tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50895504088376781792024-02-20T20:22:52.658-08:00Blogging is for Dorkserinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.comBlogger405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-12370890464322621532016-02-23T07:18:00.000-08:002016-02-23T07:18:16.193-08:00HurtRecently I've had occasion to hurt someone's feelings rather badly. It was completely and totally unintentional but I still feel this slow churning burning gut sensation as I'm working and going about my daily chores/work schedule.<br />
<br />
I remember once having a conversation with Rose, my oldest daughter, about how one of my worst fears was learning that someone I loved and adored and assumed that they felt that way about me was talking about me behind my back. That would be the worst. And it's happened to me and it still hurts. Daily. Like hurts my head and my back and my cheeks are burning just thinking about it. So painful and gut wrenching.<br />
<br />
Of course I'm vague-blogging at this point and I know that sucks but I want to get this off of my chest. In the vaguest way possible, unfortunately.<br />
<br />
I am very sorry that I hurt your feelings, that I made you feel badly in any way, shape or form. I'm sure you're a wonderful person and me in my ignorance did not take any care or time to consider this. I was being immature and although I intended no harm in the least I can see now how you would be hurt and how it would be hard for you to digest those feelings and move on.<br />
<br />
In a perfect world I would be able to soothe you and assure you that I am sincere in hoping I can make it up to you. But in this world things being as they are I know that's not going to happen.<br />
<br />
Trust me when I say that I love everyone, love people, believe in loving everyone equally and fully...so it pains me just to know I have caused pain.<br />
<br />
As someone who has experienced incredibly piercing hurt I apologize once more before I start on my path to learning from this experience and becoming a better person because of it. Or at least hopefully becoming a better person. I fall short often...but I keep on trying.<br />
<br />
<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-55935188925087656352015-12-26T22:30:00.001-08:002015-12-26T22:30:42.908-08:00Happy Birthday DaddyTime oh time...time and time again. I often think that time should be measured in different quantifying calculations than our accepted ones. <div><br></div><div>Parenthood is strange because in some cases both your parents are there to witness you taking your first breath. You leave your mother's body for your father's arms. </div><div><br></div><div>So in a way and by certain stretches of the imagination my time on this earth can be measured in the same way as the time my daddy has been a father. </div><div><br></div><div>And because of that grand caveat I wish it were possible to gauge time in love. </div><div><br></div><div>In that regard I have been blessed to spend countless and infinite years with my father...</div><div><br></div><div>And look forward to an eternity with him. </div><div><br></div>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-69021689066982199822015-10-21T09:30:00.001-07:002015-10-21T09:30:30.077-07:00HelicopteringI guess I must have glossed over the term 'helicopter parent' that's being used quite often recently. I assumed I knew what it meant and dismissed it without looking very much further into it.<br />
<br />
And then I was accused of being one, in jest of course, but still...<br />
<br />
I delved into finding out what it really meant. The term was first used in 1969 in a parenting book by Dr. Haim Ginott as a term coined by teenagers who felt their parents would hover over them like a helicopter. The more I got into it the more I felt my type of parenting was being maligned in all of the articles I was reading about helicopter parenting. Now it's obvious from anybody that knows me that my type or parenting is not as severe and smothering as what is described in definitions of helicopter parenting. So maybe I'm more of a Goodyear blimp mother....floating well within reaching distance but still floating, not helicoptering.<br />
<br />
But I also became cognizant that I have a real problem letting my children face consequences, be it because they forgot their lunch or a school folder with assignments...or like in Olivia's case her coat, which she loses several times each year. I am always there to swoop in and clean up their forgetfulness or laziness or absent mindedness because I don't want them to face the consequences. I'm afraid of them being hurt...of hurting.<br />
<br />
I also am right there to pick up spills, clean wounds, help with chores...things that maybe my children should be learning to do on their own. But I fear their tears, fear that they will think I'm a bad mother, fear that they won't trust me anymore.<br />
<br />
These are obvious all my problems, my issues...but as a mother of four children how do you separate You from Them?<br />
<br />
Very, very carefully.<br />
<br />
<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-38138486736807603562015-09-09T06:39:00.003-07:002015-09-09T18:27:57.145-07:00I Have a GiftWhat does it feel like to bring another human being into this world?<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I have a gift. A very special gift that was somehow given to me by happenstance and irony. Me, the older sister, tired of babies and children, has been a purveyor of life. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
One child, my first, came free from my body after a long and exhausting debacle. Not long compared to some others hard fought battles but long enough for my small and battered 20 year old body. When I saw her for the first time I was in a daze. She was so small and dark. I barely recognized her as coming from my body. My last two siblings were big and pink and blonde. Rosey was small, thin and covered in a layer of dark hair, as dark as the hair on her tiny black head. Who was this child? And how did I create her? I wasn't so much worried or enraptured as I was very, very tired. Within the next few days she became my best friend, my confident, my baby with the old soul. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
One was so anxious to come into this world that she tore through me like a bullet. She left me injured and ripped and bloody. The most blood I had ever seen in my life. And when they let me hold her she was aware and huge in my arms searching to suckle off of me. Her long fingers and new nails dug into my skin. She looked like a newly recruited marine with a devastatingly short blonde crew cut. The nurses told me she was an unprecedented almost two feet long. And she was born with dark, incredibly brown eyes. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
My third child came at the end of my relationship with her father. I knew it was over and he did not. Not that he cared in that moment and honestly neither did I. The doctor made her come with medications and wires and hoses. I had never really knew pain until she needed to come out of my body. Nurses and doctors were around us worried. She wouldn't come out. I had begged my doctor not to have a c-section. I had seen my mother walloped by the effects of surgery and couldn't go down that same path. Rather than attempt a breach birth my doctor and a local midwife attempted to turn her. And it was painful. Worse than any pain I had ever felt and probably will ever feel. Hands in me and on me all pushing and pulling. 12 hours later I looked into her face and my mom and I named her on the spot. Maxine Jane. Covered in vernix she was smooshed, wrinkled and mottled by dark red birth marks. They put her on my chest and let me wipe away the layers of thick goo. But she didn't nurse. My momma held me and we cried together in silent sobs. I had given birth to a child that didn't need me but needed me all the same. Ironically after the first few days and into the next almost two years of her life she did nothing but nurse and often refused to eat any solid foods. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
My last child came in a pretty ordinary way. Yes, it was different compared to his sisters arrivals, but Jeremiah and I had decided early into my labor with him that we would accept the medication that had been forced onto me after 20 hours of labor with Max. After the initial nervousness surrounding the epidural administration Jeremiah and I spent six hours relaxing and hugging and kissing and sleeping. And when Elijah started to come into this world we were all surprised. I had been on my side talking to Jeremiah when all of the sudden I knew the baby was leaving my body, "Oh babe. Look quick. The baby is coming!" And he had enough presence of mind to call for a nurse who had the presence of mind to call our doc who was asleep in a lounge. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Elijah was born without stirrups or medical intervention on the bed between my legs. I was able to reach down and touch him before they took him away. Jeremiah was so overwhelmed he almost wasn't able to cut the umbilical cord. We both kept staring at Elijah's blue feet and haltingly asking, "Is he OK? Is that normal?" The nurses and doctor didn't seem concerned. My mother walked into the room and was so relieved because she saw me delivering the after birth and thought I was delivering the baby. And then in a movement that goes down in infamy Elijah grabbed at the oxygen tubes and ripped them free. The hissing alerted my mom to her grandson. The nurses all gathered around the scale and weighed him in at an almost record breaking 10 pounds 14 ounces. Almost, but not quite the biggest natural birth at our hometown hospital.<br>
<br>
I have a supernatural, incredibly frightening and huge gift. Like a super heroine, but delicate and easy to break, I have done wildly unlikely things.<br>
<br>
And I see the result of my labors every single day in three sets of varying shades of brown eyes and one green, almost hazel set. Who knows, life is so incredible and surprising...they might turn another shade of brown yet. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-68799191594317745902015-07-29T20:49:00.001-07:002015-07-29T20:49:47.054-07:00She's Leaving HomeWhen my sister was little she seemed consistently pissed off. She seemed to me to be always pouting, moody, sleepy, competitive. And I was joyous, buoyant, flighty and hyper. Put those huge differences in personality plus our seven year age difference and we were sure to never get along. <div><br></div><div>I know all about sisters. My mom has three that she is extremely close with and although not as close my dad has two sisters. And my grandma had had no less than five or six. I never paid attention enough to keep count. But from a young age I felt I would never be close with my sister. Kate and I were as different as night and day and as a teenager and a young woman I didn't give her the time of day.</div><div><br></div><div>But then my grandma got sick. I never knew I needed my siblings so much until I actually really needed them and they needed me to support each other through the worst time of our lives. </div><div><br></div><div>And that's when I fell in love with Kate. She knew how awkward and uncomfortable I had become as an adult and we were suddenly totally transparent with each other. She forced me to come out of my shell and helped me to leave hermit mode and have some semblance of an adult life outside of my role as a mother and I vowed to her I would be there for her as I should have always been. </div><div><br></div><div>The last three years of my life have been fuller because of her and her friendship. Her dimpled smile is contagious. Her loyalty makes me proud to be her sister. Our conversation makes me wish I had spent more time with her when we were children and younger adults. </div><div><br></div><div>And now she's moving eight hours away from me. I've been as supportive as I could possibly be and am totally cognizant of the fact we will always be close but still I will miss her. I will miss her hugs and our random shopping trips. I will miss being able to convey my thoughts and feelings with one glance her way. I will miss watching movies with her and I will miss more than anything laying lazily with her in the sun basking as much in the warmth of the day as on her adorable dimpled smile. </div><div><br></div><div>All of the memes and sayings are truer than true, when you have a sister you have a friend for life. My true friend, a woman who knows my heart, shares my history and genetics and knows everything about everything I've ever done. </div><div><br></div><div>And she's leaving home...and me.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpu-BTiyoeoBXEJYL-I5tJiWfKzwBYOWqAaEBNiqHB8QJ_91-WiTPoX9A9A-qJf9-ZekzkGNUvlqP8d2HVtL_tipgvWpMBhG9swFAFjZLNYFZkgOensjs0qlzh6AFT91V7mQg0b_iqQfm/s640/blogger-image--1065773866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpu-BTiyoeoBXEJYL-I5tJiWfKzwBYOWqAaEBNiqHB8QJ_91-WiTPoX9A9A-qJf9-ZekzkGNUvlqP8d2HVtL_tipgvWpMBhG9swFAFjZLNYFZkgOensjs0qlzh6AFT91V7mQg0b_iqQfm/s640/blogger-image--1065773866.jpg"></a></div> </div>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-17260639999090347872015-05-29T19:08:00.002-07:002015-05-29T19:29:12.239-07:0023 Questions about Me by Olive, Maxine Jane and Elijah<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A high school friend of mine posted this on Facebook and I thought it would be fun to do with my youngest three children:</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Without
ANY prompting, ask your child these questions and write down EXACTLY what they
say. It is a great way to find out what they really think. </i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got a kick out of some of their answers. Elijah doesn't like being put on the spot so he refrained from answering a lot of the questions. I came away feeling pretty good about me as a mom from their eyes. I also know now that Olivia is a jerk. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i> </i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olivia
age 13 </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maxine Jane age 10 </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elijah age 7</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">1) What is somethi</span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">ng mom always says to you? – </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: Clean your room.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: Stay outside until
you dry off. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">2) What makes mom happy? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: Me! Playing with
Blueberry. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: Being with her
children.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">3) What makes mom sad? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: Liv and I
fighting. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: Watching a sad
Disney movie.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: When she has to
work on her day off. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">4) How does mommy make you laugh? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: Making old jokes. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: You’re not funny.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">5) What was your mom like when she was a child? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: I have no idea. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: Ditto. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">6) How old is your mom? – </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: Old. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">7) How tall is your mom? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: 5’3”. I’m actually
right? I just guessed.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: 3’2”</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">8) What is he</span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">r favorite thing to do? – </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: Cuddle with us and
with Blueberry.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: Exactly what Max
said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">9) What does your mom do when you're not around? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: Exercise, work,
sleep.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: Killing her
enemies. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">10) If your mom becomes famous what will it be for?
