tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9978327237139204752024-03-19T03:55:39.279-05:00Are We Sure This Is My Life?A simple blog with a twisted sense of humor about life as a single Italian/Irish female.LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-66794655231166439612019-04-12T17:57:00.000-05:002019-04-12T17:57:15.221-05:0025 x 2<span style="font-size: large;">I'm turning 50 this year, or as I prefer to say, 5 for the tenth time, 10 for the fifth time, or 25 for the second time. In honor of this moment, allow me to share a few thoughts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was five years old, I thought:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the roots that I saw below the grass and underground were parts of the devil,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">our skin/body was made of sand, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">every body was scared of their fathers like me,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my mother was the most beautiful, talented, and smartest woman alive,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I would be a teacher,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Elvis was the best,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">boys were weird,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my grandparents were the safest people I could be around,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my sister was who I wanted to act like and look like,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my uncles were the two funniest men on earth. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">At ten years old, I believed:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">sweat would never stop pouring from my body,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">being the tallest among my friends was a complete curse,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my boobs would never stop growing,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I met the funniest and weirdest girl named Cammie,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I hated looking at myself in the mirror. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">During my time as a twenty-five year old, I knew it all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">During my time as a twenty-five year old, I didn't have a clue what the hell I was doing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Beginning my second act, at </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">50 </span><span style="font-size: large;">years old, </span><span style="font-size: large;">here is what</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I KNOW FOR SURE</span><span style="font-size: large;">:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the devil has roots all around me,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my body sometimes feels like sand,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">fathers are scared,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my mother really is the most beautiful, talented and smartest woman alive,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">being a teacher is so cool,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Elvis has a beautiful voice, but I totally get the Beatles,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">boys are DEFINITELY weird,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my grandparents were the safest and the grandest place to be,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">being my own person and looking like me, is really great,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my uncles were/are still hysterical,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">sweat continues to pour from my body and at the drop of a dime,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">being the tallest among my friends can be kind of cool,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my boobs are AMAZING,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the best sister and friend a girl could have is still the funniest and weirdest girl named Cammie,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I like what I see in the mirror,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my husband thinks I think I know it all,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't have a clue what the hell I am doing, and that is what makes life so damn fun!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday To Meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!</span><br />
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<br />LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-12335471764415875012019-03-08T09:57:00.000-06:002019-03-08T13:04:57.720-06:00Extend Your Arms In Front Of You. Now Clap. <div class="MsoNormal">
It is International Women’s Day, and I celebrate each and every
one of you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also celebrate myself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(What? Oh my gosh, how dare she be so confident!) I know
someone out there thought it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is such a hard statement to publish. As women we are
raised, or at least a lot of generations of women are raised to not “toot your
own horn”, but to lift up others only. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bullshit!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Celebrate every single thing you have done, survived,
failed, or succeeded at in your life! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Celebrate it loudly and proudly!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, someone told my husband, “Your wife is an amazing
woman, and amazing women are a pain in the ass.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was not one word I could deny about that statement. As
a woman, I am amazing, and as an amazing woman I am a pain in the ass, and worth every ounce of the pain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am amazing, because I survived many, many, many obstacles. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am amazing, because I learn from my mistakes and I heal
from them as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am amazing, because I love, and I am loved. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am amazing, because I work hard. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am amazing because I have spent a lifetime “improving
myself.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did you know there are twice as many self-help and improvement books directed at
women than there are men?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s see if any of you have tried to “improve” yourself
like I have:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diet?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hair color?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hair cut?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Something to do with your boobs or your butt?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Education?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diet?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Height? Slouched to be shorter? Painful heels to be taller?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wrinkle cream?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ridiculous gym memberships?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tanning booth?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diet?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Extra hair?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fake hair?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eyelashes?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eyebrows?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Piercings?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, did I say diet?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And after all these attempts, I bet you still returned to
your authentic self, and do you want to know why? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BECAUSE. YOU. WERE. ALREADY.AMAZING!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am amazing too,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because I finally came full circle, knowing if I try something new it’s
for me and for fun, not because I need to be the “improved” version for anyone
else. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Celebrate women today, hell, every day, but never forget
that you are to be celebrated too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am amazing because of the line of amazing women before me
and around me, and for this I tell all of you, thank you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-31524044837841955342018-12-31T08:50:00.002-06:002018-12-31T08:50:27.942-06:00Thanks, 2018...Well Played<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Thank
you for the life lessons:</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">15.
Compromise is a relationship saver.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">14.
The closer you get to 50 the more you sweat, but the <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">
less you sweat over the small stuff.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">13.
Whatever you plan in life, twist it, turn it inside out, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> shake
it, then drop it and that's how it will turn out <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> for
you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">12.
You may be use to how things have always been, but <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> they do not
always have to be that way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">11.
You can support someone you love and not tell them <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> all of
your thoughts (Who knew?!?)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">10.
Saving money for a rainy day really does feel good.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">9.
You can still love and laugh with someone who voted <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> for Trump.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">8.
There really isn’t anything more important than time <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> for yourself.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">7.
The only thing more important than time for yourself is <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> time spent
with your family, and all the traditions you <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> share.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">6.
Being a contradiction keeps people on their toes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">5.
Men use way too many pronouns and not enough <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">
proper nouns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">4.
Making your wife laugh really will save your life.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">3.
