tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64643448093591416522024-03-13T05:00:40.594-07:00Never Stop ThinkingRisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-25064211427307414532015-06-07T19:03:00.002-07:002015-06-07T19:03:29.244-07:00Blog #185: On SillinessThings are heavy right now. In the last several weeks there have been so many awful, awful things going on. It's enough to completely overwhelm anyone.<br />
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I'm thankful for those who are passionate about social justice and current events. I believe I have a responsibility to be at least aware of the goings on. However, when it comes to my social media, I am INTENTIONALLY trivial, silly, and nonsensical. I focus on sports, my own daily embarrassments, and funny things that come to mind. I don't often delve into the hard things, the heavy things, on my various social media outlets. <br />
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I do that because my day to day is heavy. I spend every day surrounded by death, grief, and loss. I do my best to take on part of the pain and feel it with the people I see. it's very important for me to have the emotional resources available to be able to fully be there for those I engage with at work. I've found, that in order to do that, part of my self care means limiting my exposure to the dark and heavy outside of work. So, that means that finding reasons to laugh (often at myself) and be ridiculous and being a spot of ridiculousness and fun for others amid links to the tragedies of the day actually helps me to be present in others' moments of grief.<br />
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I've had people ask me about both angles - how I can be so silly when I work with such heaviness and how I can be so light on social media when there are so many hard things happening in the world. The answer is that I have to be. It's not a denial of the hard things but rather a response to them. There is great value in silliness. We as humans aren't built to spend 100% of our time in the acute intensity of difficult feelings. We need to be gentle with ourselves and give ourselves breaks. Silly social media and other ridiculous diversions (kickball, radio shows, book clubs) are my breaks, and I need them.Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-69682043232585889192015-05-07T08:24:00.000-07:002015-05-07T08:30:05.510-07:00Blog #184: About my Mom.<div class="MsoNormal">
Since mother’s day is coming up, I wanted to say a few
things about the mom I’m lucky enough to have. There is no one way to really
convey how my siblings and I have truly won the Mom Lottery and there isn’t
enough time in the world or space on the internet to fit in everything that
makes her so amazing. I’m going to try anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I was about 12 or 13 and helping my mom with dinner I
was being careless and accidentally knocked our glass salt shaker to the floor
causing it to break even after being told by mom to slow down and be
careful. Mom scolded me, had me clean up
the mess, and find a backup salt shaker to use for the meal. I was frustrated
and sullen (as 13 year olds are wont to be) but finished helping. When we sat
down for dinner, my stepdad asked what happened to the salt shaker, and I
braced myself to be further berated for my clumsiness. Mom told him that it had
broken and when he said “well how’d that happen?” she did something curious.
Mom told him that SHE had dropped it. He just shook his head and the conversation
moved on. Now, this is just a very small thing and I don’t know if my mom even
remembers it (do you, Mom?) but I have never forgotten it. Because even at 13 I
could tell that though the gesture and circumstance were very small, the
meaning and lesson behind it were big. In taking ownership of my mistake, my
mom taught me about showing grace (not how to be graceFUL… I’m afraid that ship
has long sailed for both of us). <o:p></o:p><br />
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I remember when Will & Kate got married. Mom and I were
beside ourselves with excitement. Obviously, London is hours ahead of us so watching
the live broadcast would be cumbersome – but we did. I got up and went over at
2:30am so we could be ready to watch the broadcast at 3. Mom had a continental
breakfast of bagels and fruit and other goodies set out and the 3 of us (well,
2.5 – Madi fell asleep in the middle) watched and ooohed and awed at the
dresses and the hats and the beauty of it all. We still follow the Royal Family
very closely and have delighted in both new additions nearly as much as we
delight in the additions in our own family (they ARE our own family). <o:p></o:p><br />
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On a day in December every year until we couldn’t anymore
due to her move, my mom and I held
Christmas Baking Day. The list of things we wanted to make grew longer and
longer each year as we would discover new recipes to try but not be willing to
drop any of the classics. We would start in the morning by making the list of
what we were making and the ingredients we needed. Then, we would go to the
store and get everything including our delivery tins. Inevitably one of us had
to make a supplemental store run later in the day for something ridiculous like
peppermint extract or buttermilk. Then, we turned on Christmas tunes and baked
goodies into the night – it was usually at least 10pm before all was said and
done and clean and packed in tins to give away. By then our feet and backs were
aching and we vowed we would cut the list down next year. I still do baking day even though mom’s in
TX. My sister and I have made it our own.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After my first serious relationship ended suddenly, I called
my mom at 10pm crying. She got dressed and drove over to my apartment and let
me just cry while she sat with me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Goodness… I could go on forever. Prepare for a slew of
awesome:<o:p></o:p></div>
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My mom got her college degree AND her Master’s degree while
working in a high level position, taking care of a family that included a very
young child, and still managed to make it to my soccer games, cross country
meets, and choir concerts. She worked her way from the bottom to the top of a
company where very few women succeed and then when a transition became
inevitable, handled it with her head held high. She is strong, smart, independent, and
hilarious. This high level educated executive often stops to randomly pose with
mannequins and has never seen a picture being taken she didn’t want to photo
bomb. She drops everything when her family needs her and is FIERCE in
protecting and defending the people she loves. This kind, good hearted, loving
woman will literally SHRED you if you hurt her family. I don’t know if Mom ever
needed to spell out to me that doing the right thing is important because she
always just showed me by doing the right thing herself. She taught me to send
thank you cards and to apologize well. She taught me to celebrate the joys in
life. She threw herself a 50<sup>th</sup> birthday party because she was
grateful for health and life and because she could. She taught me that “We don’t
say shut up in this family.” And “The greedy pig gets slaughtered” and “A good
cook always cleans up as she goes”. I got her nose, her smile, and her sense of
(or lack of) direction and difficulty with time zones. Every now and then one of us will call the
other for the 3<sup>rd</sup> or 4<sup>th</sup> time in a day and just say “now
what are you doing?” We like to watch Dateline “together” by texting
throughout. Because of the example my mom sets, I know about loyalty,
unconditional love, and thumping. For my 30<sup>th</sup> birthday she made a
special trip to KC to surprise me with flowers and a dinner with all my family. Phew, overwhelmed yet? Look at this amazing nonsense:<o:p></o:p><br />
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Oh, and she’s like, a total babe. Anytime anyone tells me
that I look like my mom I always say thank you or “I’m lucky that way.” Even
better, if I say something and someone tells me it sounds like something she
would say it’s the best compliment. Thanks for being mom, Mom.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtIGm6iSj2difX37yRknA_7VCNWZHIgCgpamuMZZeFBK_96WZCNhenLfO5ol5JNX4_3hRan5byL8l_0nVeoMYintXWNiNnSJa-NASrFb1nuOKzRJIjNpK2YAwIIbNPmQ1x38vBqtS5QU/s1600/FB_IMG_1431010423882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtIGm6iSj2difX37yRknA_7VCNWZHIgCgpamuMZZeFBK_96WZCNhenLfO5ol5JNX4_3hRan5byL8l_0nVeoMYintXWNiNnSJa-NASrFb1nuOKzRJIjNpK2YAwIIbNPmQ1x38vBqtS5QU/s320/FB_IMG_1431010423882.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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By the way, mom regularly drops weekly wisdom and/or <a href="http://frenchykl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">hilarity on her blog</a> - check her out if you haven't. </div>
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Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-14846426852187662962015-03-28T13:12:00.002-07:002015-03-28T13:12:57.189-07:00Blog #183: About Face!When I was last here things were pretty bleak. Every sugary food looked irresistible and all I wanted in life was wine and cheese. I am now proud to say I made it through what I will now refer to as "the darkest timeline" of my food experiment and am on the other side feeling awesome. For those considering giving it a try, beware days 9-13. If we weren't having such wonderful weather that week I don't know how I would have pushed through.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG23XMZFbf4TG_harPwY524xOZ_W7Kg1FDoSlS1lEYFz-XGDdS95jAwXpEigMYgCiRz6YkS4ncvBoxS9JuxBJqe42e7G9xi0awfKNdJJ9PJypSc81mz2sV4dqTJEMqUq8EzqD8Cd0x01o/s1600/20150321_082129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG23XMZFbf4TG_harPwY524xOZ_W7Kg1FDoSlS1lEYFz-XGDdS95jAwXpEigMYgCiRz6YkS4ncvBoxS9JuxBJqe42e7G9xi0awfKNdJJ9PJypSc81mz2sV4dqTJEMqUq8EzqD8Cd0x01o/s1600/20150321_082129.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast every day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">In other news, I've been feeling pretty great for about a week now but haven't had time to update because if I'm not working or sleeping I am in the kitchen either prepping, cooking, cleaning up after cooking/prepping, or eating my food. Or I'm at the grocery store spending all my money on food. To recap, approximately 75% of my waking non work hours are spent in a food related manner. I haven't quite nailed down a way to be efficient while also not boring myself to death. So, that is a thing I will not miss.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWioNeD4p7bnI9pd2aDMj4DxiFZuTd4xIvQYGV0zY9iiNGoXbsq-GjHrAxQn4f4b6SuwnST0CKX22lOMt0Hb8UUlrPx0FXiH28-zj1veKV9KBoHxys9RlTMUE2i135OJs_jBV8ifbYvow/s1600/IMG_20150325_172430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWioNeD4p7bnI9pd2aDMj4DxiFZuTd4xIvQYGV0zY9iiNGoXbsq-GjHrAxQn4f4b6SuwnST0CKX22lOMt0Hb8UUlrPx0FXiH28-zj1veKV9KBoHxys9RlTMUE2i135OJs_jBV8ifbYvow/s1600/IMG_20150325_172430.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All food prep all thr time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84RCFu_1t5OljOGnUCz2hc8vhBipZY53c9sT40vxdnkSt3sZuu53r02XOc0RoIwEKSGSjpLTElIpitGbT4bgqEKYQztD7whptElg_Pu6TpwWDAw7ZroL5RwdyM0L-6AuLNiz7n6Bv2kU/s1600/20150325_173619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84RCFu_1t5OljOGnUCz2hc8vhBipZY53c9sT40vxdnkSt3sZuu53r02XOc0RoIwEKSGSjpLTElIpitGbT4bgqEKYQztD7whptElg_Pu6TpwWDAw7ZroL5RwdyM0L-6AuLNiz7n6Bv2kU/s1600/20150325_173619.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veggie noodles though</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today is DAY TWENTY ONE. That means by the end of the day I will be 3/4 the way done with my challenge! I've officially entered the home stretch. I am sleeping soundly, waking up refreshed, and maintaining consistent energy throughout the day. I have noticed a visual difference in my body and my clothes are fitting better. I have not had any stomach issues. My favorite thing in the world is bananas sprinkled with cinnamon and dipped in salted cashew butter. Nut butters have to be relegated to "post workout only" or I will eat them by the spoonful straight from the jar. The other day someone brought donuts to a morning meeting and they didn't even SOUND good to me. I have not had any real sugar cravings in a week. I did miss having some wine at book club last night, but it didn't take away from my good time. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh11srzyS-xXa1TWMtvPTEJSHqR_4_ltV5JEy3RWTbUms_J2ljtk6IxhZZrsUO3GBNbn6sxUNzB0jorEKWiMw8okrlHI7eHWBaOrdW9EFo-CF1cy4Lsp3DSN53tBDAiGaEPJCPgbyTApA/s1600/IMG_20150321_180626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh11srzyS-xXa1TWMtvPTEJSHqR_4_ltV5JEy3RWTbUms_J2ljtk6IxhZZrsUO3GBNbn6sxUNzB0jorEKWiMw8okrlHI7eHWBaOrdW9EFo-CF1cy4Lsp3DSN53tBDAiGaEPJCPgbyTApA/s1600/IMG_20150321_180626.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to eat it all</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Can't wait to finish this bad boy and check out results. I'm a little disappointed I couldn't find my tape measure before I started because I'm pretty certain I've lost some significant belly fat. We will just have to let pictures do the talking.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSq7glaXiRQZcVsOxDw7XodkrAvtLoTYH7wDuxtzPu6WPvNXNEk-_iDmxtOrVt6oLRbZg8LIMwfEqsT-ErhIYDsGboGqk-Y_92D9livakqi6MoDh8OQya6h4bwcvYucU1-S8lL-F8TRKI/s1600/PhotoGrid_1426624890498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSq7glaXiRQZcVsOxDw7XodkrAvtLoTYH7wDuxtzPu6WPvNXNEk-_iDmxtOrVt6oLRbZg8LIMwfEqsT-ErhIYDsGboGqk-Y_92D9livakqi6MoDh8OQya6h4bwcvYucU1-S8lL-F8TRKI/s1600/PhotoGrid_1426624890498.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: day 0 right: day 10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One more thing, I've been doing the p90x kenpo workout because it's easier on my bum ankle and also super fun and as a motivational thing the trainer, Tony, said about one of the participants "Wesley only bleeds on the inside!" It is distracting to me every time because I ALWAYS think "internal bleeding is pretty serious, Tony. Is Wesley ok?". I just wanted to share that with you.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9xw8vKBzJBQg5VqtXc_1YeUkSetEbWr3yUq9MunSjHUSifuLGcCBuYXsInFrcR_C8qBYUd1NgNrgT9qJtEtXxnVBQrwpwwK6cpuP8eYcVlA2WQPzIOihTkiepd3GRZ4Y4gae5N3yA1s/s1600/IMG_20150328_131950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9xw8vKBzJBQg5VqtXc_1YeUkSetEbWr3yUq9MunSjHUSifuLGcCBuYXsInFrcR_C8qBYUd1NgNrgT9qJtEtXxnVBQrwpwwK6cpuP8eYcVlA2WQPzIOihTkiepd3GRZ4Y4gae5N3yA1s/s1600/IMG_20150328_131950.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post kenpo workout. Hopefully not internally bleeding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
#onemoreweek #bringit<br />
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<br />Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-65213122554512820542015-03-16T15:30:00.000-07:002015-03-16T15:30:00.940-07:00Blog #182: A Monday Drag (whole 28 update)<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been raving and raving about how I’ve been feeling on
this plan and quite honestly, this is the truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is hard. Today I miss EVERY FOOD. This is DESPITE the
amazing dinner I made myself last night. Just look at it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvLoeczVvsQMYNFUU18AqqcP_BClVX3W_ZcWdcZT8eALa2Ot-8asTMh18NZ42-WnikUw49PykQtsQ0huGXNEVLdgkUGjo3x3xkaWtTHLLHCAEXXP-Pz0pMwhXY8Lcb71twEpTsMtj8JI/s1600/20150315_181604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvLoeczVvsQMYNFUU18AqqcP_BClVX3W_ZcWdcZT8eALa2Ot-8asTMh18NZ42-WnikUw49PykQtsQ0huGXNEVLdgkUGjo3x3xkaWtTHLLHCAEXXP-Pz0pMwhXY8Lcb71twEpTsMtj8JI/s1600/20150315_181604.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And at this moment not even that amazing dinner sounds good
to me. You know what sounds good to me? Donuts. Bagels. Pizza. OH GOD PIZZA.
