tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82768757628291645972024-03-05T09:56:06.810-08:00Wellness... with a Dash of Humor & a Pinch of Faith!!!But those who wait for the LORD's help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles' wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.
- Isaiah 40:31
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-9502762285885472372013-09-26T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-26T00:00:16.990-07:00A Warm Welcome to Apples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9TdV71IRs628pAoU_mnUsKLEDx_4wU8L55nGtLsTPapBUnM5YHkevfg5mGctUhCb7kNP_75-5RVvDp74zOHe5HhE9XoqC8aOsonu_N-F36MyTaMOrGRTzyX5FrpUJhXnsUeIpQuRJqWQ/s1600/WELCOME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9TdV71IRs628pAoU_mnUsKLEDx_4wU8L55nGtLsTPapBUnM5YHkevfg5mGctUhCb7kNP_75-5RVvDp74zOHe5HhE9XoqC8aOsonu_N-F36MyTaMOrGRTzyX5FrpUJhXnsUeIpQuRJqWQ/s320/WELCOME.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">With so many varieties to choose from, apples offer such a powerful nutritional punch that they are worth talking about! Many times people overlook the common apple in favor of more exotic fruits (usually more expensive fruits as well). I challenge you to give the humble apple another chance at the number one spot in your kitchen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm the first to admit that I am an <em>apple-holic!</em> What <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Kryptonite </strong>is for Super Man, <strong>Apples </strong>are for me! </span>I love apples so much because they have done so much for me. They provide much needed fiber to my diet and the pectin in apples keep my skin clear and blemish-free. I confess - I do eat an apple a day. They have helped me shed 80 pounds. I will also state for the record - that apple a day really has kept the doctor away. That's a very <em>good</em> thing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I want to honor my favorite food today with some fun facts that you may or may not know. Some of this stuff is relevant and some of it is - well, <em>trivial</em> - so the only time you would need to know it is when playing <em>Apple Trivia</em>. One never knows when the opportunity may arise! Well, here goes...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ583GsTqdGP_UUcj1Zh5QnN7uRq6rVB-acdHDTUidpn4me2-uMuhwIcBrDM1nJI_dwYz99R8GybgHL2jSbbj-ylPMPJfzgSOBNrBag-bP7r69-Kb-JOmwGmqe3YMpUzpf3i637XiGCKl6/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ583GsTqdGP_UUcj1Zh5QnN7uRq6rVB-acdHDTUidpn4me2-uMuhwIcBrDM1nJI_dwYz99R8GybgHL2jSbbj-ylPMPJfzgSOBNrBag-bP7r69-Kb-JOmwGmqe3YMpUzpf3i637XiGCKl6/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Adam's apple is so-called because of a popular idea that it was created when the forbidden fruit got stuck in Adam's throat when he swallowed it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Contrary to popular belief, there is no mention of an <em>apple</em> as the forbidden fruit in the Bible. It is referred to as "fruit from the Tree of Knowledge" with no specification as to which kind of fruit. It was Hugo Van Der Goes who first implicated the apple as the forbidden fruit in his 1470 A.D. painting, <em>The Fall of Man</em>. After that, it became popular to depict the apple as the forbidden fruit.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Johnny Appleseed was the nickname for John Chapman, a kind and generous American pioneer born in 1774 who planted apple seeds in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apple trees don't bear their first fruit until they are four or five years old.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Half the United States apple crop is turned into apple products like applesauce and apple juice.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only apple native to North America is the crabapple.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Red Delicious is the most popular and most-produced apple in the United States. Golden Delicious is the second most popular.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The apple is the official state fruit of Washington, New York, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and California are the top 5 apple-producing states in the U.S. In all, 36 states produce apples commercially.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The largest apple ever picked weighed three pounds, two ounces.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One medium apple contains about 80 calories.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The word apple comes from the Old English <em>aeppel</em>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Celtic word for apple is <em>abhall</em>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quercetin is found only in the apple skin. The skin also contains more antioxidants and fiber than the flesh.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">China produces more apples than any other country.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The average person eats 65 apples per year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apples float because 25% of their volume is air.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">*Source: Health Diaries <em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;">Published on November 1, 2007</span></em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is your favorite kind of apple? My first choice is a juicy Golden Delicious. If I can't get that, then a Red Delicious will do. I heard a popular coach say once, <em>"If you want to know if you are really hungry, ask yourself if you are hungry enough to eat an apple. If the answer is yes - then go eat an apple. If the answer is no - go find something else to do because you are not really hungry!"</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's really true, isn't it? I keep apples in our house all the time - and I do ask myself that question when I wonder into the kitchen on a food-hunting expedition. Sometimes I have had to walk back out of the kitchen empty-handed because I was not hungry enough to eat an apple! Smart person, that coach! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, I hope you have enjoyed my little tribute to the forgotten fruit - the humble apple. I give you a warm welcome into my kitchen, sweet Golden Delicious apples! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Apples are Awesome!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://youtu.be/Kc0Zf352hrE">http://youtu.be/Kc0Zf352hrE</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">JOHNNY APPLESEED DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!</span> </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<li>Take a field trip to an apple orchard.
<li>Learn about the color red.
<li>Learn about the circle shape.
<li>Check out different varieties of apples. Taste the apples and tell which ones you like best.
<li>Learn about different products made from apples.
<li>Make some <a href="http://familycrafts.about.com/od/creativesnacks/r/applsaucerec.htm">Home-Made Applesauce</a>.</li>
</li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-70613289229927490662013-08-15T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-15T00:00:07.153-07:00Celebrate the Green Smoothie<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5eR5m2HKhAbDHvR07uADacT25N7_wFwrrFw-eopmSezcvmYAvVQNomD3lNV4JFprEHkowdq9F8lDZr-m2-tuPblFgXAa4yOzaiNmGRpWOeHc3rumOQJ_CxwpNY42Y5GKsqot2Ws9lAUs/s1600/PeachOrangeRomaineSmoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5eR5m2HKhAbDHvR07uADacT25N7_wFwrrFw-eopmSezcvmYAvVQNomD3lNV4JFprEHkowdq9F8lDZr-m2-tuPblFgXAa4yOzaiNmGRpWOeHc3rumOQJ_CxwpNY42Y5GKsqot2Ws9lAUs/s200/PeachOrangeRomaineSmoothie.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I want to celebrate my favorite indulgence by sharing some really rockin' green smoothie recipes with you. I know that I'm diabetic, but I still need a little bit of "sweet" in my smoothies. Guilty! Yeah! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These green smoothies are a great way to "trick" my body into thinking I'm getting a yummy treat. I don't even realize that I'm being healthy. Who doesn't love that?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Creamy Almond Milk Green Smoothie </strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>(makes one quart)</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 cups (tightly packed) spinach</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 frozen banana</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10 frozen strawberries </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup dates</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add everything to blender and blend until smooth
and creamy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">*****************************************************************</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Raw Vegan Pina Colada Green Smoothie (makes four 16oz. glasses)</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4 cups fresh or frozen ripe sweet pineapple</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 cups raw coconut water</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 cups ice (if using fresh pineapple)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup chopped washed dandelion greens</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cups dried shredded unsweetened coconut</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/4 cup raw cashews</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/4 cup dried chopped pitted dates (or more to taste)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Place in blender and puree until smooth and creamy. Add a little paper umbrella and enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">***************************************************************</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Blackberry-Cherry Green Smoothie Recipe with Vanilla (makes 32 oz.)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong></strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">
1 cup cherries, pitted<br />
<br />
1 cup blackberries<br />
<br />
2 small bananas, peeled<br />
<br />
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla<br />
<br />
3 cups fresh baby spinach<br />
<br />
8 oz. filtered water<br />
<br />
Add liquid to blender, followed by soft fruit. Add greens last. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until smoothie is creamy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**************************************************************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Simple Sweet Green Juice Recipe (makes 2 16 oz. glasses)</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup spinach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup grapes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup coconut water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 peeled and seeded orange</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup ice cubes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">dash of fresh ginger root</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Put ingredients in blender and blend well.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Peach Green Smoothie (makes 2 16-oz. glasses)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 medium peaches</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup grapes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 cup baby spinach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup filtered water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Put in blender and blend well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***************************************************************</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pear Green Smoothie (makes 2 16-oz. glasses)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3 medium pears</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 cups baby spinach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put in blender and blend well.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Best Green Smoothie Ever (makes 2 16-oz. glasses)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup almond milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 small oranges</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup pineapple</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup carrots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 cups baby spinach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 1/2 cup ice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put liquids in blender first and solids on top. Blend until smooth. Add more ice as needed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Green Monster Spinach Smoothie</strong> <strong>(makes 1 serving)</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 sliced banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 Tablespoon natural peanut butter</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup 0% Vanilla Greek Yogurt</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or other milk)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4 cups baby spinach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">************************************************************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Immune-Boosting Green Smoothie (makes 2 servings)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cucumber</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup green grapes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup spinach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1-2 cups water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">************************************************************</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">How to make a perfect smoothie: Know the two types of fiber - <em>AH HA!!!</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://youtu.be/552mPSVfFWo">http://youtu.be/552mPSVfFWo</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-33643628956634550792013-04-15T17:59:00.000-07:002013-04-15T17:59:00.299-07:00Taxes and Death - in that Order we Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ding... Ding... Ding... today is the day - T-day!!!!!!!!! If you have not payed your taxes, you'd better file an extension - <em>quick! </em>Yes, it's that time of year once again... it's <strong>TAX DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only things certain in life are death and taxes. - Benjamin Franklin</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We obey the law - we pay the tax and then we pray we did it right! Some people do their own taxes but I won't. I do not want that responsibility on my shoulders. I'll just pay somebody else to do it and get all the information to them, thank you! It's well worth the cost to have that peace of mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana;">"Everybody should pay their taxes with a smile", said Bob. "I tried it, but they wanted cash!" - Bob</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">It's so funny to walk into the CPA's office because you know right away everyone is there for the same reason. We all have that same blank look on our faces. We know what it is, but we just don't know exactly what it is. Will it be good news - a refund? Or will it be bad news - gotta pay in? Flip the coin and hope the deductions outweigh and you get money back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- attributed to Albert Einstein</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's a little like being in Vegas, actually. Everyone has that look like - "Come on lucky refund... come on, baby - roll the dice and win the pot!" No, tax day is not my very favorite day, but I'm determined to make the best of it. I think it's funny to see the expression on people's faces as they walk out of the office. Some look overjoyed while some look like they have just received news that their pet sea monkey died. I am a people watcher - <em>and people crack me up!</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If Patrick Henry thought that taxation without representation was bad, he should see how bad it is with representation. - Farmer's Almanac</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love the study of body language, <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">known as kinesics (pronounced <em>'kineesicks'</em>)</span> as well. In the office, no one speaks but if you watch closely, they tell the story without saying a word. The non-verbal communication began when I watched a man standing at the front desk with his hand in his pocket <em>nervously</em> jingling the change and whatnot. He must have thought that what was in his pocket would be all he would have left! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The avoidance of taxes is the only intellectual pursuit that carries any reward.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- John Maynard Keynes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Then an older couple came in, checked in at the front desk and took their seat. She was awkward with silence and just kept rifling through the magazines on the table and organizing them as though she was going to burst if she didn't get to speak at some point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Indoors or out, no one relaxes <br /> In March, that month of wind and taxes, <br /> The wind will presently disappear, <br /> The taxes last us all year. - Ogden Nash</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The seating in the waiting area was <em>awkward</em>, to put it nicely. If you did not have something to read then you would be forced to look straight into a stranger's face, and we were no more than a couple of feet across from each other - very cozy seating area. It was like a little hallway leading back to the individual offices of the CPA's. I personally chose to look at their flooring and compare their tile to the tile I have in my own entryway. I like my color choice better, by the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The United States is the only country where it takes more brains to figure your tax than to earn the money to pay it. - Edward J. Gurney</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As a general rule, we do not receive a refund of any kind. This year, however, due to all of the increased medical expenses we've incrued, we get quite a handsome refund. When we got that bit of good news I immediately announced that I have plans for that money. The CPA nearly choked on her gum, she laughed so hard. Yes I do have plans and it's not to pay out for more expensive drugs either. **sigh**. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A girl's gotta do a little livin' while she can, ya know!!! I wanna have some fun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Happy <strong>TAX DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-86066602417847293702013-04-07T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-07T00:00:12.920-07:00No Housework Day <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mama used to say, <em>"Cleanliness is next to godliness",</em> and I've read the Bible through a few times and have never seen those exact words! This phrase was first recorded in a sermon by John Wesley in 1778, but the notion is ancient, found in Babylonian and Hebrew religious tracts. It is invoked, often as an admonition to <em>wash </em>or <em>clean up!</em> It was mama's way of saying, <em>"Get your act together"</em> - yeah, no, that's not in the Bible either. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is Sunday, which by all accounts makes this a lazy day to begin with, but we are celebrating <strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">NO HOUSEWORK DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span> </strong>In my world, every Sunday is no housework day, so this is literally a no-brainer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But let's think about all the benefits that housework provides, shall we?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If I clean house for one hour I will burn about 157 calories! The other obvious benefit of housework is that I will have the satisfaction of knowing I no longer live in a dirty filthy pit! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to a recent study, conducted by a team of researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University, individuals who clean their homes on a regular basis and live in surroundings the researchers termed “tidy” are more likely to be <em>fit and physically healthy</em> than their peers who live in dirty or cluttered homes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to NiCole Keith, an associate professor of physical education at Indiana University, <em>“At the end of the day, the interior condition of their house seemed to be the only thing affecting their physical activity. It was not at all what we expected.”</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">These findings left Keith wondering, <em>"Are the types of people who take care of their bodies the same types of people who take care of their homes?"</em> It seems that individuals who are able to stick to an exercise regemen for an extended amount of time are motivated by certain personality traits like self-control and the ability to set future goals and stick to those goals regardless of what's going on around them or how they feel about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There's something to be said about cleaning whether you feel like it or not. Letting emotional issues dictate whether you clean your house or not - well, that's a little bit like playing Russian roulette. It's very hit and miss and very fickle. It's better to just get in gear and get it done. It's best if I just have a schedule and stick to it. Whether it's housework or exercise, in the end, I feel better about everything - my house, my circumstances and my creative process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">To be honest, for me the psychological benefits of a neat, clean, tidy, organized living space far outweigh the physical ones. I actually get a sort of <em>"high"</em> after I have really dug in and done a good cleaning. When my home is clean, organized and tidy, I think more clearly. When my surroundings are in order and make sense, my mind follows suit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I especially like to clean during the Winter months or if it is inclimate in any way outdoors. Boredom can absolutely take over my mind on days when the weather is less than cooperative. If I begin cleaning my house and really get into it, there's a sense of purpose and a goal. My house is not immaculate and I don't want to give that impression, but if it's neat and tidy I feel a sincere sense of accomplishment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">For me, cleaning house is a stress buster. I know it sounds weird, but I like to clean when I'm alone and it's my time to let loose and have some fun. My favorite music is funky disco (yes, I said funky). The Bee Gees CD goes in the player, I put on my rainbow suspenders and I grab my rainbow feather duster and dance my way through the house. Uh-huh... there's a reason I don't want an audience! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">No, I do not have a disco ball - and I don't wear roller skates. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Who asked that???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The quick motion of cleaning releases endorphins, a natural mood-enhancing hormone, into your bloodstream. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm once again picturing Carrie Fisher in <em>"Postcards From The Edge"</em> calling endorphins, <em>"endolphins".</em> I just love that movie! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is most difficult for me to buckle down and clean when the weather is gorgeous. I don't want to be indoors dusting if I can be outdoors doing - well - anything else! So, I have deemed Spring (the days when it isn't raining) and Summer the months I should not have company. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm tempted to get one of those signs that says, <em><strong>"My house was clean yesterday, sorry you missed it!"</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, mama was probably right - cleanliness is probably next to godliness. But my housework will definitely wait until tomorrow. <em>There's always tomorrow!</em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHhKYmngTFf9YcBTEYNID8dxCiHYbQMpBWeNBUOtrUui1RmscE4I9rq548Hs7aNe-IeMJ5j58z80ypSQPpQQyBO3BwNJ_P6WfWYuflMhWhd9-FNMeehPlgEGSHbpFT3TQ0RyPL6hNdbdp/s1600/imagesCA77RCKS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHhKYmngTFf9YcBTEYNID8dxCiHYbQMpBWeNBUOtrUui1RmscE4I9rq548Hs7aNe-IeMJ5j58z80ypSQPpQQyBO3BwNJ_P6WfWYuflMhWhd9-FNMeehPlgEGSHbpFT3TQ0RyPL6hNdbdp/s1600/imagesCA77RCKS.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Enjoy <strong>NO HOUSEWORK DAY!!!!!!!!!!!! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-90122396457253914412013-04-06T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-06T00:00:05.138-07:00Celebrate National Tartan Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h9smPM24W5qtaWyfj6NDQSErpxpIcHKB5GLdTdqqJtcRylpt-NuYwYSQw3UxhvPp84D-JCkRk07FkOjwvrN8w1bW6pgMr4rZs6A78AnFMbgH906sbOAs-S2GU_OAhB3QifljpuylpCjU/s1600/imagesffff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h9smPM24W5qtaWyfj6NDQSErpxpIcHKB5GLdTdqqJtcRylpt-NuYwYSQw3UxhvPp84D-JCkRk07FkOjwvrN8w1bW6pgMr4rZs6A78AnFMbgH906sbOAs-S2GU_OAhB3QifljpuylpCjU/s320/imagesffff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfpCciI6pVuVvKEp-fJIf7DaDYqf_ON3DsyVyOeu4axmUbX7qWTW-iOaWMVGL3dmvNJJ4xrzbp3bkDMDFb32M6w7KqMKf8VEwMm94bjvE1MSubaNmhyphenhyphen84JrU74lWr_Nt4EsLn119-04c8/s1600/Image+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfpCciI6pVuVvKEp-fJIf7DaDYqf_ON3DsyVyOeu4axmUbX7qWTW-iOaWMVGL3dmvNJJ4xrzbp3bkDMDFb32M6w7KqMKf8VEwMm94bjvE1MSubaNmhyphenhyphen84JrU74lWr_Nt4EsLn119-04c8/s400/Image+(2).jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: red;">Little</span> Linda <span style="color: #bf9000;">Turner</span><span style="color: #073763;"> wore</span> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">tartan</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #073763;">for </span><span style="color: red;">her</span> photo </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">in </span><span style="color: #bf9000;">Kindergarten<span style="color: red;">!!!</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><em>(eat your heart out, Lucinda Berry Hill - </em></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><em>I made that rhyme up all by myself!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I were to ask you to define the word <em>"tartan",</em> you would most likely give me a definition such as:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(noun): Woolen cloth with a woven pattern of straight lines of different colors and widths crossing at right angles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here's a fun fact about tartan:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">In the </span><span style="color: red;">Scottish Highlands</span><span style="color: #274e13;">, each clan has </span><span style="color: #073763;">its own</span><span style="color: #274e13;"> pattern. </span></strong><span style="color: black;"><em>Fascinating!!!</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today we celebrate <strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">NATIONAL</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">TARTAN </span><span style="color: #073763;">DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!</span> </span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Although the name would suggest we are honoring a piece of fabric or a garment, the real meaning goes much deeper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's estimated that nearly 30 million American citizens claim Scottish heritage, with the majority of these residing in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scottish Americans are the 8th largest ethnic group in the United States.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today we are celebrating people of Scottish and Scottish-American descent and their contributions to medicine throughout history. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Let's take just a few minutes today to mention these men of Scottish descent. Without their valuable contributions, modern medicine would not be where it is today. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MSSWGbgKn9Jx-V6Ha5B-7T2laYH4JX-AQ59_dUy50lOcdGhDOVYRZ2V3hLs_yf1LOYPW-aRlEIzGzaaSKiTkNSQNAbWzW9eLqSoEL5tEkPcfbPZZSA5DzQl_zGTuF7HQOAT8ExCqnd0I/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MSSWGbgKn9Jx-V6Ha5B-7T2laYH4JX-AQ59_dUy50lOcdGhDOVYRZ2V3hLs_yf1LOYPW-aRlEIzGzaaSKiTkNSQNAbWzW9eLqSoEL5tEkPcfbPZZSA5DzQl_zGTuF7HQOAT8ExCqnd0I/s1600/1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: red;">John </span><span style="color: #274e13;">James </span><span style="color: #073763;">Rickard</span> <span style="color: red;">Macleod </span><span style="color: #274e13;">(1876-1935)</span> </strong>was a Scottish biochemist and physiologist. Although he mainly devoted his career to diverse topics in physiology and biochemistry, he was quite interested in carbohydrate metabolism. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have you ever heard of a little miracle called<em> insulin?</em> He is noted for his role in the discovery and isolation of insulin during his tenure as a lecturer at the University of Toronto. In 1923, he and Frederick Banting received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY__r7mvMZjUtAOAgWuL27IzsWLedpa-lY0rQvKQWDpjmQBFnglhEZIFjgxhRnEccTau2tSjodcOb1gQXNYuf0FCIsulPdD2aFtOnxsvxEM3vq2e1EB0Gs6dXYP3twRZb92n6fDzKQTL5b/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY__r7mvMZjUtAOAgWuL27IzsWLedpa-lY0rQvKQWDpjmQBFnglhEZIFjgxhRnEccTau2tSjodcOb1gQXNYuf0FCIsulPdD2aFtOnxsvxEM3vq2e1EB0Gs6dXYP3twRZb92n6fDzKQTL5b/s1600/2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Alexander</span> <span style="color: #073763;">Fleming </span><span style="color: #274e13;">(1881-1955)</span></strong> was a Scottish biologist and pharmacologist. He is known first for the discovery of the anti-bacterial lysozyme, a natural substance found in tears and the nose that helps the body fight germs. H</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">e is also famous for his discovery of a little wonder drug called penicillin. It quickly became the life-saving drug of his day. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The discovery was made by accident while Fleming was on vacation. A mold had grown and destroyed the bacteria on a Petri dish in his lab. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In 1945 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgE47PM0VoHX2fDCsI9kA_kyRbTuCo9ioi9_C6ZyociWjnhlqvqaSCt5OvGe5lmY46RlwJnl28HVzRVhpVo8Bop-s8VJY5kgP50KeLFeipDrLYreqyG7ww4ne5KTQxCzmbxto_kzHCkJv/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgE47PM0VoHX2fDCsI9kA_kyRbTuCo9ioi9_C6ZyociWjnhlqvqaSCt5OvGe5lmY46RlwJnl28HVzRVhpVo8Bop-s8VJY5kgP50KeLFeipDrLYreqyG7ww4ne5KTQxCzmbxto_kzHCkJv/s1600/3.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Robert</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">Burns </span><span style="color: #073763;">Woodward </span><span style="color: red;">(1917-1979)</span> </strong>was a Scottish-American organic chemist, considered to be the preeminent organic chemist of the twentieth century. He made many key contributions, especially in the synthesis of complex natural products and the determination of their molecular structure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1965.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, you see, it's more than just a piece of cloth or a garment we honor today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have a Happy <strong><span style="color: red;">NATIONAL </span><span style="color: #073763;">TARTAN</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">DAY!!!</span></strong></span><br />
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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblDj3YKQMFaR0OZILGOJUelS_I1zNMEYr-xI5G8EkkbxgUT7O-L2pUVBLSwa7P1xSyDl3kPKU17YruAxRCDdhTW4C6TmvlaJqyRSAABPq1IVNpOXy__mVOmLG3Ao84JUVbohsGNF8Znud/s1600/imagesCAZR6PVG.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yvoMD-K_7j4cUTiIdghm96AXNJjRzYYG6LfYTQpE9jP0tVRVcVKUNJ83CV1mCHS4UES9ouIaFggnzLpuZDyXvGAQSBcqn7-s1Jz8mdMAncQln6qYBpXmDXkkgklTzuzwCh7k4mNKrHjS/s1600/imagess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yvoMD-K_7j4cUTiIdghm96AXNJjRzYYG6LfYTQpE9jP0tVRVcVKUNJ83CV1mCHS4UES9ouIaFggnzLpuZDyXvGAQSBcqn7-s1Jz8mdMAncQln6qYBpXmDXkkgklTzuzwCh7k4mNKrHjS/s1600/imagess.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0HgU4WGiJ0H1Y4k0ATIJrpjvMemrLFi6tRkonP_SFBngx6uPt47chmCNo1w4Jb5x_DkYWlHYhasH8DDEoZd_AegERbjPiKTqFByQeSdiQO5j3CHveUvtpiykO5yavOmtNwZxzgO76vyv/s1600/imagesg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0HgU4WGiJ0H1Y4k0ATIJrpjvMemrLFi6tRkonP_SFBngx6uPt47chmCNo1w4Jb5x_DkYWlHYhasH8DDEoZd_AegERbjPiKTqFByQeSdiQO5j3CHveUvtpiykO5yavOmtNwZxzgO76vyv/s1600/imagesg.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVARglKEuVN8h9xzsTN8yR9jAYuBDv3DZ2049XfMQtkY_HqP3QLqQ0qZGlwAjC-ZQ80PccAKlCv6GZXQPOm_7aajTV9_QUJ3adWgahWKca98EN6QD_hd5qEK2eJS00OkjeRpj3i0ymcOTA/s1600/imagesggg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVARglKEuVN8h9xzsTN8yR9jAYuBDv3DZ2049XfMQtkY_HqP3QLqQ0qZGlwAjC-ZQ80PccAKlCv6GZXQPOm_7aajTV9_QUJ3adWgahWKca98EN6QD_hd5qEK2eJS00OkjeRpj3i0ymcOTA/s1600/imagesggg.jpg" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-59893082562998470012013-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-05T00:00:02.157-07:00I Admit I Don't Remember the Admitting Clerk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMGyrzkopoll3dOjoBJKmzhW0dFeUkkdsPFpX4AQaxiPx8rtNWFgJUrd_LNt2A_7j-uv3bfyQg8MQ-vKJnlLbQr3TfZOmjLtP84ba2uAjtRARlGG_HeIBNb4y1DujIkb2eVRDt-Gt7CJI/s1600/imagesCAWM35BH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMGyrzkopoll3dOjoBJKmzhW0dFeUkkdsPFpX4AQaxiPx8rtNWFgJUrd_LNt2A_7j-uv3bfyQg8MQ-vKJnlLbQr3TfZOmjLtP84ba2uAjtRARlGG_HeIBNb4y1DujIkb2eVRDt-Gt7CJI/s1600/imagesCAWM35BH.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since the average percent of emergency room visits resulting in hospital admission is a staggering 12.6%, is it any surprise that the person at the admitting desk has quite an important job and is kept quite busy? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="bqQuoteLink">I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - </span><span class="bodybold">Maya Angelou</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The last time I had to take a loved one to the emergency room, the situation was rather urgent and I think we knew that from the beginning. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On the way to the hospital, I took all of the necessary information and held on to it tightly because I thought we would need to have it at the ready very quickly in order to get the ball rolling. When we walked in the door we explained what was going on and how dire we felt the situation was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I held the cards out in front of me as though they would be the magic key to get us in the door. The admitting clerk smiled and said <em>(in the cutest Southern accent)</em>, "Oh honey, we'll take care of all that later. Right now we just need to get things stabilized." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I can tell you the admitting clerk was a woman with a sweet Southern accent. I can not describe her beyond that, except to say she had her priorities straight and she kept her cool. She was kind, compassionate and put a person before the paperwork that had to be completed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am the number one fan of the admitting clerk at Skaggs Hospital in Branson, Missouri If I could say one thing to her, it would be that you rocked my world one frightening night and I will never forget that! <em><u>Thank you</u>!</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We really don't notice physical details about a person when we are in crisis mode. There is something we definitely pick up on and that is how kind and compassionate the person is. </span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/HRF15dUMVmU"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/HRF15dUMVmU</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxypQJDmgokmnK1kkTP7ecG_Y9HrtgOM891UrYcCjXHh9IBBw2dEUOiLOMeufppCBphWl5E-Zq4R9XsH1R1cQidFNmm2Eji3rKuw1dmP-o4fB4o2uSswmGbSw6KGUMM3NQAsW_-0FLx8U7/s1600/401441_106757259453352_1542783867_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxypQJDmgokmnK1kkTP7ecG_Y9HrtgOM891UrYcCjXHh9IBBw2dEUOiLOMeufppCBphWl5E-Zq4R9XsH1R1cQidFNmm2Eji3rKuw1dmP-o4fB4o2uSswmGbSw6KGUMM3NQAsW_-0FLx8U7/s1600/401441_106757259453352_1542783867_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands For Jesus</span></span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> will be your hands Lord,<br />
That feed your hungry children.<br />
I will give them shelter,<br />
Who haven't any home.<br />
I will be your lips Lord,<br />
To voice your words of wisdom.<br />
I will be your tongue,<br />
To teach what's right and wrong.<br />
I will be your voice Lord,<br />
To speak courage and direction.<br />
I will be your hands,<br />
To give a pat of praise.<br />
I will give your love Lord,<br />
To all, without condition.<br />
I will be your arms,<br />
To give a warm embrace.<br />
I will be your hands Lord,<br />
To clothe your children warmly.<br />
I will be your gentle touch,<br />
To comfort those in pain.<br />
I will be your feet Lord,<br />
To walk with those who're lonely.<br />
I will be your hands for you,<br />
And love all in your name.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Lucinda Berry Hill, author of the inspirational devotional <em>"Coffee With Jesus".</em></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SNTTdJYm3QS3aX2g7v6j34A_xAdqtG4vhvWUjUJE0B00FFkq4zwipeqYSwKz0jBYgyY_kT2vZNkRo_bEP1iBirrdNBsl6AicohQUVKpjGE0x9rpRtHInXlFqlSYyDowj3q_m-RnUg1zt/s1600/imagesCAU3JIST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SNTTdJYm3QS3aX2g7v6j34A_xAdqtG4vhvWUjUJE0B00FFkq4zwipeqYSwKz0jBYgyY_kT2vZNkRo_bEP1iBirrdNBsl6AicohQUVKpjGE0x9rpRtHInXlFqlSYyDowj3q_m-RnUg1zt/s1600/imagesCAU3JIST.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is <strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Hospital Admitting Clerks Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span> </strong>This is for that kind and compassionate woman in admitting at Skaggs Hospital. Thank you so much for making <em>people</em> a priority before paperwork. Well done! I hope you have a wonderful day!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLmemsq_mR1vR780YZG8zRu7hT0mt7lCEAjQQ7DrMBi1IJLT6E9IG0V0AWvUlO0VzSnlGj0-FWB1hYflHRctbGrs98uSvkrm2opm95UBdglYgo_C0NKLYT8KNKFDGJrU0lPTdtX5NlEYQ/s1600/imagesCAZU3702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLmemsq_mR1vR780YZG8zRu7hT0mt7lCEAjQQ7DrMBi1IJLT6E9IG0V0AWvUlO0VzSnlGj0-FWB1hYflHRctbGrs98uSvkrm2opm95UBdglYgo_C0NKLYT8KNKFDGJrU0lPTdtX5NlEYQ/s1600/imagesCAZU3702.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-36502014627527561142013-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-04T00:00:00.741-07:00Vitamin C as far as the Eye can See<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68rp2EeKihzObEt_zbzg2KhT3FiTN-uQlhTYLzb2uVlkXmjFCB9sTVdtkZe12VmFkHWRA-wTMbX1GmnFaCMOZOs3rWPJ3CEWqFwk2ybMRuC8YUO60KJVBqSVXaGkFtdoE8TEnoCf5wsKo/s1600/imagesCAYM2NN2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68rp2EeKihzObEt_zbzg2KhT3FiTN-uQlhTYLzb2uVlkXmjFCB9sTVdtkZe12VmFkHWRA-wTMbX1GmnFaCMOZOs3rWPJ3CEWqFwk2ybMRuC8YUO60KJVBqSVXaGkFtdoE8TEnoCf5wsKo/s1600/imagesCAYM2NN2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When you think of "Vitamin C", the first thing that pops into your mind is a glass of orange juice or an orange, right? We tend to think that the only source of Vitamin C is oranges. Wow, what limited thinking that is! There is Vitamin C in a lot of foods and that's a good thing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Although Vitamin C deficiency is rare in developed countries, some individuals do have an increased risk of inadequacies. Back in the early 1700's, diseases such as scurvy took the lives of many sailors because it was not known that foods containing Vitamin C were so important to their diet. A simple change in diet could have saved many lives. If only they had known what we know today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Vitamin C is essential to muscle and bone health. The antioxidant properties are thought to keep cells healthy and prevent many types of cancer. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Vitamin C also helps to regenerate your supplies of vitamin E (another useful antioxidant).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>It keeps your immune system strong and healthy and may even prevent sagging and wrinkling skin! Yes, ladies - it's true! There's also a great deal of infection protection in Vitamin C, so do more than just drink your O.J. in the morning! Eat your veggies in a salad at noon and enjoy a stuffed pepper for supper! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There's a reason to eat more foods with Vitamin C during cold season. Those foods can actually make your cold a lot less miserable than it would be otherwise. It helps with the inflammation and congestion of a cold. V<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">itamin C ensures proper dilation of blood vessels</span> which prevents high blood pressure and heart disease. I know I'll be increasing my Vitamin C intake!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The lens of the human eye requires vitamin C to function properly, and a deficiency can lead to cataracts. A higher intake of vitamin C has been shown to fight cataracts by increasing the amount of blood flow to the eye.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are so many reasons to eat the right foods! You may be thinking you don't know how much Vitamin C is enough for you every day. I was thinking the same thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">According to the <em>"Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements</em>":</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Infants under 6 months old need 30 mg. of Vitamin C daily. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Infants 6-12 months old need 35 mg. every day. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Children 1 to 3 years old need 40 milligrams of vitamin C daily.</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those 4 to 10 need 45 milligrams each day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11- to 14-year-olds need 50 milligrams.</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teens 15 years and older are considered adults and need 60 milligrams of vitamin C every day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pregnant women need 70 milligrams, while lactating mothers should be getting 95 milligrams.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a great recipe for a smoothie packed with Vitamin C! Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><u>Vitamin C Fruit Smoothie</u></strong> (makes 2)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/3 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt (more for a thicker smoothie - less for a thinner one)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/3 cup soy milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup strawberry chunks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup cantaloupe chunks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 orange</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1-2 tablespoons raw honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4-6 ice cubes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSwbPrVYwIBYjLI2V5YyB-YP452TfiRPl_9ggt5ArIv6X1zWbfAZQfbrRRuxGvFtFsezsHtPA9H7Dotfa9jPeMfwZtiaraWEx1j-6Vz3etLAA3Bi_nqede3tMDwZyYn5Adya-3C8VrHaH/s1600/imagesCAUSCPLL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSwbPrVYwIBYjLI2V5YyB-YP452TfiRPl_9ggt5ArIv6X1zWbfAZQfbrRRuxGvFtFsezsHtPA9H7Dotfa9jPeMfwZtiaraWEx1j-6Vz3etLAA3Bi_nqede3tMDwZyYn5Adya-3C8VrHaH/s1600/imagesCAUSCPLL.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Enjoy the day knowing that your body is healthy and protected. Have a happy <strong><span style="color: orange;">Vitamin C day!!!</span></strong></span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgUJR7ruUc3Fu_XW6RAW9_JUexyk05Gf9lnmiule-ED1nZ5hFaOUYN7Q9oJ3FOsubE-Qq5bD7UX20Z7UD98GONc5u85d6OeBFj5dMCOoSSQNBIUi3zeJ7rd71ZXDuspSpk0wNWejjdnjp/s1600/imagesCA7FII6A.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-27766774968761815462013-04-03T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-03T00:00:17.596-07:00Surviving and Thriving Since 1992<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surviving & Thriving</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Since 1992</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I first began writing this blog, I promised myself I would be completely honest, open and truthful about everything that's going on with my health and my quest for wellness. I've had some pretty amazing <em>good</em> news to report along the way - news of weight loss and lower HbA1c. Today I got some lab results that are just plain scary. I'm not going to <em>sugar-coat</em> it (no pun intended). The news is in - my triglyceride level is too high, my HbA1c is too high and my blood pressure was 193/93. That bottom number<em> has</em> to come down! What the heck???</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What are triglycerides and why are they so important to heart health? This is the question I had to ask myself. I did what I always do -<em> I googled it!</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We know for a fact that one very <em>real </em>complication of Type 2 Diabetes is heart disease. I'm living with a Type 2 Diabetic who is a heart patient, so no one knows the devastation a heart attack can bring to everyday life like I do. Heart disease is a<em> very big deal</em>, and I have a personal goal to get the rest of my extra weight off (40 pounds) and correct my LDL and triglyceride level before it takes a significant toll on my health. In the process I hope to fix that blood pressure as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Triglyceride levels indicate the amount of extra fat floating around in your blood. This is the same extra fat that will cause plaque build-up and eventually clog your arteries, bringing on a heart attack. </span><br />
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<li>Normal — Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)</li>
<li>Borderline high — 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L)</li>
<li>High — 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L)</li>
<li>Very high — 500 mg/dL or above (5.7 mmol/L or above)</li>
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Being armed with the knowledge that I have high blood pressure and too much fat and sugar in my blood is good, I think. It scares me and I'm basically afraid of food now. I'm now afraid of not only <em>sugar, but fat.</em> <br />
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Add to that the fact that everyone knows the manufacturers lie on their labels - all they care about is making a sale so they'll say anything just to get you to buy their product - and I'm borderline paranoid at this point. Scratch the borderline - I am paranoid about food - particularly packaged foods. If it is an apple, I'll eat it. If it's applesauce - forget it. I will eat steamed carrots, but I won't touch carrots from a can. <br />