</span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: Being the shortest
woman on earth. I mean, being a famous author.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: Being a cuddle
buddy.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: The woman who
thinks she’s 16 because she blogs on her phone.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">11) What is your mom really good at? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Max:
Making bunnies!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia:
Playing the ukulele.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah:
Drawing pictures maybe? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow">12) What is your mom not very good at? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: Playing on the
trampoline because it makes her dizzy.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: Playing in the
water because she always has her phone on her. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: Running. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: What? That’s not
really nice.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: Have you ever seen
her run? </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">13) What does your mom do for a job? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: Typing.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: Work on the
computer. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: Transcription and
research. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">14) What is</span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;"> your mom’s favorite food? – </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: Sushi.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: I got nothing.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: I got nothing too.
</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">15) What makes you proud of your mom? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: Absolutely
nothing. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: That’s not funny
Olivia.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: Yes, that’s not
funny. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: That she works all
day for us and puts up with Olivia.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: Making food for us
every day. Every day breakfast, lunch and dinner.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">16) If your mom were a character, who would she be?
</span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: The elephant from
Tarzan. “Are you sure that water is sanitary? It looks questionable to me.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: Princess Peach!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: The mom from
Tangled. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: You’re a jerk
Olivia.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow">17)</span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;"> </span></span><span class="textexposedshow">What do
you and your mom do together? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: </span></span>Play outside together with Blueberry
and you watch TV with us and play games.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olivia:
We do memes together.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elijah:
Watch movies together. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br>
<span class="textexposedshow">18) How are you and your mom the same? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olivia: We both like music</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maxine: We both have the same hair color</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elijah: We both have hazel eyes, right? </span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Max: No!</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elijah: Ok, we both have brown hair.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maxine: You’re copying off of me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow">19) How are you and your mom different? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elijah: This is really confusing</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maxine: You don’t like to play in water</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elijah: You don’t like cold water.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olivia: You play instruments and I don’t</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow">20) How do you know your mom loves you? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maxine: You feed us and care for us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elijah: When we’re sick you care for us. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olivia: You don’t leave us in the middle of
the forest like Hansel and Gretel </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow">21) What does your mom like most about </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Jeremiah? –</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olivia: His hair.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maxine: How he is a cat lover. Can’t hug
every cat.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olivia: His sense of humor. The fact that he
likes to skateboard.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Max: He likes you, that’s why. You like him
because he like you. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow">22) Where is your mom</span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">’</span></span><span class="textexposedshow">s favorite place to go? </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">–</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elijah: Sushi.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olivia: Nowhere. She wants to stay at home. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Max: You like when we went to North Carolina
on a vacation </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow">23) How old was y</span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">our mom when you were born? – </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Elijah: There’s so many of
us, how are we supposed to know this?</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Olivia: How old are you
right now? </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;">Maxine: 24! I win! </span></span></span></span></div>
erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-56394989072417763922015-05-28T19:03:00.003-07:002015-05-28T19:03:54.490-07:00Buzz I'm allergic to bees. It's a constant fear of mine and I waited with trepidation while three of my four children were stung with no ill effect other than the usual sting and slight swelling. Elijah, my youngest is allergic to penicillin, like me, and has never been stung by a bee...I cringe every time I see one around him.<br />
<br />
They say allergies aren't hereditary but my Pappy is allergic to pencillin and bees, Elijah's paternal grandfather is as well and so am I. Regardless of what the self sure medical professionals say I would say that there is probably a good chance Elijah is too.<br />
<br />
My two reactions to bee stings have wound me up in the hospital and have been harrowing and horrible. Despite this I'm quite cavalier about the whole issue. My mind always tells me that I've already been stung twice, what are the chances it would happen again? <br />
<br />
This past weekend I was working at a local state park at a farm market and it was a beautiful day. Sunny and warm and yes, the area was teeming with bees. But for some reason especially bumblebees. I had made some comments about being allergic to the woman who was working at the market with me and how I never remember to bring my epi-pen with me ever like the hapless forgetful fool that I am.<br />
<br />
Just as we were joking about how we were sure someone there would be better prepared than me and have an epi-pen I swatted bumblebee from my general area and sat down in a chair...directly onto another bumblebee. I felt the buzzing under my left thigh and then the painful sting. I sat up immediately with shock, rubbing at the back of my leg and the alarm spread over me.<br />
<br />
"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!" I looked with panicked eyes at my co-worker and she looked pale. I started pacing and inwardly taking stock of how my throat felt, how I was breathing. The pain spreading through my leg was pretty bad and I knew that couldn't be a good sign. Practically shaking my co-worker quietly yelled out, "Does anyone have an epi-pen! Benadryl? First aid kit?!" her voice wavering.<br />
<br />
I was surprised when my throat still hadn't closed up but I did feel the familiar swelling on each side of my neck and a tickling in my throat.<br />
<br />
A woman at a table a little bit from us noticed our frenzy and came over to us. She announced herself as a nurse and asked if she could help. I told her I was stung by a bumblebee and she calmly said, "Are you allergic to bumblebees?" I told her that I hadn't been stung by a bumblebee before but had been stung twice by honey bees with an anaphylactic reaction. She looked relieved and told me that the two aren't definitely interchangeable, that someone could be allergic to honey bees and not bumblebees and vice-versa. I paced for a little bit longer and the horrible squeezing in my throat never came. <br />
<br />
The back inside of my left thigh was burning and angry though. I went into the bathroom and stared in shock at the softball sized thick welt forming around the sting. I was shocked at how hot it felt rubbing against my other thigh. Needless to say I was afraid the stinger was somehow still in my leg and wet paper towels to swab at the welt.<br />
<br />
After three days of applying hydrocortisone and calamine lotion the swelling finally went away but left a large, raised oval on my skin that a week later still stings. <br />
<br />
I filled all of my epi-pen refills at my dad's pharmacy the next day after being stung. I stowed some away in my change purse, my glove compartment, Jeremiah's glove compartment and replaced the ancient ones at my parents' house.<br />
<br />
I won't be so cavalier about my allergies anymore. I also will always look before I sit down forever...or until my mind starts telling me I'm invincible again. <br />
<br />
<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-18899166503692210522015-05-24T21:16:00.001-07:002015-05-25T19:02:22.384-07:00Drifting, Floating and Crying.<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And on the river things are different. The water makes me feel stronger, more alive and maybe more capable. The sun makes me golden, true, intense and lazy all at once. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today Kate and I sat in a three person tube for hours. I leaned back and dipped my hair in the water over and over and once or twice we freaked out over a spider or a bug that found its way into our raft. The sun was perfectly baking us and the river was incredibly cold and daunting, the current was swift. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was lovely and intensely wonderful. I spend so much time just loving being with Kate it's hard to believe that most of my life I didn't really like her all that much. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We talked about dogs and the kids and our lives and I told her about how I have been feeling lately. A mix of happy and unhappy and comfortable, unsure and uncomfortable, anxious. She didn't say anything for a really long time and I started to think she was annoyed with me. Finally she said, "well what are you going to do about it?" </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And I said, "Well at some point I made a decision and that's all there is. I am a mother to four children, a daughter to two and a sister to four and I am just that. Just that Kate. And it's final." </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Oh," she said "that's too bad." </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And then Gordon jumped off the boat and we were soaked with cold clear water. He climbed into the raft further soaking us. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"What are you girls talking about!!???" </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Nothing. We are just happy to be together and here." </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I put my head into my sisters chest and cried and cried. When I lifted my head we didn't say a word. She put her arm around me and we just were. My little sister comforting me in the sun and the water and the bright gleaming world. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was a beautiful day. </span></div>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-35532179533608371442015-05-20T08:15:00.000-07:002015-05-21T05:17:45.404-07:00Each Day, Each Day, Each DaySometimes I think I'm not going to be able to handle this anymore, this life, these huge responsibilities, these unending struggles.<br>
<br>
Sometimes I think, god, what a drama queen, things aren't so bad.<br>
<br>
Other times I think how is it possible I'm so blessed, look at the sky and at my family's beautiful faces and insides and wow, every day is a gift.<br>
<br>
Yesterday Elijah got off the bus with a scowl on his face and red eyes. He didn't say anything on our walk home. He handed his book bag to me as he usually did but didn't laugh when I put it on my back, obviously too small for me. He didn't "Aw Mom! Stop!" when I ruffled his hair and told him how much I missed him during the day. Obviously something was bugging him.<br>
<br>
