tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10328934407977370902024-03-13T03:55:38.247-04:00wishbones & the art of right regrets; volume ii.rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-6720865183426003702011-01-19T19:30:00.003-05:002011-03-08T20:11:49.724-05:00new adventures for 2011.i've started a new <a href="http://livingfrugallyblog.com/">blog </a>about my adventures going through all of the coupons in the 2011 entertainment book for richmond, virginia and other money-saving tips. come visit me at: <a href="http://livingfrugallyblog.com/">http://livingfrugallyblog.com</a><br />
<br />
xo,<br />
rrachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-31016047401817630652010-04-07T10:45:00.000-04:002010-04-07T10:45:38.504-04:00again, i apologize.<div style="text-align: center;">
i am still very sorry for being m.i.a. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i can tell you a little bit about what i have been doing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i accepted a new position at a new consulting company</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in richmond, virginia</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that i am very excited about! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a little bit more responsibility</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a little less stressful environment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i am very excited! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but this meant saying goodbye to all of my wonderful coworkers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i hope to keep in touch with them</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and would like to publicly thank them</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for all that they have taught me in the last four years! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i also took and passed the praxis 2 for earth science, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the hopes that in the next few years </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i may move on towards the teaching field. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have extensively been researching evening classes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for teacher licensure programs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and met with education professionals in the area about my future transition.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(becoming a teacher is hard work...!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hopefully </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i will have a little more "rachel time"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to accomplish my hugely-long to-do list </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
finally upload pictures from JANUARY</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have to start that etsy shop</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
finish a lot of craft projects</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
get ready for my baby sister's graduation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
potentially start marathon training</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
start organizing curriculum</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
plan some vacations</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(including obx with my family,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
beach with the girls,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
delfest!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and to chicago in a week and a half</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to see my fav les!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so happy spring,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and here's to new beginnings ( : </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-71470330198924845862010-03-15T15:05:00.001-04:002010-03-15T15:05:58.919-04:00hi!<div style="text-align: center;">
sorry i have been m.i.a. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SO much going on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good stuff! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just a lot of stuff! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dogsitting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(no longer sure i could handle 2!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tests</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
trying to set up my etsy shop</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(clearly not as timely as i would have liked)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
exciting surprises from my main man</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(wicked!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
visiting friends</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
learning to fry wontons</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
running 1/2 marathons</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you know,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the usual ( :</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i saw this today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thought it was too cute! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the following was found posted very low on the refridgerator door: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dear dogs & cats:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the other dishes are mine and contain my food.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
placing a paw print in the middle of my plate does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nor do i find it aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the stairway was not designed by nascar and is not a racetrack.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
racing me to the bottom is not the object.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tripping me doesn't help because i fall faster than you can run.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i cannot buy anything bigger than a king-sized bed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i am very sorry about this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do not think i will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
however, dogs & cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stretched out to the fullest extent possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i also know that sticking tails straight out </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and having tounges hanging out on the other end to maximize space</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is nothing but sarcasm. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for the last time, there is no secret exit to the bathroom!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if, by some miracle, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i beat you there and manage to the get the door shut, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i must exit through the same door i entered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
also,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have been using the bathroom for years. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
canine/feline attendance is not needed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the proper order for kissing is:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
kiss me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THEN go smell the other dog or cat's butt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(or your own)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i cannot stress this enough. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
( : </div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-63666934919493264782010-02-17T22:16:00.000-05:002010-02-17T22:16:39.010-05:00xyz<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">we are spoiled, rotten Generation Y kids </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">born between 1978 and sometime in the early 90s</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">think MTV before “The Hills,” </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Atari </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and baseball with long hair, mustaches and no steroids.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> We’ve experienced Nintendo, </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">AOL when it was dial-up </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and all the girls in the chat rooms were models</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Windows (or MAC)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Doom on a 3.5″ floppy</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">boy bands</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">iPods</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> iPhones</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> & college degrees that stuck us with a mortgage in student loans.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">credits: <a href="http://blastmagazine.com/">blast</a></span></span></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-22354229131752452462010-02-10T18:10:00.001-05:002010-02-10T18:10:01.267-05:00but trust me on completing a triathlon.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">in college i was part of</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">jmu club triathlon. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">i did it for the motivation</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">there were always people to work out with</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">great cycling classes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">reserved pool times. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">unfortunately,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">i didn't find the other members particularly friendly, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">but maybe i was too busy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">with my own friends to notice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">i was cleaning out some of the folders</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">on my mac</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">to free up some space</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and found this document - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">triathlon advice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(based off the sunscreen song);</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">surprisingly fitting</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">for my</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">half marathon race</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">on feb 28! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">here it is:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--StartFragment--></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ladies and gentlemen of JMU Triathlon
Club, if I could offer you only one tip for the future, completing a triathlon
would be it. The benefits of this sport have been proven. The rest of my advice
is nothing more than my own meandering experience which I will now impart.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Beware of train tracks,
especially those on Route 11. But it is acceptable if you do not. Chicks dig
scars. Go to meetings. Enjoy road trips. It is the best way to get to know your
teammates since they have nowhere to hide and they can not escape. Secure bike
racks. <br /><br />
Your sleep and meals two days/nights before the race are the most important.