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You know, I'll do what I'm told by my doctor, but I don't want to have to take a cholesterol-lowering medication. She's already doubled my blood pressure medication and put me on a different medicine for my diabetes. Please don't add one more medicine to the regimen - <em>please!</em><br />
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What really frustrates me most is the fact that I have a wonderful and healthy diet - <em>truly!</em> I eat right - ask anybody! <em>No foolin' - !</em> I drink water - I don't even drink soda or juice - or even milk. OK - once in a while I have a little soy milk. Not often - and not very much. <br />
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The dairy has been discarded for the most part. All of the so-called cholesterol causing foods and beverages are out of my diet. So what now? What is left to do to get these numbers back to normal? I have to wonder how much of this is part of the progression of diabetes. <br />
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It is all connected, right? If my lazy pancreas is needing even more help to kick out the insulin, how much is that effecting everything else, you know? I'm not a doctor, but I do know that it's all connected and the domino effect is scary.<br />
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If I had not gotten PCOS, chances are I would not have gotten Type 2 Diabetes. I will yell that from the rooftop until somebody <em>finally</em> listens and agrees with me. It won't do any good for anyone to agree - but it will make me feel less crazy in my mind. I just need someone (especially a doctor) to validate and consider my opinion! Most doctors just give me a stupid grin and totally ignore my theory. That makes me feel stupid. How condescending and rude of them!<br />
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Here's my theory:<br />
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PCOS = weight gain. Weight gain = Type 2 Diabetes. <br />
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This is not rocket science!<br />
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<strong>I propose we attack the <em>REAL </em>SOURCE of the problem (what a concept)!!!</strong>
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I would dare say a hysterectomy would = no more PCOS <strong>AND</strong> no more Type 2 Diabetes. I would also dare to say I could shed weight like a <em>normal person</em> without the cystic ovaries making me gain weight and hang on to weight. <em><strong> </strong></em><br />
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<em><strong>Why won't anyone listen to me? I need to be heard and understood!</strong></em><br />
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Once I shed the extra 40 pounds (yes, it's 40 now) - <em>sigh</em> - the LDL and triglycerides will be happy again. Right?<br />
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<strong><em>Why can't I get a doctor on board with me? I'm 52 years old - I'm not going to use this equipment, for Pete's sake! </em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Let's work to save my life - huh???</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>You know what is so funny to me? I've had tons of people (a couple of doctors) suggest that I might need to consider gastric bypass surgery. </em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>OK, so let me get this straight. Oh - let's cut on the one part of me that does <u>not</u> seem to be plagued with cysts - while we leave the cystic ovaries inside me.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Really???</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Um... nope - I don't think so!</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Sorry - next window. This chick is waaaaay too smart for that!</em></strong><br />
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PCOS & Insulin Resistance. When I listened to this I actually cried because I heard her say that PCOS is the most COMMON disease that leads to Insulin Resistance and consequently Type 2 Diabetes. I'm not usually a "right-fighter" but for years I've been saying this! So - I'm right. Now - what to do about it? Obviously lose weight. If you don't have PCOS, then you have no idea how difficult it is to take weight off - or rather - to keep it off! Herein lies my frustration.<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/jee-EJRnp7M">http://youtu.be/jee-EJRnp7M</a><br />
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Try this wonderful recipe I found - if you like garlic salad as much as I do, this is a perfect dressing for it! Yes, I eat like this all the time - believe it!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Creamy Garlic Dressing </u></strong>(makes 3 cups)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfUKgnFXPCoWKJrciwLKEoqr-WEG9_8yAybliMyWOWiOdzdAHiWB3V2Al5gFcBbp4CPk5_Fme7HCG7bcSGKb5kmisQEOkHufxYVT7xhSu9Papa5T2MtnMhGO6rkYM3lNX_HENblLuhJAh/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfUKgnFXPCoWKJrciwLKEoqr-WEG9_8yAybliMyWOWiOdzdAHiWB3V2Al5gFcBbp4CPk5_Fme7HCG7bcSGKb5kmisQEOkHufxYVT7xhSu9Papa5T2MtnMhGO6rkYM3lNX_HENblLuhJAh/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
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1 1/2 cups low-fat mayonnaise<br />
3/4 cup vegetable oil<br />
1/4 cup vinegar<br />
3 Tablespoons chopped onion<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons Stevia<br />
3/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1 garlic clove, minced<br />
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<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
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In a blender, combine all ingredients. Cover and process until smooth. Serve over finely shredded cabbage and carrot. <br />
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As I was chatting with the doctor, I was reminded that fiber is also an important part of my diet. This garlic salad provides not only the health benefit of garlic, but the slaw is also a great source of fiber - and <em>fiber is our friend!</em></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-47914453807530608722013-04-02T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-02T00:00:02.570-07:00My Birthday - My Rules<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In keeping with <strong><span style="color: purple;">NATIONAL HUMOR MONTH</span>, today</strong> <strong>is my 52nd birthday!!!</strong> I'll never be this young again. Through the years I have developed what I consider to be a very healthy attitude toward birthdays and getting older. I think the older you get, the longer you should get to celebrate! For my 50th birthday I took an entire week to party. This year I will take a week and a half. By the time I reach 100 I'll be partying for the entire month! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shoot, I just get <em>high on life</em> when I wake up in the morning! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I party every day that God wakes me up!!! I think He just wakes me up to entertain Him yet another day. I can almost hear Him laughing some days!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I share this birthday with a lot of really cool famous people. Some are older than me and some are younger, but all were born on this date. Christopher Meloni is the only one who was born in 1961. I think that's pretty neat. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The great singer <strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Marvin Gaye</span></strong> (1939-1984) was born on this day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Pattie Mallette</span></strong>, Justin Bieber's mom and a<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">utobiographical author, was born on this day in 1975.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Actor <strong><span style="color: purple;">Michael Fassbender</span></strong>, the scheming robot <em>"David"</em> in <em>"Prometheus",</em> was born on this day in 1977. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Buddy Ebsen</span></strong> (1908-2003) was born on this day. He was most famous for his role as <em>"Jed Clampitt"</em> in <em>"The Beverly Hillbillies".</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Bethany Joy Lenz</span></strong>, <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">best known to audiences as <em>"Haley James Scott"</em> on the long-running series <em>"One Tree Hill",</em> </span>was born on this day in 1981.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Emmylou Harris</span></strong>, country music singer, was born on this day in 1947.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Rodney King</span></strong> <span style="color: black;">(1965-2012) was born on this day. He was the </span><div class="text-stuff6">
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famous victim of LAPD police brutality; led to LA riots of 1992.</div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Danish poet <strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Hans Christian Andersen</span></strong> (1805-1875) was born on this day. He was also known for such fairy tales as <em>"The Ugly Duckling"</em> and <em>"The Little Mermaid".</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Alec Guiness</span></strong> (1914-2000), best known for his role as </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>"Obi-Wan Kenobi"</em> in <em>"Star Wars".</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Leon Russell</span></strong>, the white-haired rock singer was born on this day in 1942.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Christopher</span> <span style="color: purple;">Meloni</span></strong><span style="color: purple;"> </span>was born on this day in 1961 <em>(the same year as ME!)</em> He's best known for his role in the hit drama <em>"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"</em> as <em>"Elliot Stabler".</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Roselyn Sanchez</span></strong> was born on this day in 1973. She played Jackie Chan's love interest in <em>"Rush Hour 2".</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The very handsome <strong><span style="color: purple;">Adam Rodriguez</span></strong>, who plays <em>"Eric Delko"</em> in <em>"CSI: Miami"</em>, was born on this day in 1975.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Ron <em>"Horshack"</em> Palillo</span></strong> (1949-2012) the lovable nerd on <em>"Welcome Back, Kotter"</em>, was born on this day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Clark Gregg</span></strong> was born on this day in 1962. He has appeared in the sitcom </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>"The New Adventures of Old Christine".</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Drew Van Acker</span></strong>, also known as <em>"Jason"</em> in <em>"Pretty Little Liars",</em> was born on this day in 1986.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Jack Webb</span></strong> (1920-1982) was born on this day and was best known for his role as <em>"LAPD Sgt. Joe Friday"</em> in the long-running hit show <em>"Dragnet".</em> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Deon Richmond</span></strong> was born on this day in 1978 and is best known as <em>"Kenny"</em> in <em>"The Cosby Show".</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">David Ferrer</span></strong>, Spanish professional tennis player, was born on this day in 1982.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Linda</span> <span style="color: purple;">Hunt</span></strong><span style="color: purple;"> </span>was born on this day in 1945. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Best Supporting Actress in <em>"The Year of Living Dangerously".</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Jessie Carmichael</span></strong>, keyboardist for the Pop Rock band Maroon 5, was born on this day in 1979.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Roscoe Dash</span></strong>, Hip Hop artist, was born on this day in 1990.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Lee Dewyze</span></strong>, winner of the ninth season of <em>"American Idol",</em> was born on this day in 1986.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Don Sutton</span></strong>, Hall of Fame Dodgers pitcher, was born on this day in 1945.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Billy Pierce</span></strong>, left-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, was born on this day in 1927.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Ashley Peldon</span></strong>, recognized for her work in the daytime drama <em>"The Guiding Light"</em> as <em>"Mariah Lewis",</em> was born on this day in 1984.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Penelope Keith</span></strong>, <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">English television actress on <em>"Good Neighbors",</em> <em>"Executive Stress"</em> and <em>"To the Manor Born",</em> was born on this day in 1940.</span> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Yung Joc</span></strong>, popular rapper, was born on this day in 1983.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Mike Johnson</span></strong>, NFL lineman for the Atlanta Falcons, was born on this day in 1987.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Max Ernst</span></strong> (1891-1976) was born on this day. He was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's art and was </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">one of the founders of the Dada and Surrealist art movement.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Marco Amelia</span></strong>, Italian goalkeeper, was born on this day in 1982.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Bill Romanowski</span></strong>, NFL linebacker and actor, was born on this day in 1966.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Donald Petrie</span></strong>, renowned director, was born on this day in 1954. Some movies he directed include <em>"Mystic Pizza"</em> and <em>"Miss Congeniality".</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Billy Dean</span></strong>, country singer, was born on this day in 1962. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Dr. Demento</span></strong>, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Radio broadcaster and record collector known for his comedic abilities, was born on this day in 1941.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Émile Zola</span></strong> (1840-1902) was born on this day. He was the most prominent French novelist of the late 19th century, and was noted for his theories of naturalism as expressed in <em>"</em><span style="font-style: italic;">Les Rougon-Macquart</span>.<em>"</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Lindy Booth</span></strong> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">was born on this day in 1979. She played Riley Grant on the Disney Channel series The Famous Jett Jackson (and Agent Hawk in the show-within-a-show Silverstone). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0c343d;">Dabbs Greer</span></strong> (1917-2007) was born on this day. He was a very familiar face in films and especially on TV. He was a sort of "everyman" in his roles and played merchants, preachers, businessmen, and other "pillars of the community" types as well as assorted villains. With his plain looking face, wavy hair and mellow, distinctive voice he was a solid supporting actor... he played the preacher in <em>"Little House on the Prairie".</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Pamela Reed</span></strong> was born on this day in 1949. She played in the comedy hit "Kindergarten Cop."</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were roughly 840 famous people born on April 2nd. I am in very <em>good </em>company! Look at all these <em>gifted souls</em> I get to share my birthday with! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, I plan to have a very quiet day and evening. I will continue to celebrate for the next week and a half, so there's no rush to do everything today!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Beatles - <em>Happy Birthday Song.</em> It's my birthday too, <em>yeah!!!</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/QHRMX9Brq0s"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/QHRMX9Brq0s</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My very good friend, Lucinda Berry Hill, author of <em>"Coffee With Jesus"</em> was inspired to write a poem one morning after I messaged her that I had made coffee and discovered some <em>grounds</em> in the bottom of my coffee cup! I told her I was determined to have a lovely day in spite of the experience!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Knowing I am crazy about coffee and rarely mess up my brew, she could not pass up the opportunity to write this sweet and humorous bit of wit - and I'm so tickled that I'm the one who inspired her! Do I bring out the bit of wit in people? I hope so - and take that as a great compliment - indeed! She's such a sweet soul and I'm so tickled we met and I'm happy to be not only a colleague, but a sister in Christ and a (funny and inspiring???) friend. I love how <em>iron sharpens iron</em>, don't you? With us, irony sharpens irony... um - yeah. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you enjoy this light-hearted poem as much as I did! Thank you darlin' - a poem just for me - it's the best birthday gift ever!!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVPcBX3_LNqvma9U2dz7OwN02seVI-oqWgiH6v8GD2EF8GqmQqxmSRJ37KjpUqr6cHnq0uKBDEpJ2_xgxbdMwXqXqt9NJYZ9N_IyruxDIhW9nVvM2FePYvTQZ1WR417OT_-0CibrbopaJ/s1600/imagesCAPVIO3N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVPcBX3_LNqvma9U2dz7OwN02seVI-oqWgiH6v8GD2EF8GqmQqxmSRJ37KjpUqr6cHnq0uKBDEpJ2_xgxbdMwXqXqt9NJYZ9N_IyruxDIhW9nVvM2FePYvTQZ1WR417OT_-0CibrbopaJ/s1600/imagesCAPVIO3N.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grounds In Your Cup</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Unpleasant, unexpected,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nasty, cruddy, yuck!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There's nothing worse</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Than grounds in your cup!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just rinse out the filter,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The cup and the pot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Then try it again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just give it a shot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Whenever we get dirty</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">From falling in sin,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">God washes us clean</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And we try again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He gives us that chance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">To start a new life,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Again and again</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">'Till we get it right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So wash out the filth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And try it again:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You're coffee delicious,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Your life without sin.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvraU-B9tboTGWe59yCL3r2a6QvuhaoNFz-_bqooXBakywwIybh0tHI_hFrK-M3QOa-Lz5mLrEj_QqFYqB0FNAuJ9ALohFBxGZ4yY0F6GDDRrKZXGbZGLP3qwzbnPBUcnMjrdLqqSscQt/s1600/imagesT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvraU-B9tboTGWe59yCL3r2a6QvuhaoNFz-_bqooXBakywwIybh0tHI_hFrK-M3QOa-Lz5mLrEj_QqFYqB0FNAuJ9ALohFBxGZ4yY0F6GDDRrKZXGbZGLP3qwzbnPBUcnMjrdLqqSscQt/s1600/imagesT.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today is also <strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">AUTISM AWARENESS DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span> </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'll be wearing <span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>BLUE </strong></span><span style="color: black;">- will you???</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-80020818337125177112013-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-01T00:00:16.771-07:00April Fool's Day Means Berry Pickin' Time - No Foolin'<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's something about Spring that triggers the berry lover in me. Suddenly I want every berry known to man in my kitchen! Maybe it's because back home we had a bunch of mulberry trees less than a mile from where I grew up. The neighborhood kids used to meet there and we'd eat those things right off the tree! </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfWV79d6oz_I_-y58GD3m45FXr4tVNAeBuf0yDMsbl4jbCiCTR17MWtVZS1Vsj2Ck1nN0yj1eT2rGwvw_nSaST6vAQOyIzoauLLgOEEHeegpHO5b3M-gxze691Zj4f9ug0XRB1Za6GYR8/s1600/531558_355920254525476_1333924749_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfWV79d6oz_I_-y58GD3m45FXr4tVNAeBuf0yDMsbl4jbCiCTR17MWtVZS1Vsj2Ck1nN0yj1eT2rGwvw_nSaST6vAQOyIzoauLLgOEEHeegpHO5b3M-gxze691Zj4f9ug0XRB1Za6GYR8/s320/531558_355920254525476_1333924749_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Organic mullberries are so healthy</span></td></tr>