BEER. WINE.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I woke up easier than I had been, though I had a bit
of a headache. I am coming to the end of my groceries (due to shop Friday) and
my planned breakfast (2 hard boiled eggs, half an avocado, and a couple
clementines) did NOT sound remotely appetizing. I basically choked it down. I
packed my planned lunch (also didn’t sound appetizing) and went to work. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, in one of our meetings, someone brought these amazing
custom donuts from Cosentinos. There was Red Velvet, chocolate chip, giant glazed…
THEY LOOKED LIKE THE BEST THING THAT COULD EVER HAPPEN TO ME. I wasn’t hungry
but I wanted one of those donuts more than anything. I was still thinking about
them an hour later. My black coffee and water chugging were doing nothing to
help. I knew better than to cave to the sugar craving with a Larabar – because though
it is compliant the motivation for it would not be in the spirit of what I’m
trying to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right next to the refrigerator where I get my water and
store my lunch, there are currently 2 bags of bagels, a box of peanut butter
patties and a box of lemonades (2 of my top 3 girl scout cookie choices). I see
them every time I go to fill up my water bottle. They speak to me. They say “Marissa,
look! All of your favorite carbs and sugar!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is hard. And I am officially out of eggs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luckily it’s a beautiful day and I got to be out in the 80+
degree weather being active and allowing my body to use it’s real fuel instead
of a bunch of sugar for my workout before I get back to lead a grief recovery
group (and thus get a nice reminder of what’s REALLY hard… because “having” to
avoid all the yummy things I want is not really HARD.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#Ihatemondays #nomoreeggsplease #day9</div>
Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-36801053647140873942015-03-14T08:11:00.002-07:002015-03-14T08:11:58.382-07:00Blog #181: A day in the life and why am I even doing this?Hi Friends. At the end of the day today I will be a solid 1 week and 1/4 of the way through my Whole 30 (preshortened to 28 for Easter) challenge.<br />
<br />
So, why am I doing this?<br />
<br />
Officially: Curiosity, the desire to reset my system from sugar/processed food overload, wanting to feel better and have more consistent energy.<br />
<br />
Honestly: I wanted to lose the 5-7lb of winter weight gain so my pants wouldn't be snug anymore.<br />
<br />
There, it's out there. Initially 100% of my motivation for this challenge was weight related. It's not like anyone is surprised. I have never had the greatest relationship with weight and body image.<br />
<br />
HOWEVER.<br />
<br />
Nearly immediately upon researching and starting the challenge, I realized that it is about SO. MUCH. MORE. And after getting deep into the book I realized that not ONLY is it about more but weight is probably the LEAST important thing I should be focusing on when I am trying to stay motivated. In fact, the way my view of food is changing will probably be the best thing I can get out of this experiment.<br />
<br />
So, now, I'm really doing this because my body needs and deserves nourishment and respect. If adding sugars/grains/legumes/dairy on a regular basis doesn't get me closer to that, then I don't want to add them. And, 7 days in, I'm actually feeling really good about it and still sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'm NOT starving myself and in fact I'm not even counting calories or worrying about the amount of any of these good foods that I'm eating. <br />
<br />
Just to show you how I'm NOT starving, here is a day in the life (I kept track on a notebook yesterday)<br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast </b>was 2 eggs scrambled with sliced onions/squash/zucchini and half an apple with sunbutter (sunflower seed butter - like peanut butter without the health downside)<br />
<b>Lunch </b>was a 2 cup salad of spinach and baby greens, carrots, tomato, zucchini and squash, peppers, chicken dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper, on the side a hard boiled egg, and 2 clementines<br />
<b>2:30pm: </b>I ate a handful of mixed nuts (almonds/cashews and other tree nuts) and a clementine as a snack so I could have energy for a workout.<br />
<b>Later</b> I went on a little over an hour alternating brisk walk/jog/run (I like to run hard up big hills) and then stopped at the grocery store for some supplies at the end of the workout in a couple hours.<br />
<b>Post workout </b>I had a banana and some sunbutter<br />
An hour later I ate <b>dinner</b> - a grass fed ground beef patty, half a tomato, a ton of green beans sauteed in EVOO.<br />
<b>*Throughout day: </b>at least a gallon of water consumed - this is not on the plan, just a continuation of one of my only good health habits before I started <br />
<br />
I haven't had any crazy cravings, heavy fatigue, or any pissiness that were any different than they would have been at the time of month that I chose to start the challenge.<br />
<br />
Also, because food choices can be weirdly divisive and sometimes seem like a judgement, please know this: my choices are just simply that - my choices. They are not judgments on your choices and in fact have nothing to do with you. We're all living in a way that makes sense to us and trying to make things work how we can so if you're fine with your choices than so am I (though if you take my choices to be judgment on your choices that tells me that maybe you AREN'T so fine with your choices - I can't help you with that) <br />
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<br />Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-81113594558239720482015-03-12T18:34:00.001-07:002015-03-12T18:34:37.321-07:00Blog #180: Whole 28 Day 5I am finishing up day 5 of my #whole28. According to the time line on the whole 30 website, days 2 and 3 were "hangover" days and yesterday & today were supposedly "kill all the things" days. However, I've experienced very little of either of those things. In fact, aside from an occasional headache and continued difficulty waking up in the morning, I'm still largely in the day 1 "so what's the big deal?" mode. I am attributing this to 2 things:<br />
1. The genesis of this amazing spring weather<br />
And<br />
2. My incessant water habit covering a multitude of past diet sins.<br />
<br />
I do hope that I'm doing it right. I worry a little that if I don't hate life enough it's not working - thanks, diet culture. "If you don't absolutely want to jump into traffic by day 4 YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdEbssnpiTBtMCLb2peaaSRZOKNYmg1f6vVQ639mth5hicl9QMDgtfuspqFSbvxGacCdGmhFI8CjZCFchhJMlVojmgHZGD_mgpNb4A0cQ4L7ttp_fCjigNiP9eqm0znPP83jpF8d2wpM/s1600/IMG_20150311_153236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdEbssnpiTBtMCLb2peaaSRZOKNYmg1f6vVQ639mth5hicl9QMDgtfuspqFSbvxGacCdGmhFI8CjZCFchhJMlVojmgHZGD_mgpNb4A0cQ4L7ttp_fCjigNiP9eqm0znPP83jpF8d2wpM/s1600/IMG_20150311_153236.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Because I am obsessive and ridiculous, I have purchased the book written by the Whole30 creators and have been soaking it in like a sponge reading about why I'm doing what I'm doing. You guys, it makes so much sense and food effects so much more than how we look or what we weigh or our stomach symptoms AND WHY AREN'T MORE PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THIS? It's so logical and when pointed out and it seems so obvious that it makes me feel like I have basically been jumping up and down with my eyes closed and arms up yelling "I'm not really here! I'm not really here! " like unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt in order to have never had it click for me. (Side note, if you haven't watched that amazing show on netflix yet I pronounce YOU ridiculous. Pull yourself together)<br />
<br />
I admit that I am fully on board. I'm drinking the Kool-aid. Well, I'm not drinking kool-aid... that wouldn't be whole 30 compliant. But I'm drinking the black coffee. I believe. I love what I'm eating and I don't feel badly about it after. I really believe I am investing in a healthier, happier me. And I'm already thinking of how I can make these choices sustainable for the long term once the experiment is over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsLBnOfiCyCsDr103EPdeJZEE2Rrbs-JQSHIQq4xEhU-D1wmjbklvGYRvLcJCNq4V4XVPRCOQAHfQLCkjkE-ntuQ0zMrBepM-Zhm_Nxb-r42UGb0Iep68zG7I5sKJtx5WCbwq1FysRow/s1600/IMG_20150312_080412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsLBnOfiCyCsDr103EPdeJZEE2Rrbs-JQSHIQq4xEhU-D1wmjbklvGYRvLcJCNq4V4XVPRCOQAHfQLCkjkE-ntuQ0zMrBepM-Zhm_Nxb-r42UGb0Iep68zG7I5sKJtx5WCbwq1FysRow/s1600/IMG_20150312_080412.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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But now I'm tired and need to wind down for bed... so maybe my next phase is coming early.<br />
<div>
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Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-51777756431366443512015-03-08T17:05:00.000-07:002015-03-08T17:06:44.022-07:00Blog #179: Whole 28 Day 1Today is the first day of the rest of my life.<br />
<br />
And also the first day of my Whole 28 challenge.<br />
<br />
I've totally jumped right into it and had some delicious meals as well as spent considerable time, money, and effort on setting myself up to succeed during my first week. <br />
<br />
Today I woke up pretty well rested after having given up any notions of having a night out last night (Hashtag this is 30) I went to Hyvee and spent a solid hour looking closely at ingredients. I made a full big breakfast of eggs with peppers and onions and a banana and half avocado. I though... I can DO it! I got all motivated and prepped my meals for the whole week. The. I went to meet my family at Power Play and saw, in bright neon signs "FUNNEL CAKES! NACHOS! PIZZA!" I promptly walked back outside with mom and we ate our whole30 approved Hyvee Salad Bar salads and fruit.<br />
<br />
It somehow wasn't the same.<br />
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Anyhow feeling good on day 1. Here's what happened:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk95p1quBow5fWhC02OWUqFhXqqqPwhtp6YTXs6E8ucTOa30ppWKBiOB5H4n7EOmGuC2hW22DZz-3gqruXMQLqS8axVkrzyQJuQD64RgelZnXu_q14jh7c9-xdUQBzsT7PxSoB54uhEVI/s1600/IMG_20150308_104735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk95p1quBow5fWhC02OWUqFhXqqqPwhtp6YTXs6E8ucTOa30ppWKBiOB5H4n7EOmGuC2hW22DZz-3gqruXMQLqS8axVkrzyQJuQD64RgelZnXu_q14jh7c9-xdUQBzsT7PxSoB54uhEVI/s1600/IMG_20150308_104735.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grocery defeat = 2 trips</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big breakfast with a side of caffeine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch this week - so many veggies</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Hyvee salad bar</td></tr>
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I didn't think I'd be hungry at dinner because I did breakfast and lunch so late but I was so I ate one of my premade dinners of ground turkey with onions, peppers, zucchini, and squash and a side of green beans and potatoes. For dessert I had a single serve baggie of frozen berries. I forgot to take a pic but I made 6 of them so I am sure there will be another chance. </div>
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I may already have a sugar withdrawal headache. </div>
<br />Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-88272280732306884982015-03-07T20:47:00.002-08:002015-03-07T20:47:21.304-08:00Blog #178: I'm (sort of) doing the Whole 30.I'm doing a 28 day version of the Whole 30 challenge. It's 28 days because I need to be done by Easter and previous engagements prevent me from starting until tomorrow and if I wait until it makes sense to do it for 30 days I won't have another chance until like August and I'm feeling pretty worn down and stomach achey lately so I would rather address it now. I'm going to try to avoid being all over my social media outlets about it by blogging my experience here. So, if you're curious about how things are going or want to read about my experience as it happens, this is the place.<br />
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You can read all about the whole 30 at Whole30.com. <br />
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Today is day 0 for me meaning the challenge starts tomorrow, so, naturally today was ALL BETS OFF. I ate a bagel for breakfast, personal pizza for lunch with cookie dessert, and enjoyed good comfort food birthday party including cupcakes. I've also hit the latte train pretty hard the last couple days because dairy is out starting tomorrow and all my coffee will have to be...ugh...black. I am usually the girl that puts a fair amount of snickerdoodle flavored creamer and 2-3 splenda packets in the coffee each morning so this is what I foresee to be the hardest part. I'll still need the coffee though, so black it is.<br />
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Tonight was supposed to be all about saying goodbye to all the stuff I can't have but after working 7-3, braving an outdoor mall during the first warm day in KC in weeks, and partying HARD toy instrument style with my niece and 4 awesome nephews I am so spent that my last hurrah is a glass of wine and bed before midnight. I've taken my before pic and weight and I know how my clothes and body feel now so hopefully in 28 days I'll have some tangible evidence of improved health. Wish me luck!Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-50508217581470768722015-02-14T07:12:00.002-08:002015-02-14T07:35:59.348-08:00Blog #177: Annual Defense of Valentine's Day<i>(Written after eating a heart shaped bagel and while listening to cheesy pop love songs)</i><br />
