tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64831915046878002292024-03-13T20:20:03.085-07:00Semi-PerfectLearning to embrace the glorious imperfection of lifeBarcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-91722381562649685742019-10-28T19:01:00.000-07:002019-10-28T19:01:05.127-07:00Signing OffI kept telling myself that my little hiatus from blogging was only temporary. I never blogged very often anyway. But when I realized that I hadn’t written a single thing in over a year, it was time to own up to the obvious. I just don’t have time in my life right now. As Marie Kondo would say, it doesn’t “spark joy”. So I’m letting go. I’m still going to leave it up, just in case I decide to come back to it some day. For now, I’m off to live my semi-perfect life.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blessed be.</div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-63927729727224681062018-10-15T13:21:00.001-07:002018-10-15T13:21:38.510-07:00Pregnancy Loss Remembrance Day<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Today is International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. I don’t often speak publicly about my own miscarriages, but today I feel the need to share. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Grief is always hard, but unless you have experienced this particular type of grief it is hard to describe. Losing a baby means that not only do you grieve for the loss of someone you love, you grieve for all of the memories that you never got to make. You grieve for all of the tomorrows that you don’t get to have. You grieve not just the big things, but so many little things - skinned knees and first haircuts and learning to ride a bike. My heart was shattered five times, but even knowing the pain I still would never have missed the time I had with my sweet angel babies. I never got to hold them in my arms, but they live forever in my heart. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
My children taught me important lessons about my own strength, the utter devotion of my husband, and the kindness that even total strangers can show. The loss of my babies initiated me into a sisterhood of remarkable women who have survived horrible losses, but can still reach out a hand to lift you up. They brought a new depth to friendships I already had and brought some very special new friends into my life. I am so grateful for the gift of my babies and all of the lessons that they taught me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
In memory of Billy, Katie, the twins, Shrimp, and Little One.<o:p></o:p></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-65805241231694268352018-06-08T07:55:00.001-07:002018-06-08T07:55:36.758-07:00No more secrets<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">This morning news broke that Anthony Bourdain had committed suicide. Earlier this week Kate Spade committed suicide. This has truly been a horrible week and I am heartbroken. I am heartbroken for Anthony and Kate that their pain was so great that didn’t feel they had any other options. I am heartbroken for their families and friends that have lost a loved one. And I am heartbroken for the world that we have lost such talent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Every time a famous person commits suicide there are a rash of social media posts about how we have to destigmatize mental illness. I have posted it myself a few times. I talk a good game about how there is no stigma and no shame in mental illness. That makes me a hypocrite, because I hide my own mental illness. I have treatment resistant major depressive disorder. I have never before spoken those words to anyone other than my husband or a medical professional. I was ashamed. I was afraid that people would think I was weak. So I put on my happy mask and talked a good game about ending stigma. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">In hiding my own depression I have contributed to the stigma. No more! Today I stand up and openly say that I have depression. There is no shame in that. If somebody thinks that I am weak because of it, then that isn’t somebody I want in my life anyway. If a future employer hesitates to hire me because of it, that isn’t a company I would want to work for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, now my secret is out there. It is a secret no more. And I feel hella strong right now.</span><span style="font-size: 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLsaQJBaP8W1SalFcceBnrFFqfUPxjMA258KWJvkfL-kDvvnI6wLSsZDC3dKV3VR_sNFd0XVn4SuSUnRWUVySizYwcGL6ffrLGx7qpKcozFZvO-U_Ju27YyROsHaHDrPLw5BzqhuStHg/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="564" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLsaQJBaP8W1SalFcceBnrFFqfUPxjMA258KWJvkfL-kDvvnI6wLSsZDC3dKV3VR_sNFd0XVn4SuSUnRWUVySizYwcGL6ffrLGx7qpKcozFZvO-U_Ju27YyROsHaHDrPLw5BzqhuStHg/s320/IMG_1059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-32982512730921788202017-08-01T18:57:00.000-07:002017-08-02T03:48:58.451-07:00An Anniversary Fairy Tale<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Hubby
and I have been married for 22 years today! Several years ago I wrote the
story of our very bizarre wedding day in the form of a fairy tale. Even though
we were both in the Army at the time and we had a justice of the peace wedding,
I decided to turn it into a fairy tale. Every girl should get to be a princess
on her wedding day, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Since
this is my favorite story ever, I will share it with you again today. Without further ado, here is my Unconventional Wedding Day Fairy Tale...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Once
upon a time, in the kingdom of San Antonio, there lived a curly-headed
princess. (Well, she was actually a soldier, but the story is much
more romantic if she is a princess.) She fell in love with a kind,
handsome prince. (You guessed it, he was a soldier too.) They fell
in love and wanted to share their lives together, but were in no hurry to make
things legal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Then
one day a ferocious dragon attacked. (She got orders to go to Fort
Drum.) The prince and princess knew that only the power of true love
could save them, so they decided it was time to get married. On the
day the marriage was to take place they ventured out in the midst of a powerful
thunderstorm in search of a justice of the peace. They finally found
the JP in a converted jail house. So, in the midst of a raging storm, while
standing in a former jail, the prince and princess exchanged their vows. (The
wise JP included a wonderful clause in the prince’s vows. He had to
promise to bring the princess presents even when it wasn’t a holiday.) Once
the vows were said the dragon was slain and they went off to Fort Drum
together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">They
went on to have many wonderful adventures and have enjoyed living their
unconventional fairy tale ever since. Their happily-ever-after is