Ignorance is everywhere, you can’t help everyone, live <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">
your truth.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">2.
Hugging your momma can be the best medicine.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">1.
Romance, the first year in a marriage, isn't about flowers or soft <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> music,
it’s about holding in your gas or them holding <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> in theirs
until one of you leave the room.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<!--EndFragment--></div>
LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-70733056737268338872018-12-29T21:12:00.000-06:002018-12-29T21:12:40.111-06:00Well, Well, Well...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Look who finally showed up with his GPS repaired, duct taped, and ready to roll...My Prince Charming. The last time I posted, I believe it was April 2017, I was friends with this man. I was still making mistakes with others, but this guy, let's call him DG, was a friend of mine that seemed just too country for this city girl and way too kind. I mean he showed an interest in me, didn't insult me, didn't want me to change in any way shape or form, so why in the world would I ever want to date him? Ugh...He liked me just the way that I was. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What in the hell was wrong with him?!? I will tell you what was wrong with him...nothing and everything, and he was what I had been stumbling and tripping over others for years, until I found him. You can call me, Mrs. DG, and now the blog takes a *plot twist, and so a new year begins in my blogging life. Get ready, it's going to be funnier than ever, because now it's taken from a wife's point of view...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*A plot twist is a literary technique that introduces a radical change in the direction or expected outcome of the plot in a work of fiction. When it happens near the end of a story it is known as a twist or surprise ending. In other words, it's a real life, "Oh Shit" moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28lOWKWy7FKuLGeXQYsP5U6BPgevVWlB3y6mnLeqChqISOeeiR-Czr7Ceqs8hFjvGgb5t4gVrEUp3lEE7cfHzk-rsYY4Oh_WJ5psN5q5LN9Dix2cnSYm8SwJD4kHh70ToD3Yipsitqug/s1600/Doug+%2526+Lisa+Eye+Shots+in+Standsjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28lOWKWy7FKuLGeXQYsP5U6BPgevVWlB3y6mnLeqChqISOeeiR-Czr7Ceqs8hFjvGgb5t4gVrEUp3lEE7cfHzk-rsYY4Oh_WJ5psN5q5LN9Dix2cnSYm8SwJD4kHh70ToD3Yipsitqug/s320/Doug+%2526+Lisa+Eye+Shots+in+Standsjpg.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, this is the look I get when I utilize my first amendment right in my mother's tone of voice or my grandmother's volume. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-7798733016910353172017-04-29T20:44:00.000-05:002017-04-29T20:44:01.006-05:00These Are My Words Unless I Say OtherwiseHere are some of my poems I have published elsewhere…Feel free to share your opinion with me.<br />
<br />
Elise (Inspired by a withering sculpture named Elise)<br />
Pieces of me fall away when I remember asking you to stay.<br />
I'm like beautiful Elise just wanting your love without the deceit.<br />
Blue skies and clouds are just part of the trek.<br />
God, please don't let my heart turn into a wall that is a complete wreck.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JNFvAT8rmDnVY5O1XplojshzKizFvQzQIVxO3Ev3qsyx8xKg705yKU9Rg5wbnNc9ks6v2-5K2DjFSUKEwv-Rxfgs4Mq9TWF68LOdio65MuO2Y_0HMqOV0FkdgDX4D3Hj9biRgl7qytE/s1600/Elise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JNFvAT8rmDnVY5O1XplojshzKizFvQzQIVxO3Ev3qsyx8xKg705yKU9Rg5wbnNc9ks6v2-5K2DjFSUKEwv-Rxfgs4Mq9TWF68LOdio65MuO2Y_0HMqOV0FkdgDX4D3Hj9biRgl7qytE/s320/Elise.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elise, Downtown Greensboro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Two Pieces<br />
Imagine two blank canvases craving color but both scared to allow the artist to begin.<br />
Once you begin you can never turn back.<br />
One canvas yearning obvious colors that are in your face, daring you not to enjoy them.<br />
The other is comfortable in melodic subtle tones expecting flattery,<br />
Both sharing a quiet confidence.<br />
Two blank canvases with all the hope and potential any one could desire, but concerned with not being unique.<br />
Along comes an artist who has so much art inside of them it's dripping at the fingertips waiting to be unleashed.<br />
And it is unleashed…two masterpieces, beauty all of their own, complementing one another side by side.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMxhuGcvSMMt2RaK5LWWu_UW_kWsTvgT5uf9h2aYAeJOCcq8UYbWPbnSyoXX0hPHO4mLNmy-ZCmyKY8OKR466ZFGk_IoF8fVmXIrcWQJXiPPknkxtyhUJZG3zh05kYsLtfx-wNr575eA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMxhuGcvSMMt2RaK5LWWu_UW_kWsTvgT5uf9h2aYAeJOCcq8UYbWPbnSyoXX0hPHO4mLNmy-ZCmyKY8OKR466ZFGk_IoF8fVmXIrcWQJXiPPknkxtyhUJZG3zh05kYsLtfx-wNr575eA/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercolors </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Music<br />
It helps me love you<br />
Sometimes it keeps me from leaving<br />
Helps me to remember the good<br />
times and why you were worth it<br />
The words say it for me and the<br />
rhythm acts it out<br />
Cries my tears when I just won't and<br />
makes me strong when I am weak<br />
Tells my story when I didn't even<br />
know how to write<br />
Allows me to forgive, to forge on<br />
Music<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw6aOATGMLJSRiE8FJlHfavznl3pMHc4Ohr0CI-DSgnOyVfZyATvZq3BRqHAsQZ4P4TIxBb-Algw8lCS31kHluKiZQDJoYLygHZBB1QWwUOEKAC0j628HXXmUBKSMvETYqdFSkSXPbgo/s1600/music+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw6aOATGMLJSRiE8FJlHfavznl3pMHc4Ohr0CI-DSgnOyVfZyATvZq3BRqHAsQZ4P4TIxBb-Algw8lCS31kHluKiZQDJoYLygHZBB1QWwUOEKAC0j628HXXmUBKSMvETYqdFSkSXPbgo/s320/music+.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playlist<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-20728939203134219102017-04-29T20:21:00.001-05:002017-04-29T20:21:16.724-05:0048 Plus 14 days<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I always post on my birthday about life lessons and
experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">This year I was out of town… which is weird to say
because I was in Houston, but since my last birthday that is out of town
now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Recently, I have been writing a lot of poetry under
another name on social media so that is what I have been cheating on my blog
with for an outlet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Here is what I had to say about turning 48 as my
poem…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">48 Years =<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">0 Husbands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">1 Pregnancy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Enough lovers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">1 College Degree<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">4 Surgeries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">4 Best Friends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Enough Jobs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">2 Careers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">2 Cities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">5 Countries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">5 Islands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">3 Great Loves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">So much more to do and see…Happy Birthday To Me!</span></div>
<br />
<br />LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-15146274305430970922017-02-20T18:53:00.000-06:002017-02-20T18:53:03.850-06:0020/20<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">You want to know what hindsight is? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Hindsight is your own life kicking you in the ass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Hindsight 20/20 is a polite way to say,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Wow! Did you fuck up, and you had the nerve to think
you were right all along! HAHAHAHA! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Sincerely, Your Life"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">EVERY SINGLE serious relationship I have been in, the
man has reached back to me (</span><span style="font-size: 21px;">between 3 to 9 months later) to</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> politely, "Check on you." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Isn't that thoughtful? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Uh, no. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7at0mL2c3JFhwoBWjoKlj8g4MlZDW2Xr9P6ZME9ywiHwUyt3hM1Pi9fZrVmbmLoToX8tTDOKojC205gBcJws_idK-8qvLvz-Uj7cSJevyVnYC69cvxDS4URGMdzVLXJpz-v_9poyDeQ/s1600/ewwwww+jimmy+fallon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7at0mL2c3JFhwoBWjoKlj8g4MlZDW2Xr9P6ZME9ywiHwUyt3hM1Pi9fZrVmbmLoToX8tTDOKojC205gBcJws_idK-8qvLvz-Uj7cSJevyVnYC69cvxDS4URGMdzVLXJpz-v_9poyDeQ/s320/ewwwww+jimmy+fallon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Eventually that "Check on you" text or
phone call turns into a conversation that leads to him saying, "I messed
up. You were the best thing that happened to me" or "You really did
deserve so much better." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Well let me say to any future men who could or will have their
ass handed to them by hindsight…save your text messages and phone calls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I know I am wonderful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I know I am amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I know I am strong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I know I deserve better, that is why you are calling me, and I'm not
calling you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6JiUcAHe1ovjEuUs6P8MWTBOgZs0TN5BEMEa5VvHDhi9jD8FwU7Oq4Z8JQH6Xuw0MrtVdOyFcyZefaE8pED3EWJUf5Ebk9ZoRdCkCvOcGXUZR50SwNoqYKC4WqctmsjSjWnGLas8UsQ/s1600/tina+fey+eye+roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6JiUcAHe1ovjEuUs6P8MWTBOgZs0TN5BEMEa5VvHDhi9jD8FwU7Oq4Z8JQH6Xuw0MrtVdOyFcyZefaE8pED3EWJUf5Ebk9ZoRdCkCvOcGXUZR50SwNoqYKC4WqctmsjSjWnGLas8UsQ/s1600/tina+fey+eye+roll.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
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LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-86493335140305294042017-01-03T11:28:00.003-06:002017-01-03T11:28:49.707-06:00Forgiveness
<br />
Forgiveness is a funny thing. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We hold on to it like it's gold, yet when we receive it we forget its value
so easily. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Personally, I forgive way too easily. I have the scars on my heart and my
memory to prove it. That's ok though, because it must be good karma that I am
creating for myself, right? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I wonder if I forgive easily because my memory erases the pain. I don't
know. I wonder if I forgive because I understand we are all just trying