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<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My parents had fruit trees in their back yard. We had the best pears, apricots, cherries (if we could beat the birds to them), apples and daddy always had a great crop of peaches as well.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Give me a basket and let me go a-pickin'!!! Gardening should come as second nature to me - sadly, it does not. I grew up a simple country girl but I married a city boy and I think I must have lost the desire when it comes to growing fruit trees and planting a garden. I do love the idea of being able to go to my own back yard to pick food though. I was so spoiled growing up!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today it can be a real challenge to find fruits and vegetables that are truly healthy. We keep hearing about all the pesticides that are used and how when these pesticides are applied, the workers have to wear a mask. The question becomes, "If they have to wear a mask to protect their health - and they are spraying it on our food - then what makes them make the determination that these pesticides are perfectly fine for us to ingest?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's a valid point, really! I'm blessed to have friends who grow organic foods, so we have a sort of built-in safety net from most of this debate. I know where my food is coming from and I know how it was grown. Most people don't have that advantage, unless they happen to be growing their own food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm angry and disappointed that we've been led to believe our food is safe when in fact it may not be. It's sad when the almighty dollar and greed and profit are considered before the safety of the consummer. The point here is, if you can have some degree of control over where your food is coming from, then I think you're ahead in the game. If you can't do that, then find a local farmer's market to buy from. Most cities have local farmer's markets setting up in the early Spring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you can keep from buying produce at the market this Spring and Summer that would probably be best. They do sell organic products, of course. Even then you don't really know and have to take their word. I'm not sure how much I trust what is claimed anymore. I've become quite skeptical about labels through the years. There are many claims that food companies can make that end up just being lies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Don't be fooled by the labels you read. Take every precaution against ingesting harmful chemicals. Know your source and buy from the grower if possible. Keep eating the healthy foods! If you go back to packaged or boxed foods you are certainly not doing any better. Eat the fresh fruits and vegetables but know the source if you can!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Spring reminds me of mullberries. When I was a kid, I used to ride my bike out to the wild mullberry trees a few blocks from my house and just eat those things right off the tree until I was sick! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In our city there were 3 different peach orchards we used to frequent. We did have a peach tree, but we still went to the orchards to pick peaches. I was just a little girl and got to ride in the wagon with the bushel baskets! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Mama used to let me munch on a peach while they were picking. I always looked forward to that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I don't know why some of the best childhood memories are centered around food! For me, the best memories are of Springtime back home with my mom and dad. We spent a lot of time outside soaking up the sunshine and working in the garden. In the evening we used to sit out on the screened in porch drinking my mom's homemade lemonade. No, we did not have any lemon trees. They came from the local farmer's market.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">April is <strong>NATIONAL HUMOR MONTH!!!!!!!!!! </strong>Well, that fits because today is</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">APRIL FOOL'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></strong> Get your prankster on, but don't let those labels at the grocery store fool you. Know the source of your food as much as you possibly can. There is one rule of thumb: if a fruit or vegetable has a THIN SKIN you should buy organic! If it has a THICK SKIN you do not necessarily have to buy organic. Yes, organic costs a little more - yes, it costs a little more to buy your produce from a local grower at the farmer's market. Illness from toxins costs you more in the long run!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Think about it. Have a great day! <strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Are toxins to blame<strong> </strong>for how you feel?<strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://youtu.be/hgA38pFEEYw">http://youtu.be/hgA38pFEEYw</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though today is the start of berry season, we celebrated the best Holiday ever yesterday - <strong>EASTER!!!!!!!!! </strong>My friend and gifted poet, Lucinda Berry Hill (love that<em> Berry</em> part - lol), author of "Coffee With Jesus", wrote this beautiful poem about Easter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When The Stone Was
Rolled Away</span></u></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Tears of grief were
all around<br />
For the man they thought they'd lost;<br />
When Jesus Christ was crucified,<br />
When He died up on a cross.<br />
Life was frightening and dark;<br />
No hope, no joy, no faith,<br />
Until they came and saw the sight<br />
When the stone was rolled away.<br />
Then joyfulness had filled their hearts<br />
When they saw Him with their eyes.<br />
They knew He spoke with faithful words,<br />
For from death He did arise.<br />
So once a life of hopelessness,<br />
Today a life of faith;<br />
A peace was found not known before<br />
When the stone was rolled away.<br />
And now we feel that same delight<br />
As He lives with us this day;<br />
For He took His place within our hearts<br />
When the stone was rolled away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lucinda Berry Hill, author of <em>"Coffee With Jesus".</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-39608750695719022632013-03-31T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-31T00:00:01.184-07:00The End was Just the Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Sweet Peril</u></strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by George MacDonald</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Alas, how easily things go wrong!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A sigh too much, or a kiss too long,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And there follows a mist and a weeping rain,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And life is never the same again.</span></div>
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Don't be so quick to judge her for her sin. That's not really your job anyway. It's not mine either. You know, the day that Jesus died on the cross and was buried seems like the end. It must have looked like a defeat to those who were there. At that point there was not a shred of hope for <em>anyone</em> on the face of the earth for salvation or redemption. But looks can be deceiving and we all know that what seems to be is not always reality. God was not finished and He is still not finished with His creation. God was not finished with this woman. He is not finished with you or me either. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was only after God raised Christ from the grave that <em>hope came to life!</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There is an excitement in the air on Easter Sunday for all Christians because we know without Easter and without the ressurection of Christ from the grave, we would all still be without hope and lost forever.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">A lot of neat events in my family happened on Easter Sundays. My parents were married on an Easter Sunday in 1943. I was born on an Easter Sunday. That doesn't mean anything significant - I just think it's kind of cool. April 2, 1961 was an Easter Sunday and I was born. That's all. Yes, my folks were married a good 20 years before they adopted me. They were well established in their lives before I became part of it. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Then nothing was the same for them - <em>arr arr arr!</em></span><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The ultimate victory was the resurrection of our Lord. This is why Christians have <em>hope</em> and this is where our <em>joy</em> comes from. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm thankful for my Christian heritage. I'm thankful to God for showing me how to manage obstacles in my life such as diseases. He's been so faithful to me and I know He is guiding me not only in the management of Dyslexia, PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes, but He is showing me how to manage it with style and grace and with a <em>lot</em> of humor.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My friend Lucinda Berry Hill and I were talking the other day about how God helps us get through difficult times. I mentioned that one of the lowest points in my life was knowing that I would never have children. I shared with her how God has a wonderful way of sending humor my way at times like that. He knows I really need to laugh along the way instead of cry. I'm thankful that He provides for me emotionally as well as physically.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Take the opportunity this Easter Sunday to thank God for raising Christ from the grave and giving us salvation and hope for eternity. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">We know that without Christmas there would not be Easter, but isn't there just something really wonderful about Easter? It's almost like you want to say <em>"Happy New Life"</em> to your brothers and sisters in Christ - it's like happy new year, only better... <em>much, much better!</em></span><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">HAPPY EASTER - HAPPY NEW LIFE!!!!!!!!!!</span></em><br />
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<strong><u>Eggs of Life</u></strong> <br />
<em> </em>Yellow, orange, blue, and green;<br />
Eggs are given every spring.<br />
The special story that these eggs hold,<br />
... Is the resurrection of Christ our Lord.<br /> <br /> He has risen!<br /> There is life;<br /> New beginnings <br /> Through Jesus Christ!<br /> <br /> He sacrificed for you and me,<br /> That we'd have joy eternally.<br /> Purple, pink, red, and white;<br /> Eggs of Easter---<br /> The day of life!<br />
<br /><em> </em> Lucinda Berry Hill author of devotional<em> "Coffee with Jesus."</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please watch this wonderful video!</span><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em> <a href="http://youtu.be/Fq3lgmn_vMo"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/Fq3lgmn_vMo</span></a><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-88917928403145019542013-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-31T13:49:28.337-07:00So Many Pencils... So Little Time<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8oeBllHN3hyxX3-uxT-FvsUISxCEpnQp9RebZ5QKaw5TcdUfHwTxma-HYLPrngrsIxcRBAPaf2qZ3azTRzSe_DlX6IDZ-tIgQYuN_a5yZOz3iF8b90NEwMHvtQIsHGrmGtiVI2uw7ebj/s1600/imagesCAIXW6EQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8oeBllHN3hyxX3-uxT-FvsUISxCEpnQp9RebZ5QKaw5TcdUfHwTxma-HYLPrngrsIxcRBAPaf2qZ3azTRzSe_DlX6IDZ-tIgQYuN_a5yZOz3iF8b90NEwMHvtQIsHGrmGtiVI2uw7ebj/s200/imagesCAIXW6EQ.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The best part of the pencil... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">ERASER!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is <strong>PENCIL DAY!!!!!!!!!!! </strong>I talk with many people throughout the day, and almost everyone chooses pens over pencils to write with when given a choice. I guess I'm just one of those weird exceptions. When the other kids were discovering ink and permanent writing - I was still using my pencil and the eraser - thankful I had an eraser to use! </span><br />
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<td class="sqtdq" colspan="2"><span class="sqq"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
average <b>pencil</b> is seven inches long, with just a half-inch eraser - in
case you thought optimism was dead. - Robert Brault</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When I began taking piano lessons at 3 years of age, I've been choosing to use a pencil instead of a pen. Musicians are taught early on that they need three items at the piano with them at all times:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>"The Harvard Brief Dictionary of Music",</em> a Metronome and <em>several </em>pencils.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You're asking, "Why several pencils - why not just one?" Well, if you are a lazy musician (and most of us are), you don't like to keep getting up to sharpen your pencil - so, you use a pencil until the lead is barely useable and then you reach for a pencil that is sharper. Finally, when you have no sharp pencils, then you take them to the pencil sharpener and sharpen them all at once. Yes, I do have an electric pencil sharpener. Yes, I do empty the shavings - when I think about it or when they begin to overflow onto the floor. </span><br />
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</span><td class="sqtdq" colspan="2"><span class="sqq"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When
you write down your ideas you automatically focus your full attention on them.
Few if any of us can write one thought and think another at the same time. Thus
a <b>pencil</b> and paper make excellent concentration
tools.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Michael Leboeuf </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just for fun, I counted how many pencils I use in the course of a day. I also counted how many times I sharpen pencils in a week. I took the liberty of writing this all down so I could easily transcribe it here today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Let's see... I have an eyebrow pencil. I have no eyebrows if I don't use it. Very <em>essential</em> pencil! I sharpen it about once a week. My eyeliner is also a pencil and gets sharpened about once a week. My lip liner is a pencil. It gets sharpened about twice a week. I keep telling people my face is drawn on... <em> NOW</em> do you believe me???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I keep a journal and I use <em>colored pencils</em> to write in it. It's my journal and I can do whatever I want, k? The color I choose helps me determine what type of mood I am in and gives me insight into my feelings. Hey - <em>Don't knock it until you've tried it.</em> I have 48 colored pencils at my disposal and I think I've used almost all of them. Depending on which ones I use most, a particular pencil may get sharpened once a week maybe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Do you doodle??? I doodle in my journal sometimes when I'm waiting for my train of thought to leave the depot. Experts say that what a person doodles says a lot about what they are thinking and a lot about their personality. I like to draw stars - I just put stars all over the page sometimes. All different colored stars. My husband is a bit more complex. He draws 3-dimensional boxes. It would be interesting to know what <em>that</em> means. I think it means he's a very private person - which is true. Me - I'm just OUT there - but he is not.</span><br />
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am a little <b>pencil</b> in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love
letter to the world. - Mother Teresa of Calcutta</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm so imperfect - every day. I know everyone is - but I really am! It almost gives me a <em>sense of freedom</em> to know that I can use a <strong>pencil</strong> to write and not have to worry about messing up. I have that handy little eraser on the other end - so life is good and there are no worries! The only time I really use an ink pen is when I have to endorse a check or some other official document. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Most of the time my pencils get thrown away once the eraser has been completely used up. In my humble opinion, a pencil without an eraser is dead and needs to be tossed. It makes me almost crazy to see a pencil still in use that has no eraser on it! I want to stand up and scream <em>"What is the point???"</em> It's sort of like drinking decaf coffee... I just don't understand. <em>I don't get it!</em></span><br />
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<b>pencil</b> and a dream can take you anywhere. - Joyce A. Myers</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I record my blood sugars in pencil, not pen. Some of them I wish I could go back and erase and put in a different number - but I don't. I'm honest about those numbers. When I write down my carb intake I also do that in pencil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I like mechanical pencils and try to keep those hidden for myself. My husband tends to let too much lead out and then gets frustrated when the lead breaks. Well, you're not supposed to click on it fourteen times before you use it. I keep them tucked safely away in my piano bench. <em> Shh...</em> <em>don't tell.</em> </span><br />
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Map out your future - but do it in <b>pencil</b>. The road ahead is as long as you make it. Make it worth the trip. - Jon Bon Jovi</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A pencil can be your best friend but you have to take care of it. I have a few pencils here in my studio that obviously went through some stressful situations with me at the piano. They have teeth marks on them. You know - you don't want to actually put the pencil back in the holder so you just sort of pop it in your mouth then play a little bit, then grab it back so you can jot another note on the music. A musician <em>never</em> writes on music with ink. There should be no written notes in ink - <em>ever!</em> You always want to be able to <em>erase</em> written notes from a piece of music.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When I taught piano lessons I always wrote in the student's notebook in pencil. My teacher wrote in my notebook with a pencil and I'm sure her teacher did the same thing. So much of what we do is because we are conditioned to do it a certain way. It all depends on our background and our interests and how we are taught. </span><br />
<br />
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<td class="sqtdq" colspan="2"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most people think it's just silly that I prefer pencils over pens. Well, let them think and me... well - I'm gonna write and draw and make all the mistakes I want to - and use my eraser and just be happy with that. </span></td></tr>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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</span><td colspan="2"><span class="sqc" style="float: right;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<tr><td class="sqtdq" colspan="2"><span class="sqq"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ideas are elusive, slippery things. Best to keep a pad of paper and a <b>pencil</b> at your bedside, so you can stab them during the night before they get away.</span></span></td></tr>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>
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<div style="padding-top: 3px;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Earl Nightingale </span></div>
<div style="padding-top: 3px;">
</div>
<div style="padding-top: 3px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">My friend, Lucinda Berry Hill and I were talking the other day about how it's important to be able to write down our ideas right away. I shared with her that I keep a notebook and a pencil on my nightstand just in case during the night I get an idea and want to jot it down quickly. I might mention, the older I get, the more quickly I need to get that notebook and pencil working. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If someone approached me and said, "You can no longer use a pencil for anything - now you have to use a pen all the time" - I think I would freak out! I'm pretty sure I'd have to go somewhere and have a quiet little pity party. There might be tears.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Pencils are a large part of what makes me... me, actually. So, today I am honored to talk about why I choose the humble pencil over the widely chosen ink pen. A well-sharpened pencil is reliable, dependable and has a nice eraser so I can <em>erase mistakes</em> with it! How many things in life have that kind of guarantee? Not many. A well-sharpened pencil is much more reliable than any ink pen I've ever used. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Most of the time when I get ready to use an ink pen, I begin to write and the ink doesn't come out! Really??? <em>That's not cool.</em> </span><br />
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<td class="sqtdq" colspan="2"><span class="sqq"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In
spite of everything I shall rise again: I will take up my <b>pencil</b>, which I
have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my
drawing.</span></span></span></td></tr>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Vincent van Gogh </span></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What gets me is those ink pens that are chained - like at the bank. You pick it up and begin to endorse your check - and - no ink. I'm thinking, <em>"Why do you even bother putting a chain on this? Nobody in their right mind would walk off with it!"</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The bottom line is - pencils rule... ink pens drool. There you have it. Another pointless discussion that educated no one about anything having to do with wellness. Hey - I have my moments. Some days I just want to be silly. It's Saturday - <em>give me a break.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My friend, Richard Vaughn, wrote this and I want to share it with you.</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[244].[1][2][1]{comment489481277789695_489938094410680}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[244].[1][2][1]{comment489481277789695_489938094410680}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span id=".reactRoot[244].[1][2][1]{comment489481277789695_489938094410680}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Pencils and pens, pencils and pens,</span><br id=".reactRoot[244].[1][2][1]{comment489481277789695_489938094410680}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[1]" /><span id=".reactRoot[244].[1][2][1]{comment489481277789695_489938094410680}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[2]">that is where the writing begins.</span><br id=".reactRoot[244].[1][2][1]{comment489481277789695_489938094410680}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]" /><span id=".reactRoot[244].[1][2][1]{comment489481277789695_489938094410680}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[4]">The words will flow, it never ends,</span><br id=".reactRoot[244].[1][2][1]{comment489481277789695_489938094410680}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[5]" /><span id=".reactRoot[244].[1][2][1]{comment489481277789695_489938094410680}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[6]">Send them to your dearest friends.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You missed your calling, Richard. You should have been a poet! </span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here's <em>"The Flying Pencil"</em> (if you like <em>stupid-funny</em>, which I do).</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/J-j-CilT1xY"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/J-j-CilT1xY</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-18828668192351184082013-03-29T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-30T15:02:33.944-07:00It Was The Goodest of Fridays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I know it's not proper grammar - (thank you, grammar Nazi's)! Now that I got that out of my system I can go on with my thought for today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On this Good Friday, I'm asking myself this question:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I believe that Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for my salvation. So, how important is it for me to <em>pay it forward</em> for someone else every day? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm not suggesting the ol' <em>"good works to buy your way to heaven"</em> deal, because no matter how much you try to do to "earn" it - you can't earn salvation. Can't be done. No, what I mean is more <em>simple</em> than that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>How much more can I show some real true compassion and concern for someone else and make a real attempt to <u>help</u> where I can? How many opportunities do I pass up because I just don't want to get involved or get my hands dirty?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I gave up chocolate for Lent. Has giving up chocolate made me a better person? Oh, I doubt it - maybe it saved me a few calories and a few grams of fat - but it's a <em>silly sacrifice</em> compared to the one my Savior made for me on the cross to be sure! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Last night I went out for dinner with a girlfriend. We were driving along and came to a major intersection in our city and I saw a man standing on the median holding a crude cardboard sign that said HOMELESS AND HUNGRY. He looked to be a young man in his 30's maybe and was wearing a baseball cap. My heart went from being light and funny because I was joking around with my friend, to heavy and sad when I saw this man. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm so torn at times like that - I'm not ignorant - I know that sometimes people use things like that as a rouse to gain entrance to your vehicle and do awful things. There was no way that two women in a car are going to stop and help a man - homeless and hungry or not. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Even with the decision made that we would definitely not entertain the notion of having an encounter with him, I could not shake the image of him standing there with that sign. I am neither homeless nor hungry. I could have easily bought a dinner and taken it back to him, but I didn't. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In the Christian community I always hear that you should never give people money because they'll go buy drugs or alcohol with it. We don't really know that, do we? If we had given him some money, is that what he would have done? Who has the crystal ball that says that? I thought we are to help in any way we feel led and let God take care of the results. Is that a naive' way to think? I didn't give him money either. I didn't do anything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Okay - I did pray for the man. No - I know everybody says that - but as my friend will attest - I really did pray. We got to the restaurant and I was upset. I could not get him out of my mind. The man and the sign are permanently etched in my memory bank. I sat at a restaurant with my friend and maybe I should have just shaken the image out of my head - but it wouldn't go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My appetite had left and I felt a nagging. I said, "I just need to at least pray for him - even if I don't think there is anything I can do for him, I know there is something that God can do." We prayed. Where is he now? I don't know. Does God know? Oh yes He does because we prayed some reinforcements to gather around him in his struggle. Angels are watching over him until God sends just the right man along to help him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On Good Friday we watch the movie, <em>"The Passion of the Christ".</em> It's a painful reminder of what my Lord went through for me. I don't know why - I just know He did. Well, I do know that God is a just God and can accept no sacrifice other than a perfect one - and only His one and only Son was perfect enough to be sacrificed for my sins. I know without that sacrifice I would not be going to heaven when I die. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm no great scholar or theologian but I am a believer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEAFAwSger3GUubd2AecGw-ZHEQRyYWiubZani-ertVAn5iZCyIG9xfrYq6_0pLyaxIMOQuWhlvw-FXyx_NzcpNnln7kLSdBoNq2pxwbSbn6uEJT4-I0pDhdjzwtKYz7fwujOHwD8aG5q/s1600/imagesk.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/AVvXsEhvEAFAwSger3GUubd2AecGw-ZHEQRyYWiubZani-ertVAn5iZCyIG9xfrYq6_0pLyaxIMOQuWhlvw-FXyx_NzcpNnln7kLSdBoNq2pxwbSbn6uEJT4-I0pDhdjzwtKYz7fwujOHwD8aG5q/s1600/imagesk.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today I just want to <em>pay forward</em> the story of the cross. God loved us so much He sent Jesus to pay the ultimate price - His life - so we could be saved and live with Him forever in heaven. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">That's my "pay it forward" to you today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It really was THE GOODEST OF FRIDAYS. I'm thankful for the love of my Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here's the movie <em>"The Passion Of The Christ"</em> (don't forget to turn on the "closed caption" and set it on ENGLISH). Settle in and let it bless you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/MNPoxmwLC1c"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/MNPoxmwLC1c</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My friend and author of the inspirational devotional book, <em>"Coffee With Jesus",</em> Lucinda Berry Hill, has written this poem for us today. It asks the question, <em>"How much time did I spend on my knees?"</em> Wow - that's one to ponder.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time Well Spent</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #333333;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">
<br />
When I leave this world <br />
And my time is all that I take,<br />
How sure will I be<br />
When I open my book<br />
And show what I've brought to the gate.<br />
How many months<br />
Did I take the time<br />
To care for the sick and the lonely?<br />
How many days<br />
Did I send out a smile<br />
Even to those who're less friendly?<br />
How often were times<br />
I'd search through His word<br />
Hoping to grow from within?<br />
How much of my timeTo be with the Lord<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Did I spend on my knees<br />
With thanksgiving and praises to Him?<br />
How many weeks <br />
Were spent being selfish,<br />
Hoping to hide from the Lord?<br />
How many seasons<br />
Or will it be moments<br />
Did I spend in sharing God's word?<br />
What will my book show<br />
Of time spent in worship;<br />
More time in His word or sin?<br />
How sure will I be<br />
When I take to the Lord<br />
My journal of time spent with Him?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
Today I felt led to share a second poem by Lucinda because it is how I feel about Good Friday. <br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>With Tears for Jesus<o:p></o:p></u></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm glad the Lord has rescued me<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From death; from sin and shame,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But before I can rejoice in song<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart weeps for Jesus' pain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The burden put upon His heart<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No other man could lift.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Compassion like Christ Jesus had shown<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No other could exist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The nails they drove into His flesh<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They pierce my heart again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tears He wept up on the cross<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My eyes are filled with them.<br />
I'm sorry for the pain He felt;<br />
For the torture, and things said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sorry He had to sacrifice<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But I'm glad, for me, He did.<br />
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Lucinda Berry Hill, author of <em>"Coffee With Jesus".<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-69349020412994284792013-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-28T00:00:13.486-07:00Something on a Stick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MYads82w9UHCNHxQvtkT_Fayo4Wtif2zJQQW5UrjYJOdby4vZxgwpJNRKw89pupT_MIL8D0vLNeFnNqMIn7-GxoLG4TT80VwwOdixbSRDjIfcSKtrOcx1L3K9KdeTPKnAJae8QXmOzaw/s1600/imagesa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MYads82w9UHCNHxQvtkT_Fayo4Wtif2zJQQW5UrjYJOdby4vZxgwpJNRKw89pupT_MIL8D0vLNeFnNqMIn7-GxoLG4TT80VwwOdixbSRDjIfcSKtrOcx1L3K9KdeTPKnAJae8QXmOzaw/s1600/imagesa.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you ever feel like just because you are diabetic you have to miss out on all the<em> fun?</em> Well, I do! I think today we should celebrate this wacky holiday together. Today is <span style="color: black;"><strong>SOMETHING ON A STICK DAY!!!!!!!!! </strong>And yes, a toothpick counts as a stick - a very <em>short</em> stick, but...</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what comes on a stick? Practically anything. The first thing that comes to
mind is popsicles and fudgecicles. Hotdogs are poplar on a stick at campfires.
There's also corndogs, and shrimp and many Chinese treats. Cocktail wieners and
cheese are picked and eaten on a stick(a toothpick). </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WaZ9GTDHMoKefwu-BReq58itgiEk70P2V2F9_P2BPifMgF0ArRTFOuDpWwjJdmvsgGzzcgwYB8n5nz95kXaOx6SE-vqLtNJ8mYSN8Jn84O0VTrfnYk9JtzH3wG0F1XqvjT42HYvoViA7/s1600/imagesAA.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/AVvXsEh8WaZ9GTDHMoKefwu-BReq58itgiEk70P2V2F9_P2BPifMgF0ArRTFOuDpWwjJdmvsgGzzcgwYB8n5nz95kXaOx6SE-vqLtNJ8mYSN8Jn84O0VTrfnYk9JtzH3wG0F1XqvjT42HYvoViA7/s1600/imagesAA.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll tell you how I plan to celebrate. There is a local food market in my town (I would share the name, but Google won't let me!) They always have those sweet little old ladies standing around offering samples of some new product that some company hopes to get you hooked on. Usually when I'm at the store and they ask me in that sweet little tone of voice, "Would you like to try a sample of __________???" I just smile and politely decline. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I'm going to march in there and take every single sample I'm offered! By golly by gum I'm gonna celebrate the day!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think a few little samples of __________ are gonna hurt my blood glucose level that much - and I'm going to have a good time doin' it!!! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu18UUXNnWJdevTofvZs4UmNaUuOvvfgekimjTd23NY193tjpjNLmS8L9bZiQb5u60VwlMFt-s-pS4Bk-HCKXmAVgE93prmyKzWjSSMlPDCLrZhDp49CMmbz4PDVUQzf-98IaOJ9SmERa7/s1600/imagesGGGG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu18UUXNnWJdevTofvZs4UmNaUuOvvfgekimjTd23NY193tjpjNLmS8L9bZiQb5u60VwlMFt-s-pS4Bk-HCKXmAVgE93prmyKzWjSSMlPDCLrZhDp49CMmbz4PDVUQzf-98IaOJ9SmERa7/s1600/imagesGGGG.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes, I have gone crazy (<em>but shh... don't tell my husband</em> - he'll have the white coats here quicker than you can say <strong>"frozen banana on a stick dipped in dark chocolate, rolled in chopped walnuts"</strong>) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I just made myself very hungry... oh well... moving on... </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have some <em>fun</em> with the 20% acidic-based portion of your food intake today!!! I'll bet it will leaving you laughing so hard you'll be crying. It's <em>that</em> kind of laughter that is <em>so good for your soul</em> - and that kind of laughter leaves your stomach muscles feeling like they've done 200 sit-ups!!! The laughing is so much more fun than the sit-ups would be!!! No WAY am I doing 200 sit-ups - (not even for Coach Stewart) - huh-uh!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aeh3KLxNeNjRYuqtbltOhP_Wccy9fNUakwxiQdTrrDruk1MHewJvcMKELevWmYkL02iuwIqDDgPz-SM96YFwjRtlPxSGGr0GXFQEpl9LciqVnNryXTYBwei6kprCUZrR4MV4_QyCoiRu/s1600/imagesGGG.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/AVvXsEg6aeh3KLxNeNjRYuqtbltOhP_Wccy9fNUakwxiQdTrrDruk1MHewJvcMKELevWmYkL02iuwIqDDgPz-SM96YFwjRtlPxSGGr0GXFQEpl9LciqVnNryXTYBwei6kprCUZrR4MV4_QyCoiRu/s1600/imagesGGG.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Incorporate the healthy, green high alkaline foods today - <em>yes!</em> Do not forget what these foods do for your blood glucose and HbA1c. BUT... don't cut <em>fun</em> out of your life! Grab a <em>fun friend</em> and hit every little ol' lady up at the grocery store and try the sample she is promoting- and share with her WHY you are allowing yourself to be tempted by the little samples on toothpicks today!!! Give her a great reason to laugh and have a good day too! Laughter is so contageous and so healthy - and it costs you nothing to laugh or to make someone else laugh! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Bless someone else today and in the process - be blessed!!!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Eat something on a stick and be happy today!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeff Dunham and Jose' Jalapeno On a Stick!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em><a href="http://youtu.be/U8eFRaZvKxA">http://youtu.be/U8eFRaZvKxA</a></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a happy and healthy <strong>SOMETHING ON A STICK DAY!!!!!!!!!!! </strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlx9crzolkIJiuVmHNIpbcJik6kG5DzHoGag7eyh3gY48rAmRRwZ2Kmh07xbcAba5Birjmj4A2V00rgWo_qBFYs_kBW6m_123_MvuB3MMUFV2JKYWatELjtKKj9YxHCB5-3lNIJDwM9HI/s1600/imagesCAIYEPU6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlx9crzolkIJiuVmHNIpbcJik6kG5DzHoGag7eyh3gY48rAmRRwZ2Kmh07xbcAba5Birjmj4A2V00rgWo_qBFYs_kBW6m_123_MvuB3MMUFV2JKYWatELjtKKj9YxHCB5-3lNIJDwM9HI/s1600/imagesCAIYEPU6.jpg" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCukSvGJs5gNUH1LRLBKiqCcFnB5Vk_ikdF0jn3k5NCUoCC7qaZw9hfHa8vvnv3OJm1v8vSa-tTRCUmX_U1DrvwYnm6PuXfZJFVxNJ3wV9qmrkmX_41fd8gqUbJtcdK0WRMkPhvldnvroQ/s1600/imagesAAA.jpg" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvMfW7zPbcf1lFnUX0EL_zb2BSzVQbKN-Ah61yVe1UXRORNTIKI6_Qfqe0emjTHesbQoR1fLP-35T8kY92zS9SQ-vPHH-dOG-jojfi9qh2hWgk032mh-esH18Mge_B7g7dHjQWINt_P6p/s1600/imagesCAEXLS01.jpg" /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-38023125304789008672013-03-27T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-28T13:02:39.941-07:00There's Gonna be a Spoonin' Moon Tonight<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/AVvXsEjrmSl9QW5pcLPsR7oLd8KNuQ-T1LKRchO2v3IVfNS76q6C7JU5qq5aUSgFxJulmfWS5SiuBk8yjUmIE6yWpfUd62-8IICOfkhlDfhbTe9Iy0VMUrcD3O6mYavVXGD5-PCs1OvArPxBjFmk/s1600/531532_396721707091452_2035580576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmSl9QW5pcLPsR7oLd8KNuQ-T1LKRchO2v3IVfNS76q6C7JU5qq5aUSgFxJulmfWS5SiuBk8yjUmIE6yWpfUd62-8IICOfkhlDfhbTe9Iy0VMUrcD3O6mYavVXGD5-PCs1OvArPxBjFmk/s320/531532_396721707091452_2035580576_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is known as a "spoonin' moon" here in Kansas</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tonight there is going to be a full moon. I thought it might be a fun time to gather information about the full moon and its effects on everything from our <em>eating habits</em> to the cases of <em>insomnia</em> reported to how it affects <em>human behavior. Does a full moon directly affect our wellness? Hmm... I don't know.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes in preparing and researching for this blog, I am blown away by the quality (or lack thereof) in some facts I gather. For instance, did you know that there is actually a <em>"Moon Diet Plan"?</em> Yes. In fact, there are two moon diet plans - the <em>basic</em> and <em>extended</em> versions. Please allow me to share:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>The basic moon diet plan</strong> consists of a 24-hour fasting day in which you consume only water and juice (you lost me already). During the fasting day your body is cleansed of toxins, and you can lose up to 6 pounds of water weight in one day (reminds me of preparing for a colonoscopy).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>The extended moon diet plan</strong> begins with a fasting day on a full moon, as described by the basic moon diet plan, then provides additional guidelines for weight loss and healthy eating during each of the major phases of the moon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">They claim that the benefit to the <strong>moon diet plan</strong> (other than rapid weight loss) is that it will detox your body and improve your immunity. Well... there are better ways to detox, but that's just my humble opinion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Popular legend has it that the full moon brings out the worst in people: more
violence, more suicides, more accidents, more aggression. </span>The influence of the moon and behavior has been called "The Lunar Effect" or
"The Transylvania Effect." T</span>he term <em>''lunatic''</em> derives from the word <em>''luna''</em> the Latin term for moon, and is used to depict a person affected by periodic insanity, as if affected by the phases of the moon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friends of mine in law enforcement swear up and down that the number of robberies and other violent crimes rise when there is a full moon. I guess the thief wants to be able to see what he's doing better, so the full moon provides perfect lighting. I don't know, but that's my theory. The number goes up because it's just easier to see what you're doing. I don't believe it's a "draw" from the moon itself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There are more medical emergencies during a full moon. I think people are unable to sleep because it's too bright outside, so they start doing stuff and as a result they have accidents and need to call an ambulance. I think it's all about the full moon making it so bright outside that people can't get to sleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's difficult for me to sleep when there's a full moon! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've been guilty of staying up until the wee hours of the morning when there is a full moon, although thankfully I have fought the urge to go outside and begin howling. It's not easy but so far, so good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hands up everyone who wants to <strong>eat more</strong> when there is a full moon! What's <em>that</em> all about??? I have a theory about that too - I think it's just boredom to some extent. I mean, you're wandering around the house aimlessly when you should be sawing logs, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So... am I the only one who wanders into the kitchen and opens the refridgerator door and stares blankly in there with not an inkling of a clue what I want??? To give in and begin eating everything in the house in the middle of the night would definitely put a damper on my plan to lose that last 40 pounds. Yeah - no, <em>not going there again!</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a known fact that cats behave oddly when there is a full moon. They<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> get into more mischief and are injured more often during certain phases of the lunar cycle, particularly when the moon is fullest. It's thought that this is because during a full moon there is more light at night which discourages calm restful sleep (isn't that what I've been saying???) <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The risk of emergencies for cats on full moon days was 23 percent greater, compared to all other days.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If your cat appears to be a bit aggressive or moody on a full moon night, your observations can be actually on target. A study was conducted on the incidence of animal bites at the time of a full moon at a general hospital in an English city. The collected data reported that animal bites rose significantly at the time of a full moon with 56 cat bites making up 3.4 percent of the total animal bites. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cat owners as well can attest that their cats behave strangely when the moon shows its whole face. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reported behaviors consisted of staring at nothing visible, running around, increased vocalizations,and acting aggressively towards other cats.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There is one good thing about a full moon. A full moon in these parts is also referred to as a <em>"spoonin' moon".</em> If you don't know what that means, then I feel really sorry for you. If you have never been in a barn, in hay with your best beau when there's a spoonin' moon outside - girl, you just have not lived! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Merle Travis was in a movie called </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>"Spoonin' Moon"</em> (with the Westerners and Judy Hayden) in the early 1950's. My dad was a huge fan of Merle Travis, and I think that's probably how the term got so popular (in our house, at least), but I don't know that for a fact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Full Harvest Moon is the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">full moon</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> that occurs closest to the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">autumnal equinox</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. That's <em>obviously</em> not this one. The next Full Harvest Moon will be on October 18, 2013. Those are always fun because they're so close to Halloween. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That brings to mind good times of my childhood. At the Full Harvest Moon, we used to go on hayrack rides at one of the local farms. We'd pile in the back of a flat open horse-drawn wagon and sit on hay bales. Again, the hay and the beau and the moon. <em>That's livin'!</em> Then we'd build a bonfire and roast weiners and marshmallows. Really nice memories and good times! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My dad was the most superstitious person and believed lock, stock and barrel that the moon itself affected all sorts of things. He also got very upset if I would leave a rocking chair rocking, or let a broom fall to the floor. Heaven forbid if a bird were ever to fly into the house! And if I saw a ladder I would walk an entire block out of my way to avoid it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Now, don't get me wrong, I loved and respected my daddy - he was my hero and I was a daddy's girl. On this particular subject, however, I have to respectfully disagree with his point of view. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is my humble opinion that when there is a full moon, it just means that there is more light at night to do more stuff. If people are up doing more stuff instead of sleeping, then they're going to get into mischief and get hurt. They might have an accident because they're out driving instead of sleeping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And, if someone is going to commit a crime, especially robbery - well, a full moon just gives them a little more light to work by. I believe it's just that simple. I don't think it's some hocus pocus that the moon has over us. But - I'm just a little ol' farm girl from Kansas. What do I know?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Full moon rising - 4x timelapse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://youtu.be/Qiq0xKFqVE0">http://youtu.be/Qiq0xKFqVE0</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is <strong>NATIONAL <span style="color: #660000;">"JOE"</span> DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </strong>I can really get into this - my mom's middle name was JOE (yes, with an "E") and my favorite beverage on planet earth is coffee - a.k.a - JOE!!! Yes - this is definitely a biggie for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Wow - there's a great idea - let's get some coffee to go and drink it so we can do all sorts of really stupid things tonight while there's a full moon! Between the caffeine and the bright light the moon will provide, wow that should make everything so much better, don't 'cha think??? Woo-hoo!!! <strong>Game on!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-78716496102457059842013-03-26T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-30T15:37:12.003-07:00Three Cheers for the DOC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I have met some wonderful people through the Diabetes Online Community (DOC), but one of the best friends I have is fellow blogger, Kelly Booth. We had a discussion a while back in the Dyslexic Diabetic group about how much help and strength and support we get from each other, especially when we begin to have symptoms and don't know what they mean. Sometimes if we just ask someone who has been there, we can gain a little peace of mind about what we're going through. Kelly has given me permission to re-post one of her blog entries. <em>Thank you, Kelly!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>The Delusional Optimist Returns:</strong></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Flicker of Hope</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="date published time" title="2012-12-08T07:02:28+00:00">December 8, 2012</span> by <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a class="fn n" href="http://kellywpa.com/author/kellywpa/" rel="author" title="Kelly Booth">Kelly Booth</a></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back in the mid-90s was when I started having some signs of complications. In 1995, I had an upper GI that showed slow stomach emptying – at the time, I didn’t realize that I had the beginning stages of gastroparesis. In 1995 and 1996, I also had a lot of laser surgery for retinopathy. During that same time period, I started getting neuropathy in my feet that got progressively worse.</span><br />