still continuing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><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/AVvXsEithVfY0R6jzx8KNI9Y2l29Q0fao__RcKIjMoIYtS20Pty2PX-yOWK5_2JJtnk_Nqh84mTXVkEIXL_jO07OD1eupZVRy8EPVE6l0wLSUXJxXFPKCwN_5iivZB7IG9rTPq5pUV5ApLrBdV0/s1600/Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wedding photo" border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithVfY0R6jzx8KNI9Y2l29Q0fao__RcKIjMoIYtS20Pty2PX-yOWK5_2JJtnk_Nqh84mTXVkEIXL_jO07OD1eupZVRy8EPVE6l0wLSUXJxXFPKCwN_5iivZB7IG9rTPq5pUV5ApLrBdV0/s1600/Wedding.jpg" title="Wedding photo" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-31676273673310604642017-07-01T11:54:00.000-07:002017-07-01T13:49:14.201-07:00Reflections on a Power OutageOur power went out earlier today. Cue the hysterics! My first reaction was to stress about all of the things I wanted to get done today. Suddenly I was transformed into some perfect Martha Stewart clone that had an intense schedule of things to accomplish. I needed to bake a pie, write a book, sew a new wardrobe, cure cancer in my home laboratory. And, darn it, those things require electricity. So what if my original plans for the day included none of those things. Now that I couldn't do them, I had an intense NEED to get them done right...this...minute!<br />
<br />
In the midst of my stressing my youngest pup jumped in my lap and explained to me that this was the perfect excuse to do nothing. I could just relax, do nothing, and pet the puppy for as long as he wanted. Have I mentioned that the pup is very wise?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTm-LoY4UawLJQfE2qXJHsmdx2BdEBQGPv-BoeumpC9ahHEKAEYh2IVsajpY_4MC1Wl3SlJI6QEhq4NoaA45jgDxubWXpPw9jLalL4_jPatHdorrAptOFqarZyqImIQEDyeP0xq-oqNQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="578" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTm-LoY4UawLJQfE2qXJHsmdx2BdEBQGPv-BoeumpC9ahHEKAEYh2IVsajpY_4MC1Wl3SlJI6QEhq4NoaA45jgDxubWXpPw9jLalL4_jPatHdorrAptOFqarZyqImIQEDyeP0xq-oqNQ/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocket the wise sleeping in my lap during the outage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So, until the power comes back on you will find me sitting by the open window, reading a book, and cuddling with a sleepy puppy. May all your weekends have an equally low-key start.<br />
<br />
Have a Semi-Perfect day!Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-71951282888197197412017-04-02T12:54:00.000-07:002017-04-02T12:54:10.928-07:00Quote of the Month – April 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
April is a really big month for me this year. On the first
Monday in April I start a new job! Since we moved to Ohio I have been working
part-time at home for my employer from Texas. Working from home has been great,
but I was really starting to miss human interaction during the day. As much as I love spending all day with my pups, they aren't great conversationalists. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My new company made such a great impression
during interviews. They are so
passionate about the company and its mission and I am so excited to become part
of that. I actually enjoyed the interview process! We were all smiling and laughing. It felt more like grabbing a coffee with friends than the usual interview interrogation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Between the start of spring and the new job, I knew that I
wanted April’s Quote of the Month to focus on new beginnings. When I came
across this quote from Friedrich Nietzsche it really reminded me of my whole
transition to Ohio. I took a step back by switching to part time work, but the
new job is a big leap forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt2LcrHmrTybMHaRkbz3TPAZS2PnT-Hh7BMBDDWRWz_I_DBNF-tvZ9YsMt9P71_Dk0c2I2Tk-7jOOnq1d8sb04ivdWeCRgCrbxE56bttOXr55SyY-Z4FzQpxbQQdw0smjN4yAw-aqoLU/s1600/Quote+of+the+Month+for+April+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="He has drawn back, only in order to have enough room for his leap. -Friedrich Nietzsche" border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt2LcrHmrTybMHaRkbz3TPAZS2PnT-Hh7BMBDDWRWz_I_DBNF-tvZ9YsMt9P71_Dk0c2I2Tk-7jOOnq1d8sb04ivdWeCRgCrbxE56bttOXr55SyY-Z4FzQpxbQQdw0smjN4yAw-aqoLU/s320/Quote+of+the+Month+for+April+2016.jpg" title="Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have a semi-perfect day!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-64301963533471927042017-03-04T18:50:00.000-08:002017-04-02T12:59:07.276-07:00Meeting the Treehouse MasterSorry I’ve been missing the last couple of weeks. I had a vicious cold and just couldn’t deal with anything beyond blowing my nose and drinking tea. I’m finally feeling better. Yeah!<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago I attended the Columbus Home and Garden show and got a chance to attend the VIP meet & greet with Pete Nelson from Treehouse Masters. If you ever have a chance to meet Pete, do it! He is every bit as funny and personable as he seems on TV. I’ve been to quite a few meet and greets and his was by far the best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYe6kHVE-VOP8S7fH5hx1KWlvbwl_KcoEAY9Y1YxLM9jn-ERqkcz08Wyw42SP3__mpNR03OuBHmIO5KpeMyiFZa1gBfHw6kNqQ4Vbp82G4fpyp525tsWXTtILlF2FrxmiL4itR-r9Uwgc/s1600/Blog-MeAndPete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters" border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYe6kHVE-VOP8S7fH5hx1KWlvbwl_KcoEAY9Y1YxLM9jn-ERqkcz08Wyw42SP3__mpNR03OuBHmIO5KpeMyiFZa1gBfHw6kNqQ4Vbp82G4fpyp525tsWXTtILlF2FrxmiL4itR-r9Uwgc/s320/Blog-MeAndPete.jpg" title="Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Me and Pete Nelson</i></span></div>
<br />
A lot of meet & greets consist of the celebrity standing in front of the group and telling a couple of cute, personal stories, then the crowd files past for a quick hello and a selfie. Pete did things very differently. He started at one end of the room and worked his way through stopping to introduce himself to each person, making a bit of small talk, answering questions, and giving hugs. After he had spoken to every single person in the room he posed for pictures with everyone who wanted one. There was even a professional photographer on hand to snap the photos. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pvOXVHqDVkJXvv6FxfH9W-A9ki9NptUSv5BJ_gmi30pVzzfwcCdRwBPPmntpaN0ZORbBkpz07C_lTI4TBZX7h32LaEHSPyUVE012t7UIpVyBSHdhZmgoCc3_Kvwp_KPvbpjoJmAKbDY/s1600/Blog-meet_greet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters" border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pvOXVHqDVkJXvv6FxfH9W-A9ki9NptUSv5BJ_gmi30pVzzfwcCdRwBPPmntpaN0ZORbBkpz07C_lTI4TBZX7h32LaEHSPyUVE012t7UIpVyBSHdhZmgoCc3_Kvwp_KPvbpjoJmAKbDY/s320/Blog-meet_greet.jpg" title="Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pete Nelson working the room during the meet & greet</i></span></div>
<br />
My favorite story from the day came from the table next to mine. A family with a college-age son had driven from Long Island to Columbus specifically to meet Pete. The son is an architecture student and a big Treehouse Masters fan. Pete took extra time with them and even looked through the son’s portfolio. The photo he signed for the son was personalized with “Hope we work together someday”.<br />
<br />