to stay above water and gain the love we desire. It's funny, or it's
narcissistic of me, when people hold a grudge towards me and hide
forgiveness in their back pocket, because I often think there is something
really wrong with them to still be holding on to my "crimes." <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Maybe I'm not worthy of your forgiveness. <br />
Maybe, just maybe, you are not
worthy of mine, but I'll still forgive you anyway, because I know what you are
capable of. <br />
I somehow see the good in you through all the games in you. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-55286087140445908532016-12-10T14:52:00.002-06:002016-12-10T15:02:57.537-06:00December 10, 2013 <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">Three years ago today I was freed.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">I consider December 10th my free from cancer day
because I had it cut out of MY body. When everyone else thought I should do
exactly what the doctors said to do, well, I chose to listen to my body, my
spirit, and my heart. </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">(Yes, eventually I did the chemo and radiation for
a bit, but if you educate yourself on all of your options, your world opens up to so much more. Now insert a rant about the evils of
western medicine and the ridiculousness of chemo and radiation. Again,
this blog entry is what I have to say about MY body and MY experience, and it
is not for everyone.)</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">After my freedom date, I woke up and realized it is
time to live. Now if you have kept up with my other blogs, then you know I have
never been short of experiences or adventure, but there’s something different
about this list. There’s something amazing in every day events, when you choose
to live. </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">In the last three years I have had the pleasure of
experiencing so much, and here are just a few of them. Living with a
purpose and living by the seat of your pants is truly the best combination to
live life. If this entry encourages anyone, then I can add that to my
list. </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">1. I shaved my head and rocked the bald chick
look. </span></div>
</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMzQ5_v0Sfu3wyYVrTLufBDpOX8XhQtv2HJMhDNvr1efjKi8V9SBZAbVO4VEaKUkA3ANFlaT94hrb1TQk7S1w6YfzPaikWkxj38N3NHLDptRrnZqNe5jEElzRyBWVMXn1Kly3xLMUl9c/s1600/rocking+bald+chick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMzQ5_v0Sfu3wyYVrTLufBDpOX8XhQtv2HJMhDNvr1efjKi8V9SBZAbVO4VEaKUkA3ANFlaT94hrb1TQk7S1w6YfzPaikWkxj38N3NHLDptRrnZqNe5jEElzRyBWVMXn1Kly3xLMUl9c/s320/rocking+bald+chick.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Rocking the bald look, see I told ya. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">2. I took off a year from teaching
to be my own boss.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">3. Tony Robbins convinced me I
could do anything, so I walked across fire.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">4. I burned the hell out of my
feet, but with no regrets.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">5. I lived life as a vegan, and
never felt better.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">6. We flew to Pittsburgh, two of my
best girlfriends and I, and spent a memorable weekend visiting Frank Lloyd
Wright's Fallingwater, drank my first hard cider, and froze my rear
end watching the Steelers whoop the Ravens, which happened to be Troy Palamo's
last home game (whose jersey I was wearing) as well as Mean Joe Greene’s jersey
retirement game. - Trust me this is a BIG deal. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0eGQ6jHh3YMCWvbJhkRT14s_iPgv85w8T3mIgryBuprzCgU711qWjMQJ2prkPyyx_puRz71iMTNf9JEizzf8ua2CgPW-jVc1T9vgxRqvRGKOoSmWxPoj9jj43Nw0i_2eFJHQTG5b6tY/s1600/FLW+Falling+Water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0eGQ6jHh3YMCWvbJhkRT14s_iPgv85w8T3mIgryBuprzCgU711qWjMQJ2prkPyyx_puRz71iMTNf9JEizzf8ua2CgPW-jVc1T9vgxRqvRGKOoSmWxPoj9jj43Nw0i_2eFJHQTG5b6tY/s320/FLW+Falling+Water.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This looks photoshopped, but I promise it isn't. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">7. I woke up in Rome on my 46th
birthday.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">8. Along with loved ones, I went
to service with Pope Francis and was blessed by him.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">9. We climbed the stairs to the
top of the Vatican Roof and watched the sunset.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWQayhwy16MXz0uw3CLkRy6rro_m-dUs20LogBGE1wlQ3EjrJ2ykN2sF8Lbs5RqSO08ODSsGedqzf-rse1GiH_8CLsXZK_BjKUAtNvrez0ZAqD2xltV2wvczILKsRPU-S-z7BesDynzk/s1600/sunset+from+vatican.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWQayhwy16MXz0uw3CLkRy6rro_m-dUs20LogBGE1wlQ3EjrJ2ykN2sF8Lbs5RqSO08ODSsGedqzf-rse1GiH_8CLsXZK_BjKUAtNvrez0ZAqD2xltV2wvczILKsRPU-S-z7BesDynzk/s320/sunset+from+vatican.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The sun on my face from the roof top of the Vatican. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">10. We barricaded ourselves in our house
in Palermo for safety at night. </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">11. I spoke and translated Italian for
everyone on our two-week adventure through Italy.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">12. I hiked Mt. Vesuvius as a last
minute decision.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">13. I moved and lived near the water for a
year. </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">14. I fell in love.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">15. I broke down from love.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">16. And I got right back up again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">17. My sweet corgi, Patina, crossed the
Rainbow Bridge and I was fortunate enough to hold her.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">18. I moved to North Carolina.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">19. Twice, I have napped in a salt cave.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">20. I drove by myself through the
mountains.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">21. I voted for a woman to be President.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIof3990y-P5_Nu9dPf_k14Scj5AGEzQjZXj4IV47gQymjz2eJ1bov9ks0IRUR1yNGmTA3b5hHkw_YcV9iJG6XQun54g6mnR-0UJOD7eV1spDemlwZnEl0F-tdTOBQZDgK0JgVp5v9aI/s1600/Madame+President.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIof3990y-P5_Nu9dPf_k14Scj5AGEzQjZXj4IV47gQymjz2eJ1bov9ks0IRUR1yNGmTA3b5hHkw_YcV9iJG6XQun54g6mnR-0UJOD7eV1spDemlwZnEl0F-tdTOBQZDgK0JgVp5v9aI/s320/Madame+President.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Madame President and my 1 month old niece at a rally in Houston. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">22. I witnessed the true meaning of
Fall.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">23. I stood on top of Blowing Rock.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">24. I watched it snow. </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;">25. I kept going. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZTpgP05E5eOynxAIyAbEpQ2dv_cmdhCJPOX4pNWow6VPI1DwjygbL-uU-s445UJ8xj9duhMpVboVDEOB0YRmiN0cf3YftpJ6Xh7t-FGIG041zcWWw0__lmW_tQV3ptiI5dtg6DcYCGE/s1600/blowing+rock+keep+going.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZTpgP05E5eOynxAIyAbEpQ2dv_cmdhCJPOX4pNWow6VPI1DwjygbL-uU-s445UJ8xj9duhMpVboVDEOB0YRmiN0cf3YftpJ6Xh7t-FGIG041zcWWw0__lmW_tQV3ptiI5dtg6DcYCGE/s320/blowing+rock+keep+going.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all that adventure out there, just waiting for this clumsy one to stumble upon it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 21.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-14959554631371318752016-10-19T18:30:00.005-05:002016-10-19T18:57:42.550-05:00Dear Diary, I Have A Message<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes the simple moments
make you wake up and realize just how blessed you are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nothing particularly special or
out of the ordinary happened today; it was just another day…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">…but it was another day in North
Carolina. Now do not get me wrong, I am proud to be a Houston/H-town/North
Side girl, but something was pulling me here with the Holy Spirit OR my
discernment OR my gut instinct OR whatever you want to call it, and I followed it. I stepped out of my comfort zone, and every day has been such a blessing
since then.</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfdSXepGYhGHgNly0C7yB1WZ1Ta04_w8sMSfMfFhJZqkyG3hx1AkNq82PTSA3YbGOzkzUX08Ss-277930M7CuyxrX8zRPySTEMi6KwjbBCVqOAuXTJ8fBP33tivhyc0T7uSbvuhk8iPs/s1600/skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfdSXepGYhGHgNly0C7yB1WZ1Ta04_w8sMSfMfFhJZqkyG3hx1AkNq82PTSA3YbGOzkzUX08Ss-277930M7CuyxrX8zRPySTEMi6KwjbBCVqOAuXTJ8fBP33tivhyc0T7uSbvuhk8iPs/s320/skyline.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do love my Houston skyline. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the first time in my 17-year
teaching career I work at a school where I have a wish list as a teacher…on my
website…that parents want to buy things for the classroom, for the kids, and
me. I have so many school supplies
purchased by the parents I am out of space in my room. If you know a teacher, then you know how big of a deal this is to us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3suJfS-8G8JeUTzwucPprBJMm3Bh_0NFZn_THJmH4KKiy0lsvUUj-ej8iUjT_kIptJj-NrZI8fxtQYzLc2m5TxWyCXDqIlF4GO8s5XqGL9Zq_2PkkYUXVrsQzxrGEJyjv1oPF_jOdiM/s1600/no+place+for+hate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3suJfS-8G8JeUTzwucPprBJMm3Bh_0NFZn_THJmH4KKiy0lsvUUj-ej8iUjT_kIptJj-NrZI8fxtQYzLc2m5TxWyCXDqIlF4GO8s5XqGL9Zq_2PkkYUXVrsQzxrGEJyjv1oPF_jOdiM/s320/no+place+for+hate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always in my heart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow I'm starting an
anti-bullying team where the first focus is how safe we are and how safe we
will remain. We have practice lockdowns at our school. We have a <i>Say Something</i> week in
honor of the Sandyhook victims. I get to make an impact on a new generation and
group of kids and they want to respectfully learn about other cultures. I may
even get to organize a multicultural night, which thrills me to pieces. My
friend, Keisha, told me one day before I left Houston, “Go and make a
difference and please teach kids that look like you about kids that look like
me.” I get to do just that!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For almost 7 weeks now, every other
day I have a parent emailing me thanking me for being at their child's school
and giving me positive feedback about what their kid goes home and shares with
them from my classroom. Even when
the parents question me, it is an intelligent conversation and they still thank
me for teaching, loving, or accepting their child. I didn't know these conversations could occur. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I still have no idea what the