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It's Valentine's Day! Or, as singles of all ages tend to revert to calling it "Singles Awareness Day". However, I have hardly been aware of my own single status this weekend due to having filled my social calendar to the max with opportunities to spend time loving the people I love. It started with a Valentine's Eve date with the coolest big kids and sweetest baby girl ever to be:<br />
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There, glad to get those gratuitous proud aunt pictures out of the way. There will be more after tonight because I have a very special dinner date with my bro & sis in law and 2 favorite single digit boys. "Aunt Riss" is my favorite of titles and the one of which I'm the most proud, despite having done nothing really to earn it. Tomorrow, for a post Valentine's Day celebration, I'm having chinese buffet lunch and seeing a movie with my Grandma. Love is all around.</div>
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I feel like everyone has a lot to say about Valentine's Day. It's one of those days that is pretty polarizing. (I <a href="http://marissaneverstopsthinking.blogspot.com/2011/02/blog-30-all-you-need-is-love.html" target="_blank">blog </a>about it <a href="http://marissaneverstopsthinking.blogspot.com/2013/02/blog-154-love-and-ashes.html" target="_blank">nearly </a><a href="http://marissaneverstopsthinking.blogspot.com/2014/02/blog-169-on-celebrating.html" target="_blank">annually</a>) People who DO have that special someone feel an inordinate amount of pressure to demonstrate their love one way or the other and people who DON'T have a significant other feel pissy and hyper aware of their lack of romantic love. I would like to get down on one knee and propose that we see things just a pinch differently.</div>
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" 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While there's certainly nothing wrong with wanting and hoping to have a special someone in life, it's ridiculous to think that life is somehow incomplete until that box is checked. The problem here is in the equating of "singleness" with "loneliness". As one who is currently dateless, I feel the need to point out that I am definitely not lacking in the "people I love" department. Celebrating that love, to me, sounds like fun! Celebrating anything, to me, sounds like fun. If it doesn't sound fun to you, that's cool too. </div>
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<b>It's just a day - not a judgement on your life.</b></div>
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And, if you accept that simple fact, it should be easy to just let it pass without making a point of being negative about it, regardless of your relationship status, yes? </div>
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For the record: yes, it is basically a commercial holiday designed to get people to spend money, much like mothers day, fathers day, halloween, etc. This is not worth pointing out because it's not news to anyone, and it's silly to use such a thing as an excuse to be bitter. Who cares? Life is both short and long. It's too short to waste time feeling negatively unnecessarily. It is too long to develop patterns of negativity to continue for its duration. I'm going to live life being ridiculous and silly and prone to enjoying pointless things because it's much better to be remembered for loving than hating.</div>
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If you need me, I'm spending my day at work listening to love songs and decorating cards to hand out to the people I'm lucky enough to have in my life. LOVE IS GREAT.</div>
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Roses are Red.</div>
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Violets are Blue.</div>
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This blog post was long.</div>
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Coffee.</div>
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<br />Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-72441833040287169732014-11-28T08:05:00.004-08:002014-11-28T08:05:54.895-08:00Blog #176: I'm not a food blogger I just play one on TV.That's a lie no one lets me on TV. I've got a face for radio. Well, in high school I was on KHS TV quite regularly as an anchor for our school news program but that just aired within the school. I took part in a segment or 2 of the news magazine our school did that was on an actual cable access channel several times - one of which involved me doing a snow day dance in pajama pants in an episode that aired a few times even after I was in college. Yes, I am the most embarrassing person I know. Thank you.<br />
<br />
But that's not the point.
I wanted to share with the internet a thing I did. It might not really be all that original. I didn't bother to do a search to see if anyone else already thought of it. In fact, the very thing itself is really derivative of another thing so by definition it's not original. But I still feel good about it. I sort of made my own recipe for Apple Cake.<br />
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It all started with a recipe in a giant Taste of Home cookbook for carrot cake from scratch that I make every year for Easter. It's always such a hit because it also includes homemade cream cheese frosting so I wanted to find a way to make it work for Thanksgiving, too. But carrot cake is such a spring thing that I knew it would be out of place at a Thanksgiving dinner. So, what did I do? I decided to replace shredded carrots with peeled shredded apples. That makes it a super moist ridiculously awesome APPLE CAKE.<br />
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Here's the original carrot cake recipe:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDeMjuFVO1k/VHiaIL5h1rI/AAAAAAAABcQ/sDqMKuyFA5w/s1600/20141126_205524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDeMjuFVO1k/VHiaIL5h1rI/AAAAAAAABcQ/sDqMKuyFA5w/s1600/20141126_205524.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it's filthy. A good baker makes a good mess.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And seriously it did not take many tweaks. Replace carrots with apples. Throw in a teaspoon of apple pie spice along with the already called for spices (which is really just more of each spice already called for because that's how spice blends work). I also put a teaspoon of cinnamon in the frosting because it sounded like the right thing to do. I wanted to top it off with drizzles of <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/01/easy-caramel-sauce/" target="_blank">Pioneer Woman's Caramel Sauce</a> recipe because I'm a bad, bad girl but at the last minute I realized I didn't have enough brown sugar. Yeah, the stores were still open but you better believe I'm not going to the store Thanksgiving morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZEBySJWs-I/VHiaA0z5IfI/AAAAAAAABb8/xrI3WN33QW8/s1600/20141126_212209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZEBySJWs-I/VHiaA0z5IfI/AAAAAAAABb8/xrI3WN33QW8/s1600/20141126_212209.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be jealous of my chic baking wear.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-okVR4i5OO4k/VHiaEu8GNnI/AAAAAAAABcI/8BPt14TK_Dw/s1600/20141126_211344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-okVR4i5OO4k/VHiaEu8GNnI/AAAAAAAABcI/8BPt14TK_Dw/s320/20141126_211344.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peeling is my least favorite part</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WySVQ4TRuls/VHia6nScVCI/AAAAAAAABe4/8NRdCvJY9Wo/s1600/20141126_212049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WySVQ4TRuls/VHia6nScVCI/AAAAAAAABe4/8NRdCvJY9Wo/s1600/20141126_212049.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shredded apples!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JzE1D06iHQ/VHiZ_HODeEI/AAAAAAAABbs/4ZavvGkqyy0/s1600/20141126_213549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JzE1D06iHQ/VHiZ_HODeEI/AAAAAAAABbs/4ZavvGkqyy0/s1600/20141126_213549.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yeah, I licked the spoon clean. AFTER I was done using it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCCAwWBuYo4/VHiZ8gDK2vI/AAAAAAAABbY/zK6n4jkh6dA/s1600/20141127_094414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCCAwWBuYo4/VHiZ8gDK2vI/AAAAAAAABbY/zK6n4jkh6dA/s1600/20141127_094414.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The frosting will make it all better</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I licked this spoon when I was done too.</td></tr>
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One good thing to do is to make the cake while wearing your pajamas and then while it is cooking and cooling you spend time getting into the Thanksgiving uniform of stretchy pants and a loose fitting forgiving sweater.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhbfbGoxd8o/VHiZ0VpdgyI/AAAAAAAABas/5zWtctEKYrs/s1600/20141127_111839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhbfbGoxd8o/VHiZ0VpdgyI/AAAAAAAABas/5zWtctEKYrs/s1600/20141127_111839.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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Voila!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake got RAVE reviews. So did my hair.</td></tr>
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You, too, can be domestic genius. I made this cake while watching the Thanksgiving day parade and dancing in my kitchen to every musical performance. You don't HAVE to do it that way but I don't know why you wouldn't. (Still the most embarrassing person I know. Thank you.)<br />
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<br />Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-67454883375563640712014-08-25T15:46:00.000-07:002014-08-25T15:46:13.759-07:00Blog #175: EVERYONE RELAX<br />
Here's the thing.
Nobody cares how "busy" you are. Your stressful lifestyle is not a badge of honor. Having a terrible work life balance is not synonymous with being a "hard worker".<br />
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Everyone is busy. I'm pretty sure that's just called life but we're also pretty much just as busy as we choose to be. And some of us like a full calendar and thrive like that while others of us feel maxed out if our whole week is spoken for. I like to be busy but I prefer my busy to involve much more relationally based activities than work activities - at least on nights and weekends.<br />
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True, some jobs have higher demands than others and many of us have passions that put us regularly in high stress situations. True many individuals unfortunately must over extend themselves to feed their families - though they are rarely the ones I've ever heard voicing how busy they are. I'm not against a busy lifestyle per se, but I do take umbrage with the tendency to equivocate being busy with being important. One does not necessitate the other.<br />
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This happens a SURPRISING amount in the caregiving and mental health field, where we preach and preach self care but fall into the trap of martyrdom because we think that we must suffer for the cause in order to be legitimate. We tell one another "Take a break! Take time off" while thinking to ourselves quietly "but I don't need to because I'm stronger/smarter/more disciplined"<br />
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We should really stop that. You are not important because you are busy. You are important because you are you. Yes, we do important work but we won't continue to be effective in said work if we keep these thin and/or nonexistent boundaries between what we do and who we are. No one is stronger or better for not taking breaks. No one is a harder worker because they answer their work emails from home and take calls in their off time.<br />
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Today I overheard a conversation about someone who was out sick. "What happened before they had back up?" Someone asked. "They never called in sick" was the reply. Followed immediately by "So and so is a hard worker."
That doesn't sound like a hard worker to me. Maybe this person is a hard worker but to me it sounds like either someone who was incredibly lucky and healthy or someone who had very poor work/life boundaries.<br />
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I would wager that the vast majority of people who broadcast their stress and busy lifestyles are fully capable of making a choice to simplify and be less busy whether that means engaging in one less sport with their kids or finding an area to delegate. It is not always obvious but it is there, and to ignore the choice is actually an insult to those who really are trapped in a cycle of stress just to survive.<br />
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I'm not advocating for laziness or just doing the bare minimum and never going above and beyond at work. Sometimes a job might require a weekend day here and there but there should always be a way to balance it out whether through pay or flex scheduling. And maybe every now and then it doesn't quite balance - because life isn't fair and all that. But can't we all agree to make a concentrated effort to aim for a semblance of balance most of the time?<br />
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There's something wrong when our family life, health, self esteem, and relationships become the collateral damage so that we can provide support to others in their family life, health, self esteem, and relationships.