My own encounter with Pete was fun. He asked where I was originally from (darn it, my Texas accent gives me away every time), then talked about some treehouses he had built in the Texas Hill Country. Afterward, when it was my turn to get my picture made he called me by name! After all the people he met that day he not only remembered my name, but pronounced it correctly! I seriously became a fan for life, right on the spot!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP0X65c5CivGB_Zw5iZnPmX2HyISBQyLPEy5kZfpIGjg4bgZDRt_TbjyK0I0R-sp6sPGX9rd2kgXwevsyXEIWx6LpF1Rero0qrv2RaiR7o2pVJAt2YiSttnzPc-jWJobHXvt3n5I4QDo/s1600/Blog-MeAndPete-funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP0X65c5CivGB_Zw5iZnPmX2HyISBQyLPEy5kZfpIGjg4bgZDRt_TbjyK0I0R-sp6sPGX9rd2kgXwevsyXEIWx6LpF1Rero0qrv2RaiR7o2pVJAt2YiSttnzPc-jWJobHXvt3n5I4QDo/s320/Blog-MeAndPete-funny.jpg" title="Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Don't recall what my table-mate asked, but it looks like I found it shocking!</i></span></div>
<br />
After the meet and greet was over he had a presentation for all show attendees. I went to that as well and it was great. He talked about how he got into the treehouse business, shared pictures of various projects, and talked about the structural engineering aspect of building in a tree (ie, how to make it secure and safe without harming the trees). I have to admit, the first time I watched the show I was a little concerned when they started drilling into a tree (yep, I’m a tree hugger), but after hearing him talk I understand how deeply he cares about protecting the trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJnB8aYFzGGescMA-ysFDYLlNmVdEsQolb12Zo76InEyMGbefjAwJa_hJhLptjVsLHKQjauxyTot7rfHsr_urU4f9dlU8qif5xeVwgftX2O634HUBWV5ppG8M5Gm42cm5eCy8FtytzjA/s1600/Blog-Pete+presentation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJnB8aYFzGGescMA-ysFDYLlNmVdEsQolb12Zo76InEyMGbefjAwJa_hJhLptjVsLHKQjauxyTot7rfHsr_urU4f9dlU8qif5xeVwgftX2O634HUBWV5ppG8M5Gm42cm5eCy8FtytzjA/s320/Blog-Pete+presentation.jpg" title="Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters" width="235" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Talking about how he got into the treehouse business</span></i></div>
<br />
Another great part of the presentation is that he told everyone all about his new friend, the architecture student from Long Island. That young man was already walking on air after the meet & greet, but after the public shout out he was absolutely glowing with happiness. That is definitely a day he will never forget. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhije-s3GRhIeuPDCNkAi3j9wazvNOwan_IXcDMau8wfOv7CCXiM25hMcOeHAev6oRmxl2OfNB0ULU5oR8W03VLdBjfexZUG4_LAv1eJen9QLd2U_Wz40OLgPsnwWE5Ad7rg9869_6Vahc/s1600/Blog-Pete+presentation2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhije-s3GRhIeuPDCNkAi3j9wazvNOwan_IXcDMau8wfOv7CCXiM25hMcOeHAev6oRmxl2OfNB0ULU5oR8W03VLdBjfexZUG4_LAv1eJen9QLd2U_Wz40OLgPsnwWE5Ad7rg9869_6Vahc/s320/Blog-Pete+presentation2.jpg" title="Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters" width="209" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Discussing how treehouses are attached to trees</span></i></div>
<br />
If you ever get a change to meet Pete Nelson, jump at it. Even if you have never seen the show Pete will absolutely charm you.<br />
<br />
Have a Semi-Perfect day!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-68409476768667505292017-02-17T07:31:00.001-08:002017-03-04T18:57:18.122-08:00Road Trip Essentials<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whenever we make a long road trip I like to pack a little container of essentials to make the drive a bit more comfortable. The one I’m
sharing today was packed for a solo road trip the hubby is making this
week-end.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVncdyYeP_KYZce0MiCEKRJDG5uPvVRlBpAhMPgSUAd4zVsnbFPdZ_bPOtAp8TBMNR6zOlBzW0l6oBsJ_yeAi4NxePg4To5jG2PKX5ZfI0alYJoMFxpXhLwjXt-lHsCgq613UNA40azaI/s1600/Roadtrip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Road trip essentials" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVncdyYeP_KYZce0MiCEKRJDG5uPvVRlBpAhMPgSUAd4zVsnbFPdZ_bPOtAp8TBMNR6zOlBzW0l6oBsJ_yeAi4NxePg4To5jG2PKX5ZfI0alYJoMFxpXhLwjXt-lHsCgq613UNA40azaI/s320/Roadtrip1.jpg" title="Road trip essentials" width="286" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since he is traveling solo, I packed open bins to sit in the
passenger seat so it would be easy for him to reach. I used two smaller bins so that I could put
snacks in one and smaller items in the other.
For snacks I like to pack things like trail mix, crackers, or dried
fruit since they aren’t very messy. You can also cut down on the mess by using
resealable packaging. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2xXmeQlbW0E4_VCOoEOczG-R9iRMxU5z1SSUuqARJlJZ3qzKsy9DwE8W5VFz5KAKZ6fS18tnpHM0L_mW_zLiF8Kaf-hZ40zEvf0aSlTsMFesjJ5fccRNmdQMb9-e9Thcq9-kRWoPNLE/s1600/Roadtrip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Road trip essentials" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2xXmeQlbW0E4_VCOoEOczG-R9iRMxU5z1SSUuqARJlJZ3qzKsy9DwE8W5VFz5KAKZ6fS18tnpHM0L_mW_zLiF8Kaf-hZ40zEvf0aSlTsMFesjJ5fccRNmdQMb9-e9Thcq9-kRWoPNLE/s320/Roadtrip2.jpg" title="Road trip essentials" width="196" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the second bin I put all of the small odds and ends. For
this trip I packed a small first aid kit, over the counter medicine, a zipper
bag with change for tolls, spare phone charger, tissues, and a pair of reading
glasses. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbck50nAh7vtkeIHT-zIKGr7FGqQXa8qL_PJTXQ_4h1NapWKSzX1nC28XDkCrCTnIPOucn4jgZb7PCmQhQCas6H21kzDdsLx5ZidzHDTmuhTcYleY2yHfi2B6HPzVJi8beFP0LR0DuQY/s1600/Roadtrip3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Road trip essentials" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbck50nAh7vtkeIHT-zIKGr7FGqQXa8qL_PJTXQ_4h1NapWKSzX1nC28XDkCrCTnIPOucn4jgZb7PCmQhQCas6H21kzDdsLx5ZidzHDTmuhTcYleY2yHfi2B6HPzVJi8beFP0LR0DuQY/s320/Roadtrip3.jpg" title="Road trip essentials" width="188" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best part about these bins is that they are extremely customizable. You can use whatever bins, baskets, or other container you have on hand. You can purchase store bought snacks, or make your own. Choose whatever over the counter meds you need most. The whole point of these bins is to make your trip more comfortable, so you can pack whatever suits your fancy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RQCbZNXwJ0qQK5L4gf2dJ-4xpQ26PvnNKg0Fya8oXzNr-OBIrfZUUTTcUFC2ekqa0-eHdMx9-qnvxth1gNDyBUqy6ZnDe30HN18kzu1wR6zcXY2_pS2qMKzX2i9eomwVfH6OxXpp_6U/s1600/Roadtrip4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Road trip essentials" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RQCbZNXwJ0qQK5L4gf2dJ-4xpQ26PvnNKg0Fya8oXzNr-OBIrfZUUTTcUFC2ekqa0-eHdMx9-qnvxth1gNDyBUqy6ZnDe30HN18kzu1wR6zcXY2_pS2qMKzX2i9eomwVfH6OxXpp_6U/s320/Roadtrip4.jpg" title="Road trip essentials" width="252" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One last note - I didn't include things like sunglasses and a roadside emergency kit since I keep those in the car all the time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What are your "can't live without" road trip essentials?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a Semi-Perfect Day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/18326219/?claim=kx9z2vtnmm4"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</span></a>Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-36264278523573196692017-02-13T06:34:00.000-08:002018-01-01T12:51:23.873-08:00Pivot<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">You
probably noticed that I recently changed the name of this blog to Semi-Perfect.