winter season is going to throw at me since I am a girl that's been in snow
once in my life while visiting Canada, but I am still willing to look forward to it, and why not?</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zu1qxytuTiDfXHBdLjvNbz7ReWhY8CTKTH6tPUxS92MfF-SbGxZWktaPNzWprQaMe1mAmms3QBLv7BuQcDGF1xavwby0HxIzlCM1YbYjg18xVB5Q3FGVANwhJoHMj9ykh7OoBs6BCHU/s1600/Chicks-being-Single.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zu1qxytuTiDfXHBdLjvNbz7ReWhY8CTKTH6tPUxS92MfF-SbGxZWktaPNzWprQaMe1mAmms3QBLv7BuQcDGF1xavwby0HxIzlCM1YbYjg18xVB5Q3FGVANwhJoHMj9ykh7OoBs6BCHU/s320/Chicks-being-Single.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, boy. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was brought to tears because, I
realized an ordinary day in North Carolina has been better than most of my best days in Texas. It only took me 47 years to figure that out today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My message is this…sometimes stepping
out of our comfort zone, and walking away from the good, the bad and the
disappointments of our present situation, is just the medicine we need to be
happy, and you know what, if you decide to step out of your comfort zone those
who need to be in your life will still be in your life and those that love you
will always love you no matter the distance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s really that simple.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhLh2YBiOgXayb5t6-xmMAYiPUvdmVZlI_itw1mNHdhQUVDq0MImMHgkW7JE29t9iMVKRk80MU2LR1wsXljIeh6yDfmKWagJO-xzzkiBsuiWRpIv2X21JapFExv0KQksxEk0sXctYaFk/s1600/comfort+zonr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhLh2YBiOgXayb5t6-xmMAYiPUvdmVZlI_itw1mNHdhQUVDq0MImMHgkW7JE29t9iMVKRk80MU2LR1wsXljIeh6yDfmKWagJO-xzzkiBsuiWRpIv2X21JapFExv0KQksxEk0sXctYaFk/s320/comfort+zonr.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lines aren't always straight, and the picture isn't always perfect, but man it feels like living!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-64250088766974789782016-10-14T19:53:00.000-05:002016-10-14T19:53:06.659-05:00Hi Y'all…Works Here Too<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Apparently when you move to a new city you do
things you would never do in your hometown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Houston, I'm pretty sure I NEVER drove the speed
limit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Greensboro, it just seems like the polite thing
to do…at least 50% of the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Houston, going to the farmer's market was a
twice a year event and usually we had to pack some heat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Greensboro, it just seems to be the Saturday
norm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Houston, I left my backdoor open because I
burned dinner and had to let the smoke out of the house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Greensboro, it just seems like a lovely way to
experience fresh air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Houston, driving home at 5:45 would cause high
blood pressure, cold sweat, and extreme cursing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Greensboro, it just seems like a great
opportunity to sing along with the radio and maybe stop to take a picture of
sunflowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Houston, I would drive a little longer because
the radio and song choices were so amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Greensboro, it just seems like no one has ever
heard of any decent hip hop or rap artists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Houston, we could drive a quarter of a mile and
experience some of the best restaurants in YOUR LIFE.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Greensboro, it just seems like cooking at home
is more appropriate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Houston, I am loved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In Greensboro, it just seems like it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-65668092912085783702016-10-14T19:36:00.001-05:002016-10-14T19:36:14.863-05:00I'm Sorry<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I have ignored you for so long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">You see I was busy starting over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">You should never go ignored again, because you are
what I need to feel alive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">You remind me I have a voice… a voice that deserves
to be heard. A voice that says really loudly, "I'M ALIVE AND I
MATTER!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Thank you for forgiving me and as always taking me
back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Every time I return to you I feel cleansed once
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Now let's blog, baby!</span></div>
LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-90843252373939446602016-07-27T17:03:00.001-05:002016-07-27T17:03:07.355-05:00Those Lights Sure Did Go Out In Georgia<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My intentions were to log funny quotes on our road
trip to North Carolina. It started off going very well, but then we hit
Georgia. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">You see, I decided to do something crazy for my
47th year on Earth, and so I stepped out of my comfort zone. I </span><span style="font-size: 21px;">applied for a teaching job in North Carolina,</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> packed up everything, and moved here in mid July. With my momma, my pup, my uncle,
two cousins, their border collie, Jethro, and Granny (</span><span style="font-size: 21px;">just kidding about the last two) we</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> hit the road to the East coast. </span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkr5PEKpLtzgH2l_1uOYvoRkkU3DdfP7K6KeTBKK2lF2REOklOD_sK8TSdhJ5r2F1nZkB0Vu_m-wPEBAMZppAulIhD7eCnIayTjQbzr7DanCbFNZbuc2uLi801XF1QRkyMC6g-m0NRkc/s1600/momma+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkr5PEKpLtzgH2l_1uOYvoRkkU3DdfP7K6KeTBKK2lF2REOklOD_sK8TSdhJ5r2F1nZkB0Vu_m-wPEBAMZppAulIhD7eCnIayTjQbzr7DanCbFNZbuc2uLi801XF1QRkyMC6g-m0NRkc/s320/momma+and+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where I get my courage to step out of my comfort zone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first 24 hours went just fine. My
mother and I laughed so much with each other and at each other. My sweet
10 month old pup did great. I swear she is like a baby, you put her in
the car for more than 15 minutes and she passes out asleep. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89tsgIUjXReZzebls193tGTPT2FanqbLYov2CPeEQD2s9dPNZOJuHc576o-jtFhVlUGxgbzJfwKEUnxYuNO6k_FtlXuI_jwePdsq2LPNCvQku001WQyatkvKGECxFtjnlnwIQVNCiQ3o/s1600/sadie+bae+sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89tsgIUjXReZzebls193tGTPT2FanqbLYov2CPeEQD2s9dPNZOJuHc576o-jtFhVlUGxgbzJfwKEUnxYuNO6k_FtlXuI_jwePdsq2LPNCvQku001WQyatkvKGECxFtjnlnwIQVNCiQ3o/s320/sadie+bae+sleeping.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And not on drugs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 21px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I could sit here and whine and cry about how my alternator and battery died on me on a Friday night somewhere in Georgia, where everything is closed at 7pm, but instead I'm going to tell you how blessed I am.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoURW4TFhi4JrTtIh7yyoJ5SNwoMKMC0RPA2zkzr51HWw3Cz4eVXZHonRfWqCatkvGSkE7F-pXWfp6_hAQn2tiIX152nWe85ToRxr-7Wl0_mABPJ5XePPqBBMQdWsXu6mx8RSgQChvi8/s1600/thenighthelightswentout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoURW4TFhi4JrTtIh7yyoJ5SNwoMKMC0RPA2zkzr51HWw3Cz4eVXZHonRfWqCatkvGSkE7F-pXWfp6_hAQn2tiIX152nWe85ToRxr-7Wl0_mABPJ5XePPqBBMQdWsXu6mx8RSgQChvi8/s1600/thenighthelightswentout.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know the song</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm going to tell you how blessed I am that I had a momma with me who
remained calm but bossy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm going to tell you how Jesus still loves me even though I curse…a
lot. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am going to tell you how three adults, two kids, and two dogs piled
into my uncle's truck and literally with prayers got to North Carolina at 1 am
in a terrible rain storm with torn up windshield wipers. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsfaLCYdvUfo-Aj2_nji6gFL9g_fPmgeiOlcYQ1KyO15bYj2ClvARb8aMVpygU72Dj8VtUQ-T3M729EIvk2DQDwvaB7VGgkn50X1GJuWfOmzDJSno2DRbpiMiqZj5GoM3sdqvqXQy018/s1600/patch+sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsfaLCYdvUfo-Aj2_nji6gFL9g_fPmgeiOlcYQ1KyO15bYj2ClvARb8aMVpygU72Dj8VtUQ-T3M729EIvk2DQDwvaB7VGgkn50X1GJuWfOmzDJSno2DRbpiMiqZj5GoM3sdqvqXQy018/s320/patch+sleeping.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Poodle" the Border Collie </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am going to tell you how wonderful my life long friends handled the
stress of the worst moving company and me with my "awesome" car luck.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T8GuKD345xOxkqSon1LY0P6y-aCIZh65BoYFz-4ieaH9rKIm7qPSzzbfZUjb4QZz8xM444Y_gV4YJz19DW3e-NPXKkSu8dHUfI67wn40Ulvi4yKQ-Ofuyc8MJRTUb3_V1DNFbA9cag4/s1600/duke+family+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T8GuKD345xOxkqSon1LY0P6y-aCIZh65BoYFz-4ieaH9rKIm7qPSzzbfZUjb4QZz8xM444Y_gV4YJz19DW3e-NPXKkSu8dHUfI67wn40Ulvi4yKQ-Ofuyc8MJRTUb3_V1DNFbA9cag4/s320/duke+family+pic.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My biggest blessings of all</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am going to tell you how much I have laughed these last 11 days,
and I do not regret a moment. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-59578471189389975592016-07-13T13:16:00.000-05:002016-07-13T13:16:50.861-05:00Bippity Boppity Boo<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwtBuXOTpda_sDwoOSbb-7Kw9QXU8c86YHRRud6oJVNkh6KRNVh4xEh37SenPutzxcM2rhsMzHDcn7107dM8_J-DpWuEZfw1LUlARdOHSFH7sHaRKXZoUA8NK2iHzeqE7U6c2_WvZwD8/s1600/cinderella%2527s+fairy+godmother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwtBuXOTpda_sDwoOSbb-7Kw9QXU8c86YHRRud6oJVNkh6KRNVh4xEh37SenPutzxcM2rhsMzHDcn7107dM8_J-DpWuEZfw1LUlARdOHSFH7sHaRKXZoUA8NK2iHzeqE7U6c2_WvZwD8/s1600/cinderella%2527s+fairy+godmother.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">She has been my mother's best
friend for 37 years and is one of the most amazing women who helped make me the
woman I am today. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">My Aunt Linda taught me the
beauty of raw cookie dough, finger foods for dinner, acting like a lady, the
"just right time" to use the F word (still struggling with that one)
and not letting a bad boss define you. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">She held my hand when I
went to the fertility doctors to try and have children. She was there guiding
me through adoption classes and when I had to quit because of the diagnosis.