/soapbox<br />
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Let's just take a dance break to this song and call it good:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nfWlot6h_JM?list=RDnfWlot6h_JM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-89556731610622599992014-07-24T17:23:00.001-07:002014-07-24T17:23:12.772-07:00Blog #174: THE FINAL COUNTDOWNWell, likely not my final countdown ever but I really like lists and I really like counting so...And here is a recent photo of me:<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeLOvEPILcXun1yzz-NtKQuqpHIqPNhC0B319dm5i0-EQedmQfbmX9LaOFF2MqM9wEhitUvHa674Wij2eY4nIRe7D613A3fkNz8iQvl0YMCw3vdKCp3NeP-u3uJdQzS7ocYUxwbEl6Jc/s640/blogger-image--1277129734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeLOvEPILcXun1yzz-NtKQuqpHIqPNhC0B319dm5i0-EQedmQfbmX9LaOFF2MqM9wEhitUvHa674Wij2eY4nIRe7D613A3fkNz8iQvl0YMCw3vdKCp3NeP-u3uJdQzS7ocYUxwbEl6Jc/s640/blogger-image--1277129734.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>GET IT????</div><div><br></div><div>Whatever. That wasn't dumb. You're dumb.</div><div><br></div><div>Here are some countdowns!</div><div><br></div><div>0: The number of days until my next fun meet up event. I joined a couple weeks ago because while I am certainly not afraid to do things alone, I'm still an extrovert and this way I can be entertained without commanding my friends to bow their schedules to my every exploring Kansas City whim. And I've met really interesting people and enjoyed KC more than ever. So it's a good deal.</div><div><br></div><div>5: The number of days until I get to move out of my crappy apartment and into one with actual air conditioning with a very great and like minded roommate. I wish instead of packing I could just burn this building down. *</div><div><br></div><div>* this is a joke. In the unlikely and tragic event that the building does burn down I'm going to need someone to help me prove to the authorities how I'm so afraid of fire I won't even hold a sparkler or lit match.</div><div><br></div><div>9: days until I have "games with grandma" day in Topeka. Basically starting a new tradition. Polishing my Yahtzee skills.</div><div><br></div><div>Between 0-30: number of days before I GET TO MEET MY NIECE OMG IM GETTING A NIECE IM FREAKING OUT</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCnHvcT_bHoD6RB2Ilc1TSAjMfE_vHotel3yFl8jdwSJVWDZNoQxDjZ71p_MQS0AEgm1NEOOG8onZ090TSZLZ52hbaZPH_qEPaOQaJAwCOBJWnMJjxiy16TNtIyAtNbdrwFVv-V8VDqQ/s640/blogger-image-2142670032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCnHvcT_bHoD6RB2Ilc1TSAjMfE_vHotel3yFl8jdwSJVWDZNoQxDjZ71p_MQS0AEgm1NEOOG8onZ090TSZLZ52hbaZPH_qEPaOQaJAwCOBJWnMJjxiy16TNtIyAtNbdrwFVv-V8VDqQ/s640/blogger-image-2142670032.jpg"></a></div>(Will be buying variations of this outfit in every size)</div><div><br></div><div>41: number of days before I get to travel to Billings, MT for training and certification in the Grief Recovery Method for my job and stay there for 5 nights.</div><div>AND number of days before first regular season NFL game AND Bearcat season. (And 45 until the first regular season chiefs game)</div><div><br></div><div>66: number of days before my brother and I get to attend MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL AT ARROWHEAD against the fighting Tom Bradies.</div><div><br></div><div>68: Number of days until I turn 30 - and I'm not dreading it! I'm excited! Embrace life man. </div><div><br></div><div>83: Number of days until I travel to Portland, OR to visit my BFF to celebrate said 30th birthday. #BFFGNOOMGPDX </div><div><br></div><div>129: number of days before the bro and I attend SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL AT ARROWHEAD against Manning and The Pips.</div><div><br></div><div>153: days until Christmas, which means probably 160 ish days until I attempt to make another Austin trek for NYE. Cheers!</div><div><br></div><div>Littered in among those countdowns are just a number of other fun things to file under "life" because I've decided that it's just always fun to have something to look forward to and I'm the only one responsible for making that happen for myself.</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for humoring me. Happy Counting!</div>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-10517205635391684582014-06-28T19:12:00.000-07:002014-06-28T19:12:28.402-07:00Blog #173: this magic moment<div>
It's occurred to me that I am in a really special life stage. There are definitely some deficits (I can think of 2 big areas of my life where there's nowhere to go but up) and struggles but they don't feel overwhelming or insurmountable. I have this feeling right now that I'm on the uptick. I feel proud of the work I do, confident in my capacity to do it well, secure in my ability to navigate my social life, happy with my appearance (most of the time), and just feel fairly content overall. </div>
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I'm documenting this now because it's such a nice moment and maybe tomorrow I'll have messed something up and need to remind myself that these moments exist.</div>
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In other news, this is technically a playlist but my intention is that it operates as a mix CD. </div>
<iframe src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:user:marissalynn:playlist:3b7UZxfeQM5chalWZkfeCb" width="300" height="380" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-16751388592829242992014-06-23T17:09:00.001-07:002014-06-23T17:09:55.948-07:00Blog #172: on doing what you wantI had the BEST date Friday night. My date knew exactly what I liked and wanted me to enjoy the night as much as possible. My date took me to a concert by one of my favorite bands, bought me some delicious beer, and introduced me to some really cool new people. It was such a wonderful date that it might even be love.<div><br></div><div>So, who was this date, you ask?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5BgjRGpHy2OHKdrc_gbDP5_v2gPM6WOy475Afngbv9kNifXOJaBzOYO8i8nsCNDjxpGjrW-DUfPo_x_OhaCdaPNWSghnxdUgMX9hydWEHYfc8xSdvXzb2JlHZgnU0RrA18EUDzvJsh8/s640/blogger-image--1789457709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5BgjRGpHy2OHKdrc_gbDP5_v2gPM6WOy475Afngbv9kNifXOJaBzOYO8i8nsCNDjxpGjrW-DUfPo_x_OhaCdaPNWSghnxdUgMX9hydWEHYfc8xSdvXzb2JlHZgnU0RrA18EUDzvJsh8/s640/blogger-image--1789457709.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><br></div><div>Me. Myself. I.</div><div><br></div><div>So I went to a concert by myself. Look, I have friends. Plenty! And I had done some lobbying throughout the week for said friends to join me in my concert attendance. However, they all had other plans or weren't interested in spending the money or any number of reasons not about me (or maybe they didn't feel like hanging out with me that night - who cares!?) Rather than take all of this personally and spend the evening sulking about how I wanted to go to the show but couldn't because I didn't have a partner... I just went to the show. I'm a grown woman who wanted to see a concert and had the means to do so, so I went. </div><div><br></div><div>And it was wonderful. First of all, The Avett Brothers' fan base is a group of pretty cool individuals, so there wasn't a shortage of people to talk to about the music. I met people before the show, during, and after - all friendly and happy to share the moment with me. Second of all, my ability to enjoy something is not dependent on whether I have someone to go with or not. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr866ajkVwNzWePz5m42rP_QdzCQNzEhKC8tiKlvWM2xjfc-aw7VPc3ecG4Hlatemm07wtLeWxMPPpiY2ZFSHWfhntwRXCfRYdzjO6v7MVBxkM1wFgUBvu235ejTa2kEmSbAShvlrmsM/s640/blogger-image-2080817316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr866ajkVwNzWePz5m42rP_QdzCQNzEhKC8tiKlvWM2xjfc-aw7VPc3ecG4Hlatemm07wtLeWxMPPpiY2ZFSHWfhntwRXCfRYdzjO6v7MVBxkM1wFgUBvu235ejTa2kEmSbAShvlrmsM/s640/blogger-image-2080817316.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It's kind of silly, but I'm pretty proud of myself for going alone. I know that Marissa even 2-3 years ago would never have considered it. And that's too bad because she would have missed out on a really great show. The Avett Brothers simply do not do bad shows. They are top 3 in my faves for live performances and among an elite group for me in bands I've seen live more than once (and plan to see again live whenever I can). So, wouldn't it have been a shame if I had let something as small as being the only one in my social circle who felt like going get in the way of seeing a band I love sing songs I love? </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EFuIGFlW2U_hTY98by_Qbq4BPATqapwPVKHIxuNZab-bBwgPJZJzhKhvf9h1RKSRf2lYkoq1Yyf621ylQ-aYO236T0EXAlX1FVx7PCLa4OriNsYJak0qaLkK05w322evMPBRgzIaKs8/s640/blogger-image--344474387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EFuIGFlW2U_hTY98by_Qbq4BPATqapwPVKHIxuNZab-bBwgPJZJzhKhvf9h1RKSRf2lYkoq1Yyf621ylQ-aYO236T0EXAlX1FVx7PCLa4OriNsYJak0qaLkK05w322evMPBRgzIaKs8/s640/blogger-image--344474387.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>This post is not about getting you to see me as some bad ass lone wolf (I still much prefer the company of others) or elicit any kind of sympathy for "having to go alone" (I told you, I have friends! I just made a fairly last minute decision to attend a time consuming and fairly expensive event). I'm secure in my social life and my choices as of late. The point of this post is that it is totally okay to do things by yourself sometimes. And not just things like going shopping or grabbing lunch while using your smart phone as a buffer. It's okay to do big, intimidating things by yourself. It's okay to go to a concert solo, drink a shock top or 2 in the parking lot before you go in and start conversations with strangers over the shared interest that brought you all there. To plant yourself in a great GA seat and welcome the people who sit near you. To enjoy the things you enjoy because YOU enjoy them and not just because you found someone to go with. All of that is okay. Awesome even. I had a really wonderful night. Avett opened with my favorite song, and made sure all my other faves (to be fair- most of their songs are my faves in one way or another). And I just kept thinking about how much I would have missed out on if I had just given up on going when I couldn't get a gang together for it. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1HPJGD-EYmPq9R-Wcfd1m17Nlmiwc5eZKYGZtRizsS23SFRdE8ja7-SmycTZ_IPF8mpNwuMU3hGYlvcShhUFvW7L-hlDxVGvf1sBaQGZIpCXzvUs1gC3rDLuHCe3aRp9bzWbsnc45d0/s640/blogger-image-165084399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1HPJGD-EYmPq9R-Wcfd1m17Nlmiwc5eZKYGZtRizsS23SFRdE8ja7-SmycTZ_IPF8mpNwuMU3hGYlvcShhUFvW7L-hlDxVGvf1sBaQGZIpCXzvUs1gC3rDLuHCe3aRp9bzWbsnc45d0/s640/blogger-image-165084399.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, basically the moral of this story? Do what you want. Or, as the Avett brothers put it in my favorite of their songs and their opener - "decide what to be, and go be it." Only you get to decide what you're gonna do and how you're gonna be. I decided that I was going to see a band I loved and enjoy it regardless of anyone else's plans, and that's what I did. Go do what you want to do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEC1_RVvGYab3G5OVWtjUUKfQ6caKT4MuzxBKiEleRrDp0sZu1ufmuW0CO5M14HxspTy0WUbWmZg7XOOfIAT_gzTBTcLEvo9mPklacIdEgglWj3pCuWPpCKKRT1YA5uJDTF2rwL5I_Cs/s640/blogger-image--1623845360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEC1_RVvGYab3G5OVWtjUUKfQ6caKT4MuzxBKiEleRrDp0sZu1ufmuW0CO5M14HxspTy0WUbWmZg7XOOfIAT_gzTBTcLEvo9mPklacIdEgglWj3pCuWPpCKKRT1YA5uJDTF2rwL5I_Cs/s640/blogger-image--1623845360.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Seth Avett wants to wear his hair in pigtail braids, so he does. Let's all take a page from that book. (Please don't think I'm making fun of Seth's pigtails. I love everything about Seth Avett and would never consider mocking him.) </div><div><br></div><div>Disclaimer - in saying "do what you want" I'm not advocating selfish decisions that hurt others. I'm simply making the point that a lack of an entourage should not keep you from experiences you want to have. </div><div><br></div><div>Now, go and have fun and get down with your bad self! You might discover that you are pretty good company.</div>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-88252586022671880862014-06-13T22:28:00.000-07:002014-06-13T23:06:26.346-07:00Blog #171: a love letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"Kansas City is cooler than you think blog post"</span></div></div>