Did you wonder what on earth “Semi-Perfect” meant?</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Well, it is now time for me to spill the
beans and announce that the blog is making a bit of a pivot.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For years this was a personal blog & wasn’t really about
anything in particular. I just wrote infrequently about whatever was on my
mind. I wanted a niche, but I just didn’t feel like I was expert enough to
write about anything specifically. You see, I have always struggled with perfectionism. My attitude was "if it isn't perfect, then what is the point". One day I was watching a home show. A couple toured a house that I thought was truly dreadful, but they loved it and declared it to be their dream home. In that moment it finally dawned on me that no two people have the same definition of perfect. My absolute perfection may be your living nightmare. And that my dear readers is where the idea of "Semi-Perfect" was born. Semi-Perfect is all about finding what is perfect for you. Forget what anybody else thinks. When you find that just right thing, then you have found your own perfection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I'm not a designer. I'm not a chef. For a long time I thought I
just wasn't any good at the "home stuff" because I didn't have a picture
perfect home and I was a long, long way from being Martha Stewart. But now I realize that just because my home isn't textbook perfect that
doesn't mean that it isn't perfect for my family. I decorate in a way that
suits our lifestyle. The recipes I cook are tailored for our tastes. It isn't
perfect for anybody else, but it works just right for us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, from now on this blog is going to be about all those things that I love. I’ll show you the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you are
inspired by what I show you I hope that you will put your own spin on it and
customize it so that it is just right for you. That’s the Semi-Perfect way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBbbuLqGInTTxMpY5c4qMwek8ifJWmsc8LBMY3iEsaSoaweWy8wblldRFrgCKtKW4LqMwqAT3JN2TWyBVnqyY6LF74w7iR5OA8iRq5zuFMoJF9bzkCiwEom7_E5azRw2WUiz163MJmhM/s1600/Dr+Seuss+Quote+with+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dr Seuss quote from Oh, The Places You'll Go" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBbbuLqGInTTxMpY5c4qMwek8ifJWmsc8LBMY3iEsaSoaweWy8wblldRFrgCKtKW4LqMwqAT3JN2TWyBVnqyY6LF74w7iR5OA8iRq5zuFMoJF9bzkCiwEom7_E5azRw2WUiz163MJmhM/s320/Dr+Seuss+Quote+with+border.jpg" title="Dr Seuss quote" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Have a Semi-Perfect day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-28096498374690891492017-01-12T06:22:00.000-08:002017-02-13T09:35:33.735-08:00Why I Don’t Make New Year’s Resolutions<div class="MsoNormal">
New Year’s resolutions sound great in theory. The whole “new
year, new you” concept is everywhere for the first couple weeks of the
year. By the time the middle of January
rolls around people are already starting to bemoan their broken resolutions. Ya
think that maybe the whole “no sugar, no caffeine, no alcohol, run 10 miles a
day, first one in the office, in bed by ten, and be perfect in every way at all
times” resolution might have been a bit much?
Don’t get me wrong, I think it is great to want to improve
yourself. I just don’t think that making
huge & unrealistic resolutions is the best way to go about it. The problem
with a resolution is that you either succeed or fail, and if you slip up it is
all too easy to just say “oh well, I blew it. Better luck next year”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRqgert8kd6wOZA8gdvpHld37iVHq15Idet0Opv2xaidX0UCOfxAudiWT7O1WNOJQF0WAST9Ea4mCTPKGxla5AxzqLC_CUn-LL6ZBr13xyraQ74xF_QhRrfFDUGgzfoDSKfOTmZJjfGI/s1600/New+Year.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Stop making New Year's resolutions" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRqgert8kd6wOZA8gdvpHld37iVHq15Idet0Opv2xaidX0UCOfxAudiWT7O1WNOJQF0WAST9Ea4mCTPKGxla5AxzqLC_CUn-LL6ZBr13xyraQ74xF_QhRrfFDUGgzfoDSKfOTmZJjfGI/s320/New+Year.jpeg" title="New Year's resolution" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>My New Year's resolution</i></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a much bigger fan of setting goals. Goals can be
reevaluated and adjusted. I’m also a fan of having sub-goals. For example, if
you are a couch potato & want to take up running don’t set yourself one
goal of running a marathon. Set up smaller goals that you will meet along the
way. Maybe your first goal is to visit the doctor for a physical or to run
around the block. Along the way you will build your sense of accomplishment by
reaching intermediate goals like running a 5K, then a 10K, then a half
marathon. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another resolution alternative is to set a “word of the year”
or theme word. This isn’t so much about setting a specific resolution or goal.
It is more about having a guiding principle for the year that covers multiple
aspects of your life. For example, you can choose the word “joy” to remind
yourself to embrace all that is joyful in your everyday life or “transformation”
if you are going through some big changes.
