so sporadic and inconsistent for the past year or so.<br />
<br />
I always prooomise that I am going to post X amount of times per week, and I even make a "blogging schedule" for myself...and then life gets in the way.<br />
<br />
So, I wanted to at least pop in to say that I haven't been blogging much because I've been going through a LOT of changes in my personal and professional life.<br />
<br />
Such as...<br />
<br />
-<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Moving into a new apartment</span></b> in a new town (but with the same guy, of course--he's here for the long haul)<br />
<br />
-<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Quitting my <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-keeps-me-going-at-work.html" target="_blank">job</a> </span></b>(That post was written when I first got the position...but it started to really wear on my emotionally and I was downright unhappy towards the end. I have no ill will for any of my coworkers or supervisors--they were all incredible!--and I learned so much there. However, it was time to move on).<br />
<br />
-Instead, I am now a <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>full-time nanny</b>.</span> Wait...what? How is this a "professional" career change, you ask? Well, quite frankly...it's sort of not. But the right position with a fantastic family fell into my lap, in a gorgeous area and decent pay, and I went for it. Why am I doing this, you ask? Because...<br />
<br />
-I applied and have been <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>accepted into Graduate School</b>!</span> Beginning in the Spring 2013 semester, I will be studying at Towson University for my <a href="http://grad.towson.edu/program/master/hurd-hrdg-ms/ar-hrdg.asp" target="_blank">Master of Science in Human Resources Development</a>. I am really excited about it. I will be taking two night classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, and the great thing about my new nanny job is the flexibility with my hours (generally work 8-4 M-F) which allows me enough time to make it to evening classes, and also allows me to study during the day (while the babies are napping).<br />
<br />
That is pretty much the big stuff. I've had a lot of family visits, including to visit my grandparents who are old and sick, and I've been more concerned with real life than with the blog.<br />
<br />
However, I really am going to try to blog more...even if no one is reading but myself! Haha. I won't make any promises or force myself to stick to a "schedule", but I will try (at first) to blog once a week. Right now it is naptime for the kids, so I am thinking it will be easier to blog during the afternoon than at my previous job.<br />
<br />
I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season! I'll be back soon with a couple of <b><span style="color: #a64d79;">recipes to share</span></b>--some cookies and some crock pot wonders!<br />
<br />
And I'll leave you with a photo of Sean and I when we visited the lights on <a href="http://christmasstreet.com/" target="_blank">34th street in Hampden</a> this past Saturday:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcDAnAntBfSP_TEebJEChPUfvN6_ZQcb4qo7DqOwfXi9X87D34gzuILlw0OFuVGmyQak-3PkZV3Z0F66F2WMpfmr_8FElSXR-tx4ompHl4l9g-iQX5N1U47urPvjqq9IyNkgiWR5jc-Nm/s1600/DSCN2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcDAnAntBfSP_TEebJEChPUfvN6_ZQcb4qo7DqOwfXi9X87D34gzuILlw0OFuVGmyQak-3PkZV3Z0F66F2WMpfmr_8FElSXR-tx4ompHl4l9g-iQX5N1U47urPvjqq9IyNkgiWR5jc-Nm/s320/DSCN2053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyIha8dZ5vxJaPiu6WskMxIJtj854CYIFgIcRltBCJGTFAr_42_nJo-6CuamMcT1U4tGC2lgYcJAlJJlSixggYGY7I2DEuLU_PoS8neWCVw2nLEXKfOvEqY8atjkrEeXfAVGj42CoWDY9/s1600/DSCN2043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyIha8dZ5vxJaPiu6WskMxIJtj854CYIFgIcRltBCJGTFAr_42_nJo-6CuamMcT1U4tGC2lgYcJAlJJlSixggYGY7I2DEuLU_PoS8neWCVw2nLEXKfOvEqY8atjkrEeXfAVGj42CoWDY9/s320/DSCN2043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b>What's your favorite holiday?</b></span></i></div>
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-40576359551373286762012-10-16T22:14:00.002-04:002012-10-16T22:14:23.997-04:00My First Pro Football Game!I've been to many sporting events in my lifetime. From professional baseball to pretty much every college sport, I've seen a lot of exciting events. <br />
<br />
But one sport I had never seen live? Professional football. Sure, I've been to some big college games, like Army vs. Navy. But I am a <strong><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Ravens</span></strong> fan, living in Baltimore city, and I had still <em>never</em> been to a Ravens game before....until yesterday.<br />
<br />
I'll make a long story short, but basically Sean and I went through hell and high water (and a lot of $$$) to be able to attend yesterday's sold-out match-up against the <strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #6fa8dc;">Dallas Cowboys</span></strong>.<br />