We got into the house and he sat down at the table and started to get his homework out. He got a pencil and started at it without my prodding and pressing him to start. Under different circumstances I would have been pleased. But I knew something was wrong. I felt myself hoping that it was something trivial and not serious.<br>
<br>
I had been really excited for him to come home from school and had a small plate of chocolate covered pretzels and a glass of cashew milk sitting in the fridge chilling for him to snack on while doing his homework. While he was writing and thinking I brought it out and put it in front of him. His eyes met mine finally and tears streamed down his freckled cheeks, red rims around his beautiful hazel eyes.<br>
<br>
"Oh MOM!" He sobbed. I held him and after a few minutes he pushed me from him. Too tough for me.<br>
<br>
"What's going on Lijah? Did something happen in school?" I sat close to him, preparing myself for something wretched.<br>
<br>
"I am the hungry caterpillar PROP for the end of school musical! I was THE Little Elf for the Christmas one but I'm just a PROP for this one. And I told her I wanted to be a puppy or a cat and she made me a PROP. That's not what I want to be." He looked at me now with less grief and more anger. I sifted through my parental options here. One the far end of the spectrum, one that I barely considered was calling his teacher and telling her how he felt about having a different part in the musical. I decided against that almost immediately.<br>
<br>
I decided to go with this approach, "Well baby, the teacher picked you for the biggest part in the Christmas play so she probably wanted to give someone else a chance to have a bigger role in this musical. You'll still have fun being the Caterpillar."<br>
<br>
He wasn't biting. "But I'm not even the Caterpillar because I don't have ANY LINES."<br>
<br>
"It will be OK Lijah. There will be a ton of other plays you'll be in and someday you'll try out for them and be able to pick your parts! Right now the teacher is just trying to make everything fair for everyone." I'm trying here, folks.<br>
<br>
He seems to get it a little bit. Gets out of his grump mood and finally lifts his head, becomes aware of his surroundings, scowl leaves his face, deep wrinkles leave his brow. "Thanks Momma. I love chocolate pretzels."<br>
<br>
"I love you Elijah."<br>
<br>
"I love you more Mom."<br>
<br>
So in those moments everything was OK, the clouds parted and the sun warmed our hearts and put our minds at ease.<br>
<br>
Are these moments enough for me or you or anyone? Can they sustain us through the rest of our days?<br>
<br>
I hope so. <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-42039018857118556282015-05-14T07:45:00.001-07:002015-09-30T06:50:31.235-07:00Compare and Contrast <span style="font-size: large;">(NSFK)</span><br />
<br />
They tell us not to compare and contrast in focus groups so as not to bias our opinion of a product. Their marketing research should be based on our impressions of the product in front of us and not of other similar ones. Or dissimilar ones of the same general product type.<br />
<br />
Like children. Don't compare your children to each other. Trust me, it's dumb and potentially hurtful.<br />
<br />
But I can't help but constantly and consistently compare the three men I have loved in my 34 years to each other over and over again. It's like some kind of running clickety clacking old timey film roll, silent films, black and white and color and fleeting shots of this man's hands, this man's eyes, this man's shitty disposition, this man's hurtful words.<br />
<br />
I know I am extraordinarily lucky. I have been graced with four amazing, healthy, loving children who fill my every day with challenges and joy. I have four siblings who make me laugh, let me down, pick me up and give me the strength that only blood ties can give you. I will never be alone. <br />
<br />
But I also am lucky to have experience immense amounts of passion, romance, incredible moments of happiness and yes, even lucky to experience all of the crappy things as well. Because although cliche everyone will wade through the mire sometimes...it's good to have some experience mucking through the slime of life instead of just being thrown into the Bog of Eternal Stench without any idea how to escape from it. <br />
<br />
One man I loved ended up not loving me. It's much, much more complex than that of course but in the end despite all of his sameness and words and my complete and total belief that he was my soul mate he did not choose me. That being said my two published pieces were written about him. Some of the most incredible thoughts I've ever made in my sometimes lacking mind came from the time we spent together. When I compare him to the two others I think for sure he is the most like me. We would chide each other often about our "sameness" and when things got bad between us and he pushed and pushed he used it against me...that we were too alike, that it could never work. He had told me once in an effort to help me grieve after losing someone I had loved fiercely that it
would always hurt but that the hurts fades over time from a thumping
throbbing pain to a vague aching feeling. He was right.<br />
<br />
One man I loved for a very brief time. He was so different from Jeremiah the disparities are profound. Jeremiah burns red, yellow, orange, even when he's mellow he shines. Even in the banality of our everyday existence and its completely non-passionate routines his eyes search me out and I know how he feels about me. This Other Man is cool and blue, white, clear clouds and gentle lapping waves and tiny drops in translucent puddles. Jeremiah's hands are blunt and powerful, marked, strong, the Other Man's long, lean, soft and cold.<br />
<br />
After periods of silence Jeremiah's voice makes me jump, look around, search for him in a crowd, miss him after a few hours. The Other Man's is silence, planning and plotting and I did learn for a short, very short time to enjoy the silence, to plan and plot a little myself instead of jumping, throwing myself into the ring.<br />
<br />
The first time he spoke to me the Other Man looked surprised at himself and I thought it was endearing. It took a lot for him to make a simple comment to me, a stranger in a coffee shop. It was a bold move for him, this quiet, thin, Other Man with his thoughtful nature. He considers everything before he does it, his clothing is nice and he plans out what he is going to wear, what he should wear. He has many, many things just in case, kits and repairs and Kleenexes and water and first aid and extra everything. Jeremiah is a creature of comfort and of supplying his initial needs. He wears the comfortable clothes of his youth, always the same skate shoes he buys over and over again in different colors and styles, a cap of some kind always to pacify his wiry, curly mess of a head of hair. He is never prepared for anything and is most comfortable on the fly. Last minute life. <br />
<br />
I have been a fairly fickle human and at times I've paid for my inability to be constant and sure but in the end (and that's what really matters) I knew I wanted to spend my entire life with one man. Jeremiah might not seem like the surest bet, but he's my fifth favorite person on the planet. When I'm not with him all I think about is how I can be. In the end I wanted not to be taken care of, to be sleepy and secure and content. I wanted to be in love forever. I want it not to fade away. erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-22963022268924795332015-05-05T13:31:00.000-07:002015-05-05T13:31:10.995-07:00Mother's Day for Me From UncommonGoodsMother's Day is never too big of a deal for me. The kids usually make something very special and adorable in school and sometimes they'll have Mother's Day activities and really that's what itcomes down to...hanging out with the humans that made you a mother.<br />
<br />
So aside from the tissue paper flowers and wee potted plants I don't get bought gifts per se and that's OK.<br />
<br />
Until this day Tom from <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/" target="_blank">UncommonGoods</a> sent me a very special Mother's Day gift! And by sent me a gift I mean he sent me goods to review for the UncommonGoods website but eh, whatever makes me happy, right? <br />
<br />
Although I did get free items in exchange for a blog post I have shopped at UncommonGoods before and was super excited to learn about their company...came away a little surprised at their standard practices and initiatives they have supported and started.<br />
<br />
"Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, UncommonGoods is an privately-owned retailer that endeavors to feature unique designs and handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment and without harm to animals or people. We run all our operations out of the historic Brooklyn Army Terminal, including our warehouse where the lowest-paid seasonal worker starts at 50% above the minimum wage. We make it our mission to support and provide a platform for artists and designers; in fact, half of what we sell is made by hand. Most of the products we carry are created right here in the USA, and about one-third of our entire collection incorporates recycled and/or upcycled materials. At the core of our company is a great respect for the integrity of the creative individual and the belief that it is our responsibility to use our business to impact the world in a positive way."<br />
<br />
More information about this and more on the <a href="http://blog.uncommongoods.com/" target="_blank">UncommonGoods blog. </a><br />
<br />
And now onto my Mother's Day "gifts":<br />
<br />
Once upon a time I'd be eying up ceramic handmade yarn bowls on Etsy and low and behold the mysterious Tom sends me one from UncommonGoods and it's beautiful! You can find it and more Mother's Day gifts here: <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/occasions/mothers-day-gifts/mothers-day-gifts" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">http://www.</span><span class="il"><span style="color: purple; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">uncommongoods</span></span><span style="color: purple;">.com/<wbr></wbr>occasions/mothers-day-gifts/<wbr></wbr>mothers-day-gifts</span></a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn5qslRABl5NYZpQNdLq5TmukfRRWIoSr1J58iLJn8K_5sAkvHubNB-4OyOx0f_JJffKC6dJ79mjm7X9Mkr0VbKimCZW78DrF-f0v055l4Ei34osf_HkrvhZeHjDyFc77Jfi7qxMXfMOT/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn5qslRABl5NYZpQNdLq5TmukfRRWIoSr1J58iLJn8K_5sAkvHubNB-4OyOx0f_JJffKC6dJ79mjm7X9Mkr0VbKimCZW78DrF-f0v055l4Ei34osf_HkrvhZeHjDyFc77Jfi7qxMXfMOT/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9cBoZPnBx7DstMG3XsnT24UbqRRVvchpXUjo4AH6GYDKua9k2G4TRTOFxCbAO3XIDc0kxcivAIfniI5THDCryJflI-X8WJoCw_5fTwTv0eFHy9S6SNZfWf6vg6SK3173C1CNgGnSgS-l/s1600/IMG_7448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9cBoZPnBx7DstMG3XsnT24UbqRRVvchpXUjo4AH6GYDKua9k2G4TRTOFxCbAO3XIDc0kxcivAIfniI5THDCryJflI-X8WJoCw_5fTwTv0eFHy9S6SNZfWf6vg6SK3173C1CNgGnSgS-l/s1600/IMG_7448.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xM9D7C6tHxgTrMEqGCp8ZdCU3GF_KDuOXqTJS-bTWL-Nl6Wf2Q_GYSgwMIHffLLX4D3Seap3y6bf8iEfGa35qquNhTGN1vw4rBY6fnlCnIBE6AtvqBAMYp87r_xZ3f0tvViLHrNy8_EK/s1600/IMG_7449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xM9D7C6tHxgTrMEqGCp8ZdCU3GF_KDuOXqTJS-bTWL-Nl6Wf2Q_GYSgwMIHffLLX4D3Seap3y6bf8iEfGa35qquNhTGN1vw4rBY6fnlCnIBE6AtvqBAMYp87r_xZ3f0tvViLHrNy8_EK/s1600/IMG_7449.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Also with the bowl came an adorable Stitch Encyclopedia for Embroidery. It's so well done and helpful with step by step stitch instructions. You can find it and more excellent Mother's Day items here:<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
</style>
<![endif]--><a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/for-her/gifts-for-mom/gifts-for-mom" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">http://www.</span><span class="il"><span style="color: purple; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">uncommongoods</span></span><span style="color: purple;">.com/<wbr></wbr>for-her/gifts-for-mom/gifts-<wbr></wbr>for-mom</span></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2FWwZIq6fbaglfyJQ7uqrevTIU9vai2sP7nZBShQhdZwnwhyzxB4pzgkzF_VeAe5OAmDvQFGgXO-q10KtDIgyFOE0c0h57DwOE6HH7DsjrKvTEfJYCR3eFfRzHYkrtximSp9Shyphenhyphenwx4vQ/s1600/IMG_7445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkDNWKEhPWMxbCzqSJ1zO4gfxW4VsK4OOLrR56IhKlKoNPlYhTnNw7XhKKW7JTONiHkZc2QK-YwJoGOVNZU-yMN_xUFV-FpfPMi_WqiTVm0k27u9xuPs6lY_Fm0LBhBZzdU6l1tz8qtxE/s1600/IMG_7446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkDNWKEhPWMxbCzqSJ1zO4gfxW4VsK4OOLrR56IhKlKoNPlYhTnNw7XhKKW7JTONiHkZc2QK-YwJoGOVNZU-yMN_xUFV-FpfPMi_WqiTVm0k27u9xuPs6lY_Fm0LBhBZzdU6l1tz8qtxE/s1600/IMG_7446.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2FWwZIq6fbaglfyJQ7uqrevTIU9vai2sP7nZBShQhdZwnwhyzxB4pzgkzF_VeAe5OAmDvQFGgXO-q10KtDIgyFOE0c0h57DwOE6HH7DsjrKvTEfJYCR3eFfRzHYkrtximSp9Shyphenhyphenwx4vQ/s1600/IMG_7445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2FWwZIq6fbaglfyJQ7uqrevTIU9vai2sP7nZBShQhdZwnwhyzxB4pzgkzF_VeAe5OAmDvQFGgXO-q10KtDIgyFOE0c0h57DwOE6HH7DsjrKvTEfJYCR3eFfRzHYkrtximSp9Shyphenhyphenwx4vQ/s1600/IMG_7445.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Mother's Day is coming very, very soon and Thursday is the last day to order from the <a href="http://www.uncommongifts.com/" target="_blank">UncommonGoods site</a> for shipping before Mother's Day so get on the ball and buy your Momma a gift, or buy yourself a gift because you don't know when Tom will ever contact you about reviewing Mother's Day gifts. That Tom is a fickle, sometimes considered mythical, beast of fate and fortune.