Expect to toss and turn the night before the race. Name your bike. Stay away
from high fiber, greasy, caffeinated, or different foods from your normal diet
that may cause stomach problems. Unless, of course, you want to spend the race
in a port-a-potty.<br /><br /> Carbo load. Eat bread. Garlic
bread. What your body does not need, you will get rid of race morning. Don’t
forget to have your run number on when you cross the finish line.<br /><br />
Give positive comments to others during your race. Cheer for people before and
after you race. Thank volunteers. Make lots of noise. Remember, the crazier the
better. Do not be surprised if you pass buff studs. Do not be surprised if you
get passed by a 50 year old.<br /><br />
Enjoy your body. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it.
It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own. Use it every way you can- try
three ways within an hour (swim, bike, run). And remember, you look hot in
spandex.<br /><br />
Wear purple and gold. Use body glide. On your feet, in between your toes, inner
thighs, behind armpits, between your butt. Anywhere to prevent chaffing.
Fundraise.<br /><br />
Expect to be hit with propelling objects like arms and legs during the swim.
Expect your legs to become Jello when transitioning from the bike to the run;
feeling like you are moving backwards is normal. Expect the unexpected (like a
flooded transition area).<br /><br /> Drink water. Drink Gatorade. Eat
Cliff Bars and Cliff Shots. But do not do anything differently race day if you
have not done so in training.<br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Do not attempt to put on a tight jersey
or shirt after the swim unless you want to give spectators a good laugh. Have
an extra of everything.<br /><br />
Don’t forget to smile, have fun, and realize you are doing something few are
ever able to dream of. Stay in sketchy hotels. Enjoy the post race food.
Consuming twice the amount of calories you burned can be expected. Keep your
old race bibs.<br /><br />
Do not shower for as long as possible. You will want to show everyone your body
markings. If showering is a must, then I suggest getting some sun. This will
cause your numbers to appear white on your red skin.<br /><br /> Don’t agonize over times.
Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the
end, it's only with yourself. After all, it’s the experience that counts.<br /><br />
But trust me on completing a triathlon.</span></span></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-58179957190339429912010-02-09T10:36:00.005-05:002010-02-09T10:45:40.852-05:00>} >.<div style="text-align: center;">
february playlist<br />
<b>inspired</b> by all sorts of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">love</span></span>: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love for a significant other</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a woman</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a great year (this year's love)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love for those less fortunate </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(esther, world on fire)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love for a sister (caroline)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love for a better life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or a higher power (love in the remains)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love for your favorite [childhood] place </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(shady grove, blue ridge mountains, 29 [inspired by rt 29 in virginia])</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or your favorite morning ritual<br />
(two cups of coffee). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so without further ado,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& in alphabetical order (for lack of a better option)... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
accidentally in love - counting crows</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ain't no reason - brett dennen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all you need is love - the beatles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
arms of a woman - amos lee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at last - etta james</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
better love - steel train</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blue ridge mountains - fleet foxes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bulletproof weeks - matt nathanson</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
caroline - old crow medicine show</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cheek to cheek - frank sinatra</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cheer up - ten shekel shirt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
crazy love - van morrison</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do you remember - jack johnson</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
drifting - bebo norman</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
esther - sara groves</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
everybody's gotta learn sometime - beck</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
falling slowly - glen hansard & marketa irglova (once soundtrack)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for emma - bon iver</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
free - phish</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the heart of life - john mayer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
how to save a life - the fray</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i and love and you - the avett brothers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'll be - edwin mccain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if there's love - citizen cope</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you never got sick - the wallflowers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you see her, say hello - bob dylan</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
jealous of the moon - nickel creek</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
jeanne - air</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
kodachrome - paul simon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
light my candle - original broadway cast of rent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
little room - norah jones</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lonelilly - damien rice </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love in the remains - dave barnes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
masterfade - andrew bird</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mexico - james taylor</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nothin' special - del mccoury band</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
omaha - counting crows</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on your porch - the format</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
paperweight - joshua radin & schuyler fisk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pink moon - nick drake</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please come to boston - joan baez</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please read the letter - robert plant & allison krauss</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sea song - lisa hannigan</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sere nere - tiziano ferro</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sex on fire - kings of leon </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shady grove - doc watson</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some kinda love - the velvet underground</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
swallowed in the sea - coldplay</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there is you - dailey & vincent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this year's love - david gray</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
true companion - marc cohn</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
two cups of coffee - josh kelley</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
world on fire - sarah mclachlan</div>
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29 - justin rosolino</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i hope you're inspired, too! ( : </div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-56870017718925602622010-02-04T22:29:00.000-05:002010-02-04T22:29:18.613-05:00say hello!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2uQGhDPYDI/AAAAAAAAAmg/I4ge3wyxUs0/s1600-h/DSC_0281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2uQGhDPYDI/AAAAAAAAAmg/I4ge3wyxUs0/s320/DSC_0281.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2uQGhDPYDI/AAAAAAAAAmg/I4ge3wyxUs0/s1600-h/DSC_0281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2uQHjT7yKI/AAAAAAAAAmo/yRbe4S5vhfc/s1600-h/DSC_0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2uQHjT7yKI/AAAAAAAAAmo/yRbe4S5vhfc/s320/DSC_0276.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2uQI9WNi4I/AAAAAAAAAmw/-EKIYck4NhY/s1600-h/DSC_0273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2uQI9WNi4I/AAAAAAAAAmw/-EKIYck4NhY/s320/DSC_0273.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2uQKWkE1yI/AAAAAAAAAm4/ABTI2kg6EV4/s1600-h/DSC_0271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2uQKWkE1yI/AAAAAAAAAm4/ABTI2kg6EV4/s320/DSC_0271.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