The point of your word is to choose something that resonates with you
personally and helps you to be mindful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regardless if you are a resolution maker, a goal setter, or
a theme word enthusiast don’t forget that the New Year is not the only time you
can work on self-improvement. There is nothing wrong with setting a monthly
resolution, a weekly goal, or a word of the day. The important thing is that you choose a
system that works for you and moves you toward the live you want to live.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-68654197534510388212016-12-20T05:50:00.001-08:002016-12-20T06:00:20.591-08:00Thoughts on Holiday Greetings<div class="MsoNormal">
I really thought about using the title "No, I didn't just declare war on your holiday", but that seemed a little confrontational. So, we will just go with this.<br />
<br />
<u>On open letter to the lady in the blue sweatshirt:</u><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hi. You probably don’t remember me. Our paths crossed only
briefly. We were at the grocery store and passed in the aisle. Our eyes met, so
I smiled and wished you a Happy Holidays.
You rolled your eyes and growled out “Merry Christmas” between your
clenched teeth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did my greeting offend you? If I had been able to tell just
by looking that you celebrate Christmas I would have gladly greeted you with a
hearty Merry Christmas. But you see, I have friends of many different
nationalities and faiths. Some of them celebrate Christmas, some Hanukkah,
some Yule, some Kwanzaa, some choose to celebrate nothing at all. None of them are lesser than the others and
none of them deserve to have their celebrations diminished. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By wishing you a Happy Holidays I am not trying to declare
war on Christmas. I am not trying to belittle your faith. I am only wishing you
the happiest of whatever holiday you choose to celebrate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI57cgvWCiKRQGqUeAYyNvvQuOp2PPEBcbUuXwypsswOplazaGdllgTm6lUP34SnbvkXK9G-UmpooO0kCZ4T8ySjMe3Nens381jLbOounyQpk0zxMbDYTXJjNcmdfnlM9cCh2vhyphenhyphenAQeyY/s1600/holidays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Season's Greetings" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI57cgvWCiKRQGqUeAYyNvvQuOp2PPEBcbUuXwypsswOplazaGdllgTm6lUP34SnbvkXK9G-UmpooO0kCZ4T8ySjMe3Nens381jLbOounyQpk0zxMbDYTXJjNcmdfnlM9cCh2vhyphenhyphenAQeyY/s1600/holidays.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-25299604026636360362016-11-11T09:33:00.001-08:002017-04-02T12:55:55.348-07:00Veterans Day<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Every year I try to
post something thoughtful for Veterans Day. This year my words are
failing me, so I am sharing the words of those more eloquent than
I.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; outline: none 0px;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">"The
willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no
matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the
Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."</span></i></strong><strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"> – </span></strong><strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; outline: none 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding: 0in;">George Washington</span></strong><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; outline: none 0px;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">“As we
express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is
not to utter words, but to live by them.”</span></i></strong><strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"> – </span></strong><strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; outline: none 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding: 0in;">John Fitzgerald Kennedy</span></strong><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; outline: none 0px;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">“How
important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes</span></i></strong><strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">!” – </span></strong><strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; outline: none 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding: 0in;">Maya Angelou</span></strong><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I saved the best for
last. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; outline: none 0px;"><i><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier
who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”</span></i></strong><strong><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"> - </span></strong><strong><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; padding: 0in;">Douglas MacArthur</span></strong><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQlzB0BSml89buo71PiDajThkHCpmnUjCnbPKRKvD85TqMeN7EWa-UU_s078y3rLCoqDqgzMb4PPfS0H2qaKm_S7aQbtVhnE2PHHdY1h1xFxT3X60NrLshuEXq6PR7Ec9by9IahQuae4/s1600/field+of+poppies.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Remembering Veterans Day with a field of poppies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQlzB0BSml89buo71PiDajThkHCpmnUjCnbPKRKvD85TqMeN7EWa-UU_s078y3rLCoqDqgzMb4PPfS0H2qaKm_S7aQbtVhnE2PHHdY1h1xFxT3X60NrLshuEXq6PR7Ec9by9IahQuae4/s1600/field+of+poppies.jpg" title="Field of poppies" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Remembering Veteran's Day with a field of poppies</i></span></o:p></div>
</div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-86562689820274616702016-11-07T05:39:00.000-08:002017-02-13T09:26:39.973-08:00Don’t Rock the Vote Until You Do Your Homework<div class="MsoNormal">
Voting is both a right and a privilege. It is how “we the people” play our part in
government. In short, it is important – much too important to be done on a whim.
Yes, if you are registered you should vote in this very important election, but
you need to do your homework first.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your vote is your own. It should reflect your thoughts on
the issues at hand. It doesn’t matter which celebrities support a candidate. It
doesn’t matter if your Facebook friends say that anybody who votes for the
other side is an idiot. It doesn’t
matter how your spouse or your parents vote. You are alone in the voting booth
and you alone are responsible for the choices that you make.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t base your decisions on a candidate’s speeches. Go to
their website and read their policies. Get to know what they really stand for,
what they really believe in. Campaign
appearances are carefully created to get you excited. Look for the substance
under the sparkle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t get your news from just one source. Expand your reading/watching so that you will
see news from across the political spectrum.