<br>
I wrote that note idea down in my notes section of my iphone in August of last year after watching some really great live music at Knuckleheads. Now, my life has changed in significant ways since then in the professional and romantic areas but the sentiment is still 100% true.<br>
<br>
You guys. Kansas City is awesome and I love it here. It's something that I never fully experienced until I moved downtown but it is true.<br>
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This city has everything.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibNAwoKu-Nvg0Sv_YqbliZKj40ktP2_daBslT46yNjVI8AN0C5SGvAIzLEHR3sG-tJ5KxjXpu5Nf3Tkj2O_sK3is2qDdpNRZxkRb89kN_zUG1DsNWs2x-QLxSSG0IDEr28apN1tT7rus/s640/blogger-image-714996447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibNAwoKu-Nvg0Sv_YqbliZKj40ktP2_daBslT46yNjVI8AN0C5SGvAIzLEHR3sG-tJ5KxjXpu5Nf3Tkj2O_sK3is2qDdpNRZxkRb89kN_zUG1DsNWs2x-QLxSSG0IDEr28apN1tT7rus/s640/blogger-image-714996447.jpg"></a></div><br><br>
So without further ado, I present to you a list, because I know how to Internet.<br>
<br>
Reasons Kansas City is actually way more awesome then you think:<br>
1. Everybody says the BBQ. BUT THE BBQ.<br>
I'm not kidding. No one is kidding. The BBQ. (I know several people who would require I say "except for Arthur Bryant's" here. Just hit OK Joes, BB's, Smokehouse, Gates, and any others a Kansas citian tells you to, ok?)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPeB3u8SaxQNdw6rQ7pGs_h1EFIadwtFLRPPwdEatGtebYCdINPgseaJ9ZH8UhE3u0qLNEvqRd2N3WDeirlGinSfctCDKv1OwvEW7GgMVPNMtI3lkoz6SEboHlUlBaoIXB-LuquADsi0/s640/blogger-image-917432614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPeB3u8SaxQNdw6rQ7pGs_h1EFIadwtFLRPPwdEatGtebYCdINPgseaJ9ZH8UhE3u0qLNEvqRd2N3WDeirlGinSfctCDKv1OwvEW7GgMVPNMtI3lkoz6SEboHlUlBaoIXB-LuquADsi0/s640/blogger-image-917432614.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
2. While not a lot of people talk about Kansas City as a premier live music spot, we have some great venues! For me, enjoying live music in KC has always been more about chilling on a patio or in a bar rather than being shoved up against the front of a stage but we've got that too. And we host great concerts at all sorts of venues... Whether that's small shows/crowds at places like Knuckleheads or Riot Room or major acts at arrowhead or the Sprint Center. And you can always grab a fairly reasonably priced beverage while you listen.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5ffCYUbG0jFZz9XDiFeNrPeplMuVbJCPHfYnzmtRvHun0wy8SFZBmdTUfnyn87ZvOWMHquNdoowyCcEgh6M-25vEa4DkIXOX3fSJSnStE9_GevWp47q0N4yTDTiBbRpxhYNjvU1J6FM/s640/blogger-image-45142044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5ffCYUbG0jFZz9XDiFeNrPeplMuVbJCPHfYnzmtRvHun0wy8SFZBmdTUfnyn87ZvOWMHquNdoowyCcEgh6M-25vEa4DkIXOX3fSJSnStE9_GevWp47q0N4yTDTiBbRpxhYNjvU1J6FM/s640/blogger-image-45142044.jpg"></a></div><br>
3. It's pretty.<br>
If my Instagram hashtag #prettycity tells you anything, it's that Kansas City looks good. Hey everyone, come see how good we look.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi66CcxopQ6wMWenGMY4QPixzvE9HltZnFQoZqQeAiG6r8m3TyqMwgurjQUZbOEUK7itQolKn7-_NApv070BE6-pKTHoa_7X_vSNTwz0CWZlIPQKKnSNqSa1jk4OerbYnWfeEdqCf_EU/s640/blogger-image--1297955243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi66CcxopQ6wMWenGMY4QPixzvE9HltZnFQoZqQeAiG6r8m3TyqMwgurjQUZbOEUK7itQolKn7-_NApv070BE6-pKTHoa_7X_vSNTwz0CWZlIPQKKnSNqSa1jk4OerbYnWfeEdqCf_EU/s640/blogger-image--1297955243.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYbdTZuuSMC56VLJGT-IDTgh0Jrf1XStqmMYaPo9Puu-LT1YjMz6PvM-_qowHx_X9D3m6QApdeItgUuBWXXHy9dVMG46f4-hzCwiFVUEJVlup129rscO1qizS_G7Qfi4ijrhqGGxyUBk/s640/blogger-image--941932578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYbdTZuuSMC56VLJGT-IDTgh0Jrf1XStqmMYaPo9Puu-LT1YjMz6PvM-_qowHx_X9D3m6QApdeItgUuBWXXHy9dVMG46f4-hzCwiFVUEJVlup129rscO1qizS_G7Qfi4ijrhqGGxyUBk/s640/blogger-image--941932578.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br>
4. It's safe.<br>
I just saw on the news yesterday that our murder rate is down, so we have that going for us. And, as someone who lives downtown and utilizes street parking, I can vouch for how well lit and clean our streets are.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZpYBy7kmkDSltcCE_JffuuTjZDqNjV1OIzv2kiIBnJXa2LPu0dLek2Sa__2SS3aRCJWmegWAATn45FGXgQ9Z7g6Eco_bFMSAlzMCE0u3agPO-ireKdg8928GrevgaEliIt_4274fuwU/s640/blogger-image--1990954297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZpYBy7kmkDSltcCE_JffuuTjZDqNjV1OIzv2kiIBnJXa2LPu0dLek2Sa__2SS3aRCJWmegWAATn45FGXgQ9Z7g6Eco_bFMSAlzMCE0u3agPO-ireKdg8928GrevgaEliIt_4274fuwU/s640/blogger-image--1990954297.jpg"></a></div>(Mark Twain guards our streets)</div><br>
5. It's cheap. I mentioned the reasonably priced beverages earlier. And I meant it. You can live and experience downtown and still be able to travel and explore because it's the Midwest. I can't vouch for your ability to afford the places you travel to. That's on you, man. I don't know your life.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVXNuueej-Km465EXCTJNycIsu_Sj0AFS40NZK019niM0eX0eidpGDkIndFAl-wXczHlNyzb51FJD5O1AwcSTUHCx7AIqvUwEvm6eJsUf695L1O-6Sepx7W4BAd-QhwGoZi4qRu9NjDw/s640/blogger-image-936390941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVXNuueej-Km465EXCTJNycIsu_Sj0AFS40NZK019niM0eX0eidpGDkIndFAl-wXczHlNyzb51FJD5O1AwcSTUHCx7AIqvUwEvm6eJsUf695L1O-6Sepx7W4BAd-QhwGoZi4qRu9NjDw/s640/blogger-image-936390941.jpg"></a></div><br>
6. I want to talk about Kansas City sports but I don't want you to laugh at me so I'm going to start with Sporting. US champions 2013 which is wonderful and they continue to do well and be major players in US soccer making Kansas City legitimately a soccer town, Kansas City also hosts all kinds of NCAA championship games and tournaments and Sporting Park is going to be the location of the D2 national football championship this year and I really hope to be able to cheer the bearcats to another title in what would basically be a home game.<br>
And the Chiefs had a playoff game last year that... Forget it, I can't go there. It's still too soon. Royals games are fun though! And there's the T-bones and a speedway if you're into that sort of thing. And other league sports like hockey and indoor soccer that I still need to get out and see.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfftEP8YolaChsq8BbokXeGAA2naJaoEwKdJ0OAwa2I0dCKzMHmZgEKnniU3bN_IZstL2OeLtYw-IYaNR4ARYxdNUy5C5Xn_PC3XU8_BD44n3nJZzX1HeJuIXWYddF0OQ2YTJ5At8tbk/s640/blogger-image-534083721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfftEP8YolaChsq8BbokXeGAA2naJaoEwKdJ0OAwa2I0dCKzMHmZgEKnniU3bN_IZstL2OeLtYw-IYaNR4ARYxdNUy5C5Xn_PC3XU8_BD44n3nJZzX1HeJuIXWYddF0OQ2YTJ5At8tbk/s640/blogger-image-534083721.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UcuoPM0yDZ1F2XOw6Z9hiJXMnADOQMEOx8jQETjV5e9lDYQFKMXFQ4UkqEcXNr_VJrS1ca6k27Q1gf-cLieQrIV88qZwM-Xafr1nt31LKWj01CMIMZMM9RPZXrRu-o8liDqzqnf_VS0/s640/blogger-image-1807051092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UcuoPM0yDZ1F2XOw6Z9hiJXMnADOQMEOx8jQETjV5e9lDYQFKMXFQ4UkqEcXNr_VJrS1ca6k27Q1gf-cLieQrIV88qZwM-Xafr1nt31LKWj01CMIMZMM9RPZXrRu-o8liDqzqnf_VS0/s640/blogger-image-1807051092.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBx4EIZ5u05Y0a2hPXD-gUs8vVmsfOVD9d_sVM-VFqX8RRM-WT18EeMxpvhB0HhwuE5GcKlAfD5QOGRQ4WgbkM419Q6rJW0Lyiz27Cn01O2K63Uu0bjKszBwQ_wV1lyFdgNIAwZAdMCo/s640/blogger-image-1055410669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBx4EIZ5u05Y0a2hPXD-gUs8vVmsfOVD9d_sVM-VFqX8RRM-WT18EeMxpvhB0HhwuE5GcKlAfD5QOGRQ4WgbkM419Q6rJW0Lyiz27Cn01O2K63Uu0bjKszBwQ_wV1lyFdgNIAwZAdMCo/s640/blogger-image-1055410669.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilotk1XYtfSxemvZ3a0rb_Xj8yJSvCot2U7XvLjokOB0_yV8JXnm4QAGbgIzcxfA2Q-1YrMkk0yMA35XHRmLEmmW2dMG59fhoCJSi1N-F7RUndChPwsfi8KNgg5ThL7AncyJWP4fVT1zc/s640/blogger-image-649765767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilotk1XYtfSxemvZ3a0rb_Xj8yJSvCot2U7XvLjokOB0_yV8JXnm4QAGbgIzcxfA2Q-1YrMkk0yMA35XHRmLEmmW2dMG59fhoCJSi1N-F7RUndChPwsfi8KNgg5ThL7AncyJWP4fVT1zc/s640/blogger-image-649765767.jpg"></a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBVb5iMiH0AhHhjDjomRMJ3D4KJIEmbs4pOT2fA7BvYP_mw8DgNxjjTjtMp3usu0uQ0FF9RWXOr1ls1vjK1u9XinG5d0FyLCERAPgmYRjyYSoJ9M2g10b9_FcMWSewyvxZbn8WV-Xkew/s640/blogger-image-1146272209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBVb5iMiH0AhHhjDjomRMJ3D4KJIEmbs4pOT2fA7BvYP_mw8DgNxjjTjtMp3usu0uQ0FF9RWXOr1ls1vjK1u9XinG5d0FyLCERAPgmYRjyYSoJ9M2g10b9_FcMWSewyvxZbn8WV-Xkew/s640/blogger-image-1146272209.jpg"></a></div><div>
7. There is so much room for activities!<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSivN85EhRd1lvKYg9LO7pxnpba9CZ_r9DOpi7T18HtnklnSUA7kuY6d8SML0UNmDnVcy8-i4f3gdnf0uBUxqAVRdlc7JVZUB0ZVpqcw8FaT67jzAnGq__v2UQVTDofREVSi9NhdcKRQ/s640/blogger-image--2080563702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSivN85EhRd1lvKYg9LO7pxnpba9CZ_r9DOpi7T18HtnklnSUA7kuY6d8SML0UNmDnVcy8-i4f3gdnf0uBUxqAVRdlc7JVZUB0ZVpqcw8FaT67jzAnGq__v2UQVTDofREVSi9NhdcKRQ/s640/blogger-image--2080563702.jpg"></a></div><br>
For real - go on pub crawls, join a kickball league, I know a cool gal that does pickup soccer every week I still need to join. I've been on wine walks, done silly 5k's, gone to farmers markets, enjoyed the artsy First Fridays... There is seriously zero excuse to be bored here.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0j1MsNS_s1t8Bga5umv70y0zs2bw4CzBcSywk3TQVsX51HkYnhHpTyWaV58Xn5OSPHEd8BozaRQFNKrS9Iw0VWsp6MVnQnWD6WzxduvYCDo-VRLyi1kKZPGjG69RMvR1xWdsLoGnXPg/s640/blogger-image-705382668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0j1MsNS_s1t8Bga5umv70y0zs2bw4CzBcSywk3TQVsX51HkYnhHpTyWaV58Xn5OSPHEd8BozaRQFNKrS9Iw0VWsp6MVnQnWD6WzxduvYCDo-VRLyi1kKZPGjG69RMvR1xWdsLoGnXPg/s640/blogger-image-705382668.jpg"></a></div>(In my proud and purple kickball uniform!)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNZjaDIs-wwU1dGjpd1cj24XX-kzw27AXVo0p8Q2LgpwW2NSKRfPsvQmmOTSkJPl23GR6xzFeJmyXxYuwECiubq6q4DolI1lhvnh4n3-eOd4hLMsf_Ctg_dQZqouDMJ2yRFMqBHcJ8ps/s640/blogger-image--1350252713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNZjaDIs-wwU1dGjpd1cj24XX-kzw27AXVo0p8Q2LgpwW2NSKRfPsvQmmOTSkJPl23GR6xzFeJmyXxYuwECiubq6q4DolI1lhvnh4n3-eOd4hLMsf_Ctg_dQZqouDMJ2yRFMqBHcJ8ps/s640/blogger-image--1350252713.jpg"></a></div>(Scenes from a first Friday!)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg00WULTyooNYwEOJsJx03Fsd_mpns5tDbtbvhQ-3-Svk-FlLlSxQ1oWHwWmIzjcHzFgCJ2A5IrAN4OewkUstuf8vcEiQxEhsKwnQk2cshDpk8qcmA0FFQYsy2CZOFXiHewfgBMF0CE8k/s640/blogger-image--399227723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg00WULTyooNYwEOJsJx03Fsd_mpns5tDbtbvhQ-3-Svk-FlLlSxQ1oWHwWmIzjcHzFgCJ2A5IrAN4OewkUstuf8vcEiQxEhsKwnQk2cshDpk8qcmA0FFQYsy2CZOFXiHewfgBMF0CE8k/s640/blogger-image--399227723.jpg"></a></div><br>
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8. We're getting things! KC has Trader Joes and Raygun and all kinds of good shopping. We've got an ikea going in which I guess is a big deal. Our local food is delightful (for ideas watch the local access show "Check Please".</div><div><br><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNhZsQ3jjP6-hM22YMrTb-hf_U7W0YhS1qUhubMyAQHx3RTp54Mi83E7flsgMW04p1kZGDmrcdpv5IFJ4NGW07jXKssggEhW95W5-_PV3dre7F07dKm0UEOiekruNHc0LMcT5mQBDDZc/s640/blogger-image--280778435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNhZsQ3jjP6-hM22YMrTb-hf_U7W0YhS1qUhubMyAQHx3RTp54Mi83E7flsgMW04p1kZGDmrcdpv5IFJ4NGW07jXKssggEhW95W5-_PV3dre7F07dKm0UEOiekruNHc0LMcT5mQBDDZc/s640/blogger-image--280778435.jpg"></a><br>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So sure - you other cities are great. Really. And we can hang. But if I'm going to write a gushy love letter and buy a ring... It will be for KC. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoJysU9zM5n01sKfH9uB2yXk42WsGYmbivxPh9-JHDltEXNy5HagyxVQlKkg6qbuOdCgQvTKbZVgFw7ZQl4DDrehcwiY7pSPfT_8auguHULVLE1zGhLnBvgM0_H2TvnLNhmEEIm1sL34/s640/blogger-image--870005995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoJysU9zM5n01sKfH9uB2yXk42WsGYmbivxPh9-JHDltEXNy5HagyxVQlKkg6qbuOdCgQvTKbZVgFw7ZQl4DDrehcwiY7pSPfT_8auguHULVLE1zGhLnBvgM0_H2TvnLNhmEEIm1sL34/s640/blogger-image--870005995.jpg"></a></div><br></font>