we finished setting up our flickr site today: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/wishbonestwo">flickr.com/photos/wishbonestwo</a></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-76567667161037613442010-02-01T09:22:00.001-05:002010-02-01T09:23:18.938-05:00photog friend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2bf1bqeUcI/AAAAAAAAAmY/dhv4DU991tU/s1600-h/dokblog24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2bf1bqeUcI/AAAAAAAAAmY/dhv4DU991tU/s400/dokblog24.jpg" width="265" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://rebekahgirvan.com/">rebekah girvan photography </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yesterday we had lunch & coffee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with an old friend of mine from harrisonburg, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rebekahgirvan.com/"><b>rebekah</b></a>!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
besides </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
being a fabulous (dog) person</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and having a deep spiritual conversation with h</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
on their first day meeting (so sorry r!), </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and nearly getting stuck in richmond, </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">she is a fabulous photographer! </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i hope she doesn't hate me for reposting</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the picture above from a wedding she did on saturday. </div>
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but it is beautiful and i love it. </div>
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all of her pictures,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
even the traditional posed ones,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
seem like she has captured some candid moment in time,</div>
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some conversation</div>
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or laughs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or smirks. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
check her out at her website:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://rebekahgirvan.com/">rebekahgirvan.com</a></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or her blog:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://rebekahgirvan.blogspot.com/%20">rebekahgirvan.blogspot.com</a></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i really hope she gets snowed in </div>
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in richmond again soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
( :</div>
<br />rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-31318064629476501612010-01-31T22:44:00.000-05:002010-01-31T22:44:48.572-05:00tumblr?<div style="text-align: center;">
dear friends,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i now have a new inspiration website:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://wishbones.tumblr.com/">wishbones.tumblr.com</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can follow me there in google reader</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or on tumblr.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i created this to add creative</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and random</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
photos and quotes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
me</div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-85895847335237317812010-01-31T21:19:00.000-05:002010-01-30T22:01:35.519-05:00top ten.<div style="text-align: center;">
it's no secret that i'm in love with gossip girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so i was pretty excited when a friend of mine sent me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these <a href="http://www.cwtv.com/thecw/gossip-girl-top-ten-list">top ten lists</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my favorite, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
surprisingly,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
isn't chuck's top ten nyc restaurants</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dan's top ten books of 2009. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
coincidently,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a lot of these are on amazon's best books of the month lists. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the list & my comments:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-Where-I-Leave-You/dp/052595127X">this is where i leave you</a> </b></i>by jonathan topper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
heartfelt family drama/belated coming-of-age story; sounds like dan's life in a book. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1264904367939">too much happiness: stories</a></i></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Too-Much-Happiness-Alice-Munro/dp/0307269760/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264904804&sr=1-1"> </a>by alice munro</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
short stories; with a theme - who are we? do we change in relationships?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eating-Animals-Jonathan-Safran-Foer/dp/0316069906/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264905078&sr=1-1">eating animals</a></i></b> by jonathan safran foer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i loved foer's everything is illuminated -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this book sounds like a mix of foer & michael pollan (my favorite food writer). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i've put this one on my list,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
although i've never heard any of the gossip girl characters say anything about food.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Believers-Novel-Zoe-Heller/dp/006143020X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264905236&sr=1-1">the believers</a></i></b> by zoe heller</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you may remember heller from the screenplay notes on a scandal... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the believers is set in nyc in 2002, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a comic novel about hypocrisy of all kinds - fitting for the nyc socialites.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blonde-Joke-Bennett-Madison/dp/0061255602">the blonde of the joke</a></i></b> by bennett madison</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"val, friendless and adrift, finds francie and adopts her religious devotion to slutty ensembles and shoplifting." sounds like georgina to me! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1264904367955">sag harbor</a></i></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sag-Harbor-Novel-Colson-Whitehead/dp/0385527659"> </a>by colson whitehead</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
autobiographical novel about a black student in an elite manhattan private school - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i can see dan's character relating to feeling out of place... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nocturnes-Five-Stories-Music-Nightfall/dp/0307271021">nocturnes</a></i></b> by kazuo ishiguro</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i loved ishiguro's never let me go - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this a collection of 5 short stories that seems somewhat similar to her other novel. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Await-Your-Reply-Dan-Chaon/dp/0345476026/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264905900&sr=1-1">await your reply</a></i></b> by dan chaon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a thriller - about the "lives of three strangers interconnected in unforeseen ways." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1264904367967">the help</a></i></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341"> </a>by kathryn stockett</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have heard great things about this book from my stepmom, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but i find it hard to believe dan's character from gossip girl would read it - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's about a black woman and social activist in the age of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
country clubs and the civil rights movement.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Changing-My-Mind-Occasional-Essays/dp/1594202370">changing my mind: occasional essays</a></i></b> by zadie smith</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
short stories on topics including "literature, movies, going to the oscars,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
british comedy, family, feminism, obama, katharine hepburn, and anna magnani" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sounds interesting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they were fun to research! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'm not sure i'll add any to my bookshelf</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
except maybe eating animals. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for now</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but i am counting down the days</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until the next new gossip girl</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and my celeb crush</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(chuck bass)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and listening to eric's #10 best album of 2009:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.boniver.org/">bon iver'</a>s blood bank ep </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