Be sure that you base decisions
on credible news sources. Trending topics on Twitter or Facebook do not count
as credible sources! If you come across
something that sounds questionable, check it out. There are lots of fact-checking sites out
there during an election year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have done my homework and made my decision. Have you?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsuSdZGdNTo1cWaBhYT_yx9Oq-LPfw0HB4n2pVdshQM1h57myKgwv4_h2r0cmEWV3q3SqnGFXE8ApNeFYY3TbWpMvB68Eym03NG4BaqrDcvG7VYGBV8LpBaeutlEQyGRg3X45QGwDbt4/s1600/Election+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Time magazine election cover" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsuSdZGdNTo1cWaBhYT_yx9Oq-LPfw0HB4n2pVdshQM1h57myKgwv4_h2r0cmEWV3q3SqnGFXE8ApNeFYY3TbWpMvB68Eym03NG4BaqrDcvG7VYGBV8LpBaeutlEQyGRg3X45QGwDbt4/s320/Election+sign.jpg" title="Time magazine election cover" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Last <a href="http://www.time.com/">Time</a> magazine cover before the election</i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-17297314640708930982016-08-21T11:16:00.000-07:002017-01-12T07:00:04.617-08:00When it pays to clean out your closetMy closet has been in desperate need of a good purge and organization for ages. I've been putting it off because cleaning closets really sux. Yesterday I decided to bite the bullet and just get started. I'm not gonna lie, it was exhausting and painful. But you guys, I found $125 in gift cards and $100 in cash! Now I'm going to clean out every closet in my house and see what other goodies I can find!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3G0K521lJaUqf18HY2tCq8u13Y4zGyd4V9mNO28TDw_I3BZw-oyNIMD5uPIPehZ3Rhj8vuQqoh5CeNU9cZrdPjBjVoCNjV_3L10Ng5Kskjny24K7f-bVmTijSpbE3Oqc5s3Eg5PmgjM0/s1600/ClosetHaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Closet riches" border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3G0K521lJaUqf18HY2tCq8u13Y4zGyd4V9mNO28TDw_I3BZw-oyNIMD5uPIPehZ3Rhj8vuQqoh5CeNU9cZrdPjBjVoCNjV_3L10Ng5Kskjny24K7f-bVmTijSpbE3Oqc5s3Eg5PmgjM0/s200/ClosetHaul.jpg" title="Closet riches" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm rich!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/18232201/?claim=8deendua833">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
<br />
<br />
<br />Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-76834466863138829772016-05-18T16:54:00.000-07:002016-09-07T10:09:06.553-07:00Texas Comic Fest<div class="MsoNormal">This past week-end was the second Texas Comic Fest that hubby and I have produced. After ten months of hard work the payoff was an amazing day of comic related fun. Here are a few of my favorite moments.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There were several people who were experiencing their first comic con event. It was so much fun to see them take it all in. I think some of them really found their tribe! They came in a little shy, maybe a little hesitant, but by the end of the day they were completely at home. The best first-timers were actually some unintentional attendees. See, the venue we were at frequently hosts gun shows. We had two different groups of people pay their admission, walk the floor for a bit, then come back to the door and say “This isn’t the gun show, is it?” I can only imagine what was going on in their heads as they walked around seeing people in cosplay and wondering what the heck kind of gun show this was. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another favorite moment was when a cosplayer dressed as Deadpool threw a taco at me. I have been to a lot of comic cons, but I have never had food thrown at me before. He threw a packet of taco sauce as well, so that was kind of thoughtful. Taco wasn’t bad tasting either.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzrZrVgT9Es4_kvjGURUdEbpxXDXrcAslcwlUqN1EXfRnr3vHrZtXmd4B2VwBLQ4fHBLUEhqk6PuIdJd9m_Mt0iQ7lnOO2gRHmyPx0KCIcepXUE-YJT-5LOZ9iPu_8Zf6mMQgflArRiR1/s1600/Deadpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzrZrVgT9Es4_kvjGURUdEbpxXDXrcAslcwlUqN1EXfRnr3vHrZtXmd4B2VwBLQ4fHBLUEhqk6PuIdJd9m_Mt0iQ7lnOO2gRHmyPx0KCIcepXUE-YJT-5LOZ9iPu_8Zf6mMQgflArRiR1/s320/Deadpool.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Taco throwing must have exhausted Deadpool. After the taco throwing he stole Professor X's chair.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Kids are always the best part of any event. There were a few adorable youngsters that had seen a Joker cosplayers and promptly went to find Batman and let him know. Batman played right along and said that Joker had escaped from Arkham and thanked the kids for their assistance in finding him.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYCDDq7fFoYBQiNYjm1YX7MI9CtC-UnIEbMdeCuOIuuW2-bYEIgEa40wDJ97LrGONrz05yseszMgMmlaup0oHrAL2AnxCKPDf8TQ6Ovo0O5eCbU3leaa-_zN0hAT9Jp9josflBBsyZw1f/s1600/Joker+and+Batman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYCDDq7fFoYBQiNYjm1YX7MI9CtC-UnIEbMdeCuOIuuW2-bYEIgEa40wDJ97LrGONrz05yseszMgMmlaup0oHrAL2AnxCKPDf8TQ6Ovo0O5eCbU3leaa-_zN0hAT9Jp9josflBBsyZw1f/s320/Joker+and+Batman.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Joker (Alex Thomas) and Batman (Dan Madsen)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also had a chance to get to know some very special people. Bustin’ for Autism was at the event to support autism awareness and raise funds for their mission. Former WWE wrestler Gene Snitsky was there supporting them. For someone who played a wrestling character that was downright evil, Gene is the sweetest person you would ever want to meet. Such a great guy supporting a fantastic organization!<o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another very special person I met was of the four legged variety. Tugg is a canine superhero! He was an abused pup, but he was adopted by a wonderful family that nursed him back to health and trained him to be a therapy dog. Tugg does charity work and even has his own comic book! Such a powerful example of what love can do. You can learn more about Tugg at his website <a href="http://tuggthebullterrier.com/" target="_blank">TuggTheBullTerrier.com</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnY6kjvJKZOOwKZQRFmUsmLRZ6sQPhheMpj-guCcHqSO3KlnwV6EgpoB2tnPCAMmJdbsLYS3-rZqHzbLDRVfaNh6cI49sNIqryRaqoCohXTKbRb2TtEJS_jTMAn5P2BMXGUO3Lzs_IaB6/s1600/Tugg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnY6kjvJKZOOwKZQRFmUsmLRZ6sQPhheMpj-guCcHqSO3KlnwV6EgpoB2tnPCAMmJdbsLYS3-rZqHzbLDRVfaNh6cI49sNIqryRaqoCohXTKbRb2TtEJS_jTMAn5P2BMXGUO3Lzs_IaB6/s320/Tugg.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tugg the Bull Terrier Puppy</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Note: All photos are used courtesy of the Texas Comic Fest Facebook page.</i></span></div>Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-58552605217829948612016-04-19T21:34:00.000-07:002017-01-12T08:11:39.266-08:00Has it really been that long?Over the weekend I was thinking about how much I've been neglecting this little blog. I knew it had been quite awhile, but I was shocked to see that it has been over five months since I posted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nTStjH9Q2-a6ZnU-8pJZpd4VqdDs_Mx1hFHUewXaCUvdEpa5UPjnA-ZCGClhSKPe7ycr9BCoIPzGBTiuZ1fiZu6yveEdvPNcLvDj5DlNgF9kEwQtqzAgmz8LRD3EWMaMi33T_iVsyaY/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nTStjH9Q2-a6ZnU-8pJZpd4VqdDs_Mx1hFHUewXaCUvdEpa5UPjnA-ZCGClhSKPe7ycr9BCoIPzGBTiuZ1fiZu6yveEdvPNcLvDj5DlNgF9kEwQtqzAgmz8LRD3EWMaMi33T_iVsyaY/s320/clock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I feel like I need to explain my absence, but the truth is so boring. The truth is that work has been insanely busy, I spend a minimum of two and a half hours a day commuting, and we have a couple of side projects going. All true, but just boring as hell.<br />
<br />
So, I've decided to give you a range of options for where I have been.<br />
1. While vacationing in the Arctic I was adopted by a clan of polar bears.<br />
2. I am secretly a famous movie star and was doing the Greta Garbo "I want to be alone" thing.<br />
3. I discovered time travel and went back to the Middle Ages where I promptly got bitten by a flea carrying the bubonic plague.<br />
4. I discovered that I am actually the long lost princess of a small but wealthy island nation. I have been getting to know my subjects and having all the postage stamps reprinted with my face on them.