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-bXVPZHzkkJI%2FVUkmj8zKFKI%2FAAAAAAAADRE%2Fy5lhgAUbKzU%2Fs1600%2FIMG_7445.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2FWwZIq6fbaglfyJQ7uqrevTIU9vai2sP7nZBShQhdZwnwhyzxB4pzgkzF_VeAe5OAmDvQFGgXO-q10KtDIgyFOE0c0h57DwOE6HH7DsjrKvTEfJYCR3eFfRzHYkrtximSp9Shyphenhyphenwx4vQ/s1600/IMG_7445.JPG" -->erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-25870957946063894062015-04-23T17:07:00.001-07:002015-04-25T06:37:36.049-07:00Bad Boy.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My partner was a bad boy when I met him 19 years ago. He was
a bad boy when we broke up a year later. He was a bad boy 8 years later when we
met again and fell madly in love. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think I was always in love with him, even though as a 15
year old that’s hard to realize. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember the first time I met him and his mess of a head
of hair, dark, dark brown half ringlet curls, half dreadlocks. And when I was
close enough to him for the first time smelling his hair, the smell of his
skin, sweat and soap and deodorant and smoke. And even closer to him, nose to
nose, his hands in my pants, mouth on mine, kissing me just like I’d always
imagined kissing was supposed to be like, looking right into the most beautiful
eyes I have ever seen. Dark and light green with flecks of what has to be the
finest gold on the planet. Inky black lashes framing them, dark heavy eyebrows
above that making them all the more noticeable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was a skateboarder (bad boy) and he smoked cigarettes
(bad boy) and he already had a swagger. He liked me though, really, really
liked me. He smiled his crooked smile showing his one slightly chipped tooth…his
top lips have two peaks, almost sharp and they’re not quite full but just
right. Sometimes when he’s thinking his mouth opens slightly like he’s
struggling, something is on the tip of his tongue and he’s just about to say
something. This happens a lot when he’s playing the guitar. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deep inside though he’s not a bad boy in the least. He’s
filled with self doubt and speckles of self esteem issues. I remember being
struck with total surprise at finding out this, how shy he really was, how the
confidence on the outside was more just a side effect of being a teenager, of
being a skateboarder. He had to be outgoing to find people to skate with, he
had to be confident to jump off of stairs or over some huge obstacle, he had to
have some front and some game to get a girl. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But on the inside he always thinks people don’t like him,
even when it’s obviously not true. He’s suspicious of people’s true intentions
and has a hard time initiating contact with anyone. I have always considered
myself special because he let me in and let me love him and see him for who he
really is, shared with me how he feels about everything. Sometimes I see it as
a burden, loving the bad boy who is not really bad at all, sometimes I see it
as a gift, something I have been blessed with. How lucky am I to have a man
with the most incredible intensity, the most confident hands, the most broken disposition,
the most improbably sexy demeanor…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-68799206246099604522015-04-23T07:04:00.003-07:002015-04-23T07:04:34.996-07:00ChilledMy kids joke that I am a vampire because my hands are always ice cold. I think it's because my day job consists of lots and lots of typing and my side piece (she's a foxy minx <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dork-Designs-by-Erin/154303067994316?ref=hl" target="_blank">Dork Designs by Erin</a>) involves my hands constantly moving as well. <br />
<br />
It makes me sad though that all winter long all of my loved ones cringe when I got to touch their bare skin with my hands.<br />
<br />
I have such a warm heart.<br />
<br />
And the weather isn't helping things. This morning the kids and I pulled their winter coats out from where I had hung them up and stuffed them into the back of the foyer closet. It was a sad moment.<br />
<br />
Every morning when I wake up I feel so incredibly warm from the inside out like a little coal furnace is puffing away in my center and the heat is just radiating into all of my limbs. My cheeks are rosy and I'm so comfy and happy like a little round bunny tucked away in her den, covered with grass and leaves and straw and dirt. I wrap my arms around the extra pillows on the bed and pull them into me, rubbing my face against the smooth jersey. A ball of complete contentment.<br />
<br />
I stretch out one round arm and that incredible happy warmth starts to leave my body, legs straight out, toes pointed, more of it leaves my body in sad wispy threads. By the time I'm up out of bed and ready to go into each bedroom and wake each child for school my hands are already like ice.<br />
<br />
And everyone cringes when I go to stir them awake with my chilled fingers. erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-76256088185868621132015-04-17T07:23:00.001-07:002015-04-17T12:50:22.991-07:0034.When my mother was 34 I was 16 and she was pregnant with my baby sister, Hannah. When I turned 16 my mom was giant and uncomfortable and counting down the next seven weeks till she was due with her fifth baby, her last baby, my beautiful blond babiest sister.<br />
<br />
When my daddy was 34 I was 12 and had long wavy hair and insisted on wearing giant oversized Pearl Jam t-shirts, cut off jean shorts and Doc Martens. He was pretty much the same as he is now except a little wild still yet and with a tiny bit more hair. He had some more oats to sow.<br />
<br />
When Jeremiah was 34 we went through the second most horrible trial of our relationship. I was thinner and unhappy. He was brooding as usual but much, much angrier. The last three years have mellowed him exponentially. And with his mellowness I've gained some weight. <br />
<br />
When my beloved Grandma Bert was 34 she was a mother, a worker and living a life similar to mine in some ways. She had three children from a previous marriage and two with her husband, my pappy, the love of her life. She was struggling, there was never quite enough money. They fought, they had fiery personalities, they loved each other explosively. In the end they mellowed out as well and had a happy life. Trying at times, yes, but in the end she was happy. At least, she said she was happy.<br />
<br />
I turned 34 yesterday. My mother tells me I was born a little after 10:00 PM, just long enough after 10:00 to keep my grandma at the hospital with her and not at a card game. Last night at 10:00 I was in the arms of the man I love, digesting ice cream cake and mushroom pizza, watching Babadook in our dark gameroom underneath an electric blanket while my children were in bed in their rooms above us.<br />
<br />
When I woke up this morning I didn't feel all that much different. I did fall asleep a little earlier than I usually do and Maxine Jane and I were dragging our feet before school and she had to run down to the bus stop. I had half an english muffin, a honeycrisp apple, a big mug of coffee. The sun is not out, the air is slightly damp, my hair is curly and unruly, the dog needs brushed and there's much, much work to be done before end of office hours today but I am happy.<br />
<br />
And I'm 34.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zAFur61MEBPV86ZzqTd_dFvkv3Emfq4DRBToH-Wbo0JNOUfS8n4pMsZdpnx_1T4CEl_SY8FYXYvG6DmOv6FRU94ZZVE2gq8l8tcHpnsFxJAepIfx1dt2GwcxSioryTqgFBUlA9a7sKd2/s1600/10404468_10204919350677752_4655964118810965891_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zAFur61MEBPV86ZzqTd_dFvkv3Emfq4DRBToH-Wbo0JNOUfS8n4pMsZdpnx_1T4CEl_SY8FYXYvG6DmOv6FRU94ZZVE2gq8l8tcHpnsFxJAepIfx1dt2GwcxSioryTqgFBUlA9a7sKd2/s1600/10404468_10204919350677752_4655964118810965891_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-69786540449552129792015-04-15T09:24:00.001-07:002015-04-15T09:24:32.096-07:00The CurseBlood. When Maxine Jane's nose bleeds I freak out even though it happens often and with gory results. I've taken her to the doctor and they tell me it's normal. My brother Joshua and I both had nose bleeds as children all the time.<br />
<br />
But every time she comes to me with her hand filled with snot and blood and clots of thick mucus streaked with bright, bright red I feel faint and panicked at the same time. Calling for Jeremiah, running for the paper towels because tissues just don't work, soothing her when she doesn't really need soothed.<br />
<br />
So you'd think my monthly bleeding might freak me out a little...but really until very recently it hasn't. I've always had light, short periods and I have no idea why. I also have no idea why in the last five months or so I have had painful, emotional periods with copious amounts of blood. I know we as a society don't like to talk about this but hey, it's my blog...I'll talk about what I want.<br />
<br />
And what I want to talk about is why I now see why menstruating is seen as a curse, The Curse. I feel like I need a nap and I hate naps. I feel like I'm in early labor which after having four children, trust me, that fucking sucks. I snapped at Olive this morning and I cried when I found Elijah in bed with a stuffy nose and a mild fever. I didn't get any of my morning work done, I didn't stuff any of the bunnies or bears I have to finish by the end of the week, I didn't make my morning smoothie or the french press espresso I had been looking forward to the night before. Everything seems... wrong.<br />
<br />
I am fully cognizant that this curse gave me the ability to have my four beautiful children. It stills sucks.<br />
<br />
I had promised myself that I was going to have a cheery 34th birthday this Thursday, that I was going to shed <a href="http://bloggingisfordorks.blogspot.com/2011/04/birthday-girl-blues.html" target="_blank">the malaise that has been coming over me since my 30th</a>. But now with this curse I'm not sure I'll be able to.<br />
<br />
Maybe if there will be cake! Cake that I didn't have to make, of course. erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-55986074781145852022015-04-10T07:01:00.000-07:002015-04-10T07:01:43.844-07:00This is MeI've always been vain.<br />
<br />
And at the same time I'm not entirely sure that's accurate. I think self obsessed because of an issue with low self esteem is probably more applicable...but yeah, vain.<br />
<br />
A few years ago (and some of you out there might remember) I lost a great, <a href="http://bloggingisfordorks.blogspot.com/2009/10/dieting-is-for-dorks.html" target="_blank">huge deal of weight,</a> around 80 pounds. I went from <a href="http://bloggingisfordorks.blogspot.com/2010/07/partially-nude-meoknot-even-close-to.html" target="_blank">around 220 to around 135</a>. And I have been working really hard at getting back up towards that 220 again since then! So yes, I could be healthier and yes, I certainly could exercise more.<br />