( ;</div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-53312603714593878112010-01-30T21:18:00.000-05:002010-01-30T21:18:00.732-05:00adventures inside.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2TnUhyYjfI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Zg1bP6wsNmc/s1600-h/DSC_0566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2TnUhyYjfI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Zg1bP6wsNmc/s400/DSC_0566.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my man:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one of my many new tricks using adobe lightroom:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
grayscaling & color using brush. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yay snow! </div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-39552624421247247412010-01-30T21:00:00.000-05:002010-01-30T21:00:00.536-05:00the other chuck.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2SFqq7KXCI/AAAAAAAAAmI/flo7dy7gEnc/s1600-h/zoom_05010118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S2SFqq7KXCI/AAAAAAAAAmI/flo7dy7gEnc/s400/zoom_05010118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">photo credit: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.anseladams.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=194">ansel adams gallery</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i am obsessed with national geographic magazine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my dad gets the subscription</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we get all the back copies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i am amazed at all of their photography<br />
and stories.<br />
recently <a href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/02/darwin/darwin-photography">this one</a> caught me by the eye.<br />
the photograph in the mag is of pia bay in chile.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">it is scarcely possible to imagine any thing</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">more beautiful than the beryl-like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">blue</span> of these</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">glaciers, and especially as contrasted with the </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">dead white of the upper expanse of snow.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">"</span><br />
<br />
[charles darwin,<br />
january 29, 1833]</div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-82687919647496173552010-01-30T13:23:00.000-05:002010-01-30T13:23:42.036-05:00snow!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">i just saw <a href="http://randomsbylove.blogspot.com/2010/01/laughs_30.html">lovey's</a> blog had this fantastic entry,</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and i thought i'd recopy part of it here. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">we did get snow this morning</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">i say this morning</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">because we stayed out until 2 am</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and it was freezing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">but there was no snow yet! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">i shoveled more than 6 inches at 11 am</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and by noon,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">nobody could tell,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">theres more than 6 inches on top of it already! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">i came back inside,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and h made me some fantastic french toast</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">from challah bread.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">no lies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">h is a great french toaster,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">but this was THE best!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and i did try going to the store yesterday afternoon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">for pizza, chips, salsa, and cookie dough.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and it was PACKED! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">so without further ado, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">here is how we richmonder's do:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. someone says snow is coming to central virginia</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. we richmonders start paying attention</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. someone says it's coming to richmond</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. we richmonders really start paying attention</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5. someone brandishes the word "accumulation"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">done. finished. over. we who call richmond home all-out lose our minds.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">in the case of snow, it happens like this:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tuesday morning:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> The word "accumulation" is used.</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tuesday afternoon:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Accumulation confirmed. All weekend plans put on stand-by or out-right canceled.</span></span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tuesday evening:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> First trip to supermarket for bread, milk, wine, beer and cookie dough.</span></span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday morning / afternoon:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Calls around town for sleds begin (for the record, Richmond.com is one step ahead. No one has them; Pleasant's is expecting a shipment on Friday).</span></span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday evening:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Local news does a story about the run on supermarkets for bread and milk. Second trip to supermarket for extra bread and milk, plus frozen pizzas and non-perishables, because you never know.</span></span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thursday morning / afternoon:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Spend workday obsessively checking the forecast. More calls for sleds. Search online for sleds, but decide against them because you can't believe how much sleds actually cost.</span></span></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thursday evening:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Meet friends out for drinks or dinner because you never know when you'll get out again. Realize you forgot to buy bagels. How could you forget bagels? Third trip to supermarket.</span></span></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Friday morning:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Alternate staring out window for snow and consulting forecast for exact snow start time. Cancel the rest of weekend plans.</span></span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Friday afternoon:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Weather.com reports that it is snowing in your area. Run to window. Spend at least one hour yelling at </span></span><a href="http://weather.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">weather.com</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> because it is clearly not snowing. Ask boss about company inclement weather policy. Complain about said policy. Wait an hour; ask boss if company is closing early.</span></span></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Friday evening:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Fourth trip to supermarket on the way home for last-minute necessities, like chocolate and fancy hot cocoa. Alternate staring out window and watching local news for exact snow start time. Watch the Closings scroll to see if your work is closed on Monday, because you never know.</span></span></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Friday night:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Snow finally begins. Call/text all of your friends and family to see if it's snowing in their area and to make sure they're OK in the storm. Update Facebook status to reflect snowfall in case you missed anyone. Order pizza so you don't have to break into rations too soon.</span></span></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday morning:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Marvel at snowfall. Fling pets / children into the snow so they can marvel and so you have pictures for your Facebook page.</span></span></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday afternoon:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Drive or trudge to nearest hill and attempt to sled on a cookie sheet/shower curtain/trashcan lid/pool float.</span></span></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday evening:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Meet friends for out for drinks or dinner to celebrate snow.</span></span></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sunday:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Eat leftover pizza and stare out window, watching snow melt. Obsessively watch Closings list. Feel happy when the county you once lived in announces closing and then sad because you never became a teacher and now you have to go out, clean off the car and then go to work tomorrow. Plus you've got all that bread and milk to eat.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">enjoy the snow! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">or your weekend, wherever you are,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and be safe ( :</span></span></div>