<br />
<br />
So, which do you prefer? I think I'm going with the princess story. My curls would look really cute in a tiara!
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-35112821075417991112015-11-11T03:00:00.000-08:002017-01-12T08:12:31.741-08:00Veteran's Day<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Happy Veteran’s Day to all those who have served, or are currently serving, in the Armed Forces. From the Revolutionary War right on up to the present day, our veterans have always been there to answer the call. It is with deep and profound gratitude that I say a humble “Thank You” to all of them – past, present, and future.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzga4jqhLD6OzIEa2cTMd4vy_wRsX_3rtPte7p4bUdbkB7f5CYKAt-HBmQy0lo-vVl-cM1vj6FWQPHtdfRE9sUkHmLyzwxQYxUiRY9Qm-KQ3zC2nfuRKSNTXsL7RvZ52lmfsjNqgEzg3k/s1600/small+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzga4jqhLD6OzIEa2cTMd4vy_wRsX_3rtPte7p4bUdbkB7f5CYKAt-HBmQy0lo-vVl-cM1vj6FWQPHtdfRE9sUkHmLyzwxQYxUiRY9Qm-KQ3zC2nfuRKSNTXsL7RvZ52lmfsjNqgEzg3k/s320/small+flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
On Veteran’s Day I also feel a different kind of gratitude. I am incredibly grateful for the eight years that I served in the Army. It made me understand what I was capable of and made me realize my own strength. The person that I was while I was in the Army was the best that I have ever been. The Army enabled me to have experiences that I never would have had otherwise. It turned me from a small town girl into a citizen of the world. It brought me life-long friendships and introduced me to the love of my life. I would not have the life that I have today if it was not for those incredible eight years.<br />
<br />
So, to Uncle Sam I say a heartfelt “Thank You” and to all my friends and comrades from the old days – Hooah!<br />
<br />
*Today's post is a repeat from 2013<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-50418036874000070872015-10-16T19:21:00.000-07:002017-01-12T08:01:02.551-08:00When Did Road Trips Get So Complicated?Back when I was young (a really, really, long time ago), road trips were so easy. If my college aged self got a chance to go on a fun road trip, I pretty much just tossed a toothbrush in my purse and off I went. Now that I'm an old woman I still love a good road trip, but it is so much more complicated!
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWIoWJo91C1Ff3FnxQFUsC0TvUO03dMBZum6c3d6jYyudxnIQz1F_7F0zbfofYQuV835rCjGHHLVxHIh6URIlG9e8QAFfm1adSBqB0mrQLRMG2S02iVD_64Dy6INtCaLApq6-Q3xAuIM/s1600/Suitcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of suitcase" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWIoWJo91C1Ff3FnxQFUsC0TvUO03dMBZum6c3d6jYyudxnIQz1F_7F0zbfofYQuV835rCjGHHLVxHIh6URIlG9e8QAFfm1adSBqB0mrQLRMG2S02iVD_64Dy6INtCaLApq6-Q3xAuIM/s320/Suitcase.jpg" title="Suite" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I am currently on a very short road trip. It is literally down one day and back the next. My total time away from home is about 36 hours. Yet, I still wound up packing TWO full bags of toiletries! Twenty year old me was fine with sleeping in my makeup. Old lady me is very particular about having all of the appropriate lotions, potions, toners, cleansers, and serums. The fight against wrinkles can never pause!<br />
<br />
Of course, technology makes travel easier, but it definitely adds to the packing. I always have my phone, iPad and Kindle with me when I travel. I have to be well stocked with audio books and TedTalks to amuse myself in the car. Of course, all those things have their chargers that you can't forget!<br />
<br />
Old lady me also likes to be well prepared for any minor inconveniences that might come up. I'm well stocked with headache medicine, allergy meds, antacids, and pretty much every other type of over the counter med you can think of. I've also got to be sure I have a change of shoes and a sweater or jacket in case the weather turns chilly. There is no rain in the forecast, but my umbrella is packed just in case!<br />
<br />
Sometimes I miss my free spirited younger self. It was nice having the spontaneity to just jump at opportunities. But, I have to admit that road trips are much more comfortable when I have my magic bag of tricks with everything I could possibly need.<br />
How about you? What are your road trip essentials?<br />
<br />Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-2149152341934409542015-10-05T20:48:00.000-07:002017-04-02T12:56:26.945-07:00Quote of the day - Albert Einstein<br />
I have a new personal mantra. I think that I will have this put on posters and plaster my office walls.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them. ~ <i>Albert Einstein</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgdH0KBA-aCH2bzlTMUJXyPBJfAdnhoIYjnhzAiF1TJ9_c_IArQJUuNDEV4-cHXwthJOnl6CWCr5nx9dPcMo_U4gDY6NJ0PbPTcfavxK1y1fwNqnXbACaxNC3u_gxaDFjSbVc1p_M5PY5/s1600/Quote+of+the+Day+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quote of the day" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgdH0KBA-aCH2bzlTMUJXyPBJfAdnhoIYjnhzAiF1TJ9_c_IArQJUuNDEV4-cHXwthJOnl6CWCr5nx9dPcMo_U4gDY6NJ0PbPTcfavxK1y1fwNqnXbACaxNC3u_gxaDFjSbVc1p_M5PY5/s320/Quote+of+the+Day+logo.jpg" title="Quote of the day" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-17221031846691298792015-09-08T13:54:00.000-07:002017-01-12T07:01:15.847-08:00Hot!So, I woke up at 4:00 a.m. today and was convinced I had died and gone to hell. It was so hot in my house that surely Lucifer himself had to be in residence. I've always thought I was basically a good person, so I was a little surprised to find myself in the pits of Hades.<br />
<br />
After my head cleared a bit I realized that the air conditioner had gone out. I should have know it. Even hell couldn't be as hot as Texas in the summer with no central air.<br />
<br />
Thank goodness the repair company that we called was able to come out quickly and get it running again. It wasn't even that expensive a repair. Of course, I would have paid any price just to get that wonderful cold air blowing again.<br />
<br />
Now, pardon me as I go dowse myself in water and lay under a vent with a glass of ice cold lemonade.<br />
<br />