<br />
But with the weight issues also comes this fear of looking <i>different</i> as I age. I like my looks. I like my eyes and my mouth and my cheeks and my hair...I am totally petrified of looking like someone else, an older version of me that people don't recognize. Like I could run into someone at the store or on the street and they would just walk by, <i>that couldn't be her! That woman is much, much older than Erin! </i><br />
<br />
So in the last few months I haven't been dieting or exercising any more than usual. I haven't been taking better care of myself any more than usual. I haven't tried to change up my wardrobe any more than usual. I've just been trying to come to terms with change. The permanent wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes, the gray hair that my sister plucked from my head, the creases on my chest between my breasts that were never there before. <i> </i><br />
<br />
I just keep telling myself everyone is different, everyone is different, everyone is different. I remember when I did weigh 140 and not 190 I still thought I looked huge! I can't believe how hard I was on myself. And I was even harder on myself when I was 18 and 115 pounds.<br />
<br />
So this is me, my problem, something I have to deal with and come to terms with.<br />
<br />
This is me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgu_gq8AX7lgfkAjmGDy-_njI5ApHxgRa3c0a61xdY2J6IBaK89VT-gegkYM236aMwKdKTJvZcKDO6dP2MxOykpNS_wodQ-CJxjkKYHZMn3s2NBpi6cWs3tsG9hjrAzGOpgiM7zXZmy2U/s1600/11102961_10204864708151723_1312086987249308117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgu_gq8AX7lgfkAjmGDy-_njI5ApHxgRa3c0a61xdY2J6IBaK89VT-gegkYM236aMwKdKTJvZcKDO6dP2MxOykpNS_wodQ-CJxjkKYHZMn3s2NBpi6cWs3tsG9hjrAzGOpgiM7zXZmy2U/s1600/11102961_10204864708151723_1312086987249308117_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-4834670069595256502015-04-08T08:19:00.002-07:002015-04-08T08:35:56.388-07:00Teenage Drama on the Erin Front For some unforeseen reason teenagers like me. And to qualify that I mean teenagers other than my 16 year old sister and my 14 year old daughter. I have some <a href="http://bloggingisfordorks.blogspot.com/2011/01/erins-awkward-check-out-moment.html" target="_blank">uncomfortable run ins with teens before </a>but generally speaking I've noticed that teens like me and like talking with me.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That being said I usually can't stand them. Any of them. My oldest daughter Rose has one passably ok girlfriend who I have had a lot of pretty good interactions with. She makes me laugh. But as time passes I can't help but side with Rose when the two of them argue and I also can't help but dislike her more and more each time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One teenage girl I have met fairly recently makes me cringe daily but also makes me feel an incredible empathy towards her. I would never want to be under 20 ever again or certainly as much as I love my parents would I ever want to live with them again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know this girls mom and like her very much too. I can see the same naive and sweet quality in them. They're just interested in what's going on around them but so unassuming in their character that you know they both have been screwed over in different capacities. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The mom looks into my eyes when I am talking to her and when I falter trying to explain something she lifts her chin up in this very supportive way like the way a parent looks at a child struggling to read a word they're unfamiliar with. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have a bad habit of 'falling in love' with people and obsessing over them. I think it comes from being the oldest of five children, all of my siblings much too young to be my friend or confidant. So I have always been searching for that best friend, that soldier on the Erin Front fighting for me. So in a defense against my nature and the times I have been screwed over because of it I keep most people, even people I like very much, at arms length. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Regardless this teen girl and her friend had a cringe-worthy conversation I overheard this afternoon that I have been going over again in my head. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It starts with my erstwhile teenage sort of friend whining loudly:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">"I need a job. I need money. I want to get my hair cut and my hair dyed like now. Omg life sucks."</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
"I need money too!"</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
"What!? You have anything you want. You have like money to show. Like Cat says she has all of this cash and she ain't really got nothing."</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
"You should just like ask your mom to get your hair cut. Like she could take you or something."</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
"She doesn't let me dye my hair. That's why I need to get money cause she won't give me none."</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I know this is an innocent conversation and I am well aware that I probably had several million conversations in my young life that would make me gag today if I heard those conversations retold. But something today made me want to scream and shout. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We are living in comparative poverty as the 99% while our government and the 1% are stripping us of our rights and our ability to make a fruitful living! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
College educations are worth nothing because of the masses of educational debt plaguing us! You can be paying on four year degree every month with a payment of $300 plus that never ends while you're making $10 an hour! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Youths are being shot in the street and outside their homes because of their color or their economic standing by a violent fraternal order of police who act without fear of punishment or retribution. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Politicians sit high on the hill ruling us like a fucking oligarchy while we sit idly by thankful for our roads and the aforementioned corrupt police force. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Don't you see what is falling apart around us while you're dicking around complaining about your fucking hair? </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The youth should lead us! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Or wait. Here's where the anger and annoyance leaves me completely. It's not this girls fault. It's not her friend's fault or her teacher's fault. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It's my place to start demanding change and standing up for my rights so these kids will learn from my example. I am the adult! I have the power and the intelligence and the wherewithal. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Then again I wish my mom would give me money so I could get a haircut too. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-82333015297370344182015-04-06T08:04:00.001-07:002015-04-06T08:26:58.123-07:00Dork Designs by Erin - Shipping now included Advertising is a strange task. On one hand I feel like I'm asking people for money and on the other hand I know I have a quality product made of the best materials that I have worked very hard at making... I'm torn.<br />
<br />
Regardless I haven't been into using Etsy as of late. I am just not that great of a photographer and don't have the tools accessible to me readily to be able to make the types of professional listings I think would compete well on that site. So I have been selling to local shops, and here and there through Facebook and other medias. I <a href="http://bloggingisfordorks.blogspot.com/2015/04/advertising-me-fickle-un-business-like.html" target="_blank">posted this post</a> recently about examples of what I do for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dork-Designs-by-Erin/154303067994316?ref=hl" target="_blank">Dork Designs</a> and a list of custom order prices. <br />
<br />
Here's a round up of the handmade stuffies I have available after the Easter onslaught. All bunnies and bears are $40 including shipping and measure approx 14" from tips of ears to bottom of their toes. Each bunny and bear is made of hypoallergenic fibers and fillings with love by me. <br />
<br />
Message me at embburger@gmail.com or like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dork-Designs-by-Erin/154303067994316?ref=hl" target="_blank">Dork Designs by Erin on Facebook</a> and message me there for ordering info! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQtXXCZy70ISsxeoPlJdtkFkIYnVPq7yAKQjAsqV-EzwyG6c1bV928Q93Stbp396q9R2o58GH7jc8hGdy7Y4aYPHZkgXSPQjZvZExgHsUuvvO4vxRKet59d1nOM9kbDZ6uA1gfj-14mvO/s1600/IMG_7201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQtXXCZy70ISsxeoPlJdtkFkIYnVPq7yAKQjAsqV-EzwyG6c1bV928Q93Stbp396q9R2o58GH7jc8hGdy7Y4aYPHZkgXSPQjZvZExgHsUuvvO4vxRKet59d1nOM9kbDZ6uA1gfj-14mvO/s1600/IMG_7201.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cousteau" Bunny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm_bE9oj-HDsLcRvyiRbvSMSrTHhM0Qlgo3nXLxFQLKymO1aLMzq0uWqJljTwS3Uc8-tPDwQ9Ogc_GAKZHYPVHDgD2B4g_SZu1hqcLQGf0ruKRSbsPnAR0P87tkizQqhIABK4QXAB3KZr/s1600/IMG_6946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm_bE9oj-HDsLcRvyiRbvSMSrTHhM0Qlgo3nXLxFQLKymO1aLMzq0uWqJljTwS3Uc8-tPDwQ9Ogc_GAKZHYPVHDgD2B4g_SZu1hqcLQGf0ruKRSbsPnAR0P87tkizQqhIABK4QXAB3KZr/s1600/IMG_6946.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sweet Tart" Bunny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfPYCS_mO7XDlSE2q4X8irhwUsfkoTLPQEW-G7vhzrW2KBFs2dFoVr9sI-OMsVxADKwnAsJYoxj_cMbXKMlCgn8YkesN9Jwx3uiI6Pyg3h9CVDzz03fE_pSIIMTB75Nu32AIOA0g6nDMu/s1600/IMG_7021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfPYCS_mO7XDlSE2q4X8irhwUsfkoTLPQEW-G7vhzrW2KBFs2dFoVr9sI-OMsVxADKwnAsJYoxj_cMbXKMlCgn8YkesN9Jwx3uiI6Pyg3h9CVDzz03fE_pSIIMTB75Nu32AIOA0g6nDMu/s1600/IMG_7021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bertie Mae" Bunny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUKZ23mZ_rUbj2wEJTPkzlwGrcdAmjMJl4O5ZMel4wemIgT5MmV__-OARiGWg4jlKmpVQS8XPluWS9GjwIntOWKxtgjcx4lsmW33_kZmJZ-63atHZt9w2_tMKLiWVWPf0Tm1q6Loi7CIs/s1600/IMG_7028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUKZ23mZ_rUbj2wEJTPkzlwGrcdAmjMJl4O5ZMel4wemIgT5MmV__-OARiGWg4jlKmpVQS8XPluWS9GjwIntOWKxtgjcx4lsmW33_kZmJZ-63atHZt9w2_tMKLiWVWPf0Tm1q6Loi7CIs/s1600/IMG_7028.