</span></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-30051008868187212492010-01-29T09:09:00.000-05:002010-01-29T09:09:39.596-05:00working from home.<div style="text-align: center;">
sorry i haven't posted in a while</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
busy schedules at home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
plus </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
traveling for work</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
plus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
training for a half marathon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do not lend well to keeping up with the blog</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but i've been trying to keep up with reading yours! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
today, however, i installed lightroom 2.6 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(YAY!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and have loads of errands to run for work</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but hopefully i'll be able to make some time </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to have lunch with h</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
get some laundry done</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and make an emergency grocery trip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
before all this snow hits! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for today</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
however</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i wanted to share with you a post i recently found</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about tips for <i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>working from home</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
everyone always asks me:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't you LOVE working from home?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't you LOVE working in your pjs?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do you get bored? lazy? lonely?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i don't love it,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
although i love the situation it puts me in - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
getting to live with my love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and near my loves </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the city i love,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but i wouldn't wish it on anyone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i always wear "real clothes"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
although usually jeans.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i don't get bored or lonely.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if i do i work from a coffee shop for a bit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i try not to be too lazy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but this <a href="http://acatofimpossiblecolour.blogspot.com/2009/07/working-from-home-and-staying-sane.html">post</a> really highlighted some GREAT tips</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some that i stick to and work for me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and others i've never heard of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and some i want to try. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some of her tips</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(just the main bullet points):</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>be healthy</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this is probably one i'm pretty good at </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and that has improved greatly since working from home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i eat a good, healthy breakfast & lunch,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and i'm not as stressed when i go to bed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
knowing if i don't get to shower until noon it's okay.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>get up and get dressed in the morning as if you have a "regular" job</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i strongly agree.<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>set mini-deadlines</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b>i'll only let myself check google reader & twitter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if i can check something off my list ( :</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>keep up with the housework</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this is really easy when you have to spend hours</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on long conference calls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mostly on mute hehe.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>get out of the house once a day</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i usually walk the pup</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or go out to lunch with a friend </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or walk to the coffee shop</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or if it's raining, do work from the coffee shop.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it feels good to have a change of pace!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>work of a task list</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love this -- i use <a href="http://www.tadalist.com/">tadalists</a> to keep my to do lists</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
personal & work related </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>gaurd your time</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b>i find it easier to do this from home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because at the office i was very social</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and now i can choose when i'm ready to "chat"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and when it's time for work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>allow plenty of time for pootling</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
see conference call, above. <b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>nap</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i don't always get to do this,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but sometimes if i'm having a really hard day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'll spend an extra half hour in bed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(clutching my phone of course)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and work through my lunch. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>reward yourself frequently</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i usually do this by taking a fru-fru lunch </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
going out </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or watching trashy tv for a 1/2 hour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or making cookies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>break the rules sometimes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i am not afforded this luxury</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but occasionally</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'll run a personal errand after i run 8028320 work errands.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all my time has to be accounted for, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so it's not really breaking any rules.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do you work from home?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
how do you function? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do you wish you worked from home? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-5369588441876400282010-01-20T14:40:00.000-05:002010-01-20T14:40:10.782-05:00january faves.<div align="center">
apologies for the lack of a creative photo<br /></div>
<div align="center">
adobe lightroom has been ordered<br /></div>
<div align="center">
and is currently being held hostage<br /></div>
<div align="center">
by my wonderful artisitic sister. <br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
i thought i'd share some of my favorite recent purchases.<br /></div>
<div align="center">
since i'm bored.<br /></div>
<div align="center">
and really excited about them. <br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dZOJrQ6II/AAAAAAAAAlY/JgspLOsMSqo/s1600-h/camelbak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dZOJrQ6II/AAAAAAAAAlY/JgspLOsMSqo/s320/camelbak.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<div align="center">
my new <a href="http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recreation/bottles/better-bottle-75L.aspx">camelbak</a> has saved me (thanks h!). <br /></div>
<div align="center">
before i met my bpa-free friend,<br /></div>
<div align="center">
i spilled water ALL over me<br /></div>
<div align="center">
on the treadmill.<br /></div>
<div align="center">