<br></div></div>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-71395320288552429412014-04-23T15:07:00.000-07:002014-04-23T15:07:04.102-07:00Blog #170: When Opportunity KnocksSometimes you find opportunity when you are looking for it - scouring indeed.com for potential jobs, sending resumes to one potential employer after another, and writing cover letters like a pro.<br />
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Sometimes, though, opportunity finds you when you're occupied with something else - and maybe not even looking or paying attention. Sometimes when you're looking for one kind of opportunity (perhaps one on a social media based dating app not to be mentioned here but rhymes with cinder) you stumble upon an entirely different opportunity (like the kind that are career oriented rather than socially oriented).<br />
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I have plenty of experience with the first kind of opportunity. In fact, through tireless searching I found a good fit at my current position. It was a great introduction to the mental health field and the perfect way for me to hone and develop some clinical skills. I'm very grateful that I found this opportunity and had the chance to learn and grow in such a clinical capacity.<br />
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And now, I can say, I have experience with the second kind of opportunity as well. While I wasn't even looking, a great opportunity snuck up and surprised me, and before I knew it I was swept up and on my way to flat out changing my life.<br />
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Grief work has been very near and dear to my heart ever since I first encountered it as an intern at Solace House and since that time I have always known that my life's calling would eventually be helping people cope with difficult life transitions. There is something beautiful and amazing about being allowed into someone's life when they're so broken and vulnerable and being there to support their rebuilding process. However, I did not see this as a direction I would be going for a few years for all kinds of reasons (availability of positions, getting licensed, etc) Then, all of the sudden, here I am out of nowhere it seems, accepting a new position in bereavement for a hospice. Not only is it the direction in the field I've always known I'd eventually take, but it's right here, closer to home.<br />
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This opportunity came to me when I wasn't even looking. However, you shouldn't disregard an opportunity just because you weren't looking for it at the time. In fact, I might argue that those are the opportunities to which one should pay special attention. It's true that you can't plan for everything - even the things you think you are planning extensively, like your career. And isn't that what makes life fun?<br />
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So, to make a long story short - I've got a new job! I'm excited to be a bereavement coordinator at Crossroads Hospice and can't wait for all the ways I'll continue to grow in my clinical and professional skills in this new environment! I start May 27 and my last day at my current job is May 19.<br />
<br />Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-91562562259108758722014-02-12T20:08:00.001-08:002014-02-13T15:52:03.410-08:00Blog #169: On CelebratingHi.<div><br></div><div>This week has a rather fun holiday at the end. Aside from Friday, which, of course, is always my own personal national holiday.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9CKGbQB9REJvyhh6yCZ4g_JD8Dd1MladE9aBkFx5UcX1YO_gHr9I9LmojiuAkEi4w6WXWKhpcelxv3eRYAq7ghQa_V5MNUFrtENCgYOaTme17Bc5UAkDeiNLxxkIkA7lCFymDwzJXT8/s640/blogger-image--919747445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9CKGbQB9REJvyhh6yCZ4g_JD8Dd1MladE9aBkFx5UcX1YO_gHr9I9LmojiuAkEi4w6WXWKhpcelxv3eRYAq7ghQa_V5MNUFrtENCgYOaTme17Bc5UAkDeiNLxxkIkA7lCFymDwzJXT8/s640/blogger-image--919747445.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>You have read my Valentine's manifestos before. (If you haven't, just click in the February blogs over to the right side of the screen --->)</div><div><br></div><div>And maybe you thought that given recent events things would be different this year. And they are a little, but not in a bad way. Because, as it turns out, I still really love to celebrate things and I still really love LOOOOVE. And I still love love songs and I love love stories and I love friendship and family love and you know what? I still really dislike bitterness and negativity and whining. (Sometimes I do like to let myself whine a little, but typically only as it leads to WINING a lot. Not a typo). And I love being silly and over the top and so I'll just continue to be.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxMETsoaxJz6EvGd5hGngIWVx8qC7GOx8dlGWil5crYDqhqBGxEZWryWzvKlGn27UZsMttHN7iqjiOlL3_beiPGyPfI92g6eZapicHG-emHopT7AcXk9CgffhZBxL2xpjoZkGqp6MZoQ/s640/blogger-image--946015575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxMETsoaxJz6EvGd5hGngIWVx8qC7GOx8dlGWil5crYDqhqBGxEZWryWzvKlGn27UZsMttHN7iqjiOlL3_beiPGyPfI92g6eZapicHG-emHopT7AcXk9CgffhZBxL2xpjoZkGqp6MZoQ/s640/blogger-image--946015575.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>So? If you were looking for a major change of heart, and darkened outlook on this silly day, you won't find it here. I'll always see Valentine's day as a tremendously fun and silly way to enjoy all the love in my life. I've got an abundance of it to appreciate and plenty of reasons to celebrate! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEPuRUl7Uo-oQJV2qKgSpmQEteh2eZ3wfCCRJk7AisJay3rrIUoshjdaXA3RwLv-xGRRYRJA7EHjbCRpSQuqUDldehdedEIaa7uhHF6LnW8QYMcwrHeaFicS8rZxDVIh-uqWdjDwMqhk/s640/blogger-image--1905262872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEPuRUl7Uo-oQJV2qKgSpmQEteh2eZ3wfCCRJk7AisJay3rrIUoshjdaXA3RwLv-xGRRYRJA7EHjbCRpSQuqUDldehdedEIaa7uhHF6LnW8QYMcwrHeaFicS8rZxDVIh-uqWdjDwMqhk/s640/blogger-image--1905262872.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Can't wait to eat candy and cookies, wear red high heels, and take my nephews out on a date tomorrow!</div>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-85830611832836422192014-01-23T21:52:00.000-08:002014-01-24T15:35:28.648-08:00Blog #168: A Dear John LetterI am sending this exact text to Aspen Athletic as soon as I have time to get to a post office.<br>
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Dear Aspen Athletic Corporate Headquarters In Charge Person,<br>
It is the year 2014, and even though you appear to happily embrace the future by having a website, a web portal for making payments and scheduling trainers, and a seemingly competent web design person, I am required to send you this letter via certified mail to tell you to please stop taking $75 per month out of my account now that my contract is over. I have employed carrier pigeons, the pony express, smoke signals, and a singing telegram on the off chance this letter will not suffice. Sorry, but the midget stripper was out of my price range.<br>
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Did you know that Time Magazine, Spotify, and McAffee Antivirus have all been sued due to deceptive auto renewal policies? In fact, most companies these days play the safe and way less shady side of giving their consumer a ridiculous amount of fair warning that their subscription will expire followed by near pleading to renew. At the very least, even big wigs like Amazon let you cancel renewal to their premium membership through their website. It's almost as if they respect their consumers' right to decide what they want to spend <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">their money on. Not you though, Aspen. You are the renegade,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"> the cowboy, with your devil may care ways. "of course they still want me!" you exclaim, "they would be fools to not!" </span></span><br>
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I respect that. Really I do. Everyone's gotta make their money somehow. It's hard out there for a pimp. And had my experience with your training program been positive I MIGHT have even let it slide. We'd have laughed about it together you and I. "Oh that Aspen Fitness and it's obsession with certified mail! Sometimes I think it just likes to feel special. Lolololol!"<br>
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Unfortunately for all of us though, my experience with your training program was MUCH less than positive. I joined the gym in January of 2013. I know what you're thinking but it had NOTHING to do with a New Year's resolution. I had already lost the10lb I wanted to and was looking to take advantage of your grand opening special at the club near my place. Your actual gym program is fine. Reasonable price no contract etc. However, you really sell that personal training thing. That free health consultation/fitness assessment whatever is genius! Quick, tell me everything you think is still wrong with me and then that you can fix it at the low price of $70/hour! And of course I am unfortunately like a great deal of women who heard the "not toned enough not fit enough not enough" message and sought to throw money at you to fix me and make me "enough." Rookie mistake.<br>
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The free fitness consultation included scales and measurements and fat percentages and results you promised could be passed on to the other Aspen with trainers nearby (I was Boardwalk in KC but went to Liberty until it opened). So I was in. My first session with my trainer in Liberty? He had no such information. We spent the entire session redoing those measurements which was great for my self image again to hear how "not enough" I was so thank you. Free consultation now a waste of my time as you managed to use paid time for the same thing.<br>
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After a few weeks, the Aspen near my home opened so I switched back there, again after being assured that my information would follow me. Did it? You guessed it! No! So what happened? Yet another session of starting all over. No tracking of progress from my Liberty sessions so those were essentially lost time. I liked my new trainer though and was enjoying working with her. Then, one day, I went to schedule a session with her in your very innovative web scheduling software, and she was no where to be found. I only found out by sending an email to her personal account that she had left Aspen and that my account had been given to yet another new trainer over a week before and no one bothered to call me. So, another new trainer. At least it was the same building so she would have my chart and we could track my progress, right? Well, that was partially true. The only thing we could really track was weight, because as it turned out my old trainer had done all the tape measurer measures incorrectly. Meaning now that progress was meaningless. <div><div><br></div><div>And as an insult to injury... part of the agreement was that my trainer would take an interest in my nutrition and check my food log... And the only person who gave me any sort of feedback regarding my eating was my first trainer who would implore me to eat more protein.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">In April 2013 my job situation changed and I realized by July that I had neither time nor additional financial resources to find this little excercise in futility. I was able to cancel my gym membership effectively but not the training. No, apparently that contract was tighter than the one Ursula put on Ariel. Not even true love's kiss could get me out of the $75/month without paying an astronomical cancellation fee, EVEN THOUGH I had received terrible service and your team didn't hold up their end. And, in trying to explain my plight to your customer service reps, I got no empathy. Just another matter of fact "you're just a dollar sign to us" attitude.