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Butterscotch" Bunny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMdJ6kwSspjcgoAfFU7iSTQcZ-ltRWD6LG2KRiAZrUmM_7TeXg8-k_obx6ZSvn7eXlrx8IMtOh0jhQ4eUP4AtYIGnv4mOEM2WBkjZooSBfWp9mIxFZh2_7i1k_2x0t4LaydFEVSSBgh39/s1600/IMG_7029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMdJ6kwSspjcgoAfFU7iSTQcZ-ltRWD6LG2KRiAZrUmM_7TeXg8-k_obx6ZSvn7eXlrx8IMtOh0jhQ4eUP4AtYIGnv4mOEM2WBkjZooSBfWp9mIxFZh2_7i1k_2x0t4LaydFEVSSBgh39/s1600/IMG_7029.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"BubbleYum" Bunny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68qFuHaDR8E_Q32qIyENqFKca4dBG9JbC7FMBX_Y6dH5xSzaRfRxPYFBJSezTtLxEQWxDqbJqc52Shw1C7prBmdNQG6NRINU6Mu7V2200Tky17BROf8txx6-0OEotH9-mesx20D9jSQp-/s1600/IMG_7197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68qFuHaDR8E_Q32qIyENqFKca4dBG9JbC7FMBX_Y6dH5xSzaRfRxPYFBJSezTtLxEQWxDqbJqc52Shw1C7prBmdNQG6NRINU6Mu7V2200Tky17BROf8txx6-0OEotH9-mesx20D9jSQp-/s1600/IMG_7197.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wicket" Bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8LeC4cTOHLbd9VKG93Qe2L1TNLxr0Y75BHUDytu__glhyo7LIOwOotJutw6l_mHfQXJABbPJvR_WFODuncYb0-EjySkbzUFEQLCjZ2O0qa-US2eVpBzWQWW_2raNMIzC4PmFtVK-SzYS/s1600/IMG_7199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8LeC4cTOHLbd9VKG93Qe2L1TNLxr0Y75BHUDytu__glhyo7LIOwOotJutw6l_mHfQXJABbPJvR_WFODuncYb0-EjySkbzUFEQLCjZ2O0qa-US2eVpBzWQWW_2raNMIzC4PmFtVK-SzYS/s1600/IMG_7199.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Simon" Bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNg7go4hEn55qd-NGRY-7QrQbLQHnAB7JccjNmwIsAE4Il1OLJvLgLtfpFYt2d4fmkw1EtebFTGSEfEmTjuH_y5eS9eiNtqMWJICO8LABZm0EWU7I8oZ-4TxXFAqXzNedUi4ELqfitI-t/s1600/IMG_7195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNg7go4hEn55qd-NGRY-7QrQbLQHnAB7JccjNmwIsAE4Il1OLJvLgLtfpFYt2d4fmkw1EtebFTGSEfEmTjuH_y5eS9eiNtqMWJICO8LABZm0EWU7I8oZ-4TxXFAqXzNedUi4ELqfitI-t/s1600/IMG_7195.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cran"Bunny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-1947839654883174202015-04-03T08:07:00.001-07:002015-04-03T08:07:23.899-07:00Maxine JaneAt the end of the month Maxine Jane turns 10. 10 years with her has been the greatest gift and challenge of my lifetime. I could link you to the many posts on this blog that illustrate the struggles she and I have battled through together but instead I choose to move forward with hope rather than muddle through the mire of our past.<br />
<br />
It's been hard, it's been amazing, it's been surprising and fruitful. I am also certain that I have varying levels of PTSD from all of the challenges she's presented to me. And at the same time I'm fully aware that it could have been much, much worse.<br />
<br />
A pediatrician told us she was autistic, a therapist told us that she had ODD and other burgeoning personality disorder traits, yet another pediatrician told us she was malnourished. But she's none of those things. She's just Maxine Jane, Max, Trouble, the light of my life, the bane of my existence and the human being that is most like the person I wish I could be. Strong and impossible to bully, to intimidate, brave and always true to herself. And loyal, oh so very loyal! The kind of little scrapper that defends her older sister at the bus stop, who doesn't back down, who works to right wrongs, who tries and tries again till she succeeds.<br />
<br />
But inside down deep she's sad sometimes and is missing something, something that I've never been able to fill, to help her deal with. Despite hours of talking and cuddling and giving love, as much love as I've ever given anybody ever, I've never been able to get down to the core of why she acts out, why the fits come and the anger manifests and the controlling nature just won't back down.<br />
<br />
All of my other children say she's my favorite child and that's not true. <br />
<br />
She's just my soulmate. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tryehT_O7wbGTl_DoyyZJUM0CW_ZkWq5XSns-fLXBG_JlWLouWtwZwHmrP6c4nGw0SHw0aDPGEjscoyTB_K_B53n78HRbNtwSWMzZoVhe-NEmCY6g_fFz0XBBHuQowIPY4HRtn_B5uDH/s1600/10151314_10202499393580337_3612111923737439194_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tryehT_O7wbGTl_DoyyZJUM0CW_ZkWq5XSns-fLXBG_JlWLouWtwZwHmrP6c4nGw0SHw0aDPGEjscoyTB_K_B53n78HRbNtwSWMzZoVhe-NEmCY6g_fFz0XBBHuQowIPY4HRtn_B5uDH/s1600/10151314_10202499393580337_3612111923737439194_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-54599306655305778952015-04-02T13:31:00.000-07:002015-04-02T15:57:32.992-07:00Advertising Me: Fickle Un-Business Like Woman...Almost 34 Years OldWell my life has been in a tumult of twist and turns as of late! But one thing is constant and strong in my life: my inability to pick something and stick with it. I mean I do some things pretty well. I can read the shit out of a book. Just eff that book up and know every single thing about that book. I can crochet like a madman, tear that fiber up yo. I can literally make anything with my hands as long as a crochet hook is involved. I can binge watch shows while crocheting like a boss. I finished like six projects and watched the whole Season 3 of House of Cards in like one day and half a night. Beat the crap out of Netflix and our data plan with the cable company. Those pansies didn't even see me coming and pow! I sat on my overweight ass and watched TV for like 13 hours.<br />
<br />
One thing that has stayed consistent over the years is my small business <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dork-Designs-by-Erin/154303067994316?ref=hl">Dork Designs by Erin</a>. I do custom crocheted gifts for people who like to buy handmade goodies that are just too damn cute for words. I started doing cold weather accessories over five years ago and have since moved on to stuffed animals, bunnies and bears and other little creatures. My most popular order is a custom bunny/blanket set for a baby shower gift, child's birthday, etc. Each handmade creature is then named by my children...which is always interesting.
I haven't shared any of my new custom order photos in a really long time so bear with me and hopefully you can share/like my Facebook page for Dork Designs. I mean, if you want to.<br />
<br />
Pricing of some of the stuff in the photos below: <br />
-Custom bunnies: $60 (prices may change<span class="text_exposed_show"> depending on which fibers you choose for your bunny) </span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
-Bunny and small blanket:$140<br />
-Crib sized baby blanket alone with applique of your choice: $120<br />
-Custom bunny with matching baby/kid hat: $90<br />
-Custom squids are $40. <br />
-If you see a bunny, bear, squid or any creature on my Dork Designs Facebook page that is currently for sale it is $40 which includes shipping. Just message me and I will send you an easy to pay invoice! For example this bunny is for sale: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/154303067994316/photos/pcb.865294636895152/865293833561899/?type=1&theater" target="_blank">"Bertie Mae" Bunny</a><br />
And this one is not: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/154303067994316/photos/pcb.865294636895152/865294503561832/?type=1&theater" target="_blank">"Razzle Dazzle" Bunny </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZR6l8vUSFramOridgySPS_yRtxfm_JKPjK_wiF-2NEvqMRSo-CrN-cUmtQZbn2PlPOyAEPoolw0_H8qqY0wDwBzitC0oabvoc8tOA3gB0kaqvrwhNbzbdapViw2Iycb9C2FKXduwg2hZ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZR6l8vUSFramOridgySPS_yRtxfm_JKPjK_wiF-2NEvqMRSo-CrN-cUmtQZbn2PlPOyAEPoolw0_H8qqY0wDwBzitC0oabvoc8tOA3gB0kaqvrwhNbzbdapViw2Iycb9C2FKXduwg2hZ/s320/002.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUzsY9M7Gr4tB-5oVS27xNvjo4PrDOUhW8hkb6XzQ0el79Uo943iAOAW8WUo2zy7e7ncPOJrrI2Zpvd6FkyMLpY9EMHpHSCNoaF3RCP5AH1w7dOGskV2l_L_37-aYLjfr8JTwp0nOZjBz/s1600/31075_1412847915447_2831727_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUzsY9M7Gr4tB-5oVS27xNvjo4PrDOUhW8hkb6XzQ0el79Uo943iAOAW8WUo2zy7e7ncPOJrrI2Zpvd6FkyMLpY9EMHpHSCNoaF3RCP5AH1w7dOGskV2l_L_37-aYLjfr8JTwp0nOZjBz/s320/31075_1412847915447_2831727_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lSvTkdXsDlpOgmKtKOeu_ilVk2532Z4pzhQJUejHT526jEyD6J32l7AMWVSv26HFwmbwbvi45A9BEXydJuh_kK34Yyrsj13AdXtASIA28ATjuwiKRyHTi0ctmYf-8ctsdAd_aFZb-vgy/s1600/75124_1597755458020_1192599_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lSvTkdXsDlpOgmKtKOeu_ilVk2532Z4pzhQJUejHT526jEyD6J32l7AMWVSv26HFwmbwbvi45A9BEXydJuh_kK34Yyrsj13AdXtASIA28ATjuwiKRyHTi0ctmYf-8ctsdAd_aFZb-vgy/s320/75124_1597755458020_1192599_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVodSCypjSyvkjp00sgrL1HA7sVAYCVthdrr27i8WNC5XHPKqxQQ-U_MSq9THF0osC7Ea8L9IxFtuGxcLgsqW-hY0v3v_anXaWjcu5cNHbcLnZNBupPdCe_FIbhjatbkcOTQaYP_axYRK2/s1600/10407807_10202982340453707_5568582815468766062_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVodSCypjSyvkjp00sgrL1HA7sVAYCVthdrr27i8WNC5XHPKqxQQ-U_MSq9THF0osC7Ea8L9IxFtuGxcLgsqW-hY0v3v_anXaWjcu5cNHbcLnZNBupPdCe_FIbhjatbkcOTQaYP_axYRK2/s320/10407807_10202982340453707_5568582815468766062_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhMAnNudTy4T7G9FfyHfMY4_YX2OAUHGi95_FDQr5-9W4pXWxAoM2RAi9O2gsK62c1CJ4z5A0Gan-YCgmTmtFgRvev_mTa4j4KSjooM7ViuIcwzsPaaooeFC-8mLK5jjkz6rJCdKkIt9f/s1600/10522429_10203170360594093_8426601006494063683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhMAnNudTy4T7G9FfyHfMY4_YX2OAUHGi95_FDQr5-9W4pXWxAoM2RAi9O2gsK62c1CJ4z5A0Gan-YCgmTmtFgRvev_mTa4j4KSjooM7ViuIcwzsPaaooeFC-8mLK5jjkz6rJCdKkIt9f/s320/10522429_10203170360594093_8426601006494063683_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYXcvz8HRx25FX7vj_reWR6y41rs22BIn8aH1NofKGK3ciGGAmu2U1Dtv0MQxQaFJ7cYRyrpCnz54HlRTy6kptvcRJdLGAbMI96ZJ7fvqachLhE7ASLLEkP1ZkRsnp78APmY8tYjPeAw1/s1600/11046404_10204811591103830_5496067820914364858_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYXcvz8HRx25FX7vj_reWR6y41rs22BIn8aH1NofKGK3ciGGAmu2U1Dtv0MQxQaFJ7cYRyrpCnz54HlRTy6kptvcRJdLGAbMI96ZJ7fvqachLhE7ASLLEkP1ZkRsnp78APmY8tYjPeAw1/s320/11046404_10204811591103830_5496067820914364858_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBTlxh4U70haiqZudYPsfFOdqpVSiOv3icWKWwIp8leeYjeBr_t3pDmZYhLQcIq1NDN4KkkEQx8KmDniWmgbsXfkhb-lK_VukEDHYRgjUMbyyKv3us4gpZKvxWY_NwWhAWUCl48St6rrI/s1600/pinkythesquid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBTlxh4U70haiqZudYPsfFOdqpVSiOv3icWKWwIp8leeYjeBr_t3pDmZYhLQcIq1NDN4KkkEQx8KmDniWmgbsXfkhb-lK_VukEDHYRgjUMbyyKv3us4gpZKvxWY_NwWhAWUCl48St6rrI/s320/pinkythesquid.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQigncUjNGd0Q2CsgV9HdxyakAN_98g_tK0aw_DJyQq3M-tVV98V8BhYaSQEVxmcGxVjtBPOMtNVqTYK1-FNdUMp4Zq4TbARiXT_hydo3tb06WA85lMBOewTVkacGl1d0zhhGKu0l3WIVT/s1600/Bunnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQigncUjNGd0Q2CsgV9HdxyakAN_98g_tK0aw_DJyQq3M-tVV98V8BhYaSQEVxmcGxVjtBPOMtNVqTYK1-FNdUMp4Zq4TbARiXT_hydo3tb06WA85lMBOewTVkacGl1d0zhhGKu0l3WIVT/s320/Bunnies.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkx89t52u9mHZvxheGzACufqpeMP7xxCl2OSQCP3QxCAjjhw_TEQjYNbIQ1b8b8gc3nAJ6pOpIXw5Mit_rb3yljbNh1Vl_KwpdEAn09eIArHNLv6zGkIrmjCCtB7Tswx6eGOa-A9KOWor/s1600/IMG_6911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkx89t52u9mHZvxheGzACufqpeMP7xxCl2OSQCP3QxCAjjhw_TEQjYNbIQ1b8b8gc3nAJ6pOpIXw5Mit_rb3yljbNh1Vl_KwpdEAn09eIArHNLv6zGkIrmjCCtB7Tswx6eGOa-A9KOWor/s320/IMG_6911.JPG" /></a></div>
erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-52769731653299591132012-10-09T18:07:00.003-07:002012-10-09T18:07:50.317-07:00In the Still of the Night<b>I have been spending a little bit more time at my parents' house lately and I wanted to write a sort of homage to my childhood home and my family but nothing came to me. I realized I had summed it up best with this post from last year. There was always something magical about our house at night: </b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nights at my familial home were generally very
still ones, the quiet broken now and again by the sound of my Daddy
getting a drink from the refrigerator or going to the basement for a
smoke while he was reading, playing chess and listening to music. I
would spend time in bed, staring at the textured cream ceiling above me,
imagining him in his work clothes; button up shirt, khaki pants, dress
loafers now replaced with moccasin slippers. He'd be sitting with books
all around him, his little portable chess board propped up in his lap
or on the table in front of him, chess books with the symbols that
always confused me opened to various pages and marked with random strips
of paper.<br /><br />His legs would be crossed and he would be leaning over
a book or the chess board far enough so that one sharp elbow could be
propped on one thin knobby knee. Two fingers would lie pointing up next
to his nose, his chin resting on his thumb, his fat lips puckered, deep
in thought. Periodically he would break his sitting position and run
his fingers through his dark, thinning hair.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
would toss and turn in my bed, pick a book from my headboard bookcase,
read, open the window, close the window, pull out a notebook, put it
back, pull it out again. My room was the on the top floor of our home,
the whole attic to myself, partially because of my insomnia, partially
because I was the oldest of five children. Listless and frustrated I
would sometimes get out of bed and sit at my vanity. I would look in
the mirror and brush my thick dark locks over and over again until they
were glossy and smooth and my scalp slightly ached from pulling and
pulling.<br /><br />Back in my bed I would listen to my family on the floors of our home below. <br /><br />Depending
on the ages of my siblings the night's stillness might be broken by a
baby’s cries, or a toddler’s laughter. Sometimes newborn brothers or
sisters would waken and I would hear Momma rising from her bed to
comfort and nurse the new members of the family. I would spend time in
bed, staring at the textured cream ceiling above me and imagine my Momma
in her white nightgown, little rosebuds littering the flannel-like
material, the neckline stretched and slightly torn from the strains of
pulling her breasts in and out of it. She would be back in her bed,
baby cradled in her arms, nursing loudly in the night. Sighing, leaning
her head back against the knobby oak headboard, in and out of sleep
herself. She would sometimes sing:<br /><br /><i>"Rock me to sleep in an old rocking chair and make me a child again,<br />sing me an old-time lullaby, one with a sweet refrain...<br />just lay your head on my shoulder, the angels with keep us from harm,<br />rock me to sleep in an old rocking chair, safe in my Momma's arms" </i><br /><br />and sometimes:<br /><br /><i>"This little girl/boy of mine, this little girl/boy of mine,<br />a tiny turned up nose, two cheeks just like a rose,<br />this little girl/boy of mine, this little girl/boy of mine,<br />You'll never know, just what your coming has meant,<br />I'll tell you something though, it must be heaven sent..."</i><br /><br />There was silence again as my mother and sibling slumbered, holding each other tight.<br /><br />I
would finally fall asleep listening to the sounds of my family and our
house. In the morning, ironically, I was always the first to wake and
would descend from my attic abode tip toeing through the rooms. I would
sometimes take a moment to look at my peaceful family, devoid of
personality and speech, sleeping soundly. </div>
I would often be jealous of them, how easily they lay in repose, how serene they seemed. Other times I would be proud of my secret knowledge: the Keeper of the Night, the Knower of What Happens in the Still. erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-15229548331252418982012-09-20T06:43:00.002-07:002012-09-20T06:43:55.143-07:00Lovely Zombie I work on the computer every day, I flit around the internet like a wee ghost, an older slightly more mature Casperetta with a new haircut and too many responsibilities. I download my assignments from FTP servers in Germany, the UK, down the street in Pittsburgh, once from Hong Kong but only by mistake. I fix people's mistakes and speak their words, write their misshapen colloquial speak and hand it off to blood thirsty marketing researchers who are sometimes nice, sometimes gruesome in their greedy collecting of human opinions. Money makers, shaking, speaking, shaking again, bits of gold cascading from plump breasts, lean bills straddling poles and grinding incessantly in front of the bleary eyed customers. <br />
<br />
I live a fairly cloistered life. Cloistered. When I was in college I looked at an apartment in this giant fading building too far from campus in a building called The Cloisters. It had been a subdivision of a long gone nunnery that housed the incoming 'recruits'. Potential Brides of Christ. Although the location was impossible for me I still wanted to live there, still take the time to drive by there when I'm in town, longing for that giant stone building, the long halls with slight perspiration dripping from them because of said stone, the dark, dark woods floors that made my feet look like bright slips of Puma ensconced wisps, young women cloistered inside like a herd of unsure penguins, quiet, as damp and cold as the walls around them. <br />
<br />
No, I'm not cloistered. It's more a self imposed hermit-ism. When I make myself join my extended family in celebration or for dinner I have such a good time I wonder why I don't force myself to do it more often. Until of course I am forced to do it more often and I decline.<br />
<br />
"I have too much work!"<br />
<br />
"I am behind on several projects."<br />
<br />
"I have to finish the housework, already started making dinner."<br />
<br />
Hanging up on quickly so as not to be embroiled in an argument. Hanging my dark head in shame because I really, really want to go. But not really. <br />
<br />
My children entertain me, keep me grounded and not floating vacuously near the ceiling, floating but grounded in this house and not up, up in the sky like an escaped balloon. They delight me, frustrate me, make me tired when I have no right to be...these exciting and infuriating little imps I have formed and dropped from my body.<br />
<br />
But yet the internet is still my world. Working, working, working, reading, staring at random strangers photos, watching them make music or art, watching them make fools of themselves, catching up on the news, speaking my mind, using my fingers to make things come from my mouth which would never be lighted upon my tongue in other circumstances.<br />
<br />
Would I give it up?<br />
<br />
If I were forced to let all the wonder go would I be a zombie, albeit a lovely, non-rotting zombie? <br />
<br />
Do you think I'm afraid? erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-32243034040707933272012-09-14T09:09:00.001-07:002012-09-14T09:09:29.313-07:00Favorite Recent PhotosI'm not one of those mom's with a DSLR strapped across my front (and no offense of course if you are). As a matter of fact my Power Shot was horribly crushed by Olive a year ago and I've been using my phone with it's measly 9 megapixels since then. I happen to love taking photos though so I have literally thousands on my phone and more still on my clouds on the interwebs. All of my photos go right to my Amazon cloud which also houses my important documents, all of my music, books and movies.<br />
I 'store' photos on Facebook and also on Instagram which has led me to some heated arguments with some people because I always say I would be a small fee for either of those programs because they house my photos and some of my videos.<br />
<br />
Regardless when I can't sleep at night or when I'm waiting in line, etc, I find myself perusing Instagram more and more. I even find myself squaring off photos I take in my mind, knowing which ones will look better in that format and which ones don't.<br />
<br />
Here are my recent faves:
<br />
My nine month old puppy Blueberry
<br />
<img alt="Photo by embachman" class="photo" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/0d4f3492fc2f11e195351231381b651f_7.jpg" width="320" />
<br />
My Grandmother's memory table at my parents' house
<br />
<img alt="Photo by embachman" class="photo" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/3bf50cceed6911e19c891231381b635c_7.jpg" width="320" />
<br />
A cooler than cool Elijah
<br />
<img alt="Photo by embachman" class="photo" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/87861298e98e11e182fd22000a1e8a9e_7.jpg" width="320" />
<br />
Jeremiah and Elijah twilight bike riding
<br />
<img alt="Photo by embachman" class="photo" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/7be88a48c95311e1b00112313800c5e4_7.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Rosey, sixth grader <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXG8rhDgPeJz9i_-ctQODoHwaxa3R6Y-_konrpGrjCowSt8jj8IB-e2eYlfsTdHKltMmfWFTt2k9Oa7RscZIHApA03fSNXnrDQyNZrCyWz85LioRqAKv1qPyzvZLhVEsQE3rnr3IeGR-R/s1600/IMG_20120906_150403.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXG8rhDgPeJz9i_-ctQODoHwaxa3R6Y-_konrpGrjCowSt8jj8IB-e2eYlfsTdHKltMmfWFTt2k9Oa7RscZIHApA03fSNXnrDQyNZrCyWz85LioRqAKv1qPyzvZLhVEsQE3rnr3IeGR-R/s320/IMG_20120906_150403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v0XR-QEi6_dW39C7ZJQpTg_8RUja3grNSAK5PhGbK4Vwk4I4Alm1U7m1vL8WmQ6qbRAtihvKFqgOjdL4EQ2bNrC6zAxrkiKtnOGwtKCFMGkwE6Bs6pOsYw_JifB3tUiJcChq-PbDpFu4/s1600/IMG_20120826_193638.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v0XR-QEi6_dW39C7ZJQpTg_8RUja3grNSAK5PhGbK4Vwk4I4Alm1U7m1vL8WmQ6qbRAtihvKFqgOjdL4EQ2bNrC6zAxrkiKtnOGwtKCFMGkwE6Bs6pOsYw_JifB3tUiJcChq-PbDpFu4/s320/IMG_20120826_193638.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRMern3v4ZJNBZVnIWk-kRkgKphJHcnh8mMvesmwTe88FAXVNIW_cR2mZqkVNDb1SBpiwg0oXBvMtfCQiIKd58DlElUdiuNR2jjatVXvLpHV0N0Dlo0kWsvBUnxWW9CEpSPDMG2vnYEwV/s1600/IMG_20120907_124129.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRMern3v4ZJNBZVnIWk-kRkgKphJHcnh8mMvesmwTe88FAXVNIW_cR2mZqkVNDb1SBpiwg0oXBvMtfCQiIKd58DlElUdiuNR2jjatVXvLpHV0N0Dlo0kWsvBUnxWW9CEpSPDMG2vnYEwV/s320/IMG_20120907_124129.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-13581037978629260572012-08-27T13:08:00.001-07:002015-09-30T06:52:45.681-07:00Seeing Things<span style="font-size: large;">(NSFK)</span><br />