now i drink confidently. <br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dZQu-GVTI/AAAAAAAAAlg/-64ha1YyFJY/s1600-h/vear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dZQu-GVTI/AAAAAAAAAlg/-64ha1YyFJY/s320/vear.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Collection/Signature/Hanging-Organizer/1000947/defaultColor/Totally%20Turq/pc/640/p/1000947/sc/683/c/0.uts">vera bradley hanging organizer</a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in "sittin' in a tree" pattern.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
vera was so smart to redesign this.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i figured,<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
at the rate i travel<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i ought to be organized.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dZRqJJ7AI/AAAAAAAAAlo/r0GMPGkJfEE/s1600-h/garp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dZRqJJ7AI/AAAAAAAAAlo/r0GMPGkJfEE/s320/garp.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://searfole.blogspot.com/">les</a> recommended this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/World-According-Garp-Modern-Library/dp/0679603069/ref=sr_1_cc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1264015919&sr=1-1-catcorr">book</a>.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i'm throughly enjoying it thus far.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
although it is a little wierd. <br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dZToKDbuI/AAAAAAAAAl4/urDAlWKd6Kg/s1600-h/moleskine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dZToKDbuI/AAAAAAAAAl4/urDAlWKd6Kg/s320/moleskine.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.moleskineus.com/volant-extra-small-ruled.html">moleskine extra small journal</a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in hot pink (obvi) <br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(i purchased from barnes & noble).<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
love these!!!!<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dZSSqh79I/AAAAAAAAAlw/L42D2edr-JQ/s1600-h/dryshampoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dZSSqh79I/AAAAAAAAAlw/L42D2edr-JQ/s320/dryshampoo.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i have to confess<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i haven't tried <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018AE3UE/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000FPYQHS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0Q4J6B4AQFNKZPD6M7YT">this</a> dry shampoo yet<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but i was so excited to get it!<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i'm currently waiting 'till my hair gets greasier. <br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ewww.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dbzAB92zI/AAAAAAAAAmA/Qc_QBw3jpvY/s1600-h/everydayfood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6tUfUcLh7s/S1dbzAB92zI/AAAAAAAAAmA/Qc_QBw3jpvY/s320/everydayfood.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i got this <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/everyday">magazine</a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
from a "cash-in" of my jetblue frequent flier miles. <br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
best (free) investment yet!<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i've made 13920 things so far! <br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hope you're having a good week! <br /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-17140745193702759152010-01-18T08:41:00.002-05:002010-01-18T08:42:37.977-05:00can't buy love.<div style="text-align: center;">
i'm twenty-five.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it seems that all of my friends in long term relationships<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are all getting engaged and/or married.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
more power to them -<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it's not for h & i<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
right now.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i feel no pressure and no rush<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and no fear of a need to prove our commitment to each other.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i think we have a good, healthy, loving relationship<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if i do say so myself.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the past few months have felt like something out a movie:<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stories of<br />
cheating, backstabbing, heartbreak.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
couples with<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
amazingly decorated houses<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the most amazing neighborhoods<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
amazing designer clothes for their<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
amazing high-profile jobs to come home to their<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
perfect families<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hatred<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lying<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cheating<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
infidelity<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a lack of love.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
private jets and<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thousand-dollar coffee machines and<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
children and<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
posh vacations<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can't put together a relationship again. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my heart breaks for them.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and i am reminded<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(yes, me, albiet my obsession with designer jeans<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and wanna-be perfect decorating)<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that money can't buy love<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and that i am so thankful for what i have<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in my family and friends<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and my wonderful boyfriend<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and my unconditionally loving puppy.<br />
so thank you<br />
to all those who love<br />
on me and on the world<br />
because lord knows we need it.<br />
</div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-44626190626098286402010-01-07T13:09:00.000-05:002010-01-07T13:09:52.251-05:00rva shout out!<div style="text-align: center;">
do you get <a href="http://dailycandy.com/">daily candy</a>?<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i found it while living in the dc metro area<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and when i moved to richmond<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i started getting the<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"everywhere" edition.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
today<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the everywhere edition's<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/article/79135/What-to-Do-This-Weekend">weekend guide</a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is a link to<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
none other than<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
carytown's boutique<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://needsupply.com/">need supply company<br /></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's been one of my favorite little <a href="http://www.carytownrva.org/">carytown </a>shops<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
since i was a teen. <br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nice to see some recognition! <br /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-52615247734515137902010-01-07T09:24:00.002-05:002010-01-07T09:27:00.090-05:00less is more.<div style="text-align: center;">
i have been loving reading everyone's resolutions lately!<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i am pretty good with resolutions.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in 2008 i <strike>resoluted</strike><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
resolved<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to stop drinking soda<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and start a blog <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and be at peace with my life. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in 2009 i resolved to<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
take more pictures<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
learn to be a good pet owner<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