<br />
But boy, oh boy, was it worth it. We had so much fun tailgating with friends, and with my parents (who had never been to a Ravens game either!), who ended up snagging last minute tickets from friends. It was so much fun.<br />
<br />
Sean and I arrived a little before 10:00 a.m. to tailgate with some friends. Then we walked over to my parents' tailgate, where some more shenanigans ensued. The game started at 1:00 p.m., and Sean and I headed in a little before kickoff--which we actually ended up missing because of security lines and bathroom lines.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nea="true" src="" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8q1HEir9dUBU0dwjzn4rmIdBg535St_BfdH5kbmudgyRdZmuPRxkwdmRGUbL-n2jNVqf90t3ewJCaHb2EjqfcG9dmVX0eDHmvOsuMwzB5vCfdnoMwBmF1KycdhjU31zx1RXLnSIrONUz/s1600/photo+1+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8q1HEir9dUBU0dwjzn4rmIdBg535St_BfdH5kbmudgyRdZmuPRxkwdmRGUbL-n2jNVqf90t3ewJCaHb2EjqfcG9dmVX0eDHmvOsuMwzB5vCfdnoMwBmF1KycdhjU31zx1RXLnSIrONUz/s320/photo+1+(3).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdMxZROmxrrdQSMREAZLOigj1HZy3edju3cWVneuOoQR-yEC15JSwTSN_fW9qNZfIUTilnRADfr_ludilMr3Zqx5Zl0jBL4F5wKAME0EnR4QFVD7lmUEaIjYhaCs-zinSJz7B6TGf_mFu/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdMxZROmxrrdQSMREAZLOigj1HZy3edju3cWVneuOoQR-yEC15JSwTSN_fW9qNZfIUTilnRADfr_ludilMr3Zqx5Zl0jBL4F5wKAME0EnR4QFVD7lmUEaIjYhaCs-zinSJz7B6TGf_mFu/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ3ZDjIjQ6uxTTqI1SyhntIPossnw3TK8HJqLxIr4JnA9NGdpZHZTw_ayRqVPH0BIMrvl_4at0wVoaAl-g14Yww416pSfU0y4FIORXEWXQEDxNTjOsQgh0RdGxrjtL30AgQyCqMf9anhV/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ3ZDjIjQ6uxTTqI1SyhntIPossnw3TK8HJqLxIr4JnA9NGdpZHZTw_ayRqVPH0BIMrvl_4at0wVoaAl-g14Yww416pSfU0y4FIORXEWXQEDxNTjOsQgh0RdGxrjtL30AgQyCqMf9anhV/s320/photo+3+(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nea="true" src="" /></a></div>
Once we got to our seats, we stayed there pretty much the entire time, besides a little break to get some buffalo chicken bites. The game was a nail-biter, to say the least! The Ravens barely scraped together a win and the final score was 31-29, but hey!<em><strong> A win is a win, right?</strong></em><br />
<em><strong><br /></strong></em>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QkXXB8tkod1pUdwsUF8kb9ZMix4ZnarDU7vyNqupKMzCxp-wpKodzN1ng7s6ra9_Rv6KJYJ37wrIvCN1WaD1K3yoZDyJKjZ37kkWH2ilDwm-Mt5Tc9AMGCg6CWDJVTeG7Mc1GgUVSxLV/s1600/photo+4+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QkXXB8tkod1pUdwsUF8kb9ZMix4ZnarDU7vyNqupKMzCxp-wpKodzN1ng7s6ra9_Rv6KJYJ37wrIvCN1WaD1K3yoZDyJKjZ37kkWH2ilDwm-Mt5Tc9AMGCg6CWDJVTeG7Mc1GgUVSxLV/s320/photo+4+(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I am so glad I got to experience my first ever Ravens game, and so thankful to this guy for making it all happen:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh7AtSHVEW7wP66tvnvFFIGEXp0nKGw0seiv2lKrQ0Izaorsy0D3J9zsGBnIRbl5N3f1oHPAlG9ODmL8iTxIaqFUjJGcNCuOJpX-AagaMfCQYjaWKN5QjYbQ2y4z90e3-8ztoQEX0ybdV/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh7AtSHVEW7wP66tvnvFFIGEXp0nKGw0seiv2lKrQ0Izaorsy0D3J9zsGBnIRbl5N3f1oHPAlG9ODmL8iTxIaqFUjJGcNCuOJpX-AagaMfCQYjaWKN5QjYbQ2y4z90e3-8ztoQEX0ybdV/s320/photo+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">Have you ever been to a professional football game? Who is your "home" team?</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></em>
<span style="text-align: start;">*Edited to add: I have </span><i style="text-align: start;">not</i><span style="text-align: start;"> forgotten about the </span><a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2012/10/october-yoga-challenge.html" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e69138;">October Yoga Challenge</span></a><span style="text-align: start;">! I know my update will be a bit late this week, but I still have a post planned on how the challenge is doing and expect to have it published by Friday. Sean and I are in the process of moving, so as you can imagine things have been crazy</span><br />
<br /></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-14175470047633531632012-10-08T10:29:00.002-04:002012-10-08T10:29:34.056-04:00October Yoga Challenge Recap: Week 1Last week, I posted about the <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2012/10/october-yoga-challenge.html" target="_blank">October Yoga Challenge</a> I decided to join when Courtney mentioned it on her blog in <a href="http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2012/10/01/get-in-on-this-challenge/" target="_blank">this post</a>. Read more about it and grab a button for your blog!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7dMocKLR4cX0GxziAoZgnDjMLPm6pQeOFUaeeBTzqmIooW2iCQAM28EHaBcYrOMmvkgYjDxMOC2K0Kf-fp1JFcj83AOVGgDNh77rTAWFwqioOu0civOEzd_89f4k3SiAHYgUuoic7GpH/s1600/Yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7dMocKLR4cX0GxziAoZgnDjMLPm6pQeOFUaeeBTzqmIooW2iCQAM28EHaBcYrOMmvkgYjDxMOC2K0Kf-fp1JFcj83AOVGgDNh77rTAWFwqioOu0civOEzd_89f4k3SiAHYgUuoic7GpH/s320/Yoga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Basically, my goal is to spice up my fall workout routine with <strong>3 yoga sessions per week</strong>. There are no rules for this challenge--I don't want to put too much pressure on myself because I am moving in a week, have alot of family and personal stuff going on, and am just all-around busy at work and in my home life. But yoga is a great way to work our bodies and calm our minds, so I decided to give this challenge a go.<br />