<br />
Once upon a time there was a me that was fairly popular and outgoing (so essentially I am letting you know that this is a fiction piece) and I had a bunch of friends. Two of these friends were a couple that were older than me maybe by about five and seven years, and at the time of our friendship I was friends equally with both the husband and wife. Let's call them Saul and Jane.<br />
<br />
Jane was incredibly thin and well made, dark blue eyes, long straight blonde hair, not too thin, not too thick and long bony fingers that with all honesty freaked me out more than a little bit. She was always tired and although quick and fairly intelligent she whined a bit too much about aforementioned fatigue and was a tad bit more bossy than circumstances required, i.e. she sometimes was a bitch.<br />
<br />
Saul was just as thin and the kind of thin that warrants he must always be wearing skinny jeans instead of baggy and again warrants that his face is always in a mask of thoughtful contemplation and usually boredom despite whatever the situation around him entailed. As a contrast to Jane's lightness he had very dark hair and very dark eyes and brought his fingers to his mouth when deep in thought like he was smoking even when he was not.<br />
<br />
Better than acquaintances, but not quite friendly, I spent time with them on and off and we either in a group discussed common literary themes or television themes etc, with Saul being much better read than Jane but not entirely as well read as I was. I like to think we had a good friendship, the three of us for as thin and serious as the two of them were I was round and flighty and it was an interesting mix.<br />
<br />
I grew up walking around our small town because my dad believed it was much, much better to walk when we could instead of drive and because of this I knew the back alleys and shortcuts from here to there and there and back. It was on one of these days that I was cutting behind a retail shop's loading area and into a small alley that couldn't equip cars any longer because the stones of the old curbs were falling apart and suddenly I came upon a couple in a very involved, very passionate embrace. I recognized Saul immediately even from behind and stopped dead in my tracks, silently stepping backwards to the doors of the dock, hiding in the shadows. I crouched down and through the cracks of the metal I could see that he was holding his partner's hair roughly in his fists and kissing her passionately and it was with this that I noticed the woman was not Jane and her hair was dark, the same color as Saul's, and thick, curly. The softness and the yet aggressive force Saul was grasping this small woman with almost made me run away in sheer embarrassment, I was ashamed at espying this moment but also incredibly intrigued and aroused. He had her practically pinned up against the ancient brick wall of a condemned apartment building and although they were fully clothed they were writing against each other in forceful passion.<br />
<br />
I got up from my crouch half way and moved further into the shadows so I could sneak away without being noticed when a man burst from the retailer's back door, opening it with a loud crack, bam. He was carrying a large piece of furniture and didn't see me where I was hiding. I backtracked from where I had come from in the first place and although it took everything I could not to look back to see if the couple was happened upon by the man or if they had abandoned their embrace in time.<br />
<br />
Oddly I felt hurt and ashamed as I went to my destination by another route. I realized with an extreme reddening of my face that I was jealous. <br />
<br />
I never fully realized and still don't to this day whether I was jealous of the woman, Saul's partner in desire or Saul himself, wrapped up in an intensity, the rush of excitement and danger spinning in the pit of his gut. Being unfaithful is sad and unfortunate but the intensity with which he and this woman embraced each other was not a one time thing, not a passing fancy. Or was it? Maybe I was just too naive to know the difference, maybe I still am.<br />
<br />
When I reached the library, my intended destination, I sat with wondering for a while, caressing my lips without care and silently wishing to myself that I smoked, like Saul. What an impactful happening! My skull was buzzing and my dark hair was blowing into my face, thick, dark curls lying on my forehead, falling into my eyes.<br />
<br />
I finally gathered myself out of this daze long enough to enter the library, search out the books I wanted and turn around just absentmindedly enough to run straight into Saul's thin chest with a clumsy oof. He looked down at me with a smirk forming over his generous mouth and eyebrows burrowed at me.<br />
<br />
"Hi, you getting anything interesting today? I didn't know you would be here." He seemed perplexed by her and alone with him in the stacks she felt warm, lazy. Like she could very well lay her head on his chest and rest for a while.<br />
<br />
"No, no, of course you wouldn't. I haven't seen you since the party at Jim and Amy's. Duh." Oh, I was such a dork. Duh? Really? I stammered, stepped back, curious at why he would want to keep such a closeness between us, why his hands were lingering on the soft space above my elbows, his fingers gently pulling him towards him in an odd magnetic way.<br />
<br />
"Well, see you later!" And with that abrupt exclamation I turned and ran to the front desk to check out. Saul didn't follow me and I couldn't help but think, turning the feel of his fingers on me, the closeness of him to me in the stacks, why would he be so close to me? Why the smirk? Did I have something weird on my face? Was he a sex addict or on some kind of drugs?<br />
<br />
Leaving the library, walking home, messing around in the kitchen, going into the bathroom to look at myself in the mirror, tracing the lines of my face with one finger, feeling lips on mine at first gentle and then roughly parting mine like-<br />
<br />
And then I was brought about to reality by a buzzing in my pocket.<br />
<br />
My message icon was lit up with 15 new messages, the most recent one being: "why were you following me? i love u it hurts to see u like that. what is wrong?". The first one being: "i have a few minutes today. i love u, meet me. i love u"<br />
<br />
All from Saul. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089550408837678179.post-37973263019709921152012-08-14T18:24:00.001-07:002012-08-14T18:24:33.864-07:00For Mindi I've never been all that great at having friends. I'm insecure, clingy, aloof, selfish and all together obviously confused and confusing.<br />
<br />
There is one shining anomaly of this inability of mine and her name is Mindi Lynn.<br />
<br />
I should remember how I met her but I do not. It was a very, very long time ago and she had crimped and kind of long dirty blond hair and was often swathed in tie-dyed Grateful Dead t-shirts and jean shorts that were frayed above her knobby knees and thin calves.<br />
<br />
I do know we became friends easily and over time through many over fraught teenage trials and tribulations and later over my many pregnancies and her many moves far away from me, back again and then far away again we have remained close despite our few and far between text messages and missed encounters during home visits.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I find myself pining for the days when we were bored and had nothing to do but think of ways to get into some kind of mischief, of telling the same stories to each other and gossiping, of me lying my round dark head on her bony shoulder and whining about some boy I was oh so very much in love with. <br />
<br />
I find myself missing the time before we had our own cars and our parents bussed us to each others' houses and around various parts of our home city, miss the innocence of cuddling when it was good enough for us two girls to be alone and comfy without the want of a male counterpart.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed the wildness of her, how much she loved animals and how careful and kind she was to them. Although I always shrugged her interest off because I did not share her love of animals whatsoever, I was always jealous of her easy way with them, the way her eyes lit up and glowed when she was dealing with them. She was so much more comfortable in the woods than I was and I would follow her on long walks with slight trepidation, spurned on by her obvious wilderness knowledge. <br />
<br />
I also was jealous that she was essentially an only child being that her brother was grown and out of the house before we became friends. I wished with every bit of me I could have my parents all to myself like she did and was silently angry at her when she complained about them. <br />
<br />
Last week when I was on vacation something hugely tragic happened to her and she being the awesome and unselfish person I have never been able to be didn't want to bother me while I was away and thus I found out about her tribulations today. When I spoke to her and heard the pain and misery in her voice it took all of my adult-ness and all the reminders of my children, my home and my work not to pick up and drive to where she is, many hours away from me.<br />
<br />
I have a real friend out there and she is in pain and there she was consoling me, of course she was.<br />
<br />
I wanted to take a little sliver out of the internets to thank her for being the amazing and wonderful person I have loved most of my life on this earth and will continue to love until my dying breath. To thank her for being strong for her mother during the tragedy that has befallen their family and to further thank her for being the wonderful and excellent daughter she will be into the future. I want to thank her for impacting me in many ways, for sharing part of my childhood with me and for being my shining star in the distance through my many ups and downs as an adult. <br />
<br />
I also want to thank her for the memories that we shared and the memories we will make as time goes on.<br />
<br />
I love you Mindi, I always will.<br />
<br />
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”
<br />-A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh <br /> <br />
<br />
<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513388452402495090noreply@blogger.com0