get outside more. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i did pretty well.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in 2010<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i will resolve to:<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(monetary guidelines in parentheses) <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>drink more water (free).</b><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>moisturize (about $10/month).</i><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>do more yoga (more than i anticipate).</b><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>spend less and save more (hopefully beaucoup $).</i><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>put v in dog therapy class (up to $100).</b><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>run a half marathon ($135 and cashing out my ff miles).</i><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>take more pictures ($0).</b><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>learn web design ($?).</i><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>see more live music (at least $150).</b><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>waste less (less $).</i><b> <br /></b><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b>one of my themes this year<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with the exception of moisturizing & taking pictures & seeing music<br />
(you get the point)<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is a friend's mom's favorite quote:<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>less is more. </b></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(i always used to be a bratty child<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and say<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"no pat...<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
less is LESS than more."<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now i know.)<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so we shall see friends...<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all help & encouragement is much appreciated<b>.<br /></b><br />
</div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-89621778237764574332010-01-06T14:18:00.000-05:002010-01-06T14:18:08.030-05:00like a gem.<div style="text-align: center;">
h wants date night tonight.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what to do,<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what to do?<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i was browsing around some local richmond websites<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://styleweekly.com/">style weekly</a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.richmondgoodlife.com/">richmond good life</a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://richmond.skirt.com/">skirt </a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to find something interesting to do<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
since the <a href="http://byrdtheater.com/">byrd </a>is playing<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
paranormal activity &<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where the wild things are (bleh). <br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i found no good ideas for tonight.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i did find a fantabulous <a href="http://www.styleweekly.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=DEBF1F5CA4324ABB88E19C1242FD6E55&AudID=B41896E73131487DA9D3430288834D1D">review</a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for a wondiferous restaurant<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a true gem<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(no pun intended):<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.garnettscafe.com/index.html">garnett's.</a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
really.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you haven't been there,<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please go!<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's even better than what they say.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and even cuter than the pictures.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you absolutely must get a lemon nana.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so...<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
any ideas for date night?<br /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-73009208581608830232010-01-05T15:16:00.000-05:002010-01-05T15:16:21.642-05:00xoxo, me.<div style="text-align: center;">
confession.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have a really<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
REALLY<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unhealthy<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
obsession<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/gossip-girl">gossip girl</a>.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't hate<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but my favorite character<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2067953/">chuck bass</a>.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he's my celeb crush.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we're allowed those,<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
right?<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for our sanity...<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you know me well<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you would know<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
LOVE<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chic lit<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(my favorite book<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice">pride & prejudice</a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and i've only read it<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about 6 times).<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /> <br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what does chuck bass<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have to do with<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
amazing literature<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you ask?<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /> <br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he is in the 2010<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
film<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1181614/">wuthering heights</a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
heathcliff.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /> <br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eeeeeeek!<br /> <br /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-62461550539106829922010-01-04T14:26:00.000-05:002010-01-04T14:26:54.895-05:00hopeless, and a romantic.<div style="text-align: center;">
nearly missed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the missed connections</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but happened to find</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://missedconnectionsny.blogspot.com/">this amazing blog/artist.</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://missedconnectionsny.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-had-blue-hat.html">this </a>missed connection</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is my favorite</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and consequently</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the first.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if i wrote one</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for when i met h</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(for the nth time) <br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it would say:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
w4m - barely 24 (at the time)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you had a yellow shirt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sleeve ripped off</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and now around your head</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
banana thunderrrr</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you screamed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you didn't notice me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in radiant red</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i think i remember you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
crutches boy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from my college</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
freshman year dorm.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
radiant red</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
went home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with a cold</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from drinking too much</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pool water.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thanks for the splashes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can i have your number?<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-48929222865847441532010-01-04T14:18:00.000-05:002010-01-04T14:18:35.967-05:00ooopsies.<div style="text-align: center;">
gentle readers, <br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after brief recklessness<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with my most favorite beer<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my computer is now<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
completely<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dead.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and off to the factory it goes.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and $700 out of my pocket flies.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sad days.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
may be short on post for a bit.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so sorry.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please forgive.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love,<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