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<a href="http://kellywpa.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/kelly-looking-out-the-door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Kelly Booth looking out door - a Flicker of Hope" border="0" class="alignleft" height="377" src="http://kellywpa.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/kelly-looking-out-the-door.jpg" width="169" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sadly, it took going on disability in 2005 that gave me the time to get online and find the Diabetes Online Community (DOC). It was late 2007 when I first found the DOC. By the time that happened, my neuropathy was so bad that I had to use a walker to get around. In 2006, I had stitches put in my foot without needing to be numbed. I had zero feeling in my feet up to almost my knees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I found the DOC, I not only learned tips on how to manage my blood sugar, I found hope that my neuropathy could be reversed some day. There were articles posted about nerve regeneration and discussions that followed. One very interesting discussion was how </span><a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303184111.htm"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">our mitochondria can take 2-3 years to reach our feet</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> in a person of average height. And of course, most of them get killed off on the journey from our spine to our feet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday I had an appointment at the wound center. Because I had left and then decided to go back again, I was treated as a new patient and had to go thru the health screening part for a new patient. The nurse practitioner joked about having to do the filament testing – she knew that I had zero feeling in my feet but was supposed to do it as part of the process.</span><br />
<span id="more-11070"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was expecting to fall asleep when I had my eyes closed because I had very little sleep the night before. I certainly wasn’t expecting what happened: <em><strong>I felt a vibration!</strong></em> I think I shocked the NP when I said that. It took a minute to find the spot again but I felt it again! She asked if it was on the top of my foot or the bottom – I said top and it was the bottom, but I felt a vibration!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That was my bad foot and she did it on my good foot. There was a spot there also! That one was not as strong as the other foot, but I still felt a vibration!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can’t remember exactly when I stopped feeling those things, but I know it was pre-2003. In 2003, I had changed both jobs and doctors and everything was going downhill fast. I know that I had no feeling in my feet at that time and that was when the neuropathy also started moving up my leg faster. Because we are only a few weeks away from 2013, I think it is safe to say that it has been over 10 years since I felt anything in my feet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had some mitochondria survive the trek from my spine down to my feet! It is only one spot on each foot, but I felt the vibration! It is the first sign that I have had that yes, there is a chance that my neuropathy is going to reverse. I know it is only one little spot on each foot, but I believe that the process has started and my neuropathy is going to reverse. I know it is a very slow process, but it is going to happen – the first mitochondria to survive that journey made a path for the others to follow. I know that eventually I am going to be able to walk without my walker again. Mark my words, but I not only plan on walking without my walker, I am going to run again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know that I am the one that had to put the effort in, but I never would have been able to see this day without the DOC. You guys gave me the knowledge to do it, the support along the way, the encouragement to keep going when I got discouraged, and there to help me get back up when I fall. Thank you DOC!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Since Easter is just around the corner, I want to share this lovely poem written by my friend and author of <em>"Coffee With Jesus"</em>, Lucinda Berry Hill.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><u>The Curtain<o:p></o:p></u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Long ago there was a place<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">that we could never see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Only pure and holy ones<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Could be found there on their knees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But then God sent His only son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A lamb in purest form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He gave His life for all of us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And the curtain, it was torn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There's nothing standing in our way<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NO fear, no sin, no shame,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No condemnation blocking us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From calling on His name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We need no lamb, no sacrifice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To speak right to our Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The final sacrifice was made<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And the curtain, it was torn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today we go straight to our God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No reservations, no doubt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nothing stands in our way,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our sin can't keep us out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are loved, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are welcomed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With acceptance from the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And nothing stands between us now<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since
the curtain, it was torn.<br />
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Lucinda Berry Hill <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCcYa8WANXE7bSr62qNkzvscxFsy2raKeY4Jq3zdyZBCL2ZOGAjCQXCpx6YFHIY7HbuHV_IE0OdsorXUEmY4yCWuBcsZZl9qKRyPcQr-mSwhPCVBKEXolxepVLEof1HkjFCtDmvIvKFg-/s1600/imagesCAJ8DB1E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCcYa8WANXE7bSr62qNkzvscxFsy2raKeY4Jq3zdyZBCL2ZOGAjCQXCpx6YFHIY7HbuHV_IE0OdsorXUEmY4yCWuBcsZZl9qKRyPcQr-mSwhPCVBKEXolxepVLEof1HkjFCtDmvIvKFg-/s1600/imagesCAJ8DB1E.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today is <strong><span style="color: #134f5c;">MAKE UP YOUR OWN HOLIDAY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!</span> </strong>So... celebrate whatever you want!!!!!!!!!! Woot!!!!!!!!!! I will be celebrating my very good friend's birthday today!!! Hey - any old excuse to have a <em>PARTY</em>, right??? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a more serious note, today is also <strong><span style="color: purple;">EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY!!!!!!!!</span> </strong>It would behoove all of us to learn more about this condition. Wear purple today in support of this important cause.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-57176708402443615362013-03-25T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-25T00:00:15.147-07:00A Good Low Carb Waffle<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The longer I live, the stronger my belief becomes that <em>once in a while you just gotta pull the cork and let it breathe!</em> That is not a profound statement by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm not exactly known for my fancy and tactful writing style. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SlwxVbtd7B5Zxb-dGboz1bm0dxqeRcZ6paMK-Yt2TBXbcIgTZL12EjtbxLz2V_1m_2Jco2XhTcFtGTs1RIE1gTHhPiuylN17D5VE2Gd4iZFQ0XlANS6Oy2IE9n8WRTCuB-e66cfOPFyy/s1600/imagesCASA992D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SlwxVbtd7B5Zxb-dGboz1bm0dxqeRcZ6paMK-Yt2TBXbcIgTZL12EjtbxLz2V_1m_2Jco2XhTcFtGTs1RIE1gTHhPiuylN17D5VE2Gd4iZFQ0XlANS6Oy2IE9n8WRTCuB-e66cfOPFyy/s200/imagesCASA992D.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In the few months that I've been writing in this blog, I've received one universal question from blog readers: <strong>Isn't there a low-carb version of my favorite foods so I don't have to feel completely deprived of my favorite foods?</strong> You'll be very happy to know that the answer is... <strong>yes! </strong>There is one catch... <em>count the carbs!!!</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Many of you think I live on pureed prairie grasses or something! If I've given the impression that my diet consists of alfalfa, I sincerely apologize! I really do eat down to earth foods once in a while. Remember the premise of an alkaline lifestyle is an 80/20 ratio! Yes I try to eat the "green stuff" and drink the "green drinks" most of the time (80%), but there is still that other portion of my diet that can eat the comfort foods or the foods that are more ordinary or down-to-earth (20%)... like - oh, I dunno... <strong>WAFFLES!!!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The recipe for this <strong>low carb waffle </strong>is adapted from </span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2010/05/30/if-at-first-you-dont-succeed-the-waffle-edition/">http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2010/05/30/if-at-first-you-dont-succeed-the-waffle-edition/</a></span></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnb0uD5jZvFEguTFCb9kj3Tmv4rMWvOcXmgT-EZmrO1pdUBhFElez2vI8Tz_hr0CiT-ON12F4le0q3FQPT3YLGc0W_Be0p3uqwqec4aolGm-XAE2z1JjHlBorigjXnnHxP4sINbSwueyw/s1600/IMG_1438-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnb0uD5jZvFEguTFCb9kj3Tmv4rMWvOcXmgT-EZmrO1pdUBhFElez2vI8Tz_hr0CiT-ON12F4le0q3FQPT3YLGc0W_Be0p3uqwqec4aolGm-XAE2z1JjHlBorigjXnnHxP4sINbSwueyw/s200/IMG_1438-1024x682.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><u>Low Carb Belgium Waffle </u></strong>(makes 1 waffle)</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 egg whites, or 2 egg whites plus 1 whole egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Tablespoons of coconut flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Tablespoon milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond milk)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">sweetener to taste, optional (I used 1 packet of stevia)</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whip 2 of the egg whites to stiff peaks. You can either use a hand mixer, an egg beater, or a whisk if you want a workout. Once you have stiff peaks, stir in the coconut flour, milk of choice, baking powder, sweetener, and either 1 whole egg <strong>OR</strong> 1 egg white (depending on how much fat you want the waffles to have. I have used both successfully.). Heat up your waffle iron to the highest temperature, and grease or spray it with nonstick spray. Pour in the batter (You can do it in two batches if you need to.), and cook in the waffle iron until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Pull it out, top as desired, and eat!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Calories: 121<br />
Fat: 2.5 grams<br />
Net Carbs: 3 grams<br />
Protein: 20 grams<br />
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Compare this with a <em>traditional </em>Belgium Waffle which is:<br />
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Calories: 390<br />
Fat: 19 grams<br />
Net Carbs: 47 grams<br />
Protein: 8 grams<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRSFt-870E-17ZW5whtX6_UxENp0ut2wkC7zOKHUsizBT1nMf0kloMp_aXykcf6IlyMcfAt0VSwcrbTEbEvnNue04-kGAQEfFZNy4lB1lt_t2D5PuijhwHZRVFLFQYqgJuxNLMYyXm6j4/s1600/imagesCAJAZCW9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRSFt-870E-17ZW5whtX6_UxENp0ut2wkC7zOKHUsizBT1nMf0kloMp_aXykcf6IlyMcfAt0VSwcrbTEbEvnNue04-kGAQEfFZNy4lB1lt_t2D5PuijhwHZRVFLFQYqgJuxNLMYyXm6j4/s1600/imagesCAJAZCW9.jpg" /></a>Today is <strong>NATIONAL WAFFLE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </strong>If you are diabetic and have been feeling deprived because you don't think you can eat the same way you used to, take heart! This waffle is just as good as the higher carb version. You won't even know the difference. Make sure you don't use full sugar syrup though - better stick with a sugar-free syrup, but use it sparingly and <strong>check the carb count on it </strong>- because as we all know, just because it says sugar free - that does not mean it has fewer carbs! The message here is - <em>celebrate</em> - but count your carbs!<br />
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</span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-82695402669804939682013-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-31T05:19:09.227-07:00Holy Week and Wellness of Spirit<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIHX9RE2_PsG3pawOVbIeoV02e-1rrQf78OycBum6unXUu6d-lYYzsuBPKi2xlwemvDY5lcxDKaiYYvbLqb2PCtzA1nEKXLjogkbV2W71a0_-I733hSFR30pz4sAIs82IRxRicmq9N6NR/s1600/imagesCA59V3A0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIHX9RE2_PsG3pawOVbIeoV02e-1rrQf78OycBum6unXUu6d-lYYzsuBPKi2xlwemvDY5lcxDKaiYYvbLqb2PCtzA1nEKXLjogkbV2W71a0_-I733hSFR30pz4sAIs82IRxRicmq9N6NR/s1600/imagesCA59V3A0.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is <strong>PALM SUNDAY. </strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christians celebrate the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">triumphal entry of Jesus Christ</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> into Jerusalem, the week before his </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">death</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">resurrection</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. For many Christian churches, Palm Sunday, often referred to as "Passion Sunday," marks the beginning of </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Holy Week</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, which concludes on Easter Sunday.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him by waving </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">palm branches</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and covering his path with palm branches. Immediately following this great time of celebration in the ministry of Jesus, he begins his </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">journey to the cross</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span> The Evangelists and critics generally agree that the Last Supper was on a Thursday, that Christ suffered and died on Friday, and that He arose from the dead on Sunday.<br />
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I'm always so honored to include the original poetry of my friend and author of the awesome devotional <em>"Coffee With Jesus",</em> Lucinda Berry Hill.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>His Last Supper</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a wonderful man was He<br />Who came from Bethany.<br />In Jerusalem He was greeted, <br />"Blessed is the King."<br />They laid their cloaks across the ground<br />To show Him their respect.<br />They laid out branches, leaves, and palms,<br />A symbol of success.<br />He taught them all that they should know<br />Especially to love;<br />To love your neighbor as yourself,<br />And the Lord, God up above.<br />He ate with them a special meal<br />But before they sat to eat,<br />He went to His disciples<br />And with love, He washed their feet.<br />He shared with them the bread and fruit<br />That was poured into a cup.<br />He told them it was His last to drink<br />'Till His Father took Him up.<br />"This is my body," He took the bread.<br />"Do this and remember me.<br />This is my blood poured out for all;<br />My blood can set you free."<br />He warned them of the next few days<br />And promised them a friend;<br />A friend of truth and purity<br />Whose love would never end.<br />Together they sang hymns of praise;<br />Hymns of glory, peace, and honor<br />To the man that they had come to know<br />And the man that He called Father.<br />From there He took them on a walk.<br />He led them to a mount,<br />And on the lower slopes He prayed<br />In the garden where He knelt.<br />He prayed that He'd be glorified<br />So His Father would be too,<br />And the love that He had given Him<br />Would be given me and you.<br />And so this man who came to be<br />Our master, friend, and brother<br />Had shown His love to all of us<br />Even at His last supper.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN08lPwGpYpwtoOAUb_Ald-dn3y17O6fac-L4MRkFsKJLOlplXNogDra6iH4h3OJbu7SVWhxrk5OQNQgtCjX6_Jp3R56f9CSKFf6ufHvZL13iz8uTQFg6WvwRThrw9uyxZEsoHL-nadZft/s1600/tn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN08lPwGpYpwtoOAUb_Ald-dn3y17O6fac-L4MRkFsKJLOlplXNogDra6iH4h3OJbu7SVWhxrk5OQNQgtCjX6_Jp3R56f9CSKFf6ufHvZL13iz8uTQFg6WvwRThrw9uyxZEsoHL-nadZft/s1600/tn.jpg" /></a></div>
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Drawing by Marian Lynne Ballestero</div>
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Lancashire, UK</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I understand that not everyone celebrates Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Passover, Good Friday and Easter). For me personally, my wellness of Spirit comes from a personal relationship with God. It's not about religion, it's about relationship, and there is a big difference. I would be amiss in my own mind not to mention this <em>Holy Week</em> and thank God for the wellness of spirit He has given me. Inner peace and a contentment that knows no matter what happens, God has it all under control. That is priceless and no one can take it away from me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The events of Holy Week set to music. <em>Enjoy!</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/3GjlSepH0nw"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/3GjlSepH0nw</span></a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-22661290396085134092013-03-23T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-23T00:00:07.510-07:00The Dreaded Slippery Slope<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPGUhrJBFpFPlJNy8EjcK8frfmvkxMc6607HKYzlbW60_6QiQmQLUkAt4QjIYPOAtgtg_Io0MTDGmpbvomiGqt6xU3vx5xqnSSMKA0VoVT6buMKbgzl_LvK9qhkq7RNO9lQqziqnngmBj/s1600/imagesCAZGOLUG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPGUhrJBFpFPlJNy8EjcK8frfmvkxMc6607HKYzlbW60_6QiQmQLUkAt4QjIYPOAtgtg_Io0MTDGmpbvomiGqt6xU3vx5xqnSSMKA0VoVT6buMKbgzl_LvK9qhkq7RNO9lQqziqnngmBj/s1600/imagesCAZGOLUG.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is <strong>Near Miss Day</strong> which commemorates March 23rd, 1989, when a large asteroid missed the Earth by a mere 500,000 miles – a very near miss indeed! What would you do if an asteroid was about to hit the Earth – how would you spend your last hours, <em>and would you even want to know?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love that last question they ask... <strong>would you even want to know? </strong>If a large asteroid was hurling through the sky toward our planet and it would surely destroy it on impact, <em>would you want to know?</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, today I have a similar question to ask all Pre-Type 2 Diabetics. If you knew that there was red sticky syrup running through your veins instead of the thin and easily portable blood that should be running through them - would you really want to know? Make a decision - now.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWxZbm-zU45epyQ7JY7Bsa9l93XY02mmFS3qOvEDeNNy1IKKhrX7feISrO-oP7FUI1UQXoGWab6_V7qfGyQyD-j4F1UeXOJ8cVenoECV7CPTz5kLiYLoQo9MmvGZBvhGc1l_0woynToqz/s1600/imagesCAUUZ66U.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/AVvXsEiGWxZbm-zU45epyQ7JY7Bsa9l93XY02mmFS3qOvEDeNNy1IKKhrX7feISrO-oP7FUI1UQXoGWab6_V7qfGyQyD-j4F1UeXOJ8cVenoECV7CPTz5kLiYLoQo9MmvGZBvhGc1l_0woynToqz/s1600/imagesCAUUZ66U.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you answered no, let me tell you about the consequences of your decision. You have just opted to change nothing about your lifestyle to improve your health. That is certainly your right, however, you have also shortened your life span <em>(of course we all know we could get hit by a bus - but it's not likely).</em> The longer you allow your blood to remain thick and sticky and cumbersome on your body, the more likely you are to develop complications. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The tricky part about the complications of Type 2 Diabetes is - you don't know where they will hit. If it manifests itself in the form of kidney disease, you may not have any symptoms at all - in fact, it's not likely that you will have any symptoms! You will feel a little tired and fatigued - but - who doesn't, right??? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You may begin to feel a little "needles and pins" sensation in your lower leg or maybe even your arm. You put it down to maybe too much sitting - so you decide you need to start walking. That's good in theory, but then you start walking and realize that the pain is setting in and it hurts too bad to take a real walk. Peripheral Neuropathy is damage to nerves and unfortunately is not reversible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have you been for an eye appointment lately? They check your eyes and notice an irritation and tell you it's retinopathy. That means there is bleeding behind your eye. The only real treatment for it is laser surgery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Your going through your day and suddenly develop a headache - and this one you can honestly say is the worst you've ever had in your life. Stroke is a common complication of Type 2 Diabetes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You've had a good night's sleep and sit up in bed to get up. You suddenly feel unwell and nauseous. You stand up but feel a pain running the length of your left arm and up through your jaw. Heart attack is a common complication of Type 2 Diabetes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">To deny or not to deny... that is the question. Are you going to just take a chance and not get your blood tested if you suspect you may be diabetic? Do you want to know? Once you know the truth, then the question becomes what to do with the knowledge. You have the option to continue with your head in the sand - in a state of denial - even after you know. But - if you make that choice, be aware of the fact that nothing about your health will change and you will be on the slippery slope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If, however, you choose to accept the diagnosis and accept the challenge to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and drink lemon water instead of sodas or juices which are packed with chemicals and sugars - then I <em>promise</em> you that your new lifestyle will reward you in ways you will not believe!