<br />Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-39633462557593635302015-08-29T18:41:00.000-07:002017-01-12T07:01:31.883-08:00The New Man in my Life<br />
I have a new man in my life. He is short. He has a pot belly. He sits around in the nude all day. He has poor bladder control. And I love him with all my being.<br />
<br />
Meet the newest member of my furry family, Rocket the shorty Jack Russell Terrier.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyAe_T6SeOz7SOVY3Rwc8ElneKHoXQOwkxU5z753Z0zlMD8AsZZhaT9q9v4Yn1blQ1mRO6bJcrbd6ZMFNHgqwLgPClas6E6zlu9opdVKxo3WoUOlXKec70Az6eUKU5Bd02swIhyphenhyphen4dmHeL/s1600/BabyRocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My new baby, Rocket" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyAe_T6SeOz7SOVY3Rwc8ElneKHoXQOwkxU5z753Z0zlMD8AsZZhaT9q9v4Yn1blQ1mRO6bJcrbd6ZMFNHgqwLgPClas6E6zlu9opdVKxo3WoUOlXKec70Az6eUKU5Bd02swIhyphenhyphen4dmHeL/s320/BabyRocket.jpg" title="My new baby, Rocket" width="315" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>My New Baby</i></span></div>
Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-54916507520633346852015-07-16T17:04:00.000-07:002016-09-07T10:09:06.696-07:00Adventures in Commuting<br />On my way home from work yesterday I stopped for gas. Not exactly an unusual occurrence, until a limousine pulled up to the pump next to me. Obviously limos need gas, too. You just don't expect them at a tiny little gas station in the middle of nowhere. On this particular stretch of road it is usually me, a bunch of big pick-up trucks, and lots of rock haulers & dump trucks. Cool change of pace!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy8OvvKjtWqfkq6r-iCjg9dM92f2902IrPtdECbTmWt82TRm80qVr0yum8TYvAkVX7wSn52avMaYSZQX2myij1t_ciwbKjXXbhC24msB4FtbLlQMXAVdmTi_TG6nNNe3Xibj_jofM2Obk/s1600/LimoFuelingUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy8OvvKjtWqfkq6r-iCjg9dM92f2902IrPtdECbTmWt82TRm80qVr0yum8TYvAkVX7wSn52avMaYSZQX2myij1t_ciwbKjXXbhC24msB4FtbLlQMXAVdmTi_TG6nNNe3Xibj_jofM2Obk/s1600/LimoFuelingUp.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Limo fueling up</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-58749466782500125682015-06-23T03:30:00.000-07:002017-04-02T12:56:53.161-07:00Quote of the Day - Eleanor Roosevelt<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "proxima nova" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "proxima nova" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">“Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "proxima nova" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "proxima nova" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">~Eleanor Roosevelt</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "proxima nova" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1np8gPNeyGoBqLdfi8AIWWHRkILQizFQYEMSFUOCqD_FB4brUFAwfqarHphYmu7_EA262sVX6N5vH4T3Qh26pkh3A98ATX52_nBc4RiTrqzkF2Aml7iMHneSxz2Ed-w0EfplduJlLzAjb/s1600/Quote+of+the+Day+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quote of the Day" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1np8gPNeyGoBqLdfi8AIWWHRkILQizFQYEMSFUOCqD_FB4brUFAwfqarHphYmu7_EA262sVX6N5vH4T3Qh26pkh3A98ATX52_nBc4RiTrqzkF2Aml7iMHneSxz2Ed-w0EfplduJlLzAjb/s320/Quote+of+the+Day+logo.jpg" title="Quote of the Day" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "proxima nova" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-80168796062367859092015-06-21T14:21:00.000-07:002016-09-07T10:09:06.726-07:00Proud Mama - My Puppy is a Feminist!<br />I am so proud of my little dog! We were having a quiet family evening at home a couple of nights ago. My pup, Piglet, was curled up in my lap being very sweet and peaceful. I don't remember the show we were watching, but the scene took place in a busy office building. A man walked into the office, took over, motioned to the one woman in the room and said, "Grab us some coffee".<br /><br />Piglet immediately jumped to her feet, looked at the television, and growled. As soon as the man walked out of the room she laid back down. But for the rest of the show every time he came on screen she jumped up and started growling at him. I am so proud of her for looking out for a sister! My girl may be just a pup, but it looks like I am raising her right!<br /><br />So, my goal for the week is to take after my pup. If I see anyone being treated as 'less than', I am going to growl. Um, I mean call attention to it. If they don't pay attention, then I'll growl!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5OComaeEy3qd-TDq4mUZPOr3pgngxB2L9J-n0Ep_jKl7MZX79IvTTYypBUwenlu1H4SPsNgBeIC-PD0ACEf4-4Vm6xCjzDy2LFiTjXovqhsyR5a35jU7KSvgM7IW_BZVYVjgUsMrLH4r/s1600/Piglet.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Piglet the Puppy" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5OComaeEy3qd-TDq4mUZPOr3pgngxB2L9J-n0Ep_jKl7MZX79IvTTYypBUwenlu1H4SPsNgBeIC-PD0ACEf4-4Vm6xCjzDy2LFiTjXovqhsyR5a35jU7KSvgM7IW_BZVYVjgUsMrLH4r/s320/Piglet.jpg" title="Piglet the Puppy" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>My pup, Piglet</i></span></div><br />Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483191504687800229.post-78197294365476177232015-06-13T04:31:00.000-07:002016-09-07T10:09:06.740-07:00Texas Comic Fest is today!At long last, Texas Comic Fest is today! I was doing a quick surf of the internet before I head out to finish set-up, and discovered that we made the Dallas Morning News list of Top 20 things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth this week-end! To say that I am excited is a wee bit of an understatement!<br /><br />The story is available <a href="http://www.guidelive.com/things-to-do/255903/texas-comic-fest-premier-event-center-lewisville" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpQWwlhPy04oGzdPL16of0iq-2Oj7P2Mq3T20lYj3Yms16NUhS-JhLwFx0gN99BX3xKOiz3TCN4sY-yjqX89SxTAD9B2a6QB2B2KbUdWv3gc4QSXlcofKFwq1ncNe1K9h3oFg85P8W8se/s1600/TCF-BlogPic060915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpQWwlhPy04oGzdPL16of0iq-2Oj7P2Mq3T20lYj3Yms16NUhS-JhLwFx0gN99BX3xKOiz3TCN4sY-yjqX89SxTAD9B2a6QB2B2KbUdWv3gc4QSXlcofKFwq1ncNe1K9h3oFg85P8W8se/s320/TCF-BlogPic060915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Barcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217526624780243960noreply@blogger.com0