me<br /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-34882370083953622092009-12-23T09:42:00.003-05:002009-12-23T09:44:20.192-05:00seven plus 1 +++<div style="text-align: center;">
i have seven wonderful girlfriends from home.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they are all crazy in their own special way,<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and i love them all for it.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
every year for christmas,<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in lieu of giving seven gifts,<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we all go out to a nice dinner and pay for ourselves.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
last night we went to <a href="http://avenue805.net/">avenue 805</a>,<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and although i thought we'd get kicked out for being so loud)<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was wonderful.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
every year we make predictions for the next year.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
typical predictions include<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
marriage<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
new house<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
new car<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
new job<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
etc.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the theme this year was<i> </i><br />
<i><b>men in twenty-ten</b></i><b>.</b><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://randomsbylove.blogspot.com/">lovey</a> did me last year.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she reminded me that she predicted i'd move back to richmond<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(which i laughed at<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at the time)<br />
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and that i'd still be with h<br />
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(yay!)<br />
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and she got me again this year<br />
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(unfortunately for her, i like her predictions)<br />
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she predicted in 2010 i would:<br />
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<br />
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take more vacation<br />
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<br />
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still be with h ( :<br />
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<br />
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start something new<br />
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<br />
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be more crafty<br />
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<br />
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and the one i hated most:<br />
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v won't get a puppy sibling yet.<br />
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boo.<br />
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<br />
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i love our holiday traditions<br />
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and i love being in richmond to share more moments with my best girlies.<br />
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<br />
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<b>what holiday traditions do you have?</b><br />
</div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-88443276914681231942009-12-22T14:46:00.000-05:002009-12-22T14:46:31.105-05:00announcements.<div style="text-align: center;">
after making a lot of christmas gifts this year<br /></div>
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including multiple scarves<br /></div>
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and some other goodies<br /></div>
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yet to be seen,<br /></div>
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i've decided to create an etsy shop.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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unveiling of the etsy <a href="http://wishbonestwo.etsy.com/">shop</a><br /></div>
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anticipated<br /></div>
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early january 2010.<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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keep your eyes peeled!<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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as of now, i am only creating favorites.<br /></div>
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got any favorites i should check out?<br /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032893440797737090.post-2277447671787525412009-12-20T12:56:00.000-05:002009-12-20T12:56:05.443-05:00snow day(s)...<div style="text-align: center;">
had a wonderful snow day yesterday<br />
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and a second wonderful day<br />
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in the making<br />
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today!<br />
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<br />
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our neighbors are<br />
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absolutely<br />
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without-a-doubt<br />
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wonderful!<br />
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we woke up yesterday morning<br />
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(let's be real - afternoon)<br />
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and they were shoveling our front steps!<br />
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<br />
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yesterday afternoon<br />
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we took the pup<br />
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and played in the snow<br />
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with <a href="http://chasingmystar.blogspot.com/">m </a>and her bf<br />
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who loved v<br />
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(even if their kitties didn't)<br />
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and served us delicious hot cocoa!<br />
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<br />
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we relaxed<br />
(and played with the new computer) <br />
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and then went to our first christmas party of the season!<br />
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don't worry,<br />
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only 1 block away!<br />
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good music<br />
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good drinks<br />
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good friends<br />
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and a few good tacky sweaters<br />
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(photos to come).<br />
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<br />
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today we got up<br />
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(h woke me up telling me<br />
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that he loved me more<br />
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than paula dean loves butter<br />
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how sweet!) <br />
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got ready<br />
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and walked to<a href="http://www.ellwoodthompsons.com/"> ellwood thompson's</a> with the pup <br />
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for some farm-fresh eggs<br />
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potatoes & bacon<br />
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(from the hot bar)<br />
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sourdough bread<br />
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(to-die-for)<br />
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and coffee.<br />
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<br />
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plan for today:<br />
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finish decorating tree at h's dads<br />
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finish up holiday present crafts (knitting, mostly)<br />
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cleaning up<br />
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more relaxing<br />
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( ;<br />
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<br />
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less than a week to christmas!<br />
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i hope there's a little bit of snow left for an<br />
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(almost)<br />
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white christmas! <br />
</div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832213788781898181noreply@blogger.com0