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But you know what? I sucked it up. I took it like a man. And when December 2013 came I had about $400 in unused sessions that I counted as a loss because I no longer had any desire to continue on the roller coaster ride that is Aspen Training. I celebrated my last deduction. "I'M FREE!!" I exclaimed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But I spoke too soon. Because this January, despite my contract ending, you struck again. And when I called AGAIN to seek understanding and help, I was again treated like a dollar sign. "Oh you didn't know you had to send a certified letter? Sucks to be you!" While that wasn't the actual terminology used, that was the tone implied.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So now you have made it to the end of my tragic tale. Ideally you would just give me back the money for the sessions I didn't use because of your company's shoddy way of running things. At the very least, refunding this January payment would be an okay gesture. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Since you are so reluctant to welcome the future I imagine you won't know what I mean when I say I'm posting this letter on my blog. But maybe one of the carrier pigeons can explain it to you.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">To anyone else who made it this far... Thank you. And buyer beware.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Sincerely,</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Marissa </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">PS: seriously. Stop taking my money.</font></div><div><br></div></div>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-47791207351392373642014-01-09T18:10:00.001-08:002014-01-09T18:10:41.681-08:00Blog #167: Things I can doI've said before that I'm not much one for New Year's Resolutions but I do like to take some time at the beginning of each year to think of things I'd like to do in the year. However, as you'll find in post #166 that I'm a little nervous about this year. So, instead of goals or definite ideas of things I want to happen, I'm taking a softer approach.<div><br></div><div>So, without further ado - here are some things that would be cool if they happened in 2014 (but if not, don't beat yourself up over it- it's whatever.)</div><div><br></div><div>1. Get good at knitting for fun gifts and stress relief</div><div>2. Be intentional about maintaining relationships with those I care about.</div><div>3. Start working on my supervision hours for licensure.</div><div>4. Be open to any new adventures that present themselves.</div><div>5. Blog once a week</div><div><br></div><div>So, those are some things that have been on my mind for this year. Bottom's up 2014!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3ca60Ume3ZKpXS4TKiiFHDNlv0XGRvF1iTLPZ9bDixaQ9RlCCknmrk2kYkA1EnOEvyEVZ7dwD4B9wScuzgYbjuNjDkXo8JySSQSOaaoxyNKkU6DVy61KiA-qYcXSAEeNg3M0fQWZQmo/s640/blogger-image--185523590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3ca60Ume3ZKpXS4TKiiFHDNlv0XGRvF1iTLPZ9bDixaQ9RlCCknmrk2kYkA1EnOEvyEVZ7dwD4B9wScuzgYbjuNjDkXo8JySSQSOaaoxyNKkU6DVy61KiA-qYcXSAEeNg3M0fQWZQmo/s640/blogger-image--185523590.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-41663989357378579902014-01-06T15:09:00.001-08:002014-01-06T15:10:12.080-08:00Blog #166: An Open Letter to the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3U7J_ycq36RXcgqg9gqhDt0-Y1PMLtnuI9piz_EZ1KWW4BFh9Ui_H2p7q_R2KgOicucnLmALW6syIBvWNIxtue-HNiz0arOOamV7T3K7lhGDpE5OWa9dyKSbrH-RCyeK4PeQHhYDYU4/s640/blogger-image--1621598908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3U7J_ycq36RXcgqg9gqhDt0-Y1PMLtnuI9piz_EZ1KWW4BFh9Ui_H2p7q_R2KgOicucnLmALW6syIBvWNIxtue-HNiz0arOOamV7T3K7lhGDpE5OWa9dyKSbrH-RCyeK4PeQHhYDYU4/s640/blogger-image--1621598908.jpg"></a></div>Dear 2014,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div>Please, be gentle. </div><div><br></div><div>There are those of us to whom 2013 was unkind, and we are a little gun shy about being excited for you. It's nothing personal - it will just take some cautious care to engage us in the hoping and wishing a new year typically brings. We are like puppies who have been kicked around and are hesitant to trust new humans. </div><div><br></div><div>So I ask you, New Year, to handle us with care. Give us time to warm up to you. Of course you will have some difficult times. No year is without them. But could you maybe ease us into them? Just give us some time to mend the wounds from the stress, loss, frustrations, and disappointments in 2013 before you test us with your own trials. </div><div><br></div><div>Don't worry, 2014. We'll come around eventually and think about all the possibilities you bring and begin to think of the good things that could come with you. But for now, we're treading lightly, looking over our shoulders and making sure you aren't holding a weapon. Once we feel safe, we're all yours.</div><div><br></div><div>Sincerely,</div><div>Me<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFerBn2GHFFJnI6st1HPIoMT22xnOUBB1EC9nJqy44iWQMXQdQwogLRYnEDv_aWWdPNzqQclA_ZARqSsAi-jE9ZNEs5NLLyCACfG7PJ8ieX3jAHMSFX20CDUPo_jNPlNu0M-KAEysxWEE/s640/blogger-image--2083549912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFerBn2GHFFJnI6st1HPIoMT22xnOUBB1EC9nJqy44iWQMXQdQwogLRYnEDv_aWWdPNzqQclA_ZARqSsAi-jE9ZNEs5NLLyCACfG7PJ8ieX3jAHMSFX20CDUPo_jNPlNu0M-KAEysxWEE/s640/blogger-image--2083549912.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFerBn2GHFFJnI6st1HPIoMT22xnOUBB1EC9nJqy44iWQMXQdQwogLRYnEDv_aWWdPNzqQclA_ZARqSsAi-jE9ZNEs5NLLyCACfG7PJ8ieX3jAHMSFX20CDUPo_jNPlNu0M-KAEysxWEE/s640/blogger-image--2083549912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_y4JbZ890lpbuWcLtJCYa_J1g5-wMP5b9FhMLl0vnO0kfZcEQvy5LdhRfQUCCdkT58WkivDteDgBvwgvL-ajdhihsjIOEc7Qmup467kIv3OjJ4Qhe3QqpQm8Quxnjg7jRAlEs-50jyIM/s640/blogger-image-529291274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_y4JbZ890lpbuWcLtJCYa_J1g5-wMP5b9FhMLl0vnO0kfZcEQvy5LdhRfQUCCdkT58WkivDteDgBvwgvL-ajdhihsjIOEc7Qmup467kIv3OjJ4Qhe3QqpQm8Quxnjg7jRAlEs-50jyIM/s640/blogger-image-529291274.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_y4JbZ890lpbuWcLtJCYa_J1g5-wMP5b9FhMLl0vnO0kfZcEQvy5LdhRfQUCCdkT58WkivDteDgBvwgvL-ajdhihsjIOEc7Qmup467kIv3OjJ4Qhe3QqpQm8Quxnjg7jRAlEs-50jyIM/s640/blogger-image-529291274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7reZy9TV9ZGkNjEw-f16zLPEpZdxt8Lt_yY3Msgc8itGVatKbs7fd4RoWW0R1_hyphenhyphenwyG3S5vGZ_fxzsIxSD1A6rcwwagY-OdzmOiG2-GZSzM65OXPjwm6my2MciMNAHFrw5I-DXw7N1TM/s640/blogger-image--2125988428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7reZy9TV9ZGkNjEw-f16zLPEpZdxt8Lt_yY3Msgc8itGVatKbs7fd4RoWW0R1_hyphenhyphenwyG3S5vGZ_fxzsIxSD1A6rcwwagY-OdzmOiG2-GZSzM65OXPjwm6my2MciMNAHFrw5I-DXw7N1TM/s640/blogger-image--2125988428.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7reZy9TV9ZGkNjEw-f16zLPEpZdxt8Lt_yY3Msgc8itGVatKbs7fd4RoWW0R1_hyphenhyphenwyG3S5vGZ_fxzsIxSD1A6rcwwagY-OdzmOiG2-GZSzM65OXPjwm6my2MciMNAHFrw5I-DXw7N1TM/s640/blogger-image--2125988428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLu15LwlxHg_ESFtX2nFdVlZWREft0V0VQtBFhnQIB8V-_exAJH1tBK3bkgxFa5k0Xu7JOUwJDqsJ6xIuuJMsnACcMiYgM7hs3maobtaOUjm8FVCDlIdzFaWRbvhr9NGgE4k3wdMGsUZU/s640/blogger-image--140711316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLu15LwlxHg_ESFtX2nFdVlZWREft0V0VQtBFhnQIB8V-_exAJH1tBK3bkgxFa5k0Xu7JOUwJDqsJ6xIuuJMsnACcMiYgM7hs3maobtaOUjm8FVCDlIdzFaWRbvhr9NGgE4k3wdMGsUZU/s640/blogger-image--140711316.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-7911268582121875062013-12-21T19:21:00.000-08:002013-12-21T19:22:33.042-08:00Blog #165: CHAMPIONSTHE BEARCATS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AND IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE IN THIS LONGER THAN USUAL BLOG YOU WILL HAVE READ THAT. <br />
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Today I remembered a couple of things. I remembered why I love football so much. I remembered why I am so proud to be a Bearcat and why Bearcats are special. I remembered how healing an evening gathered with family can be. And I remembered that I am completely terrified to drive in any sort of winter weather.<br />
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I never really forgot that I loved football. More like I just took it for granted. Duh, Marissa loves football. No one is surprised. But watching the Bearcats WIN the championship game today was just a reminder of the combination of emotion, skill, and control that football is. <br />
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I guess it's also no surprise that I'm a proud Bearcat. This is not news to anyone. And if it is then I probably need to have a conversation with you about your comprehension and retention skills. But you tell me what other school can inspire friendships to develop simply because of the commonality of school. I went to a watch party on my own (because my date was my stepdad and he ended up working all night and not being up for a bar watch party) and I was a little frustrated about it. I had visions of sitting by myself like a loser moping. I briefly considered throwing in the towel on the watch party and just going to watch the game at my brother's house. But I went in anyhow. Within an hour I had a spot at a table with new friends. We visited, cheered, high fived, and left having exchanged numbers for future hanging out possibilities. I just believe that being a Bearcat really means being part of a family more so than other college. I don't know anyone else who identifies so strongly with their undergrad alma mater (except for other Bearcats - we stick together.) Sure, the fact that our football team has had a long run of success is probably helpful - but I can't help but believe that there's some kind of magic in being a Bearcat unrelated to sports that creates a bond in those who attended that's stronger than most. It's special for me to be a part of that and I'm so thankful that the choice I made on a bit of a whim as a 17 year old high school senior turned out to be one of the best choices I've ever made. AND WE ARE CHAMPIONS.<br />
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Following the BEARCAT VICTORY (sorry, all caps was necessary), I headed up to Smithville for one of my 3 Christmas gatherings this weekend (out of 4 total). I have been really struggling to be into Christmas this year for a number of reasons (I like to refer to it as "the perfect storm" of crap that could have gone down over the last few months). I've been basically forcing myself to feel the spirit of the season by watching every possible Christmas special, listening to Christmas music (on days when I wasn't too frustrated to stomach it) and participate in Christmas festivities. This struggle to "feel" Christmas was a bummer for me because I really love Christmas. I love the whole season from November 1 through the end of the year for all the family and festivities and feeling of gratitude and goodwill. And this year it's been more like I've been going through the motions. Like I've spent every last ounce of energy that I have on just existing and I don't have the resources to enjoy extra things. So, I was expecting that feeling to continue throughout the gathering. But, as soon as I got there, it was like a wake up call. Seeing the kids being adorable kids and the thoughtful gifts given and the conversation being had - it was so nice. It was like a feeling of warmth to just kind of remind me why this time of year is typically a happy one for me. It was a reminder that frustrating times are just that - times - and that they pass because that's what time does. <br />
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After the gathering it was time to head home - in the ice storm. I have a storied history with driving in winter weather that does include one totaled car as a direct result of the conditions. This storied history has lead to me being less than confident a winter driver. You might say I'm a bit timid behind the wheel as soon as the advisory starts. I'd kind of forgotten that because the advisories we've had so far have been lame and useless and the roads were fine - leaving me to think that I'm more confident of an inclement weather driver than I really am. But, don't worry, today I got my comeuppance. I got in the car to drive home in the pitch black dark as ice pretty much rained from the sky and solidified upon contact to whatever it landed on. I think I averaged 20mph over the whole drive. What is typically a 25 minute drive took me nearly an hour and by the time I got to park I was so exhausted and tense that I thought I might just sleep there. I mean, I made it without incident (likely thanks to the salt truck I refused to pass that graced me with it's presence for a little over half the drive) but I certainly wasn't comfortable. Then I got out of the car and promptly slipped and caught myself just before totally face planting it. So, to confirm, winter and I? Not friends.<br />