<br />
This week, I ended up <strong>only completing 2 yoga sessions</strong> at home. But you know what I realized? That is okay. I did the first one after a<em> really</em> stressful day at work last week. I got home and was about to plop on the couch with a snack (or a drink!) and zone out in front of the TV, but instead, I mustered up the energy to throw on my yoga pants, unroll my mat, and just...<em>do it.</em><br />
<br />
And you know what? It felt amazing. Not only did it feel great to stretch and move my body after sitting at my desk all day, but by the end of 30 minutes of posing, breathing, and stretching I felt rejuvenated. Calm. Happy.<br />
<br />
I did the same thing a few days later with a routine I found in my latest copy of <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/" target="_blank">Yoga Journal</a> (which I highly recommend--lots of great at-home practices and inspirational articles), and it felt <em>fantastic.</em><br />
<br />
This week I learned that exercise, particularly yoga, is about way more than just keeping in shape physically. A yoga practice is a great way to keep our minds focused and aware. It is a wonderful outlet for me and I am so glad I decided to join this challenge!<br />
<br />
Check out Courtney's weekly recap <a href="http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2012/10/08/yoga-challenge-week-1-recap/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Happy Monday, friends! Today has been the craziest work day I have had in awhile...I'm sensing more yoga in my future ;-)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>Have you joined the challenge yet?</strong></span></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3465184795397501442.post-48601133919142421242012-10-03T11:25:00.000-04:002012-10-03T11:25:00.713-04:00Change. Embrace It.Not sure if anyone follows the blog <a href="http://notsalmon.com/blog/" target="_blank">Not Salmon</a>, by Karen Salmansohn, but it is filled with inspirational phrases, photos, and quotes to brighten each and every day. I highly recommend it.<br />
<br />
This one really caught my eye:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisywecdVU2Q9qrFs3DvSUF_Vt-0Fs-OTOvzQxqnAyaS798lDgpZwfBZqZkw43-KlrVPpes-zRsqpDh9m5aR5rCYcC1OWWEJ-D_Qjs8k0Q5uYkiMcQtsIjM4LSzdjQCmPQMAOXljnnUDD28/s1600/poster-changes-leaf-medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisywecdVU2Q9qrFs3DvSUF_Vt-0Fs-OTOvzQxqnAyaS798lDgpZwfBZqZkw43-KlrVPpes-zRsqpDh9m5aR5rCYcC1OWWEJ-D_Qjs8k0Q5uYkiMcQtsIjM4LSzdjQCmPQMAOXljnnUDD28/s320/poster-changes-leaf-medium.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
Not only does it fit the "autumn" theme and the coming of the new month of <span style="color: #e69138;">October,</span> but it rings very true to me. The world is constantly changing, you and I are constantly changing, and everyone around us is constantly changing. <em><strong>Change is scary, but it can also be a good thing.</strong></em><br />
<br />
This image is also a great accent to the <a href="http://coco621.blogspot.com/2012/10/october-yoga-challenge.html" target="_blank">October Yoga Challenge</a> I am participating in with <a href="http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>. To me, the challenge is not only about evolving physically, but also mentally. <em><strong>Yoga is very much a mental and spiritual experience, which is why it is called a "practice"</strong></em>. I intend to do a follow-up on Friday about a few things I have noticed thus far (last night was my first yoga session of the month!), most of which are mental rather than physical.<br />
<br />
But more of that on Friday. For now, think about the changes you have made in your life, and the changes you have yet to make. Some may be positive, some negative. But no matter what, accepting--and <em>embracing</em>--change is when the beauty can come in.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>What changes have you made so far this year? </strong></em></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>What changes would you like to make by the time 2013 rolls around? <span style="color: #e69138;">(<span style="background-color: white;">3 months remaining--go make it happen!) </span></span></strong></em></span></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02353480285196706052noreply@blogger.com0