She held my hand and my mother's as the three of us sat in the doctor's office
and we got the news of the cancer. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Aunt Linda has been my source of
strength and my mother's "sister" through good and bad times. I just
wanted another audience to know how wonderful she is and how thankful I am for
her and her love.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> If you have a woman in your life
like her, then thank them, tell them and share your story with the world. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Love one another. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Respect one another. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Lift one another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4hxe1AvZbJgpGhsjFLI8ouwaJ6eoEKZ7t2ktXGUnRenXrr8znV6T4_86FIi6IH0TXKFl6wW4WdvjhVDYK2qrH6V58tGMn_NFjATmmOXUAUYvENutCSYvGTsy8gFTb63rl5jvtNPUuiM/s1600/Aunt+Linda+and+Me.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4hxe1AvZbJgpGhsjFLI8ouwaJ6eoEKZ7t2ktXGUnRenXrr8znV6T4_86FIi6IH0TXKFl6wW4WdvjhVDYK2qrH6V58tGMn_NFjATmmOXUAUYvENutCSYvGTsy8gFTb63rl5jvtNPUuiM/s320/Aunt+Linda+and+Me.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"This is my Hairy Dogfather…I mean Fairy Godmother."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-22123547346505476812016-07-12T07:49:00.002-05:002016-07-12T07:49:50.648-05:00He Ain't Heavy; He's My Brother<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">As I work on a new project, learning to distress
furniture, I decided to listen to some oldies from the Sock Hop era, my
father's music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I listen to it and laugh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I listen to it and dance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I listen to it and begin reminiscing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Suddenly, I start to think about one of the
greatest men in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">How no one knows me from his point of view. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">No one has seen me through his eyes, whether it was
my best moment or my worst. We share something in common only one other person
on earth shares, and that is our father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">My little brother, who is nineteen years younger
than me, is one of the greatest men in my life. (You thought it was going to be
my dad, didn't you? You haven't been paying attention to my life then.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">My little brother has only known me since he was
six years old, and he put me on a pedestal, but I never knew he would be the one
on that pedestal, for me, years later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Today is his 28th birthday, and I love him so very
much. He makes me proud and everyone who knows him loves him and is very
entertained by him. He got the best traits of each parent, and the rest from
me. (I often like to take credit for his wonderfulness, and if I'm wrong don't
try to persuade me otherwise, because I'm that hard headed, so is he.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">No one else on this Earth knows what it is like to
have me as an older sister, but him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">No one else knows what it is like to be the child
of Joe Lucario AND still be proud to carry that last name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">No one else knows what it's like to reminisce and laugh until we cry or cry until we laugh about <i>our</i> childhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">…But everyone knows what it's like to love Joey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Happy Birthday Little Brother! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNHbR0RZUACHAWUwqUzd3dxYQxzIytvNLMtF2je4HY-VzQvUHzHIGsdUnYZWwsQj14_b_M8wG06F_7ZooKytaut3LPYi5VOJWbpjOa0ElWHgeQ-tReusWCBEWt0B9MJWJMWxdjobQH9A/s1600/mangia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNHbR0RZUACHAWUwqUzd3dxYQxzIytvNLMtF2je4HY-VzQvUHzHIGsdUnYZWwsQj14_b_M8wG06F_7ZooKytaut3LPYi5VOJWbpjOa0ElWHgeQ-tReusWCBEWt0B9MJWJMWxdjobQH9A/s640/mangia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-57439230051010377342016-07-06T17:43:00.000-05:002016-07-06T17:43:03.319-05:00I Want Answers<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I want answers to my questions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Do not attack me, because I want answers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Just tell me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I want to know why black men are becoming an
endangered species. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Answer my question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I want to know why white males are the number one
race of pedophiles and rapists, yet they get a six-month sentence for raping a
woman who is passed out in an alley and more time for stealing a car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Answer my question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I want to know why most of my teacher friends have
to have a second job, but a chick in Los Angeles will give a blow job on a
video and have butt implants will make more money this year than any educator I
know in their life time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Answer my question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I want to know why an educated male of mixed ethnicities
can give a speech that makes all of us squirm in our seat to make us look
inward and is called down to quit his job of entertainment, but Donald Trump
can tell a woman, in a professional setting, how she probably looks good on her
knees, and is still going to run for President of my country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Answer my question. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I want to know what Hillary Clinton has done that
no other public official and/or President and Vice President hasn't done
already?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Answer my question. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I want to know why it is okay to judge someone on
their weight, but ignore someone on their racism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Answer my question. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-38961262603473901052016-07-06T17:42:00.001-05:002016-07-06T17:42:37.540-05:00In Case You Didn't Know Me Well Enough<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0">Facebook is great for posting uplifting items, sharing your opinion, and making each other laugh, but recently it has pissed me off with some of the ignorance I have seen. Naturally, I cannot be quiet, so here was my most recent post. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0">I'm about to upset a lot of you, so if you need to remove me from your social media account, then go ahead. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0">It is okay, but I need to voice my opinion without using 'funny pictures', because I need to be authentic. Do not attack me nor try to persuade me. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0">It will not happen here, so in case you did not know this about me here you go:</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="b72sq-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="4sm1l-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4sm1l-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="4sm1l-0-0">1. I will vote for Hillary Clinton. I would vote for Jessie Williams, but he is too busy on 'Grey's Anatomy.'</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4sm1l-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="4sm1l-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="3fqo6-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3fqo6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="3fqo6-0-0">2. I believe in the death penalty.</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3fqo6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="3fqo6-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="416nn-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="416nn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="416nn-0-0">3. I believe marijuana should be legalized</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="416nn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="416nn-0-0">.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="731fm-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="731fm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="731fm-0-0">4. I believe that Donald Trump is an embarrassment to our country, and the idea of him running our country terrifies me.</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="731fm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="731fm-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="e5i0u-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e5i0u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="e5i0u-0-0">5. I think anyone who shoots and kills a person who is handcuffed and unarmed, needs to me removed immediately from service and forward all income to the family of the lost loved one.</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e5i0u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="e5i0u-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="eqh5e-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eqh5e-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="eqh5e-0-0">6. I think people should be judged on their racism rather than their weight.</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eqh5e-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="eqh5e-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="6kib6-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6kib6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="6kib6-0-0">7. I think that if Hillary Clinton is to be held accountable for wrong doings then, so should Powell, Rove, GW Bush, and so on. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6kib6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="6kib6-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="8qiqa-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8qiqa-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="8qiqa-0-0">8. I believe if you live in this country and your intentions are to stay and be a part of it, then you should be required to learn English and pay taxes.</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8qiqa-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="8qiqa-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="ft4do-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ft4do-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="ft4do-0-0">9. I believe if you force yourself into a woman, then she should get to decide on the punishment for you. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ft4do-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="ft4do-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="6m5n3-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6m5n3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="6m5n3-0-0">10. I believe all gang bangers, and people on death row should be sent to war before anyone else. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6m5n3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="6m5n3-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="lpi-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="lpi-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="lpi-0-0">11. I believe educators and nurses should be paid more than anyone who gets recorded giving a blow job with ass implants.</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="lpi-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="lpi-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="50g7q-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="50g7q-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="50g7q-0-0">12. I think two additional languages and a study of all religions should be taught in public schools from kindergarten and beyond. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="50g7q-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="50g7q-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="6gp24-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6gp24-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="6gp24-0-0">13. I believe I am thankful for having rights, but also understand those rights should be amended to fit the current century. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6gp24-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="6gp24-0-0"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="96uvm" data-offset-key="1md52-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1md52-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="1md52-0-0">Thank you.</span></div>
</div>
LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-79653292012631400202016-05-11T20:16:00.001-05:002016-05-11T20:16:50.125-05:00Mental Constipation<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oh this feels so gooooood! Due to several life
events and technology issues I have not been able to blog in a very, very long
time, but now I'm back, baby! I'm back…and it feels oh so good!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I have had so many crazy events happen in the last
7 months, and although I could blog about each and every one of them, I do not
have time due to the fact that I've grown very fond of 8 or more hours of
sleep, so I will list the life lessons learned from them and hopefully you will
find them educational, touching, or humorous as I have had to do myself. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">(Remember </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 21px;">these are <i><u>my</u></i> life lessons.)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. As an Italian Aries raised by a southern
Leo woman, not being able to express myself has been a painful type of mental
constipation. I appreciate self-expression and freedom of speech more than
ever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">2. Some men will love you and lie to you and
neither will have to do with you. Other men will love you and lie to you and it
has everything to do with you. Some men will just love you<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 21px;">…I do not know who these men are, but rumor is they exist.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. People don't always tell the truth. Who
knew? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">4. It's true what they (I still do not know
who they are) but it's true what they say about having your heart broken</span><span style="font-size: 21px;">…</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> I
can't remember it because I suck at getting a damn cliché right</span><span style="font-size: 21px;">…</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I just know
there's something out there about scars on your heart, toughening up and moving
on…right?</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. You can be 47 years old and still not get
a damn cliché right in your life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfz2Jod1z_7jx4Xa_DdP2mFu7O8-t8mxiWDuUzuRyFBN1tAaGzSNA03DwvQ_NQYojCXYJkRrc2ZCtOv1IXar4e91tScbn53hpEgflCSYUw7xlHOSqPkvuUk58blvq-zx7LoQrGNV7bzU/s1600/47+and+looking+good.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfz2Jod1z_7jx4Xa_DdP2mFu7O8-t8mxiWDuUzuRyFBN1tAaGzSNA03DwvQ_NQYojCXYJkRrc2ZCtOv1IXar4e91tScbn53hpEgflCSYUw7xlHOSqPkvuUk58blvq-zx7LoQrGNV7bzU/s320/47+and+looking+good.jpeg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">47…may not know a cliche but I look goooood. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. I am an amazing and gifted teacher but working around negative, selfish, paranoid teachers can truly, truly steal
your joy and gift if you let it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. Holding my four-legged children while they
die never gets easy, and watching them suffer is even more painful. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii9_Xj-PpVgvdneobZHJW1ZUv0sVqHF3D8Bllony0J3MNnmj_dqfZD98iVeyodG5JF-JOTC_YS_s5aqA6afKJ9iqQwhkbV4XKSQNz9wVbigXyYXNNOWPDpBisp9Kqph1e-hgzPMSgVak/s1600/Patina+and+me.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii9_Xj-PpVgvdneobZHJW1ZUv0sVqHF3D8Bllony0J3MNnmj_dqfZD98iVeyodG5JF-JOTC_YS_s5aqA6afKJ9iqQwhkbV4XKSQNz9wVbigXyYXNNOWPDpBisp9Kqph1e-hgzPMSgVak/s320/Patina+and+me.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last morning together…I miss my sweet Donkey so much. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8. "Successful" money hungry people
will steal your ideas, my ideas and act like it is theirs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">9. There is something so intoxicating about
a successful, intelligent, honest, determined, spiritual, SINGLE, black
man.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrERvzjUoN6slTZ6GB4yV3LnP2bf6K-WhkwPrV92bwt-BV1FFG4uPQ-JspMByDQHHQbTg8fIJnX9hlIPHjikoRUhAsT4UmapP8b0ptbnFJzoPRE2HB65-GqXCGIu9ARXgsSxSKnjnGJGk/s1600/Idris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrERvzjUoN6slTZ6GB4yV3LnP2bf6K-WhkwPrV92bwt-BV1FFG4uPQ-JspMByDQHHQbTg8fIJnX9hlIPHjikoRUhAsT4UmapP8b0ptbnFJzoPRE2HB65-GqXCGIu9ARXgsSxSKnjnGJGk/s320/Idris.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord, Help Me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">10. My fa</span><span style="font-size: 21px;">mily</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> STILL isn't defined by blood. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">11. Women, who have children, will simply
never understand the heartbreak of women (who can't have kids) and how <i>we</i> feel at baby
showers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">12. My friends will utilize my skills and then
forget that I'm not always a business, but a person. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">13. My friends will be by my side and love me through the break ups and break downs, and never expect me to always be
"on."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">14. The IRS sucks. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">15. Bad pizza is better than no pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">16. Bad sex is NOT better than no sex. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">17. Just because someone looks good, doesn't
mean they have what it takes to 'Boomerang' those toes. (Eddie Murphy movie
reference)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwhEyiHkq5O_psaOm9QEt6pjw6mb8fAv0qlIrP8PpSsh8H4oCOIu6TFbsy7KFup-MqQ5rarwJJLh3l18VxWlT6K2UmJPYpUB2tmukpzN0neh4y7EFu_AYUjf6QLovqaPABUPqQnSZXGk/s1600/toecurling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwhEyiHkq5O_psaOm9QEt6pjw6mb8fAv0qlIrP8PpSsh8H4oCOIu6TFbsy7KFup-MqQ5rarwJJLh3l18VxWlT6K2UmJPYpUB2tmukpzN0neh4y7EFu_AYUjf6QLovqaPABUPqQnSZXGk/s1600/toecurling.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you have not seen this movie, then please do.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">18. </span><span style="font-size: 21px;">I will not take for granted people who love me, especially those who still say, 'I love you' after I've had a shitty day. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">19. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 21px;">No one loves me like my momma.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">20. Hugs are underrated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">21. Puppies are a pain in the ass.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">22. Puppies are so dang adorable.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifK9MXxH7VXjv2H8mG9Xaroz8EMhY_Qr3Smx-3i5oWHPlHeiTTuh-uJ80vo3Iy7wY9eF87OpF3cdUorpuPUyDdbO4Vtg6eT-GTT34FHm9NzGvHwkvSK5HQhKym5koaj3x7tLCVTxRqwXc/s1600/Sadie+Bae.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifK9MXxH7VXjv2H8mG9Xaroz8EMhY_Qr3Smx-3i5oWHPlHeiTTuh-uJ80vo3Iy7wY9eF87OpF3cdUorpuPUyDdbO4Vtg6eT-GTT34FHm9NzGvHwkvSK5HQhKym5koaj3x7tLCVTxRqwXc/s320/Sadie+Bae.jpeg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is no Donkey, but she is a Sadie. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">23. Visiting other cities is good for everyone's soul.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">24. Moving to other cities is REALLY good for