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This got more introspective than I really intended but let's roll with it. I just need the Chiefs to win tomorrow and to hone my Bunko skills and the weekend will be a complete success.<br />
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Until next time, Internet.Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-64415306898873113942013-12-18T17:32:00.004-08:002013-12-18T17:32:59.270-08:00Blog #164: Tragedy strikes again.Well.<br />
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It's happened.<br />
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After all the pain and suffering I've been through trying to get the internet set up in my apartment.<br />
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You'd think "This internet inconvenience alone is almost too much for just one person to handle. I'm impressed by her shear heroics of carrying on throughout this difficult time. Certainly she can catch a break and have the internet be really fast and the perfect choice for watching her shows on netflix."<br />
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And you'd be wrong.<br />
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The worst has happened. I chose the wrong level of internet and now I have to go through the whole process of upgrading my choice and paying more so I can have my streaming video.<br />
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WHY GOD WHY ME. WHY DO ALL THE BAD THINGS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ME. WITH ALL THE SHOWS ON NETFLIX AND HULU WAITING FOR MY EYES TO WATCH THEM, HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN.<br />
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Bad things DO happen to good people you guys. This internet situation is all the proof you need. All I can do is stream music and make posts on social media. WHAT IS THIS, THE STONE AGES?<br />
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No wonder I've been too stressed to eat.Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-31945248765630290922013-12-17T16:44:00.002-08:002013-12-17T16:44:29.574-08:00Blog #163: Houston, we have wifi.Okay. So remember when I made that post like a month ago and said I would have internet installed within a week? That was silly.<br />
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So, after a ridiculous back and forth between me, ATT, my apartment manager, ATT, me, my apartment manager that took approximately a month, WE HAVE WIFI HALLELUJAH. Granted, if I had made the necessary phone calls in a more timely manner to follow up on this it probably could have been fixed within a week or so but who has the time to make phone calls? Seriously. I want to know who has the time. I have no time. Ever.<br />
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But now, thanks to some above and beyond help from my apartment manager while I was stuck in St. Joseph, as of today I have the internet in my home meaning my data plan for my iphone will finally get a break.<br />
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Because sometimes even though things very often don't work out the way you think they are going to, they still work out in the end. <br />
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So, in celebration of that fact, below you'll find pictures of the things that are good lately. Because amidst stress and frustration and hard work and navigating family crises... there is good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a TON of Netflix to watch to make up for lost time.<br />
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Oh, and also BEARCATS ARE PLAYING IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME NEXT WEEK AND IT MAKES ME TYPE IN ALL CAPS. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UOimhzdM6HjH4g6jmS3W48bMlVj31SmVEIzFTWmhLG7lZp0m66N23uBUX5HAUNHv4FGjP35lD9ReuEHou3bjLTh6b2l4qZU8FXAVqavCLNpA422756WiX8H3fRz4Q0v295Ylt0rHzHc/s640/blogger-image--867970454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UOimhzdM6HjH4g6jmS3W48bMlVj31SmVEIzFTWmhLG7lZp0m66N23uBUX5HAUNHv4FGjP35lD9ReuEHou3bjLTh6b2l4qZU8FXAVqavCLNpA422756WiX8H3fRz4Q0v295Ylt0rHzHc/s640/blogger-image--867970454.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spent the whole day a while back with these boogers. It was exhausting but they are fantastic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9ZG9KoS2JFEV0VKAaTrT38RTj6zDSySjNnYN1Q0dqdFFgVUyyR8DjH9vYfjnq9MsmfRktUFI1iXcNQb5zXdpDj9BFejtjMTmtdqy1a5BpCx4gDD_79xAGiT8YNBxqobo3b1fFGXayj4/s640/blogger-image-1771708612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9ZG9KoS2JFEV0VKAaTrT38RTj6zDSySjNnYN1Q0dqdFFgVUyyR8DjH9vYfjnq9MsmfRktUFI1iXcNQb5zXdpDj9BFejtjMTmtdqy1a5BpCx4gDD_79xAGiT8YNBxqobo3b1fFGXayj4/s640/blogger-image-1771708612.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm thankful this picture exists in the world. And for the trip I had to hang out with these wackos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKtHyYbfLr6Kvrwf2VpfDMUyRdQXqHhCDEabelzwdoaTLhgWv14kR0Qjj1pJmj0HQGbAEQUmynTJUSOLb8J7j7v1yvAcGYef8B2X5jHuHPe8Ryp-ZjnxLgKVGaal5opbG7RdtTLbpZFs/s640/blogger-image-550355901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKtHyYbfLr6Kvrwf2VpfDMUyRdQXqHhCDEabelzwdoaTLhgWv14kR0Qjj1pJmj0HQGbAEQUmynTJUSOLb8J7j7v1yvAcGYef8B2X5jHuHPe8Ryp-ZjnxLgKVGaal5opbG7RdtTLbpZFs/s640/blogger-image-550355901.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duh. CHIEFS. (We decorated this tree on the side of 360hwy in Austin)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxC_4R40Ns3dFjN9rZNKyazYvRr_FwVRHjU8hparlrHSimv3XYAphyD_bON6bbTmCwEOi04lkyd0kHwpagd14bYtM8xYP4oMxY3tk_ygoso3YatvcZf0_5tnoIyGv2Wc2FT8AHZ-V1tw/s640/blogger-image-362550463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxC_4R40Ns3dFjN9rZNKyazYvRr_FwVRHjU8hparlrHSimv3XYAphyD_bON6bbTmCwEOi04lkyd0kHwpagd14bYtM8xYP4oMxY3tk_ygoso3YatvcZf0_5tnoIyGv2Wc2FT8AHZ-V1tw/s640/blogger-image-362550463.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's true love between me and the Chestnut Praline Latte at Starbucks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB67MGmAtTphre2coW_mQuGzqtCU9tdRLL2MV3EYOC6Tks-O9s3tY5XYQh1vjAPp8qgunOukhRMql1MMuy8yreWt_88-RD71QudHc7ttmESuTWV_D0MtgLBfq51-CRORPPXh9TnOhi6UU/s640/blogger-image-2092943117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB67MGmAtTphre2coW_mQuGzqtCU9tdRLL2MV3EYOC6Tks-O9s3tY5XYQh1vjAPp8qgunOukhRMql1MMuy8yreWt_88-RD71QudHc7ttmESuTWV_D0MtgLBfq51-CRORPPXh9TnOhi6UU/s640/blogger-image-2092943117.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double: BEARCATS and I got new glasses. but mostly BEARCATS. Unfortunately I have a full and rewarding life so I am unable to drop everything (like family christmas festivities) for a trip to Bama for the Championship. But I will be watching and eating Mrs. T approved lucky licorice for my beloved BEARCATS.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOEA-zMWN-_jdATu6t2DGcvRXXHc-qLjtP5FgCmZAVmf3YSHLZE7Jp_GdDlLWjFrt_d01PcbWXH0js_1EF1j-_avtoBQ7wIUSWkee9ysD1uXsup6tyewEQzCXcVll1HhcdaZOzp-2FHQ/s640/blogger-image--12004668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOEA-zMWN-_jdATu6t2DGcvRXXHc-qLjtP5FgCmZAVmf3YSHLZE7Jp_GdDlLWjFrt_d01PcbWXH0js_1EF1j-_avtoBQ7wIUSWkee9ysD1uXsup6tyewEQzCXcVll1HhcdaZOzp-2FHQ/s640/blogger-image--12004668.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First annual sister holiday baking day was a success, aprons and all!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These boys are the best kids in the world, and that is a proven fact. Plus, look how they take after their favorite aunt in their stylin' specs! FOUR EYES UNITE</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-449815443352334832013-11-19T19:33:00.001-08:002013-11-19T19:33:02.941-08:00Blog #162: Studio Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMlnhfzn4-20gnkyJytDAAsPet21-mD27XqLVnrKdPpigZrEAx6wIM7QifI7j3EKrhVlF3jyt7Jrv2RcC1M-pbF6E6Q_TSAyuCudHJHu6JYMIBmMpotnig4-Zdi1saWS8yt570X0wXEs/s640/blogger-image-1923574489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMlnhfzn4-20gnkyJytDAAsPet21-mD27XqLVnrKdPpigZrEAx6wIM7QifI7j3EKrhVlF3jyt7Jrv2RcC1M-pbF6E6Q_TSAyuCudHJHu6JYMIBmMpotnig4-Zdi1saWS8yt570X0wXEs/s640/blogger-image-1923574489.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That they do. I'm about to show you what happens when you productively channel emotions... I wish I had taken "before" pictures because this isn't going to look necessarily beautiful... Because I am not an interior designer and am not too interested in "decorating" a studio not designed for visitors. It's purpose is more my own haven of serenity... So while it is rough around the edges there at least isn't an overwhelming feeling of anxiety whenever I look around. I apologize for the lack of structured sentences in this paragraph.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Behold!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGPppPI0IJVhmdT81vInSPRS9ukciIGI6Akoz4FhTugRNo7qJjbZUyyhYaFzIdTAXEfTqjz2o1kAbAzXg8Tj7K-emVyahyr7hbCgS3peluyzg969_oXxWfuOrRIZ6NnZdfpmpzPVPuks/s640/blogger-image-1799481520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGPppPI0IJVhmdT81vInSPRS9ukciIGI6Akoz4FhTugRNo7qJjbZUyyhYaFzIdTAXEfTqjz2o1kAbAzXg8Tj7K-emVyahyr7hbCgS3peluyzg969_oXxWfuOrRIZ6NnZdfpmpzPVPuks/s640/blogger-image-1799481520.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_l7rxiJ68qZLynxxUoD5E0X1pRfaAKSe4yzsJvOPfF7omsA13k6ZUfolhZkPEPNFknydh5vcWJqbHYaVWizL7FN2eaM8BEEBCaPI0VJQkH11r1YY_P0Nw5Peaint4MQ29IHgKsKtVx4/s640/blogger-image-1055079442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_l7rxiJ68qZLynxxUoD5E0X1pRfaAKSe4yzsJvOPfF7omsA13k6ZUfolhZkPEPNFknydh5vcWJqbHYaVWizL7FN2eaM8BEEBCaPI0VJQkH11r1YY_P0Nw5Peaint4MQ29IHgKsKtVx4/s640/blogger-image-1055079442.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You know, it took some time but I finally accomplished what I intended to when I chose to downsize to a studio. I got rid of some things, found a place for everything, and settled into a manageable living situation I can maintain. I seriously feel so much relief when I am at home now. To reward myself I ordered Internet that I'll self install Friday. And God said it is not good for Marissa to be without her shows. He said let there be Netflix. And it was good.</div><br></div>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464344809359141652.post-54572602197862767182013-11-15T17:03:00.001-08:002013-11-15T17:03:02.185-08:00Blog #161: acting as ifWho doesn't love the surge of productivity that follows a major life change? I've felt the most confident at work this week as I ever have. That's not easy to do in the mental health field and I'm going to enjoy it because feeling on top of things is reeeeeeeal fleeting in my position and probably by next week I'll wonder how I even ever qualified for the job.<div>I have a theory about my level of production this week. While it's at least 20% coffee related (my coffee intake has at least doubled this week) I think the other 80% was a state of mind inspired by a small habit change I made. Instead of rolling out of bed and throwing on whatever and maybe doing my makeup maybe not and the "eh, messy bun is fine" for my hair... I got back in the habit of picking out and putting together an outfit the night before - accessories and all. I styled my hair in the morning. Did my makeup before getting in the car. I felt and looked more put together than I had in months. And what followed was a productive, together week. In a way it's a lot like the "fake it til you make it" mentality but I prefer to call it "acting as if". By choosing to "act as if" I have my shit together, I end up actually... Sort of having my shit together! </div><div>Now, shit gathered or not, I reserve my right to TOTALLY LOSE MY SHIT during both the major football games I have interest in this weekend. It doesn't matter what I wear. </div>Risshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579336354064015636noreply@blogger.com0