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>You will have a happier HbA1c.</strong> <strong>You will have lower LDL cholesterol.</strong> <strong>Your blood pressure will be normal. </strong> These alone make this journey worthwhile! Stop eating packaged, processed and sodium-rich foods (the "convenient" foods). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Wow - what a concept!!! You cut the <strong>crap food</strong> from your diet - and you don't feel like <strong>crap</strong> anymore!!! Isn't that great??? See how that works???</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPc8rKvdMuq8FFl1UJmQSnyYIZBMUgFWT8KMfUfv5BKpuHDIoZObrqedK7Fb68uL25Wz6cZuYONubiDH-7kp062XR4nnTQ93B9iaDmPJGDsztToU7IDzdRlR0Cs3f6Vw7Q_BdPlebvaRd/s1600/imagesCAEO02TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPc8rKvdMuq8FFl1UJmQSnyYIZBMUgFWT8KMfUfv5BKpuHDIoZObrqedK7Fb68uL25Wz6cZuYONubiDH-7kp062XR4nnTQ93B9iaDmPJGDsztToU7IDzdRlR0Cs3f6Vw7Q_BdPlebvaRd/s1600/imagesCAEO02TC.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The fresher, the better. The darker the color, the better. Steam if you must, but do not microwave. You lose vital nutrients when you use the microwave. If I had my rathers, I'd rather not own a microwave. Ours is just here for decoration because we don't use it. This is not rocket science, folks! It's not a diet - it's a lifestyle. It's everyday life and you can do it - and <em>should</em> do it in order to save your health. Your doctor can not do it for you - I can not do it for you. Your meter is a great tool to test with - but it is only going to reflect what you've been doing - or not doing. It can't do it for you. Eat right, move every day, drink lemon water, have a good positive attitude. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>The proverbial ball is in your court!</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I educate - I encourage - I plead <em>(I won't beg... nope - that's where I draw the line).</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you suspect you have a huge asteroid soaring through the sky toward you... what are you going to do? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I dare say, if you are Pre-Diabetic, you probably know it deep down inside. Do you have a friend who is diabetic? Ask to borrow their meter so you can check your blood sugar. Most people don't mind letting you do that. Make sure you test at least 2 hours after you last ate. If that number is in the high 100's or above... get to a doctor. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The first number I saw on my friend's glucometer was over 300! I have thankfully not seen that number in a long time. There is a way to regain the healthy blood that should be running through your veins. The blood that your heart has no problem pumping. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I did go in for my regular HbA1c and unfortunately it was up to 7.0. This is not a reason for me to panic, but it is a red flag for me to be more careful in my lifestyle. It is not easy to stay 80% alkaline and only 20% acidic, but it is what I need to continue to strive for! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The doctor did not complain about my lifestyle but did say that my insulin production had slowed more because of age and the amount of time I've been a diabetic. We are trying new medication now called Janumet. It's not a generic and is costing plenty out of pocket, but hopefully I can get my HbA1c down and maybe go back to just the Metformin. We shall see. I've also had my Lisinopril doubled as my blood pressure was 143/93 in the office. Just another day in paradise. This too shall pass. It'll be okay. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We face the monster and we take our sword out and start swinging! That's just the way I roll. I close my eyes and start swinging! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've lived with this for 21 years and have very few complications. So the change in medicines is not a big surprise and if I need to increase my Lisinopril to 10mg. instead of 5mg. a day - well, I can live with that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Denying Diabetes.</span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/y1j3xANn6mo"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/y1j3xANn6mo</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-71463292722944396772013-03-22T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-22T03:24:48.072-07:00Count the Sheep and Go to Sleep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi3UcVi1LwSO7MW4dZVpC0ZKtsD8yCCvy4ezJ41-nP-jZHty7I8ugGjzJuNKiV5PFYF59OKzfzwyjKTqENUqDzS6SMsh9AFdNSjtXgEZJjjy7D9xLyhQrvBDxMbY5mITL72LjFlejNCnM/s1600/imagesl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi3UcVi1LwSO7MW4dZVpC0ZKtsD8yCCvy4ezJ41-nP-jZHty7I8ugGjzJuNKiV5PFYF59OKzfzwyjKTqENUqDzS6SMsh9AFdNSjtXgEZJjjy7D9xLyhQrvBDxMbY5mITL72LjFlejNCnM/s1600/imagesl.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What are the odds that I'm going to lift a finger to do any sort of research on a subject for this blog today? You're right - <em>pretty slim</em>. But don't stop reading - you might learn something today in spite of my lazy bone. Today is Friday, March 22 and it also happens to be <strong>NATIONAL GOOF OFF DAY!!!!!!!!!! </strong>I embrace these holidays with both arms and welcome them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just for fun, I asked the folks in the <em>Dyslexic Diabetic</em> facebook group what comes to mind when they hear the phrase "goof off". I got some very unique and humorous responses:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Watching an episode of "Duck Dynasty".</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>It's Five O'clock Somewhere.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Goofy from Disney.</em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEivnhBXZ6UQttMbS0ZBrxJF04DlyI5KSVZiu-gcsAK-OfL3dqa2tbEUsj2IflkzDQkxGaonSr8Pi5SmIlEZh1gHzNp0JPKXoBQLybJl6X46nYovEBRuarNYbcVhQ6FfZ0iCrFAehptRgb/s1600/601461_436095359799245_664134143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEivnhBXZ6UQttMbS0ZBrxJF04DlyI5KSVZiu-gcsAK-OfL3dqa2tbEUsj2IflkzDQkxGaonSr8Pi5SmIlEZh1gHzNp0JPKXoBQLybJl6X46nYovEBRuarNYbcVhQ6FfZ0iCrFAehptRgb/s320/601461_436095359799245_664134143_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But I gotta tell ya, when I hear the phrase "goof off", I think of <em>napping!</em> When I worked at the Savings and Loan downtown back in the 1980's, I can think of three different instances where people were caught napping at their work stations and sent home - fired! There are definitely times when you want to fight that urge to take an after lunch snooze! If you are working a job, it's probably a good idea to make sure you get plenty of sleep at night and eat a light lunch so you can stay alert for the rest of the day. In this economy you sure don't wanna get canned!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But today... I think a nap is definitely in my future. I'm taking a look in the crystal ball and I can see it clear as day - me in my comfy bed - counting sheep and catching some zzzzz's! Yep - it's definitely gonna happen! Friday - goof off day - ah yeah, baby! Bring on the sheep - <em>I'm ready to count 'em! </em>Sheep n' sleep... uh-huh!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was a time when it was thought that burning the
proverbial candle at both ends was the key to success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is no longer the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We now know that the key to success is a good
night’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sleep!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, turn off the computer, the TV (and your
iphone) and start counting some sheep – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and
get some sleep!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
H</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ave you ever wanted to have your very own <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“reset” </i>button?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting good sleep is like pressing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“reset”</i> and allows your mind and body to
rest and recharge so you can function at your very best each day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a definite link between sleep,
happiness and longevity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who get
a good night’s sleep tend to avoid depression and actually live longer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you want a healthy heart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sleep on it! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lack of sleep has
been linked with worsening of blood pressure and cholesterol, all risk factors
of heart disease and stroke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your heart
will be healthier if you get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep interacts with arteries and makes them healthier - and healthier arteries mean a healthier heart! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How much is clarity of thought worth to you? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your brain will reward you if you treat it to
a good night’s sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will think so
much clearer and make better decisions because you won’t be groggy, foggy or
slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your memory will also be much
better and clearer. Would you like to think sharper and have a quick wit? That little bit of down time in the afternoon actually gives your brain an opportunity to recharge. It's like when a battery runs down and you have to plug it in to the outlet to get re-energized. Your brain needs just that little bit of sleep to help it recharge and see you through the rest of your day with more strength and energy. Your mood improves and you're better to work with and for!</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you have problems facing another Monday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure on Sunday night, you get to bed at
a decent hour!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will awake with a
refreshed and renewed sense of purpose and ready to face the week head-on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your mood will be great, because let’s face
it, nobody wants to work with someone who drags into the workplace on Monday
morning with a chip on their shoulder – all moody and negative from the
get-go!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is one of the major components of overall energy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s right – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sleep!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you get plenty
of good sleep, you have boundless energy and perform better at work or school.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you want to reduce stress and depression?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who doesn’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With a good night’s sleep, you begin to enjoy life again and frankly,
others will appreciate and enjoy YOU more.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you know that dreaming actually helps your mind work
through problems?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you deny your mind
the opportunity to do this, you will actually slow down your ability to be
creative, not to mention the dangers of inhibited motor skills, which affects
such things as driving a vehicle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLwbd6f4LxIfz9mqphW1MfZtNra3N5i7kCdRRsVQ51btImWCbuAKW7V4ckhRijXjjmPrsYBUY9a2XS4OLt6nOTj6Qtp2AvPkDsyBwmmwO57z6mv5N6p7H5b4mgGXZXN2eLrx63eUWjEbf/s1600/601225_520710901283442_1139027864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLwbd6f4LxIfz9mqphW1MfZtNra3N5i7kCdRRsVQ51btImWCbuAKW7V4ckhRijXjjmPrsYBUY9a2XS4OLt6nOTj6Qtp2AvPkDsyBwmmwO57z6mv5N6p7H5b4mgGXZXN2eLrx63eUWjEbf/s320/601225_520710901283442_1139027864_n.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If none of this encourages you to hit the hay earlier – may
I appeal to your vanity?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you heard
the phrase <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“beauty rest”?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, a good night’s sleep really does make
you look and feel better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s as simple
as this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are at your best, you
know it and everyone around you knows it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you want to be a winner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sleep is the magic bullet that separates the winners from the
losers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Improve your odds in life by
getting enough sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleep lowers
stress, helps you achieve a healthy weight, sharpens your attention span and
improves your overall sense of wellbeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Proper sleep allows your brain cells to renew and regenerate and
recharge so you can function better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your body and mind will thank you a million times every day if you have
gotten enough sleep the night before.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That nap this afternoon may be the best decision I make all day long! With the list of benefits, I'm pretty sure that an afternoon nap will be my way of celebrating! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sleep is my friend - and it always will be. Sleep and I are together forever. So today, Friday, March 22, 2013, I will take a 30 minute nap! <em>I will goof off!</em> I can't think of a better gift to give <strong>my skin, brain or heart.</strong> What about you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Napping is good for your heart with a 1/3 reduction in fatal heart attacks!!! That's <em>HUGE!</em> More companies should have <strong>NAP ROOMS</strong>... <em>seriously!!!</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/Li2NPpdjyGA"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/Li2NPpdjyGA</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I enjoy the poetry of Lucinda Berry Hill so much! She has contributed the cutest poem in honor of National Goof Off Day! I hope you enjoy it! If you are enjoying her wonderful poetry here on the blog, I strongly encourage you to pick up her devotional book entitled, <em>"Coffee With Jesus".</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>For A Goof Off Sort of Day</u></strong></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">When
you wake up in the morning,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Start
your day with prayer.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Then</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> be a little goofy,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Spreading
laughter </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">everywhere.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Put on your
favorite lounging pants.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's good to be relaxed.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's good to have a day of
rest<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you're
not feeling quite so taxed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Show off your fun
and flighty<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"> side.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dance and sing a
verse. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tell a goofy joke or two</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And laugh until it hurts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stick a feather in
your bonnet.<br />Have some tricks tucked up your sleeve.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be crazy, wild, and a little
nutty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's good to have release.</span></div>
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</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be a little whimsical.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chill and
laugh and play.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be absolutely
preposterous.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">And have a
goofy kind of day.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-86706886221022543272013-03-21T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-21T17:08:06.592-07:00The Fragrant Pillar of Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is <strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">FRAGRANCE DAY!!!!!!!!!!</span> </strong>So, I asked my facebook group to suggest a way I could tie fragrance and wellness together. I got the perfect idea - <strong>aromatherapy!!! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of us are aware of the fact that if an essential oil has any sort of "fragrance" listed in its ingredients, it is not truly an essential oil and should not be purchased. So, I know I am stretching a bit to connect fragrance day with essential oils since the oils should not contain any sort of fragrance whatsoever. Ok - there's my disclaimer about that. Now let's move on and learn more about wellness and essential oils. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In ancient Chinese medicine, there is a philosophy known as the <em>Five Pillars of Health.</em> Only through proper balance can we achieve better health and well being. These five pillars are:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Wisdom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nutrition</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Aromatherapy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Shiatsu Bodywork Therapy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Body Movement</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On this Thursday, I'd like to ask you a question. Has it been a long and tiring week? Are you ready for the weekend? Do you just want to go home and relax? What if I suggested you go home and soak your tired achy feet in some very warm water and 3 drops of Peppermint Oil? Here in the United States, we remember how to sit down and relax (in the recliner with a bag of chips watching TV -<em> ugh!</em>), but <em>we forget how to pamper what hurts.</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">How about a bath with a few drops of essential oils? Here are a few recipes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><u>For a Relaxing and Calming Bath:</u></strong></span><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Lavender</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Bergamot</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Cedarwood</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To Relieve Nervousness:</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">6 drops Geranium</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4 drops Basil</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For Insomnia:</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4 drops Chamomile</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Lavender</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Neroli</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Marjoram</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For an Energizing Bath:</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3 drops Rosemary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Lemon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Frankincense</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have you ever had a serious case of sunburn??? Here's the recipe for</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sunburn:</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just a few drops of Lavender in your bath water!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Keep in mind that when you take these special baths, all doors and windows should be closed in order to gain full benefit from the aromatherapy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There are two ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy. Topical, such as for baths and massages - and Inhalation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Topical - </strong>Essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, but do a small test patch on the skin to make sure there is no irritation. Every skin type is different and some oils can be irritating on some skin. You may need to dilute with a carrier oil or pure vegetable oil prior to use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Steps for topical application: </strong>Place 2-3 drops of oil in the palm of your hand or directly on the desired area. If placing oil in your hand, rub palms together in a circular motion and then massage oil onto the desired point of application. If applying directly to the desired area, massage the oil into your skin using a circular motion. Repeat as desired.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Key areas for topical application:</strong></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crown of head</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Temples</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Behind ears</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Neck</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Upper back</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Abdomen</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Over vital organs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Soles and tops of feet</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ankles</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The second way to use essential oils for aromatherapy is <em>inhalation</em>. There are literally endless ways to fill your surroundings with the pleasant aromas of essential oils. They can be added to humidifiers, vaporizers, the molten wax of a candle, the dish of a diffuser (mixed with water), or even combined with water in a spray bottle. Here are some recipes to try.</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For a Clean, fresh smell in the Air:</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 drop Cedarwood</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3 drops Pine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Rosemary</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To Induce Sleep:</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Chamomile</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Lavender</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Neroli</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For a Spicy Aroma:</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4 drops Bergamot</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Clove</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Would you like to have a </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">little ROMANCE in the air??? Well, here's how you do it. Remember ladies - <em>you saw it here first!</em></span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Romance:</span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Geranium</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Orange</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 drops Ylang Ylang</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Steam inhalation</strong> is not recommended for those who are asthmatic. The directions for this technique are as follows:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place a few drops of essential oil into a bowl of very hot water. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl. Inhale the steam deeply for 5-10 minutes or however long you are comfortable. Remove the towel from your head and blot the moisture from your face. Don't be too quick to discard the contents from the bowl as the steam will continue to release the beneficial aroma into the air. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ever have a nasty cold or flu with awful congestion? Try this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Cold and Flu Steam Inhalation:</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3 drops Eucalyptus</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Scents have a powerful impact on the mind," says Kathi Keville, aromatherapist and director of the American Herb Association. "They might not be as strong as antidepressant drugs, but the beauty is that they do not have side effects and can be used repeatedly during the day. We have no evidence that there is any conflict to using aromatherapy along with medicine."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"For pain management, aromatherapy can provide pain relief within 10 to 15 minutes after anti-inflammatory essential oils are massaged into an affected area," says Keville. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">To find a qualified aromatherapist, Keville recommends contacting The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keeping some Lavender on hand for sure!</span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/8jv44xsnHUM"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/8jv44xsnHUM</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was reminded by my friends at Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses that today is also World Down Syndrome Day, a<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">n opportunity to draw much deserved attention to a group of wonderful people and to raise people’s awareness and understanding of Down syndrome.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you have not checked out the wonderful work these folks do, I'd invite you to take a look at their facebook page and give them a "like".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-86938282526636437442013-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-21T17:14:31.453-07:00Excessive Eye Puffiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes </span>I get puffy eyes. It may be because I didn't get my full 8 hours of sleep. There are nights when I don't sleep all the way through - and after say, 6 hours, I suddenly wake up and can not get back to sleep. If this happens very often, the result can be puffy eyes. My Mary Kay eye gel usually takes care of the problem, but if it doesn't then I know what I need to do. I need to make sure I'm drinking enough water. As you know, I drink only lemon water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Since I have been a Type 2 Diabetic since 1992 and was told at that time I have kidney damage, I tend to have puffy eyes due to chronic kidney disease. I have managed to keep the damage from getting worse by simply hydrating often, but unfortunately the damage already done can not be reversed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If blood sugar is elevated for too long, it puts a strain on the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. Over time it gets worse and large amounts of proteins leak into urine through the filters in the kidneys. This drop in protein levels in blood can cause water to penetrate into subcutaneous tissue which leads to puffy eyes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I pay close attention to my eyelids and the condition of them. If they do look too puffy and I know I have gotten plenty of rest, then the first thing I do is review my water intake. Usually I realize that I've not been drinking enough, and need to increase the amount. The 1/4 freshly squeezed lemon in water raises the alkaline pH. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">People who have had diabetes for more than 10 years should have a Urine Microalbumin test every three months. To know your kidneys are functioning properly means everything to a diabetic. Peace of mind is worth taking the time for the test, isn't it? Protecting your kidneys by hydrating is also worthwhile. If it helps, keep a chart. I did that at first but then it got to be more habit than anything else. I actually get very thirsty if I don't have lemon water fairly often.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It pays to know your own body and watch for the tell-tale signs of kidney disease. Often kidney disease is asymptomatic (meaning there are no symptoms) and it can creep up on you. Of course puffy eyes can be caused my many other things, such as allergies or water retention, but because I have a history of kidney disease, I'm aware of small changes such as eye puffiness and what it means for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Diabetes and kidney disease.</span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/wb18_jld1zI"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/wb18_jld1zI</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is the <strong><span style="color: #38761d;">FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!</span> </strong>YAY!!! My good friend Lucinda Berry Hill, author of the popular devotional book, "Coffee With Jesus" wrote a poem when she was just 13 years of age about Spring. I think this is just precious and appreciate her sharing with us here today!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><u>Spring</u></strong><br /> I love the Springtime;<br /> The flowers and trees,<br /> The birds and the bees.<br /> The birds do chirp<br /> And the bees do sting<br /> But I still love them,<br /> They're part of spring.<br /> The birds fly around<br /> Like butterflies,<br /> And soar up to the <br /> Beautiful skies.<br /> The flowers grow up<br /> The blossoms pop out,<br /> The animals come round<br /> And the leaves all sprout.<br /> The frog leaps along<br /> The worm crawls too, <br /> The hoppers hop around<br /> The rabbits in the dew.<br /> Now the kids can play<br /> Out in the sun,<br /> And nature is happy<br /> 'Cause Spring has come!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is <strong><span style="color: blue;">INTERNATIONAL</span> <span style="color: lime;">EARTH </span><span style="color: blue;">DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span> </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is also <strong>INTERNATIONAL <span style="background-color: black; color: #ffd966;">HAPPINESS</span> DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </strong>I hope you find a little happiness today to celebrate!</span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-19144116045370203192013-03-19T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-19T06:39:36.171-07:00Alkaline and Delicious<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NWiz7wy_bt6OYa0afcKm0d6ogp15t8RGKGUvTA6Ruh60iMKdQcFOqhQC2kxOMlcpQssovEGdi97EJmEVgXgCHQHPjvWu_n55UAZ5oaLoSBw60wNySw2uHPJol2_gIys9JvhS4BhpNIMn/s1600/a-tempeh-salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NWiz7wy_bt6OYa0afcKm0d6ogp15t8RGKGUvTA6Ruh60iMKdQcFOqhQC2kxOMlcpQssovEGdi97EJmEVgXgCHQHPjvWu_n55UAZ5oaLoSBw60wNySw2uHPJol2_gIys9JvhS4BhpNIMn/s320/a-tempeh-salad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Organic Greens Salad with Fried Tempeh</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Organic greens</span></span><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">- Organic raisins</span><br /><span style="color: #333333;">- Organic red, yellow, green, etc. peppers</span><br /><span style="color: #333333;">- Organic pumpkin seeds</span><br /><span style="color: #333333;">- Organic broccoli and/or other veggies</span><br /><span style="color: #333333;">- Chia seeds, flax meal</span><br /><span style="color: #333333;">- Himalayan salt, pepper</span><br /><span style="color: #333333;">- 1/3 cup Daiya mozzarella shreds http://www.daiyafoods.com</span><br /><span style="color: #333333;">- 1-2 tbsp organic olive oil + 1-2 tbsp organic red wine vinegar</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heat 1/4″ of organic or Italian extra virgin olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Cut organic tempeh into 1″ squares. Lightlife (http://www.lightlife.com) is my favorite brand and can be found at Whole Foods or Kroger’s health foods section. There are several “flavors” including soy, flax, grain, and there’s even a tasty “smokey tempeh bacon” flavor. Add tempeh to pan, being careful not to splash the oil and burn yourself. Brown tempeh on one side, then turn individual squares or strips to brown the other side. If necessary, pat with a paper towel to remove excess oil.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toss tempeh with above ingredients. Serve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is a recipe I snagged from Coach Stewart Forscher at Team Super Get Fit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://teamgetsuperfit.com/">http://teamgetsuperfit.com/</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You may recall I blogged a while back that I will be accepting a challenge from the Coach - a free 30-day offer. I'm hopefully gonna buckle down and get the remainder of this weight off. As most of you know - since 1992 I've lost a total of 80 pounds! I have just 30 more to lose, and let me tell ya - I'm ready for them to LEAVE! <em>Buh bye!!!</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you would like to join me in this challenge, please check out my previous blog (3-9-13 <em>"The Key to the Green Door"</em>) for all of the details. Coach Stewart informs me that he is really looking for some more GUYS... so - step up men!!! I guess we ladies are thinking of swimsuit season - <em>LOL!!!</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've been giving the poor Coach some grief on facebook lately - poor guy! I'm determined to make this a really fun experience and I'm expecting nothing but positive results! This weight absolutely has to go - and this is the year it will leave - forever! YESSSSSS!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There is one plain and simple truth about good health. Eating clean, exercise every day and drinking water with lemon is essential. It's a simple matter of re-prioritizing and putting everything into perspective. What matters most - eating the pretty but unhealthy cupcake, or eating a perfectly wonderful and filling salad (getting 3 x the food) and feeling energized and equipped to face the day? I found another recipe on the WebMD website from Eating Well.com. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicken Waldorf Salad</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDB5gtJrBcePWswRW1LPJlyE4XFXcxwppCJkQWlSEy_CuS9HARGFVC1waDF_qulbd0pDtiEYr7m0jvWsxbAwCXffBmRtQn2jHpADczORPvYDZqvGw-NSj6Eb-Jj3SlFxGDOp5jh7_kqrR/s1600/577238_10151503719828482_714107107_n.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/AVvXsEiWDB5gtJrBcePWswRW1LPJlyE4XFXcxwppCJkQWlSEy_CuS9HARGFVC1waDF_qulbd0pDtiEYr7m0jvWsxbAwCXffBmRtQn2jHpADczORPvYDZqvGw-NSj6Eb-Jj3SlFxGDOp5jh7_kqrR/s1600/577238_10151503719828482_714107107_n.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 teaspoons lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast **</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 medium red apple, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup halved red or green grapes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup sliced celery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup chopped walnuts, divided</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken, apple, grapes, celery and 1/4 cup walnuts. Stir to coat well. Serve topped with the remaining 1/4 cup walnuts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">** If you want cooked chicken in a hurry, the easiest way to cook it is to poach it. Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a skillet or saucepan. Add lightly salted water (or low-sodium chicken broth) to cover and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 10-15 minutes. (1 pound raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts = about 2 1/2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clean Eating 101</span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/QWJ9YutdmEY"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/QWJ9YutdmEY</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend, Lucinda Berry Hill, author of the devotional book, "Coffee With Jesus", wrote this cute little poem in honor of poultry day. Aren't we thankful to God for a sense of humor? <em>I know I am!</em> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><u>Angel Chickens </u></strong>
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Do dogs go to heaven?<br />
Is there ice cream there?<br />
Do chickens become angels?<br />
Can I run with a bear?<br />
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I don't know the answers.<br />
I'll tell you the truth. <br />
But the one thing I do know, <br />
Is God's word, it is true. <br />
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He gives more than we wish for,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">More than we ask. <br />
What's your vision of heaven?<br />
It's better than that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today is <strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">POULTRY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span> </strong>Having chicken for dinner tonight???</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3-RUirqbXmgarcgAWx314T0Y1_6ECvEbyBNeB4FyDX67LL-XtqywQ2XKpbGCqV9ttZZdyP8f6rSY9tMPhLRQsc9yght-vEQtfyRbpj4O2qnTa3Ia1n8OmX_WGRMhNTtCo8rD7fxcrZNY/s1600/imagesS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3-RUirqbXmgarcgAWx314T0Y1_6ECvEbyBNeB4FyDX67LL-XtqywQ2XKpbGCqV9ttZZdyP8f6rSY9tMPhLRQsc9yght-vEQtfyRbpj4O2qnTa3Ia1n8OmX_WGRMhNTtCo8rD7fxcrZNY/s1600/imagesS.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-7612286459185080382013-03-18T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-19T06:44:29.672-07:00Lent: The Motive Behind the Sacrifice <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do not know quite how to say this because I don't want to sound like I'm trying to be a martyr or something. I've been thinking a lot about Lent, and the concept of sacrifice, and the <em>motive</em> <em>behind the sacrifice</em> you make. It seems that some people just take Lent so lightly and sort of joke around about it. I have as good a sense of humor as anyone, but when it comes to this I think we could think a little more deeply about it and take it more seriously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A person with Type 2 Diabetes knows a little bit about sacrifice to some degree. If they are to keep good control of blood glucose, they have to monitor and limit the intake of certain foods. The motive, hopefully, is to regain a well controlled blood glucose and ultimately, a happy HbA1c. It's a matter of <em>cause and effect</em> - this good behavior is rewarded with this awesome prize! We make the sacrifice in order to gain our physical health and wellness! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Should the decision about what we sacrifice for Lent be made with a <em>different </em>motive in mind, or is it good enough to say I will give this up just because it is <em>expected</em> of me to do so every year? Do you make the same sacrifice every year? It's a rhetorical question and I do <em>not</em> have to know your answer - that's between you and your Creator. If you are satisfied with the routine you have carved out for yourself where Lent and motive and sacrifice are concerned, then I am certainly not going to judge you. <em>That, thankfully, is <u>not</u> my job.</em></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is just a thought I've been carrying around with me for the past couple of weeks, and as we quickly approach Easter Sunday, I just wonder if the sacrifice I make for the Lent season is really pleasing to God or if I need to dig a little deeper. Sometimes we do things out of habit and really don't put a lot of thought into it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>I know that I can do better.</em> I want the motive behind my sacrifice to be right. I think the motive is really more important than the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">actual sacrifice, to be honest.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I Just wanted to share a few stray thoughts about Lent today. <em>Spiritual</em> well being is one of the keys to overall wellness. There are many facets to this lifestyle I keep talking about. Spiritual, mental, emotional, and of course, physical. Take care and think about the motive behind your sacrifice for Lent. Is it just habit, or does it mean something more?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A Reminder: What is Lent?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/iSX-uus-JlE"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/iSX-uus-JlE</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have not seen <strong>The Passion of The Christ</strong>, I highly recommend you watch this wonderful movie! Oh - just a side note: Make sure you wear your glasses if you need them to read - because the entire movie is <em>subtitles.</em> Yeah, I ran off and forgot my glasses before I went to see it at the theatre. My friend had to read it to me. Once I bought the DVD I could read them for myself - but there are still parts of that movie that are so very difficult to watch. The thought that He went through all of that - and He who was without sin made Himself sin for us. <em>Wow!</em></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Supreme Sacrifice Day</strong> recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by some for the
good of others. History is filled with examples of people who offered the
supreme sacrifice for other people. </span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ gave the <strong>supreme</strong> sacrifice when he died on the cross for us.
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276875762829164597.post-72597435537688886282013-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-17T00:00:10.759-07:00The Wearin' O' The Green<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If the post today looks familiar to you, it <em>should! </em>It was originally written to be a "fun" piece for the National Health Blog Post Month challenge - it was originally posted on November 27, 2012 on day 27 and they wanted something entitled "I Bet You Didn't Know". I decided to write about the fact that no one knew I had an <em>attraction</em> to green clothing. From the number of hits the post got, I'm assuming also, that nobody really cared! <em>**Sigh**. Oh well... it was fun to write!</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>So, at the risk of beating a dead (green) horse... (eeewww... there's a visual) - I'm re-posting this piece. </em>Perhaps today it will draw a better crowd of <em>"green enthusiasts". </em>I hope it brings a smile to your face this St. Patrick's Day! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aLMz-qrMQLSOpHSjxWT5hllgTptqoGqFYrw5uuzghBlQn5jCYLpJs6-V4EkSoeNMIZKBsv75tqLs1z3bCwjLPRviR7eLrw2Krw3G9_1WP7O6DKOZC6mPkU9Qp9Kl8CpWGBXCfsCUipuA/s1600/shirtGreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aLMz-qrMQLSOpHSjxWT5hllgTptqoGqFYrw5uuzghBlQn5jCYLpJs6-V4EkSoeNMIZKBsv75tqLs1z3bCwjLPRviR7eLrw2Krw3G9_1WP7O6DKOZC6mPkU9Qp9Kl8CpWGBXCfsCUipuA/s1600/shirtGreen.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bet you didn't know that 88.3% of my wardrobe is green! Do you care? That was not the question, so I don't really <em>care </em>if you care or not! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, green is not particularly my favorite color, as some people have suspected. I have a lot of green clothing, and until now, I could not pinpoint the <em>exact</em> reasons why I choose so many garments in green. I think I've had a breakthrough now, and can finally explain my thought process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please read the following disclaimer before you read my list:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Disclaimer:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">You are about to enter a scary place called Linda's brain. I'm not responsible for any thought residue or fallout that may occur. If any concept or idea happens to become a part of your <em>future thought process</em> when purchasing clothing, don't complain to me about it. Read this post at your own risk. <em>You've been warned.</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Reason #1:</strong> How many "Regulation Holidays" have green as a main color? I mean, think about it <em>(not too hard).</em> Let's go down the list. Let's see, there's </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><em>New Year's Eve</em> - a dark emerald green works just fine for a night out on the town. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">The ever-popular <em>Valentine's Day</em> - and I can hear you say, "Ah-ha! That is a RED or PINK holiday". <em>You are so wrong!</em> The Fourth Chakra, or Heart Chakra is actually either <em>green or pink.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Not everyone celebrates <em>St. Patrick's Day </em>- but in our home we do. And it goes without saying, we have to wear green on that day or we end up wearing black and blue skin! Getting pinched all day long is no fun! We just go with it - wear the green and save the skin!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For Easter, I like to pair a light Spring green with pale pink. I work with children and when they go out to hunt Easter eggs, there's always a chance that you can slide around in the grass and get a dandy grass stain. If I'm already <em>wearing green</em>, the stain does not show so badly. I rest my case.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And my next green go-to Holiday is, of course, Christmas. I go back to the darker shades of green and definitely long sleeves. Brr... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Reason #2: </strong>This alludes a little to my "Easter Sunday" logic. If I'm out in my back yard and happen to slip on the wet grass, if I land on my old green shirt, chances are the stain will not be so noticeable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Reason #3:</strong> When I walk early in the morning, green acts as <em>perfect camouflage</em>. I'm doing everyone a favor. I don't have to feel conspicuous as I walk along the sidewalk in my neighborhood, and I don't unnecessarily nauseate my neighbors first thing in the morning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Reason #4:</strong> When I wear a certain <em>shade</em> of green, people have the mistaken idea that I work at a job that requires scrubs. People wearing scrubs are looked up to in certain circles. I generally end up washing my car or something in that outfit, but first I go out in public just for the reaction factor! I like gaining undeserved respect from perfect strangers! Wearing scrubs is actually pretty cool! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Reason #5: </strong>There are some people in my life who get a little annoyed when I wear a certain green shirt with a certain football team's name on it. Why would I pass up the chance to annoy my friends? It's just nuts not to take advantage of that window of opportunity! To pass up fun like that is just crazy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So much for our mental health release for the day! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here's Kermit to remind us... It's not EASY being green!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/hpiIWMWWVco"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/hpiIWMWWVco</span></a><br />
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