the soul.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhUVsAkygqmWGOWRc0hhyphenhyphenWwWiPyA4j0inUJMCE3IuxdQe5lXas2O4nDaQ9nZxc_sfDAhignCJmwM0V_JipJxGGbASkCwAiPcSY9eJMtDaxZzBCckZRoXoXa34CdtAYn9AbjaAkhjyww0/s1600/greensboro2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhUVsAkygqmWGOWRc0hhyphenhyphenWwWiPyA4j0inUJMCE3IuxdQe5lXas2O4nDaQ9nZxc_sfDAhignCJmwM0V_JipJxGGbASkCwAiPcSY9eJMtDaxZzBCckZRoXoXa34CdtAYn9AbjaAkhjyww0/s320/greensboro2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hellooooooo Greensboro!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-42765786451997232762015-10-12T20:58:00.004-05:002015-10-12T20:58:43.638-05:00Time Flies When You Don't Know What The Hell You Are Doing<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I cannot believe it has been four months since I
last blogged. Actually I do believe it, but that sounds better than any excuse I could possibly give you. I
will try to catch you up in what I like to do the most... make a list, and in the order
they occurred. Do not get too excited there's only 4 items on this list. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">1. I gave dating one more try, ended up dating men
who lied about their marital status, their name, their career and let us not
forget the three men I was talking to who all had the same first name, but
spelled it differently. Where are they now? Possibly in Dallas, Dallus, or
Dalis. However, I did meet met my sweetheart, and he is my exact opposite. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">2. The family visited a water park 2-3 times a week
for 4 weeks. I included this because it is just a lot of public water to
experience. Even with this excessive amount to the exposure of foul things in
public water sources and what my Fit Bit says is 13,000 steps or more, I
still gained a lot of weight and decided to take water aerobics with women all
in their 60's. They literally water ballet-ed around me and kicked my enlarged buttocks in
class, but I left with my sun burnt head held high.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">3. I realized I missed teaching and being in the
classroom, and I decided to apply for a teaching position in a few districts. I
accepted a teaching job because I wanted a challenge. I still can't believe I
am back in the classroom and I work with the people I work with. The best part of my day is beginning it with my autistic student who does a great James Brown impersonation. Now, I miss being a Life Coach full time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">4. Last, but not least, I have fallen in love with an amazing man who
thinks my menopausal attention disorder along with excessive list making is charming and my butt is the perfect
size...</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Ladies and gentleman, we have found a winner! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietf6iNhQsHMawVareyr5EG-miQpdgJOQPoELTsVjrDZ9nSOQjkfMGERmqtu5sUFOd_urO8War5AekLZVKM_b97csyti4Whyphenhypheng1HA59eEqYSe332Ujxd8fc68FPx9gBtbj22JYpP6gkbPI/s1600/photo-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietf6iNhQsHMawVareyr5EG-miQpdgJOQPoELTsVjrDZ9nSOQjkfMGERmqtu5sUFOd_urO8War5AekLZVKM_b97csyti4Whyphenhypheng1HA59eEqYSe332Ujxd8fc68FPx9gBtbj22JYpP6gkbPI/s320/photo-23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my other sweetheart, my Uncle, and that is my butt. ..I know right?!? Hot! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<!--EndFragment-->LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-20919050338645355172015-06-02T16:05:00.002-05:002015-06-02T16:05:58.570-05:00I Won't Tell My Therapist But I'll Tell You
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Since I last wrote I turned 46 years old, moved out
of my comfort zone to a new city, and started going through menopause (thanks
to chemotherapy), so you can only imagine how charming I have been lately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Actually, I am always charming but sometimes it is misunderstood
as being bitchy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Whatever!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I haven't forgotten about my blogging life it just
seemed a little like going to therapy, and I didn't want to have to admit to
this or that to anyone, but here I am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The following is a list of things I don't want to
tell a therapist (if I even had one), buuuuuuuut, I'll tell you:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">1. Menopause sucks! I have always been a person who
never was hot, now I break out into a sweat and throw things off of me like a
stripper with Turrets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">2. Turning 46 is just too damn close to 50. I threatened
a girl with INS for offering me the senior citizen discount at Salvation Army.
She had blond hair and blue eyes, but my ass was ready to send her back to
Sweden!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">3. I love living near the beach! Oh how I have
always wanted to, however for future advice to y'all, do not move near the
beach when it is summer time and you are beginning menopause. I no longer have
that youthful summer glow. I leak like a freaking water hose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">You are officially all caught up with my life. I promise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I also promise to keep blogging and sharing with you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Thanks for hanging in there!</span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUKkOjTyK0e_LJ2RwtY6Z1_HRJK8NRDp9ZPhl3wxMhltovP28c-baaG9Ay0OcSyGwI7lfGBQH0fl7CUaNuiFz6X2zcRB_fednAYzI4XN8lzyBAKxknLsXMF_kDXkJz4c04g18_q8BzBA/s1600/46th+birthday+in+rome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUKkOjTyK0e_LJ2RwtY6Z1_HRJK8NRDp9ZPhl3wxMhltovP28c-baaG9Ay0OcSyGwI7lfGBQH0fl7CUaNuiFz6X2zcRB_fednAYzI4XN8lzyBAKxknLsXMF_kDXkJz4c04g18_q8BzBA/s400/46th+birthday+in+rome.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the new face of menopause.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-55751612843936486302015-03-19T18:14:00.002-05:002015-03-19T18:14:34.847-05:00One Of Those Days<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Things They Do Not Tell You In Breast Cancer Survivor School:<br /><br /><br />1. You will think every ache, pain, and bump is cancer. <br /><br /><br />2. Blood work and medical test of any sort can be continuous and cause sudden crying & high anxiety.<br /><br /><br />3. You will feel guilty for surviving & terrified of dying at the same moment.<br /><br /><br />4. The color pink (especially in the form of a ribbon) will cause you to want to punch someone.<br /><br /><br />5. Being afraid is normal. To stop taking chances is not. </span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQws3ClGEt6hLBj3uujgoF9n6NvnTaN2n6LCQbJEQZvoDSk24Svc_6YUZz_XlswzYcnMsYxT2_Ge5sZGSoTQOR5zlm4aWLqd9L6v1ctp4uI0MvEQVxf5DeBEcSbsBIq7Xf86MVM3YdZMw/s1600/pink+camo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQws3ClGEt6hLBj3uujgoF9n6NvnTaN2n6LCQbJEQZvoDSk24Svc_6YUZz_XlswzYcnMsYxT2_Ge5sZGSoTQOR5zlm4aWLqd9L6v1ctp4uI0MvEQVxf5DeBEcSbsBIq7Xf86MVM3YdZMw/s1600/pink+camo.png" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-39036699475030758922015-02-12T18:48:00.000-06:002015-02-12T18:48:31.266-06:0050 Shades of Shut The Hell Up Already...This One Is All About The S-Word
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I am so excited about the new movie "50 Shades
of Grey" because it will finally stop being promoted and amped up all over
the universe. Good grief already! I did not read the book nor will I see the
movie because I've had great sex, and I do not need to borrow someone else's
experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> <s>50 Opinions or Ideas</s>
(Who has time for 50 of anything) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">15 Things I Have To Say About A Movie That I Will Not See, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">But I Am Tired Of Hearing About
It:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">1. It's 2015, so why is a woman still the
only one completely nude in a movie especially about sex?!?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">2. Have your own sex instead of living
through someone else's experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">3. Watch episodes of 'Sex and the City'
instead, where the women are in charge of their own orgasms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">4. Spend $.50 on a piece of gum, instead of
$50 on a date night about a movie that could disappoint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">5. Pass out drunk wearing a pair of
Spanx...Trust me when I say you'll wake up feeling the same as if you had been
tied up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QrSwenvUrzmcdtXKKGSFCT0qIUnjZaG92zsSWVqN7KJf0EWMaifo-PMO0mDhKP22TITObaarpx9tCdzSVNvi0PnwNQGuKwt9Rr_eZb95f2Q_-O8OOCwRxCZLxhuy7OxhARQ0ThCjHiU/s1600/spanx+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QrSwenvUrzmcdtXKKGSFCT0qIUnjZaG92zsSWVqN7KJf0EWMaifo-PMO0mDhKP22TITObaarpx9tCdzSVNvi0PnwNQGuKwt9Rr_eZb95f2Q_-O8OOCwRxCZLxhuy7OxhARQ0ThCjHiU/s1600/spanx+baby.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">6. Make a list of your best 50 sexual
experiences, and if you can't make the list, then get busy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">7. Pull or pluck 50 shades of gray hair out
of your body, it will be more memorable than this movie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">8. </span><span style="font-size: 21px;">In an era where our next president could very well be a woman, why is a woman portraying herself as sexual play toy for a man?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">9. The main character is allegedly a 'thick'
woman. No, Boo, she is not thick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">10. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 21px;">Color 50 strands of your hair gray. I love gray hair! Love it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMYiqCIkbCwpqyTVbz6BPmSpv3h0vLBXgfa2JctPtEVTlTPORKIa6avCiHvGmhvriLsIhzlM0rVSf4YlYMI6sliVxfHFHFO-g0uCulQHqpfOIQlqmYv4jNtXUEbH8f_zcpqFX8Xbo_qs/s1600/grey+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMYiqCIkbCwpqyTVbz6BPmSpv3h0vLBXgfa2JctPtEVTlTPORKIa6avCiHvGmhvriLsIhzlM0rVSf4YlYMI6sliVxfHFHFO-g0uCulQHqpfOIQlqmYv4jNtXUEbH8f_zcpqFX8Xbo_qs/s1600/grey+hair.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep. Gray hair. Yum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">11. Save your money to go see 'Magic Mike XXL' this
July, then go home, close your eyes, and ravish your husband, boyfriend, or
teddy bear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">12. You say you need ideas for a better sex life;
the best resource is a group of girlfriends to talk to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">13. You still need ideas for a better sex life,
here's a wild idea, talk to the person you want to have this great sex
with...if you can have sex with them you better be able to talk with them too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">14. Don't have sex for an entire month, and then
your worst lover will start looking real good again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">15. Remember sex is a lot like chocolate, it may
not last forever but any amount is goooooood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsk5tYgZB3oOe3F0eKz5S3QrYNf9xxwavSYGOSMMExdXbaITSVt8dpM9MV7c3eK3nX2YS0qkOphePMavp7eIkp8aSwZWr_P9ge3UW1WZ1ekizHK7rowsI_U1w5z6UXzG1EgneDMvAcJQ/s1600/bestfriendswith+this+chick.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsk5tYgZB3oOe3F0eKz5S3QrYNf9xxwavSYGOSMMExdXbaITSVt8dpM9MV7c3eK3nX2YS0qkOphePMavp7eIkp8aSwZWr_P9ge3UW1WZ1ekizHK7rowsI_U1w5z6UXzG1EgneDMvAcJQ/s1600/bestfriendswith+this+chick.png" height="248" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am literally best friends with this chick. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-61472804179648742642015-02-01T12:12:00.002-06:002015-02-01T12:12:56.393-06:00Who Needs A King When You Want A Prince
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sometimes my life makes me think I am in someone
else's movie. Have you ever thought, 'Wow! This is really happening, and
I'm in it." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Last night I was working at a jewelry party,
because that is my second job, and I am blessed to have a friend recommend one
of their friends to have me at their house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Who knew that married men would show up expecting
it to be a swinger's party? Not me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I spent three and a half hours, parties normally
run 2, listening to everyone speaking Spanish and having to yell over loud
music that I had no comprehension of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The evening also included women trying to buy
jewelry off of me, i.e. my body like I was at garage sale or flea market, where
I too have offered money for pretty stuff but not to avoid spending $5 to avoid
shipping and handling costs. After six hours of working the party and working
on the invoices at home, I profited $90 dollars, disappointing yes, but it
could have been worse. I could have given into temptation, taken shots of their
Raspberry Vodka and jumped on a coffee table or married man and danced
too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">As I settled into bed, long after midnight I find my phone beeping to
notify me of several Facebook messages, from people I do not know that well and
some I do not know at all. Requesting favors that took a lot of balls, kind of
like the men who showed up hoping to swap wives instead of buying jewelry for
them. The other shocking message was from an attractive man, who calls himself
King, no ego issues here, letting me know how proud he is of me and how pretty
I am. We have never met, nor will we, although I appreciate his pride in me as
well as his sincere compliments, he is not my King, but I do have a group of
married men I would love to introduce him to. </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-57675558508591074912015-01-07T11:54:00.000-06:002015-01-07T11:54:56.112-06:00I Think I'll Go To The Zoo Today
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">It is said all the time that you do not have to be
blood related to be family, and this has been the case since I was a child. At
10 years old my best friend, gave me another family, including another
grandmother, who was called, 'Geenaw'. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">This Monday Geenaw joined other loved ones
in a more celestial place. Her 88 years on Earth was an endless giving of good
things...not Martha Stewart good things, but real women/real life good
things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Like any grandmother, food was a great gift she
gave us. Geenaw introduced me to
Top’s BBQ, The Rendevous, and of course her catfish is legendary. Mustard. That's right,
mustard. It is a recipe that my family adopted from her and still uses today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFcJV3dO5DalmsO1J4GvaUyTWQMhLxiL70iKxScy0gezVGKifwCNZ_03PloyLB6v7ZXj3lh7tiK3vLXyA1RohLCGprXePmST9G0fiWnaTLW6kU_CzijB1L_DZN3bo-F_enatVPF81MPQ/s1600/entrance-to-the-zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFcJV3dO5DalmsO1J4GvaUyTWQMhLxiL70iKxScy0gezVGKifwCNZ_03PloyLB6v7ZXj3lh7tiK3vLXyA1RohLCGprXePmST9G0fiWnaTLW6kU_CzijB1L_DZN3bo-F_enatVPF81MPQ/s1600/entrance-to-the-zoo.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: 16pt;">From the age of 11 to my early 20's, I visited
Memphis on a yearly basis during the summer time and once or twice getting to attend Memphis in May, a really big city event. Memphis became my second home
to where I knew the street names and how to get around. I became a frequent
visitor at Graceland, The Memphis Zoo, Mud Island, and The Pink Palace and introduced
to all of them by Geenaw. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The best part of her tours was being introduced to
the extra pieces of personal fondness she added to each trip, each adventure,
even learning about the Sears building across from the first Krystal Burger and
being shown the motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I do not know if she ever knew her impact on my visits,
but then again maybe she did. She was not a woman who needed kudos just
desserts. I'm talking good stuff like cakes, cupcakes and candy bars. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Geenaw made me feel like one of her very own even
when we would play Yahtzee. She wanted to beat me like any other family member
she played games with, and that is how I knew I was an official granddaughter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Thanks to Geenaw I fell in love with the Memphis
Zoo and visited it with her frequently growing up. She taught me about volunteering at
the Zoo and how life in your 50's and 60's did not have to include soap operas
and unnecessary mall trips, but enjoying life's creatures and little treasures. I loved
visiting the zoo so much, that when my own family had a reunion near Memphis we
took a trip to the Memphis Zoo, and I got to step in her shoes and play tour
guide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21px;">Thank you, Geenaw.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I think I'll go to the Zoo today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997832723713920475.post-92071120180979636962014-12-31T09:13:00.001-06:002014-12-31T09:13:36.273-06:00Finish What Ya' Started I always like to reflect on my year around this time. I don't know why, it just happens all the time around this week every year. Weird. Right?*<br />
Well I'm in denial of a lot, including most of this year, so I thought I would reflect on it by posting a list of the draft titles that I have sitting in my files for blogging. These are the titles of blogs that I began and never finished. Should I say I have not finished yet? Let your imagination wonder and enjoy what they could have led to.<br />
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*Happy New To Do List To You All!<br />
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1. Dear God, It's Not Margaret, It's Me<br />
2. And An Extra One To Grow On<br />
3. Seriously?<br />
4. God is love and law<br />
5. If I'm Going To Be Posting<br />
6. I Hope It Never Comes To Publishing This One<br />
7. There Is Nothing To Prove<br />
8. It's The Thankful Month<br />
9. Good Morning Class of 2014<br />
10. The End?<br />
11. Coming Out<br />
12. Saying Goodbye<br />
13. Love and Marriage<br />
14. Being Vulnerable<br />
15. I Don't Know What<br />
16. Lessons From A Con<br />
17. Don't Chase Me I'll Chase You...Scratch That<br />
18. You Know What?<br />
19. I'm About To Piss You Off<br />
20. The Life I Would Love To Live<br />
21. To Whom It May Concern<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRe2zNUxc0DyUdK5UFmw_zXnvHA59bqmasWfbGAMa7LDVM9OJn85NOLZ4wU4J6utX320NAfnjeiLUmCd3S2nL21jp1V1DCM6rFYylsN7SiG6g9HLM4lpqGgUn-OqJQAmEmpZ_FsofN_c/s1600/bacardi+tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRe2zNUxc0DyUdK5UFmw_zXnvHA59bqmasWfbGAMa7LDVM9OJn85NOLZ4wU4J6utX320NAfnjeiLUmCd3S2nL21jp1V1DCM6rFYylsN7SiG6g9HLM4lpqGgUn-OqJQAmEmpZ_FsofN_c/s1600/bacardi+tour.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would love to blame alcohol & busy travels for my unfinished work, but there's really no reason. </td></tr>
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LiLuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553477697635560940noreply@blogger.com0